We get why someone might not want to stay at a Disney-owned hotel when visiting Disney World.
Maybe it just feels more convenient. Maybe you just want more amenities for less money. Maybe you just need to save money on your Disney World trip (because even Disney’s value resorts can get pricey sometimes). Whatever your reason, though, we can make some recommendations of hotels near Disney World that you should consider.
These are some of our favorite Disney-area hotels not owned by Disney.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
It shouldn’t even come as a surprise that we’re recommending the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. We’ve stayed here many times, and it’s one of our favorite hotels in the area. First, you can’t beat the location: It’s in the EPCOT resort area, meaning you can walk to EPCOT (and the EPCOT Skyliner station), as well as to all the other hotels in the EPCOT area. This gives you a lot of options for shopping and dining.
You also can’t beat the price: It’s a deluxe hotel, but it’s not nearly as expensive as the Disney-owned deluxe hotels. It’s also owned by Marriott, meaning you can earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay. Finally, you’ll get all the same perks you’d get at a Disney-owned deluxe hotel, including Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours, and 7-day advance Lightning Lane selections.
B Resort & Spa
Okay, so this is a hotel we don’t mention nearly enough. The B Resort & Spa is located in the Disney Springs area. Several members of the AllEars team have stayed here and have loved it. The hotel also has family-flexible rooms, on-site dining options (including a Joffrey’s), and complimentary shuttles to and from the parks.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry if staying here, too, and the price is generally very easy on the wallet. Note that this hotel is set to become a Marriott Rennaissance property, so you’ll be able to earn and use Marriott Bonvoy rewards for your stays.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
You’ll also find the Disney Springs Hilton in the Orlando area, and this hotel is within walking distance of Disney Springs. You’ll also find some great casual dining options, two pools, and lots of ample outdoor spaces.
This is a great option for those who are members of the Hilton Honors program because you can use and earn points for your stays. Note that you also get access to Early Theme Park Entry if you stay here.
Four Seasons
Four Seasons is THE option for you if you want a luxury stay that might even be better than a stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This hotel has a private five-acre water park, an adults-only pool, a world-class spa and golf course, plus award-winning dining. It even has its own Disney character dining breakfast.
You’ll also get complimentary transportation to Disney World from the hotel.
So, no, you don’t HAVE to stay at a Disney hotel if you don’t want to, and you do have other options that could be better for you and your group.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
Have you ever stayed at any of these hotels? Let us know in the comments!
I personally prefer shades of green but you have to have military service or government service to stay there. FLY NAVY!!!
I just logged into Marriott and checked a 3 night room rate for Swan & Dolphin and it was $1700 a night…$5316 total. It is a Westin hotel so on the higher end. Nope.
Umm….the B Resort….I am not sure when you all stayed there last. We booked a room two summers ago on a whim so we could go to Typhoon Lagoon. While the hotel front desk and lobby were recently redone our room on one of the two-story motel wings was anything but nice. Stale carpet, rust everywhere, dirty walls. It was a horrible experience – not to mention the outside of the hotel including the parking lots were filled with trash, and was in desperate need of lawn care. It was not a pleasant experience at all.
However, we did spend time at the Double Tree by Hilton on Hotel Plaza Boulevard – we would 100% stay here again and again. Everything about this hotel was great and it was suite.
I drove past the “B” Resort yesterday, and it is now a Renaissance Resort and Spa. Hopefully, Marriott upgraded the facility. I always thought a Resort called “B-Resort,” sounded like a “B-Movie.”