This year has been tumultuous. Even though it seems like it will never get better, we are starting to barely see the little itsy bitsy light at the end of the tunnel. If you are like me, then money might have got a little tight there for a while. Fear not, your Disney Vacation dreams are not entirely over.
Please have a seat and enjoy as we proudly present your alternative hotel choices for an incredible Walt Disney World vacation.
The hotels on this list have earned the Disney Good Neighbor Hotel Badge. Even though they have passed the Good Neighbor Hotel criteria, there are things to keep in mind.
- No Magical Express
- Dining Card in place of Dining Plan
- Non-Disney Themed Hotels
- Parking and Resort Fees
If these things are not necessary, then a Good Neighbor Hotel is right up your alley.
B Resort and Spa
Even though this resort can accommodate families, it seems geared more towards adults. There is a spa in a separate building for the resort, along with the gym. The pool area has plenty of seating and a pool bar, and there is an area for older kids to hang out. Rooms are spacious, so that is a plus. If you like to unpack your clothing, you might be a little disappointed in the drawer space. American Kitchen is located in the hotel with a variety of food. The salad bar is on the bed of an older Ford truck, which is pretty neat. American Kitchen does try to no accommodate different dietary needs, which is a huge plus. They do have complimentary transportation to all four theme parks. Beautyrest is the mattress used at this hotel, so if that is your preferred mattress, you will like this sleeping accommodation. The busses run every half hour starting one hour before the park opening and 90 minutes after park closing. If you prefer to walk, it will take you about 10 to 15 minutes to get to Disney Springs.
Best Western Lake Buena Vista
Of all the resorts in the Disney Springs area, I would have to say the Best Western is the most family-friendly of all. The rooms are not always the lowest price, but they have more moderate resort and parking fees than the other alternatives. So keep that in mind when comparing overall cost. The pool area has plenty of chairs with some tables that have umbrellas. The pool does seem a little small to me for the size of the resort. The Flamingo Lounge near the pool offers finger foods and refreshments. There are rooms with balconies with some pretty sweet views of Lake Buena Vista. If fireworks are going on in 2021, you might be able to score a room with views of the fireworks. Trader’s Island buffet is very reasonably priced for breakfast. You can even get free meals for your little ones under ten, which makes this a total win. If you are running late to the parks, Marketplace has various foods you can grab while on the go.
Doubletree Suites Hilton Orlando
When you are looking for something a bit cozier, Doubletree is your place. If you are like me and have a larger family, then this hotel is a great choice. Evergreen Cafe offers a daily breakfast buffet and a lunch and dinner menu. I love the pool here. There isn’t as much seating as the other hotels, but there is plenty of shade. You can grab drinks and food from The Reef Pool Side in case you get hungry. Although the rooms are spacious, they may get a little crowded if you have the maximum number of people in the room. But larger families also know how to maximize space, so it should not be a problem.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
When you are not at the park, this hotel will have plenty for you to do. There is an arcade and an outdoor play area to keep your kids entertained. The pool offers plenty of seating and plenty of shade. There is a splash pad for younger ones and a lazy river for all who just want to float in an inner tube with a drink in hand. Shades is located poolside and offers food that is great for days you are hanging out poolside. In the evenings you can find a spot next to one of the firepits and relax. Letterpress is located in the hotel lobby and offers a breakfast buffet and a lunch and dinner menu. On Sundays, they offer a Disney Character breakfast. The rooms are on the smaller side. So it may get cramped if you are a family of four with older kids. If you need more space, they offer suites at this hotel too.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista- Disney Springs
This hotel is closer to Disney Springs and has its own walkway away from the main road. Like the other Hilton, the rooms are on the smaller side. The resort has a cozy feeling with a few modern touches. 24-hour Mainstreet Market serves Starbucks coffee and has a plethora of snacks to chose from. This is great for those midnight or early morning cravings. There are three restaurants at this hotel. Covington Mill is open for breakfast and lunch and features a Disney Character Breakfast on Sundays. For lunch and dinner, you have Andiamo Italian Bistro and Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi. The pool is a decent size considering the hotel’s size and has plenty of seating and shade. There are two jacuzzies tucked away from the main walking path.
These are the off property hotels I would recommend considering for your next vacation. They are convenient to Disney Springs, are an affordable option, are great for larger families, and can be packaged as a Walt Disney World vacation. I am hesitant to say this because the dining card t is usually another option you can choose. Take the chance and enjoy your vacation. Maybe things will be back to normal in 2021?! Do you have any off property favorites that you would recommend?
