Disney World Hotel Reviews (An Insider’s Perspective)

Disney World Resort Reviews (Off-Property Options)

While we prefer to stay at a Walt Disney World-owned hotel, it’s understandable that those hotels are not always feasible for various reasons. Therefore, we have several options for off-site hotels. For a broad overview, we have an overview of what we consider the best off-site hotels near Disney World. We also have a separate guide that discusses the best Marriotts near Disney World. Or you can continue to browse individual off-site hotels by their location below.

Near Disney Springs

We have several options within a few minutes of the Disney Springs area. Some of these hotels are also within walking distance of Disney Springs.

Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs Review: The Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs has quickly become one of our favorite hotels. It offers excellent amenities and more-than-reasonable pricing. Among other perks, guests can expect a complimentary hot breakfast, a hot dinner, and three complimentary cocktails or beverages per night per adult. We love this hotel and cannot say enough good things about our experience staying here. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review: The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is another one of our favorite off-site hotels. While the overall look is somewhat dated-modern, the grounds are impeccable. You could easily spend a resort day or an entire week relaxing at the hotel. This hotel also offers excellent dining options and a shuttle to Disney Springs. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Review: Buena Vista Palace is one of two Hilton Orlando’s at Disney Springs. This hotel is conveniently located near the Marketplace entrance of Disney Springs. It also has an incredible pool area and a great quick service restaurant on the lower level. I would stay here again for a shopping trip or weekend at the pool.

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Review: If you’re looking for a larger suite near Disney Springs, the DoubleTree might be a great choice. (This hotel has been completely renovated since our last stay.)

Near Flamingo Crossings

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly resort close to Disney, you might consider the Flamingo Crossings Hotels. A few of these are my go to hotels for extended stays. For the record, Disney owns most of the land in this area, which is home to a housing complex for those participating in the Disney College Program. So you can rest assured it’s a pleasant, well-cared-for location. We particularly love the Fairfield Inn and the Residence Inn. All of these hotels offer complimentary breakfast each morning for the win!

Fairfield Inn at Flamingo Crossings Review: This hotel offers the best value for standard rooms. If you just need the basics for a week’s vacation, look no further.

Residence Inn by Marriott Review at Flamingo Crossings: This hotel offers the best value for studios and larger suites. On the outside, it resembles the Grand Floridian. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

TownePlace Suites Marriott at Flamingo Crossings Review: This is one of the older hotels at the Flamingo Crossings exit. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodations.

Near Bonnet Creek

Bonnet Creek Resorts Near Disney World: If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World, you’ve likely heard of Bonnet Creek. This narrow property is bordered by Disney on three sides, making it practically on-property. These hotels range from moderate to higher-end pricing. We’ve stayed at all of the hotels in this area and can attest they offer tons of amenities for the price.

Wyndham Grand Orlando at Bonnet Creek Resort Review: Wyndham Grand Orlando is a massive property with multiple timeshare towers. Guests can stay in standard rooms in the main hotel or book a condo in one of the additional towers. This resort has so many pools! You could spend all week exploring the different recreation areas at each one. Additionally, it sits on a beautiful lake and has a fabulous walking trail.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando Resort Review: If you are looking for a hotel that will have you feeling la-ti-da, you might consider the Waldorf Astoria. This refined hotel will cater to your every need. When you arrive, the doors swing open, and you enter a stunning art gallery that doubles as a hotel lobby. An attendant meets you at the pool to help you secure a seat and then brings a fresh pitcher of ice water.

Signia by Hilton at Bonnet Creek Review: Adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria is the Signia by Hilton. This resort shares amenities with the Waldorf, but it’s a little more business-class and is often known for hosting large conventions. We’ve stayed here several times and enjoyed the amenities. This resort has an excellent lazy river and pool area.

JW Marriott Orlando at Bonnet Creek Review: Sometimes it’s difficult to pick favorites, and other times it’s not. Nevertheless, this JW Marriott Orlando is my favorite hotel outside Walt Disney World. This hotel sits at the back of Bonnet Creek. It has a fun layout that I found simple to maneuver. Additionally, it has exceptional dining options, and the service provided at the pool was supreme! It’s a plush hotel. (A Resorts Gal Favorite)

Other Resort Reviews

Orange Lake Resort Review: If you’re looking for a resort with tons of recreation, Orange Lake is worth your consideration. They have a water park at River Island, which is where we prefer to stay. The only downside to this resort is that it’s massive and they have a lot of extra charges for things your children will likely want to do during your stay.

Loews Sapphire Falls Review: This resort falls under Universal Studios Orlando’s preferred category. This is a beautiful hotel with an incredible pool area. You can also walk to several of the theme parks at Universal from this location.

Volcano Bay View Room at Cabana Bay Beach Resort: While not a formal resort review, this room tour shares what it’s like to stay in a tower view room adjacent to Universal Studios Orlando’s water park. (Highly Recommended for a Water Park Visit)