I rarely stay off-site in non-Disney resorts when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Staying on property can be a bit more expensive but the amenities and conveniences are usually worth the little bit of extra money. I try to stay in the moderate range resorts. I rarely, if ever, stay in the value resorts – not because there is anything wrong with the value resorts, but they just aren’t for me.
There is, however, the rare occasion when I can’t find a room on property in the moderate price range and the deluxe resorts only have those really, really high priced rooms left. It’s those times that I will go to my standard 5 off-site resorts looking for availability. All of these resorts are very family friendly, offer great restaurants, beautiful grounds and shuttle service to the parks.
I have ranked Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek #1 because these are deluxe accommodations at moderate prices and literally so close that it takes a matter of minutes to get from the resort to Disney’s Boardwalk area giving you access to the International Gateway entrance into Epcot. I have ranked Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress #5 for no other reason than distance and it’s a bit more difficult to get to the parks from that location. The resort itself is outstanding.
When looking at off-site resorts always keep in mind that added to the quoted room cost will usually be a daily “resort fee” as well as the possibility of a parking fee.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com
No. 1 – Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort – This resort is not only basically on WDW property, but it’s a deluxe resort that costs around the same as Disney’s on-site moderate resorts. The rooms and bathrooms are larger than a standard deluxe resort on Disney property, and the resort is located only 0.3 mile from the entrance to Disney’s Boardwalk area. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort offers complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks (including Universal and SeaWorld). The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is connected by a convention center to the Waldorf Astoria Resort, also reasonably priced compared to Disney’s on-site deluxe accommodations. Guests staying at either property can take advantage of the amenities at both resorts. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers the best of both worlds – convenience to the Disney theme parks but once away from the parks, a serene and peaceful resort with one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten in – La Luce; as well as a great informal dining spot (Harvest Bistro) and one of the greatest, informal lobby lounges around (Sena)! Prices start around $160/night.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Photo Credit: DisneySpringsHotels.com
No. 2 – Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel and part of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotel group. This Hilton is located on property at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney. During certain times of the year, this resort has rooms starting as low as $90 per night; is walking distance to Disney Springs/Downtown Disney; has 3 on-site restaurants and offers shuttle service to the parks.
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Photo Credit: DisneySpringsHotels.com
No. 3 – Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort is also an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel and part of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotel group located on property at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney. This resort offers a Disney Character Breakfast and continuous transportation to the parks. Also offered is a 24 hour cafe as well as discounts for golf on greens fees and rental equipment for play on all 4 Walt Disney World Golf® championship courses. Rates here also start in the $90 per night range. Disney theme park view rooms are available.
B Resort and Spa Photo Credit: DisneySpringsHotels.com
No. 4 – The B Resort and Spa
The B Resort and Spa is an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel, part of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotel group and also located at Disney Springs/Downtown Disney. This is one of the few that offer FREE wi-fi throughout the resort. The resort offers shuttles to the parks and to Disney Springs and discounts and preferred tee-times on Disney’s golf courses. This resort also offers several different suites which are ideal for families. Some of the bigger suites, located on the higher floors, offer stunning views of the parks. The B Resort and Spa offers a number of different discounts including military discounts, Florida resident, senior discounts, and packages that offer 3rd night free, with rooms starting around $110 per night. Unfortunately this resort does have one of the highest “resort fee” add-ons of $20.00 DAILY Resort Fee which will be collected at time of check in and Daily Self Parking fee of $16.00 OR Valet Parking Fee of $21.00.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
No. 5 – Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Located 1 mile from Walt Disney World Resort property, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a little more expensive but still not as expensive as WDW deluxe resorts. Rooms start around $250 per night and the resort is top of the line deluxe. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is actually one of those resorts that you can stay at and never leave for several days, enjoying the pools, the lounges and the grounds – yet it is in the heart of all that the Orlando area has to offer. Shuttle service is offered to the parks, including Universal and SeaWorld, and the on-site restaurant offer some of the best food in the area (Hemingways).
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