There are literally hundreds of hotels near Walt Disney World, and thousands of articles trying to help you choose the right one. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to know what your options even are. So my first Fuss Free 101 lesson condenses all of that into 4 main categories:
- Disney resorts
- Value
- Moderate
- Deluxe
- Good Neigbor hotels
- DVC rental
- AirBnb
Once you know the range of options, it will be much easier to know which category is right for your trip. You can narrow your decision very quickly by identifying which few hotels have the amenities you’re looking for.
1. Disney Resorts–
Walt Disney World property houses 20+ Disney run resorts. These resorts are in 3 basic categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. All of the resorts will offer free Disney transportation, have one or more dining options on site, have at least one pool, a gift shop, and offer free or low cost activities like movie nights or crafts.
Value resorts are the lowest priced rooms ($200-300 average, though prices shift based on season and demand). With that you get smaller rooms, one cafeteria style restaurant, and the loudest, most over the top theming.
Moderate resorts are a middle price range ($350-450). They have slightly larger rooms, at least one table service (sit down) and one quick service (fast food) restaurants. And also more nuanced, but still family friendly theming.
Deluxe resorts are the highest price point ($600+, and that plus can hit over $1000 for certain resorts). They have a variety of food options from snack bars all the way up to fine dining and very spacious rooms. Their pools include a slide, splash pad, and hot tub. They also come with extra amenities like early park entry or extended evenings in the parks. Premium locations (travel will be super easy), and live entertainment or character meet and greets on site.
Disney resorts are a great choice for people who want to do all Disney, all the time. Who want to be in the Disney bubble and soak up the Disney atmosphere.
2. Good Neighbor hotels–
These are hotels that are located just off Disney property that have earned Disney’s approval enough to be recommended by Disney. These resorts are close to Disney property and offer free transportation to Disney property. Some can even be booked as part of a vacation package and may include the early park entry.
These are regular chain hotels like Holiday Inn or Best Western, so look for all of your regular perks like free breakfasts and free parking. Good Neighbor hotels are a good option for people who aren’t going to do just Disney, or who want a more cost effective option than you can get on Disney property without sacrificing all of the perks.
3. DVC Rental–
This is a pretty great Disney hack. Disney Vacation Club members who can’t use their hotel points in a particular year can rent them out to people who are not DVC members.
It’s complicated to explain without explaining the whole DVC system, so here’s the fuss free information that you need to know:
You put in a request for your dates and resort and the DVC Rental company matches you with a renter who books the room for you. You get a Deluxe level Disney resort stay, and you save 40-60% off of booking the room through Disney. There are several rental companies out there, but I highly recommend Dave’s DVC Rentals. They have great deals and super responsive customer service if you’re confused about the process.
This is a great option for anyone who wants a high end Disney stay with all of the perks without the premium price tag.
4. AirBnB–
There are tons of AirBnB’s and VRBO‘s around the Disney property. A quick search showed me prices everywhere from $50-300. Because of their location, many of these are Disney themed and offer their own amenities like private pools. Perhaps the biggest downside here is that you will be in charge of your own transportation, so plan to rent a car or use Uber to get from your AirBnB to Disney property. This is ideal for larger groups who may need multiple hotel rooms, or people who want more space for their money.
Now that you’ve read through the 4 basic lodging categories near Disney, you probably had one that jumped out at you while you were reading. Make that your starting point for choosing where you want to stay for your trip. And check out the next post to help you narrow the field to your best resort option. And for more in-depth information about specific resorts, click out our Resorts tab in the banner!
Missed our starting post? Check out all the other Fuss Free 101 articles!
