Visiting Orlando always stirs something in me—a mix of childlike excitement and the thrill of knowing I’m about to step into the magic of Walt Disney World. For anyone traveling here, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is where to stay. Orlando is filled with hotels, ranging from ultra-luxury resorts to no-frills motels, but if you’re like me—wanting comfort, convenience, and good value—you’ll quickly discover that high-value hotels around Disney are the sweet spot.
On one of my longer trips to Orlando, I decided to go beyond the obvious Disney-owned resorts and dive into the world of nearby hotels that offered fantastic amenities without the sticker shock. What I found was not only surprising but genuinely made my vacation smoother, more affordable, and even more enjoyable. These hotels may not sit inside the park gates, but they deliver incredible service, comfort, and perks that make them ideal for couples, families, or even solo travelers like myself.
Below, I’ll share five hotels near Disney in Orlando that I would wholeheartedly recommend, each with its own unique character.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs® Resort Area
The first time I stayed at the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I booked it through Booking.com, after seeing a flash deal that dropped the nightly rate to under \$150—a steal considering its proximity to Disney Springs.
Location: The hotel is literally across the street from Disney Springs, which made dining, shopping, and evening strolls incredibly easy. I remember one evening, after a long day at Magic Kingdom, I just walked across and sat at an outdoor restaurant in Disney Springs, sipping a margarita while listening to live music. That kind of convenience feels priceless when your feet are aching.
Hotel Overview: The property has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with two outdoor pools, a splash zone for kids, and tennis courts. Even though it’s considered a budget-friendly hotel compared to Disney-owned resorts, the grounds felt resort-like, with palm trees and cheerful staff greeting me as I entered.
Guest Reviews: Before booking, I scrolled through TripAdvisor reviews. Most travelers praised the unbeatable location and shuttle service to Disney parks. Some mentioned the rooms being a bit basic, but clean and functional. My own experience matched that: the room wasn’t luxurious, but the bed was comfortable, the AC worked perfectly in Florida’s heat, and I appreciated the mini-fridge for late-night snacks.
Cost and Booking Tip: Standard rooms usually range between \$120–\$170 per night. By booking on Hotels.com and stacking a rewards night, I ended up effectively saving one night of my trip. My tip: always check bundle deals—sometimes pairing flights + hotel on Expedia can lower the overall cost significantly.
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
The Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area holds a special place in my heart because it struck the perfect balance between affordability and a “resort feel.”
Location: Situated right along Hotel Plaza Boulevard, this Holiday Inn is also within walking distance to Disney Springs. That proximity alone is a major win because it saves time and Uber costs.
Hotel Overview: Unlike the budget Holiday Inns you might find along highways, this one feels upgraded. The lobby is bright and modern, there’s a heated outdoor pool, and the on-site restaurant served a surprisingly good breakfast buffet. I remember sitting by the pool early in the morning, sipping coffee, watching kids already splashing in the water—it felt like the day’s Disney magic was already beginning.
Guest Reviews: Scanning through reviews on Google and Expedia, most guests emphasized the friendliness of the staff and the convenience of Disney shuttle service. Some mentioned that parking fees felt a bit high, but given Orlando’s parking situation, I wasn’t shocked. My personal check-in experience was smooth, and I appreciated how staff went out of their way to provide information on the best shuttle times.
Cost and Booking Tip: Rates hover between \$130–\$180 per night depending on season. I recommend checking Expedia where I found a “flight + hotel” combo that saved me nearly \$200 compared to booking separately.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista
On one of my budget-focused trips, I chose the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and it ended up being one of the most stress-free stays I’ve had in the area.
Location: Tucked just a short drive (about 10 minutes) from Disney’s entrance, it’s not within walking distance to Disney Springs like Wyndham or Holiday Inn, but the tradeoff is lower nightly rates and a quieter neighborhood.
Hotel Overview: The Fairfield brand under Marriott is known for delivering consistency. The hotel offered a complimentary breakfast—something I always appreciate when traveling, as it saves both time and money before a park day. The waffles, scrambled eggs, and endless coffee options set me up for success before tackling roller coasters. The property also has a pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.
Guest Reviews: On TripAdvisor, families rave about the breakfast and staff friendliness. Some pointed out that the décor is a little dated, but for the price point, I never expected luxury. What I valued most was the cleanliness and quiet atmosphere. After twelve hours walking through Epcot, all I wanted was a clean bed and a hot shower, and Fairfield delivered both without fuss.
Cost and Booking Tip: Rates usually range from \$100–\$150. I used Marriott’s website directly, applying Bonvoy points I’d earned from previous travels. If you’re a frequent traveler, hotel loyalty programs can stretch your budget further.
B Resort & Spa – Disney Springs Resort Area
The B Resort & Spa was a completely different experience—it felt trendy, modern, and more boutique compared to the others.
Location: Nestled in the Disney Springs Resort Area, it’s just minutes away from shopping and dining. One night, I strolled to Disney Springs, grabbed dinner, and came back to relax at the spa-like hotel lounge—it felt indulgent without the sky-high Disney resort prices.
Hotel Overview: The design is sleek, with a big emphasis on style. The lobby has funky modern art, the rooms feature chic décor, and the pool area feels like a destination on its own. During my stay, I spent an entire afternoon just lounging by the pool instead of going to the parks, and honestly, I didn’t regret it.
Guest Reviews: Reviews on platforms like Google highlight the stylish ambiance and unique vibe. Some noted that check-in can be a bit slow during busy weekends, but overall most people, including myself, felt the value far outweighed minor inconveniences.
Cost and Booking Tip: Nightly rates hover around \$150–\$200. I scored a great deal using Priceline by bidding on an Express Deal. If you’re flexible with exact property names, Priceline often unlocks hidden gems.
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
The Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is where I go when I want the absolute best balance of affordability and reliability.
Location: Situated right on International Drive, this hotel is slightly farther from Disney (about a 15-minute drive), but its central Orlando location makes it great for visiting Universal and SeaWorld too.
Hotel Overview: This is a straightforward, budget-friendly property, but it offers free parking, two outdoor pools, and shuttle service to major theme parks. I stayed here during a trip when I split my time between Disney and Universal, and the location was perfect.
Guest Reviews: Online, Rosen Inn consistently scores points for value and cleanliness. Families especially love it because kids stay free. During my stay, I noticed a lot of families using the pools in the afternoon, creating a lively but friendly atmosphere.
Cost and Booking Tip: Rooms typically range from \$80–\$120 per night, making it one of the most affordable decent options near Disney. I booked through Hotels.com and applied one of their “free nights” credits, effectively bringing my cost per night down to under \$70.
Booking Platforms That Work Best
Over the years, I’ve tested different booking platforms, and for Orlando specifically, I rely on a few key ones:
- Booking.com – Great for flexible cancellation policies.
- Expedia – Excellent for bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals together.
- Hotels.com – Their rewards program has saved me hundreds over time.
- Priceline – Perfect if you’re comfortable with Express Deals for deep discounts.
- TripAdvisor – I don’t always book here, but I always read reviews before committing.
Finding High-Value Stays
Each of these hotels offers something different: unbeatable location, complimentary breakfast, modern style, or sheer affordability. What they all share is high value near the magic of Disney. Staying outside the official Disney resorts saved me hundreds, yet I never felt like I was sacrificing comfort or convenience. Instead, I found myself with extra money to splurge on park tickets, character dining, and souvenirs—all of which made my Orlando trip richer in memories.
Booking smart, using the right platforms, and paying attention to reviews has allowed me to experience Orlando’s magic multiple times without draining my wallet. If you’re heading to Disney, I can promise you—these high-value hotels will make your stay not just affordable but genuinely enjoyable.
