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Jan 10, 2024

The best hotels near Disney World for every budget

The Drop waterslides curl around the palm trees at Four Seasons Resort Orlando,

The Drop waterslides curl around the palm trees at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, on the property of Walt Disney World in Florida.

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, you may wish you had a fairy godmother's wand to magically change the soaring prices of the resort's on-site hotels. Its most coveted properties, like Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Polynesian Village Resort, can often go for well over $1,000 a night, while its bare-bones budget properties, like Disney's All-Star Music, still pinch the wallet with rates often over $200 per night.

The good news is there are dozens of hotels near Disney World, ensuring you stay within its enchanting bubble. From properties within the gates to those just minutes away from the action, many hotels around Disney World sweeten the deal with enticing add-ons, like complimentary shuttles to the park and plates of Mickey waffles.

The best hotels near Disney World range from low-cost, boilerplate stays to bona-fide splurges, but all these picks ensure you're not sacrificing the fun on your next trip to the Orlando resort.

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Best for: Adult travelers who want top-notch amenities at affordable rates.

After undergoing a $127-million renovation, Caribe Royale instantly impressed visiting guests, becoming one of Orlando's most sought after all-suite resorts. Minutes from the parks and Disney Springs, the property boasts an impressive pool complex — complete with a 75-foot rock slide — and tantalizing dining options, like the AAA Four Diamond-rated Venetian Chop House, a true Orlando institution. A spa, rum bar, breakfast buffet and complimentary theme park shuttles ensure this choice impresses.

Find it: Caribe Royale, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-238-8000

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Best for: Anyone looking for luxurious Disney magic.

The iconic Four Seasons hotel brand operates a property within the pearly gates of Disney's swanky private community, Golden Oak, complete with sweeping views of Magic Kingdom Park. Four Seasons Resort Orlando showcases the luxurious side of the Disney World experience, with a Michelin-awarded restaurant, posh accommodations and upscale magical touches throughout (don't miss the lobby's stunning chandelier modeled after the very fireworks that light the sky over Cinderella Castle). The property's private 5-acre water park can easily fill an entire day between park visits, while the hotel is also home to arguably the best character breakfast at Disney World, the Good Morning Breakfast.

Find it: Four Seasons Resort Orlando, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836

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Arcade games are seen at Flip Flop's Family Fun Center at The Grove Resort & Water Park in Orlando, Fla.

Best for: Families who want all the comforts of home within a bustling resort setting.

Located about 5 miles from Disney World, The Grove Resort & Water Park is the perfect destination for the entire family located on the idyllic Lake Austin. The 106-acre resort offers suites that feature all the familiar luxuries of many homes, like fully equipped kitchens and full-size washers (which can prove to be a lifesaver when traveling with the whole family). Its main draw, however, is the on-site Surfari Water Park, offering thrilling slides, a lazy river and a double FlowRider for those who want to ride some waves in Central Florida.

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Find it: The Grove Resort & Water Park, 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787; 407-545-7500

Best for: Anyone looking to stay—and swim—near the parks at a low cost.

Located mere steps from Disney Springs via a skybridge, Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace oozes old-school Florida nostalgia set amongst a lush landscape of palm trees. The full-service resort, with four on-site restaurants, exudes the desired vacation feel that's best exemplified at its expansive pool complex. Featuring a winding lazy river, three pools and a shaded poolside bar, it may even make you forget all about the parks just down the road. If you do wish to visit Disney World, complimentary park shuttles are offered from the hotel.

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Find it: Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace, 1900 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-827-2727

The pool and waterfall area at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Fla. The hotel is a great option for anyone visiting Walt Disney World.

Best for: Families looking for tropical palms and water features.

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For a true escape just minutes from the Disney World parks, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offers upscale amenities in a modern setting reflective of its lakeside location. When not taking advantage of its tropics-inspired pool complex, complete with waterslide and waterfalls, a shuttle can quickly whisk you to the area theme parks. With several dining options to choose from, the hotel's newest restaurant, Four Flamingos, acts as a love letter to the abundant offerings found in the state—think fresh lobster and umbrella-topped cocktails—and is helmed by beloved "Top Chef" personality Richard Blais.

Find it: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, 1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836; 407-239-1234

Best for: Families who want a fun, upscale stay close to the parks.

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Just minutes from the Disney World theme parks, JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is a welcoming oasis in the heart of Orlando's bustle that manages to feel far removed from many of touristy kitsch found there — from Michelin-rated eats at the property's award-winning steakhouse, Sear + Sea, to an expansive resort-style pool and outdoor beer garden. It's not all adult fun, however, as kids can enjoy their very own club that features a rooftop mini golf course, and posh family suites designed for them with loft-style bunk beds, floor-to-ceiling chalk walls and even adorable mini robes and slippers.

Find it: JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, 14900 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-919-6300

Best for: Families traveling with older relatives.

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If you're taking that long-awaited multi-generational trip to Disney, Margaritaville Resort Orlando will take care of everyone, even those who don't want to go to any theme parks. Steps from Island H20 Water Park and the Promenade at Sunset Walk shopping complex, Jimmy Buffet's Orlando oasis boasts modern rooms and sprawling lagoon pools with white sandy beaches. There are several on-site restaurants to choose from, but a must is Euphoria Fish House, an upscale approach to Florida's bountiful seafood offerings. The St. Somewhere Spa shines as one of the best places to relax in the area, featuring vitamin therapy treatments. For eager parkgoers, complimentary shuttles are offered to Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld.

Find it: Margaritaville Resort Orlando, 8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee, FL 34747; 855-995-9099

The pool at the Swan Reserve hotel in Orlando, Fla. The accomadations are on the grounds of Walt Disney World.

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Best for: Anyone wanting to splurge and stay on Disney property.

Steps from both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, Swan Reserve is the newest hotel to join the Disney World Swan & Dolphin complex. The boutique-style tower hotel boasts 349 rooms and a swankier feel than its sister properties. In addition to the on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Amare, this Marriott-run property features one of the best room types in all of the kingdom. Swan Reserve's fireworks suites offer views of the resort's nearby nighttime spectacular from the comforts of spacious, well-appointed rooms outfitted with Florida-inspired artwork. As a bonus, guests here also have access to the amenities across the street at Swan & Dolphin.

Find it: Swan Reserve, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-934-4000

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Best for: Adults without kids balancing park visits and relaxation.

Located 5 miles from Disney's theme parks, the AAA Four Diamond Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is a hit with travelers who want quiet downtime away from the action at Mickey's house. Its 62 acres are set along gorgeous greenery and a lake adding a bit of serenity to your days between theme park thrills, while the rooms feature stylish, Mediterranean-inspired furnishings. With four on-site restaurants, a spa, an 18-hole mini golf course, five pools and four nearby golf courses, it's perfect for a grown-up trip to Disney World. Speaking of which, complimentary shuttles to the parks are provided.

Find it: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL 32821; 407-390-2300

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Best for: Families who want Disney resort perks without spending a ton.

Affordability meets family fun at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs, which is an official Walt Disney World hotel. Located across the street from Disney's dining and entertainment complex, the amenity-rich hotel features several dining options and the popular Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground, a water-fueled fun complex with a zero-entry pool and a rock waterfall. Many of its 232 lake house-themed rooms offer views of Disney Springs, the Disney World parks and beyond. While Disney Springs is just a 5-minute walk, hotel guests can also enjoy complimentary shuttles and 30-minute early entry into the parks. Don't miss its reasonably priced breakfast buffet, which features endless Mickey waffles.

Find it: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs, 1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830; 407-828-4444

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This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].