A Disney World vacation could be budget-busting between park tickets, souvenirs, food, hotel rooms, and all-important skip-the-line access. But we found a way to experience the Disney magic without breaking the bank: staying at a Disney Spring hotel!
Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, is the heart of Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. What’s more, it offers a variety of hotels that cater to different budgets and travel styles. For us adults wanting to escape the “kiddie” vibes, we find the perfect Disney Springs hotels that won’t break the bank. Many of these hotels even offer similar theme park benefits as the Disney resorts, at a fraction of the price!
Sure, sifting through rates, reviews, and photos can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! This guide will unveil the top Disney Springs hotels, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and proximity to the magic. So, pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears (if you want!), and get ready for a fantastic and affordable Disney World vacation!
Table of contents
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area
- Marriott’s Sabal Palms
- Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs Area
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Disney Springs Area
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort Disney Area
- Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village
- Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Disney Springs?
- Which Disney resort has a walkway to Disney Springs?
- What day is best to go to Disney Springs?
- Can you spend all day at Disney Springs?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
11
Best for kids. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a fantastic kids-friendly Disney Vacation Club resort. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Buena Vista, overlooking Disney Springs. It was inspired by New York’s Saratoga Springs and is the largest DVC resort. In fact, it was a pleasant jaunt to Disney Springs, and there was even a boat that went back and forth.
With more than 1,200 guestrooms, 18 villa buildings, and 60 treehouse villas, there are a lot of choices for stays at this DVC resort. What we liked was that even though we weren’t DVC members, we could book rooms at this resort, which was the cheapest deluxe pricing around. Do check which building you want a room in, as the resort has five internal bus stops that will take you to Disney World. Even then, it’s pretty easy to walk around, too, thanks to the bridges and paths everywhere. Notwithstanding which room setup you chose, they all had balconies, and ours directly faced Disney Springs! With mod-cons like plush beds, modern bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and connecting rooms, we weren’t left wanting for anything.
The sheer number of amenities at this resort had our heads spinning. For instance, many pools are spread out across every area of the resort. The High Rock Spring and Paddock pools were very kid-friendly. Hence, there are several pool bars, along with three restaurants that serve both snacks and meals. Like all Disney resorts, this one also had a packed activity roster, including things like nightly campfires, poolside movie nights, board games, and whatnot. Are you the outdoorsy kind like us? Grab a bicycle and cycle around the resort, which also has the longest and biggest jogging trail out of any Disney resort here.
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Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
10
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area lies across from Disney Springs, beyond Lake Buena Vista Drive. However, a pedestrian sky-way bridge directly connected the multi-tower resort to Disney Springs, which was very convenient.
While there are various room categories here, we chose a Disney Springs view room, which offered us beautiful views of the pool area, the majestic fountain, and Disney Springs. In fact, our balcony even offered sensational views of the famous Disney nightly fireworks. On the inside, the room was very comfortable with an un-flashy decor. Mod-cons like a coffeemaker and a luxe bathroom with bath products certainly made for an excellent stay.
The several-storied lobby impressed us the moment we entered, and it’s the nucleus of the entire resort. From here, we could access the lobby bar, the restaurant, and the rest of the resort, including the pools. The three heated, zero-entry pools were the resort’s high point, especially since one of them was adults-only with private poolside cabanas and F&B service. Of course, gently floating down the lazy river lagoon turned us all into kids. Finally, the resort has multiple dining options, with the main restaurant, the Letterpress, boasting a stunning location right by the floating lagoon. Are you here with the kids? They can meet some of their favorite Disney characters on Sundays at brunch here!
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Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
9
Best value-for-money. There are many Wyndham properties around Lake Buena Vista, and we’re talking about the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area. Despite being a deluxe Wyndham resort, we found this place to be very budget-friendly, especially since we were traveling with the kids. And despite being a budget resort, we were very impressed by the setup here. The best bit? Disney Springs was just a short walk away, along the pedestrian bridge from the resort itself. Plus, the resort had daily scheduled shuttles to all four Walt Disney World theme parks. What more could we want?
As we mentioned earlier, we were impressed by the many amenities at this resort. It had not one but two heated pools and an aquatic playground, which meant the kids had a blast. Aside from the main restaurant, there’s even a coffee shop where we’d enjoy breakfast spreads daily. After a day at the theme park, the kids had a lot of fun at the basketball and sand volleyball courts, followed by hours of games in the video game room. While they were busy there, we enjoyed some time by the pool, complete with cocktails and dinner.
Despite being a budget-friendly property, the recently renovated rooms make it look anything but that. Huge 55-inch TVs adorn the walls, while the light blue accent walls, white linens, and light wood furnishings give them a very upscale look. Our double queen room had a lot of space and offered excellent views of the lake and Disney Springs from the windows.
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Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area
8
Don’t confuse this Hilton Lake Buena Vista property with the other Hilton Lake Buena Vista property. This is the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area, which sits on the Marketplace/Town Center end of Disney Springs. As you guessed, we only walked for five minutes along the pedestrian sky bridge to get to the heart of Disney Springs.
We liked this Hilton property for its diverse room layouts, ranging from small king rooms to sprawling two-bedroom suites. Since we wanted to splurge, we went for the one-bedroom suite, which boasted sweeping views of the lake and Disney Springs. It was slightly expensive, but it was worth the upgrade. What’s more, all rooms, notwithstanding their category, feature flatscreen TVs, small fridges, and coffeemakers, while ours even had a separate living room.
Even though the amenities are geared towards families and kids (this is a Disney resort, after all), we loved that the Hilton property had not one or two but four swimming pools. Besides the two large heated pools, there was also a shallow splash pool for children. The fourth pool, while open to everyone, usually only had adults milling around, especially since it also had a hot tub nearby. After a day of exploration, we checked out the game room and even borrowed DVDs to spend a night in the room, watching movies. A bevy of dining options, including a pool bar, a sports bar, and a Starbucks, wrap up the amenities here.
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Marriott’s Sabal Palms
7
While gearing up for an adults-only vacation to Disney Springs, we were likewise looking for a non-Disney hotel. And we were lucky enough to find Marriott’s Sabal Palms, which lies right across the main highway from Disney Springs. It’s a 10-minute drive to Disney Springs, but since we wanted to avoid the hustle and bustle of other Disney resorts, this Marriott outpost was perfect for us. We were impressed by the rooms and suites at this upscale Marriott resort, which were basically self-catering villas. So, they all came equipped with full kitchens and had separate seating areas and even washer-dryers for those here for an extended stay. The highlight was the balconies, again a mainstay across all villas, which looked out to the lush, landscaped grounds.
We especially loved the amenities at this sprawling and verdant Marriott resort. The nucleus of the property is the fabulous freeform outdoor pool. Moreover, they were lined with white day loungers and yellow parasols, perfect for unwinding after a long day out. There was also a hot tub nearby where we could soak our sore muscles. Apart from a fitness center, we could even order food at the resort, considering there’s no restaurant on the property. And since we had our own kitchens, we could always whip up our own meals.
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Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs Area
6
We were looking for a low-key, value-for-money stay where the focus would be on fun. That’s why we decided on the Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs Area, which is a 10-minute walk to Disney Springs, even if we walked on the road outside the hotel!
We loved the size of the rooms here, which was one of the most spacious we’d seen in the Disney region. Our upgraded accommodation, the king room with the Disney Springs view, even had a balcony from where we could look out to the lake and the shopping district. Other rooms also had views of the theme parks and their nighttime fireworks or the sprawling pool complex of the hotel.
That said, the pool here is one of the best pools we’ve seen in the Disney region. It was larger than the norm and had a layout that was much more interesting than your standard, cookie-cutter resort swimming pools. Thanks to the zero-entry end, we could easily enjoy a swim in the pool, followed by a languorous lounge on the poolside daybeds. Later on, we even enjoyed a dip in the bubbling waters of the Jacuzzi. Even though this was a low-key stay, there were two onsite dining options: a grab-and-go market and an all-day restaurant. Plus, the free breakfast was definitely a great amenity here. During the afternoons, we even had lemonade and cookies in the lobby. Wrapping up the amenities here were the outdoor activity area with ping-pong and cornhole, a 24-hour gym, and a game room.
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DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area
5
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area completes the trifecta of Hilton properties at Disney Springs/Lake Buena Vista. Since we were a group of friends heading to Disney, this all-suite Hilton property was perfect for us. It might not be flashy, but it certainly was Disney’s most affordable Hilton property. It also made sense for us since we were planning to use our Hilton points, and it worked out well for us. And since the property had a free shuttle service to most of the popular sites, staying here was as hassle-free as memorable.
That said, we also liked the scale of the property, which was smaller than those of other Disney resorts. For instance, there’s a lovely small outdoor pool and a hot tub by the side. So, after a long day, we’d love to unwind with a swim and a lounge here. There’s even a splash pad for kids and a playground for them to frolic about it. Our days began with a delicious breakfast at one of the two restaurants, which also served other meals. The best bit is that we could even purchase tickets to Disney attractions in the lobby.
After a day of fun and adventure, the rooms, or rather the suites here, were very relaxing. Our chosen stay, the one-bedroom suite with two queen beds, was perfectly set up for us to have space while saving money. While there was one bedroom with two queen beds for the four of us, there was a separate living room with a dining room and even a kitchenette setup with a fridge and microwave. So we had lots of space to spread out too.
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Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Disney Springs Area
4
We wanted to experience the excitement of Disney’s parks without having to blow through our money. That’s why the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Disney Springs Area was the best place to stay. Reasonable room rates, complimentary breakfast, and free shuttles to four Disney World parks – all added up to a very affordable Disney adventure.
What surprised us about the Drury Plaza was that it took all our preconceived notions about staying at Disney World and turned them on our heads. Not only is it a new resort, but there were many free drinks and food included with our stay. For instance, all of us not only got access to a free hot breakfast spread every morning, but we even had afternoon popcorn and sodas waiting for us during movie matinees. If that wasn’t enough, there were even evening snacks and beverages, which the kids were thrilled about after a long day of all that walking. We adults had our own perks; each of us could have three alcoholic beverages per night. The best bit? All this was possible without us having to pay any resort fees.
The Drury Plaza wasn’t just about new rooms and free food. The resort-style saltwater pool was the hub of all the fun here, especially since it also had a toddler-friendly splash pad. Moreover, there was even an arcade with all kinds of games. Three restaurants, free Wi-fi, and a free shuttle service to all four resorts wrapped up the amenities here. The rooms and suites here were no less amazing, with modern bathrooms, coffee machines, and flatscreen TVs, and our room even had a balcony. It was hard to believe that such an amazing and affordable option exists, but we were very impressed.
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Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort Disney Area
3
Best family resort. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Disney Area is truly a Disney Springs oasis and also happens to be one of the best family hotels in Orlando, FL. It’s a mere 10-minute drive from Disney Springs, so we had a very comfortable and memorable time staying here.
As soon as we walked through the door, we were greeted by the hotel’s ambassador, Merlot – who’s a scarlet macaw, by the way! The 25-year-old macaw is the lobby ambassador at this Hyatt resort, which has a slew of excellent amenities. Firstly, it boasts the most incredible pool complex, complete with not one but two swimming pools peppered with daybeds and umbrellas. What’s more, the pools even had waterfalls and waterslides for the kids to enjoy. Thanks to the hot tub nearby, we could enjoy a soak in the bubbling waters as they played nearby. Plus, with three restaurants, they weren’t bored with the food here, and we weren’t worried either. Paddleboats, tennis, a golf course, a spa – this resort has it all.
The rooms and suites here are no less impressive, by the way. They all came with iPod docking stations, luxe bathrooms, and – get this – balconies! Since we’d booked into the club-level rooms, it even got us access to the private club lounge with free snacks and drinks.
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Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village
2
All it took for us to find a great deal at Disney World was staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village. Part of a three-hotel complex, this Marriott outpost lies just across I-4 from Disney Springs. We weren’t complaining about staying outside Disney for the deals, and our stay here was far better than we’d ever experienced at any on-Disney property.
For one, the rooms were more spacious than what we’d seen at any on-Disney property. We had the option of rooms, suites, and different views. Our renovated one-bedroom spacious suite even had a separate seating area and a coffeemaker, but what we loved was the balcony. That’s because we snagged a suite overlooking the pool, so we got a balcony and great views.
Even though it doesn’t have the exact services of on-Disney resorts, the Marriott outpost offered the option of buying theme park tickets. In fact, they even offered free transfer shuttles to and back from the main parks. This Marriott resort is one of the few Disney Springs resorts to have an indoor pool and a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, too. Besides a fitness center, the hotel even had a restaurant that serves breakfasts and dinners and a food court with snacks, coffee, and deli items.
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Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
1
Best overall. What if we told you that there’s a resort that’s a stone’s throw from both Walt Disney World and Disney Springs? Welcome to Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando, which is 10 minutes from both. So, it was the perfect base for us to explore the Disney ecosystem.
So, what makes this resort special? We particularly liked the digs here, which are in the form of one and two-bedroom villas, both with and without balconies. They’re all set fronting green lawns and gorgeous meandering lagoons with bridges connecting them all. What’s more, all villas come with kitchens, with only the sizes varying between the one- and two-bedroom ones. In fact, both kinds of villas even had dining tables. Our one-bedroom villa was perfect for the two of us, and we’d enjoy coffee on our balcony with views of the property.
Even outside the rooms, the resort had so much to offer. We had a fantastic time at the resort pools; there were as many as seven of them! While the families with kids hit the Cascades pool and the main ones with waterslides and whatnot, we preferred the Falls pool. Not only was it quieter, but we could also order cocktails off the poolside Tiki bar. We also played mini-golf and hit balls on the tennis courts. All this worked up a voracious appetite, which we satiated at one of the four restaurants. What we liked was the onsite marketplace, so we could easily pick up ingredients for dinner or forgotten travel essentials. We’d even gotten an events pamphlet at the beginning of our stay, so ensure that you check this list daily!
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Our Verdict!
While we loved all Disney Springs stays for their amenities, location, and other offerings, here’s a specialized list to help you decide where to stay.
- Best for kids: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Best value-for-money: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
- Best family resort: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort Disney Area
- Best overall: Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Where to Stay in Disney Springs?
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is one of the USA’s top tourist attractions and possibly one of the world’s most recognizable ones. Since Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) is an entertainment and shopping area, so all the Disney Spring resort hotels are around it. Not only is it free for anybody to enter, but also it’s divided into four main areas, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. So, depending on what we were looking for from our vacation, we chose hotels close to those areas.
We begin with West Side, which was part of Downtown Disney and now is a part of Disney Springs. The newly re-imagined region is home to a movie theater, a bowling alley, and a slew of popular entertainment and restaurant offerings. Secondly, there’s the Landing (formerly Pleasure Island) on the eastern side, which was largely dominated by adults-only spots like comedy clubs. Today, it has many restaurants with gorgeous waterfront views.
Then, there’s the Town Center, a new area of Disney Springs that wasn’t a part of Downtown Disney. It features many dining and shopping options and is themed after Florida’s turn-of-the-century waterfront towns. Finally, there’s the family-friendly Marketplace, which was a part of Downtown Disney, too, and now has many of Disney Springs’ most popular shops. It also has a new “Village Causeway.”
Are you traveling with Fido? Check out the best pet-friendly hotels near Disney World, Florida.
Which Disney resort has a walkway to Disney Springs?
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, and Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista have pedestrian walkways to Disney Springs.
What day is best to go to Disney Springs?
While visiting Disney, you could visit Disney Springs on the day you arrive or depart. It’s a great place to spend the evening.
Can you spend all day at Disney Springs?
Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot to do here, including shopping, dining, and unwinding in general.