While the theme parks tend to be the center of attention when it comes to Walt Disney World – and with good reason – another destination at the top of people’s travel lists is the resort’s sprawling outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment district: Disney Springs.
As beautiful as it is massive, with some of the best shops and restaurants at not just Disney World but Central Florida overall, you’re sure to stop by Disney Springs at least once during your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth. Luckily, for those hoping to dine at the district’s best eateries, soak up nightlife and live music, or shop ‘til they drop, thanks to a wide selection of Disney Springs hotels, you don’t need to stay too far from the action.
But which of the hotels near Disney Springs is best for you and your family? Keep reading for our breakdown of all the hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area, as well as which one is best for you and your crew.
Staying at the Disney Springs Hotels
Orlando has no shortage of delicious restaurants, fun bars and great shops that are well worth a visit, and you’ll find some of them right here at Disney Springs. Whether you’re a foodie family on vacation, a group of shopaholics searching for the perfect souvenirs, or Orlando locals looking for a playful Disney date night, a stay at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels can be a magical addition.
Hotels Near Disney Springs
This lively corner of The Most Magical Place on Earth boasts the widest selection of hotels Disney World has to offer. Along with two of Disney’s moderate resorts and two DVC deluxe villa resorts, the Disney Springs Resort Area is also home to seven chain hotels, including such recognizable brands as Hilton, Wyndham and Holiday Inn. Disney Springs area hotels include:
Disney-Operated Disney Springs Resorts
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney Vacation Club Villa Resorts Near Disney Springs
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Non-Disney Hotels Close to Disney Springs
- B Resort and Spa
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Why Stay at a Disney Springs Hotel
Sure, they might not be as convenient to the theme parks as hotels in the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot, or even Animal Kingdom Resort Areas. And, they don’t have access to the Monorail or Disney Skyliner, Walt Disney World’s two most popular transportation options.
That said, Disney Springs resorts still come with their fair share of perks. Whether you want to be a short walk away from a buffet of must-try restaurants or would like to earn points for your hotel stay without missing out on the benefits of staying on Disney World property, a Disney Springs resort could be right for you.
Just a Walk or Water Taxi Ride Away from Some of the Best Shopping and Dining at Disney World
While it is incredibly convenient to be just a Monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom or a quick trip on the Disney Skyliner from Epcot and Hollywood Studios, there’s something to be said about staying close to Disney Springs.
Everyone’s gotta eat, and chances are that you won’t be enjoying every meal of the day in one of the theme parks. Fortunately, Disney Springs is a veritable smorgasbord of restaurant options, no matter if you’re craving breakfast sandwiches, a boozy brunch, next-level desserts, or a celebrity chef-led dining experience. Oh, and don’t forget the shopping! From World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney store, to UNIQLO to high-end brands like Coach and Lilly Pulitzer, you’ll find it all at Disney Springs.
Best of all, for hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area, it’s all only a short stroll or leisurely water taxi ride away, depending on where you’re staying. Really, what could be more relaxing than boating to dinner and then floating back to your hotel laden with good food and shopping bags?
Conveniently Connected by Bus to the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts
Heading to the theme parks, doing some resort hopping or having dinner at another hotel restaurant? As one of the most popular places at Disney World, there is a near-constant stream of busses traveling between Disney Springs, the theme parks and other Disney resorts.
Although it isn’t necessarily the quickest way to get around Walt Disney World, Disney’s bus system is simple, convenient and won’t cost you a thing. Just keep in mind that while a shuttle is offered to and from the parks at non-Disney-operated hotels close to Disney Springs, if you want to go to one of the Disney resorts, you’ll have to hop on the appropriate bus at the Disney Springs bus stop located just outside the Town Center section of the complex.
A Welcome Mix of Both Disney Resorts and Major Hotel Brands with Stays to Suit Every Budget
There’s no denying that a stay at a Disney hotel can be downright enchanting. Between the over-the-top theming and next-level perks, such as Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, there’s a lot to like.
However, as great as it can be to stay immersed in the magic from the theme parks all the way back to your hotel room, every once in a while, it can be nice to get a break from the pixie dust. Not to mention, Disney resorts also tend to be more expensive than other Orlando hotels near Disney Springs and booking a stay at one won’t earn you points like a night at a Hilton, Wyndham or IHG property.
Luckily, Disney Springs has the best of both worlds. Better yet, by staying at one of the brand-name Disney Springs resorts, you can enjoy all the benefits of a chain hotel without sacrificing pixie-dusted perks like Early Theme Park Entry. So, go on and earn your precious hotel points!
11 Best Disney Springs Hotels
So, what is the best Disney Springs hotel for your group? You’ll first need to consider who’s in your party, how many people you’re traveling with, how much you want to spend and whether staying at an official Disney hotel is a necessity. Once you know what your priorities are, it will be easier to decide where to make your reservation.
Disney-Operated Disney Springs Resorts & DVC Villa Resorts
From moderate resorts with Southern charm to spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, these Disney hotels combine thoughtful theming with quality amenities like family-friendly pools, memorable lounges and some of the most underrated restaurants Disney World has to offer. They’re also all accessible by boat to and from Disney Springs, making for an undeniably enchanting way to get around.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Best for Romantic New Orleans Charm and a Grown-Up Yet Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
The Disney Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter isn’t just one of the best Disney Springs hotels. This moderate resort is one of our favorite hotels in all of Walt Disney World. With its wrought-iron balconies, classic gas lamps and quaint cobblestone walkways, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more charming Disney resort.
While adults will love the dreamy design (and listening to live jazz while sipping on Big Easy-style cocktails at Scat Cat’s Club), kids will get a kick out of the alligator band and Mardi Gras float-inspired water slide at the Doubloon Lagoon Pool. Taste the flavors of New Orleans and fuel up fast at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, the resort’s quick-service restaurant.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Best for Aspiring Royalty and Families Looking for Old-Fashioned Fun
Head on down the bayou and sink into a simpler time at Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. This atmospheric moderate resort is split into two distinct neighborhoods. Go (Cajun) country with a rustic stay in Alligator Bayou or escape to the elegance of Magnolia Bend. You can even sleep like a king or queen in one of the resort’s Royal Guest Rooms.
The heart of the hotel is Ol’ Man Island, the resort’s 3.5-acre pool complex evocative of an abandoned sawmill. Here you’ll find a 95-foot water slide, an old-fashioned fishing hole and campfire activities in the evening. For even more wholesome fun, pedal it out with a bicycle or surrey bike rental or hop in a horse-drawn carriage. Then, feed your soul and your stomach with some Southern comfort food from Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Best for Big Groups and Folks Wanting a (Beach) Home Away from Home
Disney’s Old Key West Resort holds the distinction of being the first-ever DVC resort. Home to some of the biggest villas at Disney World, one of the best hotel pools and Olivia’s Café, a true hidden gem of a restaurant, Old Key West has a lot going for it.
Designed to look like laidback beach cottages, the villas here are adorable and come with many of the conveniences of home. Meanwhile, the Sandcastle Pool features a 125-foot waterslide through a supersized sandcastle and a picturesque lighthouse with a sauna inside. And whatever you do, don’t miss Olivia’s Café for a breezy brunch or island-style dinner of Florida-inspired fare.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Best for Disney Foodies & Shopaholics, Large Families and Adults Searching for a Laidback Escape
Designed after the healing waters of historic Saratoga Springs, New York, a haven of wellness spas and horse racing during the late Victorian era, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa offers a restful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and Disney Springs. To really get away from it all, you can even book a stay in one of Saratoga Springs’ treehouses.
While the little ones will love to make a splash in one of the pools, adults can indulge in everything from a serene spa treatment to a tranquil round at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. To top it all off, Saratoga Springs is the only Disney resort near Disney Springs that is just an easy walk away.
Chain Hotels Near Disney Springs
Orlando offers a mind-boggling number of hotels, with properties from seemingly every major hotel group in existence. You’ll find some of these hotel brands right on Disney World property, with seven different chain hotels nestled not too far from Disney Springs.
Though not actually operated by Disney, these hotels are considered official Walt Disney World resorts and, as a result, share some of the same amenities, including Early Park Entry and discounts for Disney Springs, with all of them within walking distance from the popular entertainment complex.
B Resort & Spa
Located 0.6 miles from Disney Springs, B Resort & Spa boasts modern, stylishly appointed rooms and sweeping views of Walt Disney World through the guestrooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows. A zero-entry pool and a variety of dining options are also available.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando is one of the furthest of the Disney Springs Resort Area chain hotels from the entertainment district, located roughly a 0.7-mile walk away. Whether you want to rack up Hilton Honors reward points or are addicted to the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookies, this is an excellent choice.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
The newest Disney Springs hotel is the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area. Recently opened in Fall 2022, the resort offers contemporary rooms, complimentary hot breakfast and a free reception of snacks and drinks from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Another of the Hilton hotels near Disney World, the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located just across the street from Disney Springs and boasts modern, newly renovated guestrooms, including some spacious suites and a massive pool area with a lazy river.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Located across Buena Vista Drive from Disney Springs, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista may not have the next-level pool or all-new rooms of its sister property, Buena Vista Palace, but the guestrooms here are comfortably appointed, and there’s a cornucopia of dining options, including a Benihana Steakhouse.
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
Part of the International Hotel Group family, the Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area is a great choice for those looking to redeem some IHG One Reward Nights. Rooms are cozy and contemporary, and, in addition to the zero-entry pool, there’s also a brand-new game area outfitted with cornhole, ping pong and a giant Connect Four.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
The closest hotel to Disney Springs is the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, clocking in at only 0.3 miles away. This lakeside resort touts understated yet elegantly appointed rooms, a large pool area and views of the Disney World resort.
Well, that brings our guide to the best Disney Springs resorts to a close. Have you stayed in the Disney Springs Resort Area? Which hotel is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how to save on your next Disney vacation with our discounted Disney World tickets.
