Disney Hotel vs. Non-Disney Hotel — Which is better? Disney Hotels Orlando Guide

Name: VIP Disney Travel
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There are over 450 hotels in the Orlando area. Imagine staying at a different hotel every night. It would take you 15 months! As fun as that might sound, it’s a lot of packing and unpacking. What should you consider when choosing between Disney hotels Orlando?

Picking a Disney Hotels in Orlando for your vacation is one of the first decisions you will want to make when you begin planning your trip. With over 30 different Disney hotels on Disney property, plus over 400 off-property hotels, this could be a difficult choice.

One question we get more than almost any other, should I stay and a Disney hotel or a non-Disney hotel when I visit Disney World? Which Disney Hotels Orlando are best?

To some folks, the hotel is just a place to lay your head. But the right resort can add a great deal of enjoyment to your vacation, even if you are only there to sleep. And the wrong resort can add to your stress instead of allowing you to have a relaxing vacation.

Some resorts are closer to theme parks while others may have more space to spread out. These are just two things to consider when deciding what resort is best for your family. This article is meant to give you a better understanding of the many options available on Disney property and off property so you can make a more informed decision.

Helping you narrow down the options is where a great Disney Vacation Planner can be a big value. Our friends at Destination Magic have stayed at every Disney Hotels Orlando on Disney property and are very familiar with the areas surrounding Disney and many of the non-Disney hotels. They can book your vacation in either a Disney hotel or a non-Disney hotel. Contact them for a free quote.

The foundation of a VIP vacation begins with a fabulous resort. There is no shortage of fine accommodations in Disney World.

Disney Hotels Orlando

Disney World owns and operates over 30 hotels in Disney World plus a full-service campground. Disney Resort hotels are grouped into 4 categories:

Value
Moderate
Deluxe
Deluxe Villas

Most Disney Hotels in Orlando sleep up to 4 or 5 guests. The largest Disney Villas sleep up to 12.

All resorts will offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks, on-site dining, as well as recreation such as swimming pools. Plus, each offers onsite laundry. The number of options and proximity to the theme parks will vary generally by the type of resort.

Guests staying at a Disney hotel will also get complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport. There is no reason or need to rent a car unless you plan to venture outside Disney property. You can take a vacation from driving and relax.

In addition to complimentary transportation, all guests staying at Disney resort hotels in Orlando receive a number of other perks, including Extra Magic Hours, where the parks open early or stay open late only for Disney resort guests.

Below is a list of the different hotels within each category. For more detailed information, read Disney World Resorts: An Overview

Value:

Moderate:

Deluxe:

Deluxe Villas:

In terms of Disney owned and operated resorts, staying at one, in our opinion, is part of the whole Disney vacation experience. Despite the fact that Disney resorts may be more expensive for less square footage, the benefits and perks are worth it.

Top 7 Benefits of Staying at
Disney Hotels Orlando vs a Non-Disney Hotel

In terms of staying at Disney hotels in Orlando versus a non-Disney hotel, staying at one, in our opinion, is part of the whole Disney vacation experience. Despite the fact that Disney resorts may be more expensive for less square footage, the benefits and perks are usually worth it, and here’s why…

#1. Stay In the Middle of the Magic

If you are taking a Disney vacation, why miss a minute of the magic. By staying at a Disney resort, you are in the middle of the magic.

Disney Imagineering does not end at the theme parks. They have continued to interweave Disney theming and creativity throughout their resorts. While some may have subtle Disney touches, others are lavishly Disney inside and out.

In addition to the resorts themselves, the manicured grounds and scenic surrounding areas keep you in the magical vacation bubble. You will not see strip malls or office buildings or other unsightly reminders of reality.

#2. Make the Most of Valuable Vacation Time

Disney World is nearly 40 square miles. It can take 20 minutes to get from one side of Disney proper to the other. With their close proximity to the Disney theme parks, you will spend less time commuting between the parks and your hotel. Which means more time for fun.

But if you need a break from all the action, you are close enough to head back to your hotel for a mid-day nap or even an afternoon swim. When you are ready to head back to the parks, you can be there in a jiffy. Far sooner than if you stayed off-property.

There are some resorts where you can walk to the parks. The only way to be closer is if you were spending the night inside Cinderella’s castle.

#3. Magic Bands

Similar in size to an iWatch, Magic Bands are a convenient contact-free way to make purchases throughout Disney. They also act as your park ticket and can unlock your room door when staying at Disney hotels and resorts.

They come in fun colors and are personalized with each guests’ name.

#4. Extra Magic Hours

On most days, one Disney park will either open early or stay open late (or both). It allows guests to spend extra time in the theme park, either before it opens or after it closes. Onsite guests can enjoy select experiences and attractions with fewer guests within the parks.

Extra Magic Hours are another awesome benefit to staying at an onsite property.

#5. Advanced Lightning Lane Booking

A Lightning Lane is a reserved ride time. Each reservation gives you a time window for when you can go enjoy that ride or attraction without having to wait on a long line.

Disney allows Disney resort guests to purchase and reserver their Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance of their visit. If you are not staying at a Disney resort you can purchase Lightning Lanes only 3 days in advance. Some rides are extremely popular and may not be available at the 3-day window. That is another perk for staying on-property.

#6. Earlier Dining Reservations

Everyone can make Disney Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance. However, if you are staying at a Disney resort, you can make your reservations for the entire length of your stay beginning on your check-in date.

That means you can get a several day jump on other guests. That can be critical for impossible to get reservations such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or California Grill.

#7. Complimentary Disney World Transportation

One of Walt Disney’s original visions for Disney World was to create a vacation destination where parents could relax and leave driving behind. I’m not sure even Walt envisioned the transpiration system that Disney has today.

Walt Disney World’s bus system alone rivals that of any city. Add in the Monorail, boats, and new Skyliner and it really is an amazing transportation network.

Disney guests can get anywhere on Disney property without ever needing a car. To top it off, it’s all free.

#7. Dining Plan Eligible

To create an all-inclusive vacation package, Disney offers its resort guests the option of adding on a Dining Plan to their package. Disney says it will save you 20% – 40% depending on the plan. To fit most any budget and dining style., Disney offers several Dining Plans to choose from.

To learn more about the Disney Dining Plan, read:
What is the Disney Dining Plan, and is It Worth It?

#8. Magical Express Airport Transportation

The Magical Express is where all the magic begins (and sadly, ends).

Magical Express is Disney’s complimentary transportation between Orlando International Airport and all the Disney resorts on property. It will take you to your hotel and returns you back to the airport for your departure.

(The Magical Express is a motorcoach that will take you to and from Orlando International Airport only. Make sure when arranging flights that you do not book Sanford Airport, or you will not receive this service.)

These motor coaches are complete with plush seating, restrooms, along with onboard entertainment.

Another bonus feature of Magical Express service is that you do not have to handle your luggage. Disney will also transport it to you.

Just affix the special luggage tags that Disney sends you. When you drop your bags at your home airport, they will magically arrive at your hotel. You do not need to pick them up at baggage claim.

#10. Package Deliveries to Your Resort

Of course, you will be some souvenirs to commemorate your Disney vacation. But do you really want to lug it around all day? If you stay at a Disney Hotels in Orlando, you won’t have to.

In-park purchases can be delivered to your hotel, for no additional charge. Just be aware it is typically delivered the following day, so don’t save shopping for your last day.

Non-Disney Hotels On Disney Property

There are two types of “on property” resorts. In the true sense, the term referrers to resorts that are owned and operated by Disney. There are 30 Disney resorts on Disney property. (To learn more about Disney-owned hotels, read Disney World Resorts: An Overview.)

The non-Disney hotels on Disney property are chain hotels. They are more traditional is style and lack elaborate theming Disney resorts and known for.

The available accommodations vary from the Holiday Inn to Orlando’s only 5-Diamond resort, the Four Seasons.

Most Disney Hotels Orlando are located in the Disney Springs area. They are:

B Resort and Spa
Best Western
DoubleTree Suites
Four Seasons
Hilton Bonnet Creek
Hilton Orlando
Hilton Palace
Holiday Inn
Wyndham Resort
Waldorf Astoria
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

For those wanting a bit of a respite from Disney, these resorts may be a good combination of convenience and distance.

In addition to those above, there are 2 additional non-Disney owned hotels on property. They are:

Walt Disney World Swan
Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Swan and the Dolphin are owned and operated by Marriott. These icon hotels are also the most convenient resorts to theme parks. Their striking exterior architecture is a real standout in the Epcot Resort Area.

All of these non-Disney properties provide many conveniences of being on Disney property and offer several of the perks offered to guests at Disney owned resorts, but not all. For example, Magical Express airport transportation is not provided.

These resorts do provide some transportation to and from the Disney theme parks, but not nearly as often as Disney hotels in Orlando do. Transportation between the parks and Disney hotels runs about every 20 minutes. These non-Disney hotels run much less frequently. Typically, every hour in the morning and evening, and every other hour mid-day. For an exact schedule, you should contact the hotel directly.

Read our review of the most luxurious hotels near Disney World: The Ritz Carlton, The Waldorf Astoria, and The Four Seasons.

Non-Disney Hotels Off-Property

With 145,000 hotel rooms in the Orlando area, there are endless choices, especially when it comes to those that are not owned or operated by Disney. Those are referred to as “off-property.” In general, they are located outside the bounds of the Walt Disney World resort.

There are many types of non- Disney Hotels Orlando off-property options. There is a full range of options to fit any budget and any family. Options include inexpensive motels, brand name hotel chains, luxury resorts with lavish pool-scapes, and even private homes in resort communities.

Price is often the driving factor when deciding to stay off-property. For some, you may even be able to use loyalty points to book your room. Disney Hotels Orlando are an expensive vacation so that is a nice benefit.

Another common reason people choose to stay off-property is that you will typically get a lot more space for your money if staying at a resort outside of Disney World. But there are several factors to consider to be sure you are comparing apples to apples when deciding which is best for you.

For example, resorts may offer free transportation to the parks, but check how often that is. It may only be a few times a day as opposed to continually at a Disney resort. But that does not include getting to and from the airport. You will have to factor in a rental car, shuttle or taxi.

If you are driving yourself, you will have to pay a parking fee when you arrive at the parks. Be sure to factor that in if you are comparing prices to a Disney resort.

Staying off-property is also a different type of experience compared to staying onsite at a Disney resort. Although some hotels may offer a free breakfast, there are many Disney perks that are only available to those staying at a Disney resort. Definitely something to consider.

Another major factor to consider is transportation. Disney-owned hotels are the only hotels that offer free transportation to and from Orlando International Airport. While some hotels and resorts offer transportation to and from the Disney theme parks, not all do. And for those that do, the schedule can vary from every few hours to only once or twice a day. If you are considering an off-property hotel, be sure to find that out in advance unless you have your own car.

To learn more about the types of Walt Disney World theme park tickets offered, read:

Disney Tickets Explained

With over 400 non-Disney hotels of varying types and price points, it would impossible to go into each one. Instead, we are going to highlight the different areas around Disney World that have clusters of hotels and resorts. Each has its own character and proximity to Disney and other central Florida attractions.

Downtown Orlando Area

When booking a non- Disney hotel in Orlando, that typically refers to the city compared to the areas closer to the theme parks.

Downtown Orlando is packed with dining and nightlife, professional sports like the Orlando Magic NBA team, and award-winning arts. If you are seeking adventures beyond the theme parks, this may be a good location for you. This is also a good option for adult vacationers.

International Drive Area

International Drive is a destination to itself. There are a number of out-of-this-world attractions like Wonderworks, iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving, and ICON Park. You will also find endless dining options including very popular chain restaurants, nightlife such as Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, and sensational shopping including 2 separate outlet malls, Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.

International Drive (a.k.a. I-Drive) is the heart of Orlando’s tourism district. With so much to see and do, this walkable district is also one of the most desirable areas to stay for those who decide not to stay on Disney Property.

I-Drive is also the location of the Orlando Convention Center. It has over 2.1 million square feet of convention space and hosts huge trade and consumer shows each year.

If you want to save your steps for walking in the parks, there are public transportation options in this area. The I-RIDE Trolley is one of the most convenient and least expensive ways to explore the International Drive Resort Area. LYNX is the area’s public bus system. It has routes servicing the Orange County Convention Center with connections to the Orlando International Airport and Downtown Orlando.

The hotels on I-Drive are closer to Universal Studios than they are to Disney World, but Disney is still easy to get to and closer than Downtown Orlando.

Universal Studios Area

Universal Studios is located right off of International Drive. At Universal Studios, you will find several fabulous hotel options with easy access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park.

As with Disney hotels Orlando, Universal’s hotel guests get a number of perks such as complimentary resort transportation and Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay. You also get complimentary package delivery to your resort, so you don’t have to carry your purchases with you all day.

Skip the Lines! Guests staying at Universals Premier Resorts, Lowes Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, or Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel get FREE Universal Express Unlimited Passes.

Sea World Area

Sea World is on the east side near the Orange County Convention Center.

There are 8 Official SeaWorld Partner Hotels where guests can receive exclusive theme park perks, including a free Quick Queue pass and reserved Signature Seating at the majestic animal shows.

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
Springhill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

Kissimmee and Other Surrounding Areas

Kissimmee is southeast of Disney World. It is a suburban area comprised of many hotel chains and chain restaurants and residential housing.

In this area, you will find some great private rentals that combine the comforts of home with the amenities of a resort. Margaritaville and Reunion Resorts are 2 of the most popular.

Families small and large can be comfortable in a rental home and still have access to huge pool complexes with slides and lazy rivers, on-site restaurants, spas, and golf courses. Some rental homes can sleep up

Most resorts in this area are a shorter drive to Disney than from some other locations. Plus, many hotels near Walt Disney World offer complimentary shuttle rides to and from the parks. However, they are not nearly as frequent as with a Disney hotel.

And if you plan to do a beach day Clearwater Beach along the Gulf Coast or even a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa, this area will be the shortest distance.

Things to Consider When Deciding to Stay at Disney Hotels in Orlando, or Go Off-Property

Here are a few things to consider when deciding if it’s better to stay at a Disney hotel in Orlando or a non-Disney hotel during your visit to Disney World:

What do you plan to do during your vacation?

If you are planning to spend most of your time in Disney World, then staying at a Disney hotel on Disney property may make a lot of sense. You get to stay in the middle of the magic, you’ll get free transportation and a bunch of other perks, and you’ll have a fully immersive Disney experience.

Do you plan to visit both Disney World and Universal Studios?

If you plan to spend equal time at each destination, there are a few ways you can go when it comes to where to stay. You can pick a hotel at either Disney World or Universal Studios and head over to the other parks when you like.

Or, you could split your stay between the 2 resorts. In that way, you get to be closest to the parks you are visiting. It’s almost like having 2 vacations in one. The downside is you have to pack up and switch hotels, which some people don’t care to do.

The other option is to pick a hotel in between the 2 resorts. Unless the resort provides transportation to both parks, or you have your own car, it may not be the most convenient for getting around.

Other than the theme parks, what other activities do you plan to do on your Florida vacation?

If your visit goes well beyond theme parks, an argument can be made for staying off-Disney property. Although Disney World Resort makes a great home base for almost any destination in central Florida, there are many other options that may work just as well.

Are you traveling with a very large group or for a family reunion?

Most Disney hotels sleep up to 4 or 5 guests. The largest Disney Villas sleep up to 12.

For large groups that want space to spread out, there are serval options outside of Disney World that combine the space and comfort of a large home with the perks and amenities of a resort. Some even have onsite spas. They could be a great option for a very large family or friend groups like family reunions or bachelorette parties.

To help plan the perfect vacation, Disney Travel Planners are available to make sense of all the options. Many offer free services when you book with them. To learn more, read Disney Travel Planners.

Conclusion

That is one of the most common questions people ask when planning a Disney World vacation. For most people visiting Disney World, we believe there is an easy answer. But if your visit to central Florida takes you beyond Disney, or if there are other factors to consider like the size of your family or your budget, it may not be the right choice for you. Hopefully, this article gave you some insights.

A good Disney Travel Planner can help you decide what options are best for you and your family based on all the important factors. Our friends at Destination Magic do not just book Disney hotels in Orlando. Then can also help you book any non-Disney hotel including Universal Studios or SeaWorld vacation packages, or one of the fabulous vacation homes. For more information, click here.

For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:

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Disney Hotel vs. Non-Disney Hotel — Which is better? Disney Hotels Orlando Guide

Disney Hotels Orlando