Disney Good Neighbor Hotels: Everything You Need to Know

The thrill of booking a Disney World vacation is magical, no matter your age. Disney has set standards that leave nothing to chance regarding hotels. But staying at a Disney Resort isn’t always the most practical budget-wise. 

Disney understands that too. They’ve vetted local hotels and included them under the Disney Good Neighbor Hotels partnership network. Staying off-site has plenty of benefits, from varied amenities to shuttle services taking guests to other theme parks. So, if you’re curious about Good Neighbor Hotels and want an affordable trip to Florida with the kids, keep reading to learn all you need to know about them.

Features We Will Cover

Choosing the right hotel for your family can make or break your vacation plans. We take the guesswork out of guessing for travellers who haven’t previously visited Orlando, Florida.

Our research considered the following: 

• Location and distance from the parks (within a 14-mile radius)
• Accessible transportation (fees may apply)
• Meets Disney approval for guest services
• Come with AAA sanction
• Provide standard hotel suites, rooms, villas, or other accommodations
• Offer guest service for smooth Disney ticket outlet and information
• Has Disney Theme Park tickets for sale on location
• Supports hotel booking with Walt Disney World Resort information and planning tips
• Good customer reviews and ratings

There’s so much to see in Orlando, Florida, that it’s possible to go into information overload. Not only can these hotels be excellent for Disney lovers but they can also offer vacations in Florida that aren’t Disney-related.

Benefits of a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel

Affordability is the most significant driving factor for choosing a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. After all, it’s unlikely you’ll spend much time in your room. Disney offers so much to see and do that you can easily spend a whole day exploring the resort and surrounding theme parks. 

A key benefit to staying at an off-site hotel is that it puts you in the middle of all the best activities in the district. Choose from famous golf courses, boating adventures, local landmarks, nightlife hotspots, and numerous dining adventures.

The Good Neighborhood Hotel Club (GNHC) partnership lets Disney World manage the yearly influx of tourists. But to do so, Disney asks these partner hotels to meet its exacting standards.

While GNHCs aren’t part of the Disney domain, they employ qualified staff to help guests plan their Disney and nearby theme park adventures.

Another bonus to using GNHC is that you can collect reward points if you’re a member of other chain hotels. 

Although staying at the Disney Resort Hotel is the experience of a lifetime for many, the cost of staying in a standard Disney Hotel might buy you more luxury elsewhere.

The Big Question: What About Extra Magic Hours?

We had you at magic, didn’t we? Anyone who books a reservation through select GNHC hotels gets extended theme park admittance as a bonus. 

You get access on certain weekday mornings or evenings for an additional hour of fun without the large crowds. This magic hour offer is automatically available to Walt Disney World Resort guests.

More than 40 Good Neighbor Hotels fall under the Disney umbrella, but only a handful offer the magic hour early entrance or stay late option. These are:

• B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
• Disney Dolphin Hotel
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, Orlando
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
• Holiday Inn Orlando
• Shades of Green
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

Stay abreast of the Extra Magic Hour schedule by checking the magic calendar. The program changes periodically to accommodate peak season attendance and new theme park additions.

Here’s Our List of Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel List

We split this list into categories to make it easier to review. Finally, we include snapshots of all remaining GNHC hotels.

Upscale Comfort Hotels

Our upscale comfort hotel list offers guests great luxury and comfort to make a Disney vacation memorably magical. 

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Margaritaville is built on the same principles as Disney Resort and provides an exquisite getaway between visits to the famous theme parks in Orlando. 

The high-end guest rooms, suites, and cottages are built for guests to experience relaxation and enjoyable amenities nearby. In addition, Margaritaville Resort is an award-winning wedding venue and a popular choice for milestone celebrations. 

The resort took its inspiration from Key West. Its rooms have a Caribbean beach flair and come with flat-screen TVs, a coffee maker, and sublime beds. 

However, the tropical pool area is the star attraction, complete with a beach club and H2O Water Park. Margaritaville offers theme park and attraction tickets, and guests can access shuttle services to Orlando’s best parks, including Disney Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld.

The Grove Resort and Water Park

Hotels competing with Disney Resort have to think of ingenious ways to compete. Grove Resort, for instance, has its own Surfari Waterpark. Kids will love the FlowRider surf simulator, the lazy river, and other fun water-based activities.

Guests can choose from a standard hotel room or upgrade to a family suite with two or three bedrooms, full kitchens, and bathrooms with lake or pool views. Besides the stunning views and memorable activities, The Grove Resort is located on Lake Austin Nature Reserve, giving families even more adventure opportunities.

The resort offers daily shuttle service to Walt Disney World, Disney Hollywood Studios & Epcot, Universal Studios Orlando, and SeaWorld.

Caribe Royale Orlando at Lake Buena Vista

Continuing with our lavish resort hotels, Caribe Royale is a four-star tropical paradise and only a ten-minute drive to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Options include stately rooms to two-bedroom villas that set the standard for luxury.

Although it’s not a theme park, the hotel does have a 75-foot water slide, waterfalls, game arcade rooms, and a tropical pool. Parents have their own relaxing sanctuaries and can work out in the excellent fitness center.

The hotel decor is stunning, while the dining facilities are a divine AAA 4-diamond at The Venetian Chop House. Shuttle services to Disney World, Disney Springs, and surrounding outlet stores are part of the resort fee.

Moderate-price and Average Hotel Accommodations

A snapshot of Florida’s Disney Good Neighbor Hotels to suit the average budget.

B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista

The B Resort & Spa at Lake Buena Vista is close to Disney Springs. Classified as a boutique hotel, the hotel provides a family-friendly ambiance with a hint of sophistication. 

Guests have view options of a Disney fireworks spectacular, city view, or pool view. Ask about their complimentary shuttle service to and from Disney.

Contemporary and part of the Disney Springs Resort Area, the hotel has 394 rooms and suites with personalized hospitality. This hotel is suitable for families, businesses, and special event stays. 

Amenities include:

• Spa services
• Poolside walk-outs
• Bunk beds
• Aveda Spa bath products
• A Keurig coffee machine
• Free WiFi

Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista

Wyndham Hotels have a worldwide reputation and affordable rooms with special rates available. At this location, guests can unwind at the Oasis Aquatic Pool after a fun-filled day of exploring.

This beautiful lakeside resort has two pools, a hot tub, a children’s aquatic playground, and basketball and volleyball courts. Avid golfers can book a tee time at nearby facilities.

You can choose from standard rooms or upgrade to Disney View rooms with delicious meals from several excellent dining options.

Shuttle service is free to Disney World, and amenities include free WiFi, plush bedding, and state-of-the-art televisions in all 232 spacious rooms. Check out their family breakfast packages.

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

It’s hard to unwind after a fun day at Disney, but the Hilton Orlando provides a delightful setting for further amusement with the Float Lagoon and Kid’s Splash Pad. Adults can escape into some relaxing private poolside cabanas.

Located just a short distance from Disney Springs, the Hilton gives guests rooms with lovely views, WiFi, and smart HDTVs. Connected to Disney Springs, with a pedestrian sky bridge, guests can access over 150 dining options, shopping, and entertainment.

This Hilton maintains three restaurants, heat pools, and shuttle service to Disney parks and Disney golf courses.

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels can be an excellent base camp for exploring all the magic Disney has to offer. With some planning, you can reserve a room for as little as $65, though prices are subject to change.

Rosen Inn Buenavista

The Rosen Inn Buena Vista provides free shuttle transport to many of the theme parks in the district, including Disney World. Just two miles from Disney Resort, the Rosen Inn (formerly Clarion Inn) boasts clean rooms, a playground, a splash area, and a heated pool. 

Besides these features, the hotel has many extras for young families, including WiFi, a mini fridge, a complimentary Disney Channel, and a Kids Eat Free program at the Boardwalk Buffet.

Choose a room with two queen-sized beds or a king option with a free crib—hospitality on a dime. 

Grand Orlando Resort Celebration

The Celebration delivers a comfortable stay at competitive prices. This relaxing hotel is only a few miles from Disney World Resort and easily accessible with the free shuttle service to popular nearby theme parks.

This resort has several pools, a 40-foot water slide, two hot tubs, and a children’s pool for your leisurely pleasure. Adults can also enjoy the poolside bar, fire pit, fitness room, and beach volleyball at their convenience. You may also want to take advantage of a light fare menu at the Break Awaze lobby bar on weekends.

The Crowne Plaza

The Crowne Plaza is only half a mile from Disney World and Disney Springs. This family-friendly hotel delivers in the entertainment department for guests of any age. In particular, the Crowne Plaza has charming water facilities, including an outdoor pool, waterfall, and slide.

If you’d like to work out at the hotel, you’ll have access to a relatively modest fitness center.

Guest rooms are spacious and outfitted with many extras like a mini fridge, coffee maker, cable TV alarm clock, free on-site parking, and WiFi. There is also a delightful restaurant to serve you sumptuous meals.

The free shuttle whisks guests to Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios Orlando.

The Floridays Orlando Condo Suites

Floridays Orlando Condo Suite is a massive 20-acre resort just off International Drive. Being family-friendly, Floridays has two outdoor pools that guests can view from private balconies and a children’s activity room. 

Floridays suites have at least two bedrooms, so there’s sure to be plenty of room for everyone. One of the awesome extras is that Floridays is pet friendly. 

Suites come with a kitchen, washer/dryer, spa bath, and LCD TV. Guests who aren’t exhausted can burn energy in the on-site gym. 

The shuttle fee is part of your reservation cost.

Residence Inn at Lake Buena Vista by Mariott

The Residence Inn is another great contender on our budget list for families planning an extended stay. Equipped with full kitchens and designated bedrooms, guests have all the conveniences and the option of bringing their pets. 

You will get access to two free shuttles to Disney and Epcot. Here, you’re close to SeaWorld, and Universal is only seven miles.

Another great budget saver at the Residence Inn is a complimentary breakfast to fuel up every morning. There is also a gym, free WiFi, and a lovely pool courtyard.

Staybridge Suites Royale Parc Suites

Staybridge Suites is an excellent option for large-group accommodations. The one and two-bedroom suites can host up to ten guests. Each room comes with quality bedding, kitchen accessories, free WiFi, and televisions.

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, the Staybridge Suites is perfect for families, with a generous pool, whirlpool, a kid’s activity center, and complimentary breakfast.

This hotel is pet friendly and offers free parking and transport to DisneyWorld, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios.

Comfort Suites Maingate East

Conveniently located, Comfort Suites is near numerous shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to go further afield, the hotel maintains a shuttle service (fee) to many Orlando theme parks and free transport to Disney World, just two miles away.

Couples can relax in a cozy king-size bed with a peaceful living room that can help you unwind for the night. Families will appreciate the versatile bedding options and pull-out beds. 

The suites offer a heated pool, hot tub, tiki bar, and free parking. Each suite has a flat-screen TV, microwave, coffee maker, and comfortable bedding.

In addition, the resort has a gym, game room, and complimentary breakfast. 

List of All Disney Good Neighbor Hotels

We chose some of our favorite Disney Good Neighbor Hotels as a snapshot of what’s available. The hotels we decided to highlight offered a unique experience that suited our travel requisites for this review. 

If you want to review the rest of this distinguished list, here are the remaining hotels:

1. Best Western Plus at Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, complimentary breakfast, 2.5miles to Disney, rates starting at $79

2. Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, ensuite kitchens, 1.5 miles to Disney, rates starting at $76

3. Buena Vista Suites

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, American breakfast buffet, minutes to Disney, rates starting at $159

4. Candlewood Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, pets, kitchen, award-winning rates starting at $116

5. Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Center

• Type: Standard
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, newly renovated, adult lounge, location, rates starting at $87

6. Courtyard by Marriott / Marriott Village Hotels

• Type: Premium
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, The Bistro & Village Market, rates starting at $146

7. Delta Orlando Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Premium
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, closest non-Disney hotel to Disney Springs, rates starting at $77

8. Embassy Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista Resort

• Type: Suite
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, 1 mile to Disney, complimentary breakfast and evening snacks, rates starting at $109

9. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando — Lake Buena Vista South

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista South
• Highlights: newest & largest Embassy, 3.5 miles to Disney, complimentary breakfast and evening snacks, rates starting at $152

10. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center

• Type: Suites
• Where: International Drive
• Highlights: Shuttle, deluxe, complimentary breakfast, rates starting at $321

11. Fairfield by Marriott Celebration

• Type: Suites
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, 3 miles to Disney, breakfast buffet, central, rates starting at $156

12. Fairfield Inn and Suites Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, 2 miles to Disney, complimentary breakfast, rates starting at $89

13. Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando in the Marriott Village

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, breakfast buffet, Revive bedding, Village Market, rates starting at $126

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando – South Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Free hot breakfast, 3 miles to Disney, rates starting at $107

15. Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle (fee) full kitchen, hot breakfast, minutes to Disney, rates starting at $74

16. Hilton Garden Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Standard
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, 1 mile from Disney, centrally located, pet-friendly, rates starting at $97

17. Holiday Inn Orlando Southwest–Celebration Area

• Type: Standard
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, 4 miles to Disney, kids eat free, rates starting at $61

18. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – South Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Standard
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, 5 miles from Disney, complimentary breakfast, rates starting at $94

19. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Standard
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, 1 mile to Disney, Applebee’s restaurant, rates starting at $84

20. Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive South

• Type: Suites
• Where: International Drive
• Highlights: Shuttle, full kitchen, few miles to Disney, saline pool, rates starting at $129

21. Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando 

• Type: Suites
• Where: International Drive
• Highlights: Shuttle, spacious, complimentary breakfast, 1 mile to Disney, rates starting at $157

22. Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Standard
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Great location, 1 mile to Disney, complimentary breakfast, cleanest, rates starting at $150

23. Meliá Orlando Celebration

• Type: Suites
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, Top 10 Prettiest, luxury, golf, pets, rates starting at $109

24. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

• Type: Premium
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, 4-Diamond, Champion Golf, Spa, rates starting at $233

25. Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center

• Type: Suites
• Where: International Drive
• Highlights: pet-friendly, walking distance, kitchen, hot breakfast, rates starting at $331

26. Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

• Type: Premium
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, renovated, pet-friendly, spa, rates starting at $142

27. Sonesta ES Suites Orlando – Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Pet-friendly, 1 mile to Disney, full kitchen, rates starting at $106

28. Springhill Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, hot breakfast, location, rates starting at $94

29. SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village

• Type: Suites
• Where: Orlando
• Highlights: Shuttle, spacious, hot breakfast, Village Food Court rates starting at $126

30. Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando Kissimmee

• Type: Suites
• Where: Celebration/Kissimmee
• Highlights: Shuttle, spacious, hot breakfast, Food Court rates starting at $131

31. TownePlace Suites Orlando Theme Park/Lake Buena Vista

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, hot breakfast, location, rates starting at $104

32. WorldQuest Orlando Resort

• Type: Suites
• Where: Lake Buena Vista
• Highlights: Shuttle, condo-style, Mediterranean, great value, rates starting at $148

Conclusion

Disney Good Neighbor Hotels give families more choices for their vacation. And, when it comes to experiencing the magic of Disney, more choice is always good. With these verified partners, you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of Florida. From the best beaches near Orlando & Disney World to its restaurants and exciting nightlife.

We hope this snapshot helps make choosing your ideal hotel easier so your vacation to Walt Disney World is as memorable as you want it to be.