Vacation Resorts Near Disney World

About Vacation Resorts

While Disney World offers a variety of resorts on the Disney property, vacationers may want to see more of the Orlando area without feeling isolated at an official Disney World resort. There are a variety of options with different price ranges to suit most any family’s budget.

Vacation Resorts Near Disney World

• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are not Disney-owned properties; however both are close to all of the action with many attractions within walking distance. Both offer complementary Walt Disney World transportation (via boat or shuttle bus), Extra Magic Hours and meal reservations. They are located conveniently between Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot and are not too far removed from the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. There are 17 restaurants to choose from, as well as the Mandara Spa, a white sand beach, health clubs, five pools, and tennis. Standard rooms and family suites are available.

Many resorts feature elaborate swimming pools.

• Radisson Resort Orlando – Celebration

Located just one and a half miles from Disney World, the Radisson Resort Orlando offers free shuttles to Sea World, Universal Studios, and Disney World. A free-form pool with a 40 foot waterslide, waterfalls, and whirlpools is enjoyable for both adults and children. The resort also provides a variety of activities, from water aerobics to bingo, hula hoop contests, live entertainment, and more. Tennis courts, a playground, game room and a kids’ wading pool guarantee there’s never a dull moment. The resort offers a variety of packages, depending on what your plans are in Orlando. Standard rooms and suites can accommodate a number of family sizes.

• Buena Vista Suites

Buena Vista Suites is an all-suite property located one and a half miles from Disney World and provides a full complimentary breakfast daily and free parking. A fitness room, pool and on-site restaurant ensure you have everything you need for your stay. Complimentary transportation is provided to Disney World theme parks.

• Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel

This hotel includes one bedroom suites or two bedroom villas for larger groups and families. Villas also offer a kitchen area and two bathrooms. The free-form pool includes a children’s water play area and waterslide, while a playground, arcade, tennis courts, and two story fitness center round out the hotel’s offerings. Free scheduled shuttles to the downtown Disney area and area parks make getting to your favorite attractions easy.

• Sheraton Vistana Resort

The Sheraton Vistana Resort provides many amenities in their one or two bedroom villas, such as a dining area, full sized kitchen, dinnerware, and a washer/dryer. Five pools and five playgrounds, as well as basketball, mini golf, tennis courts and shuffle board provide plenty of activities for everyone. This property is located three miles from Disney World. Nearby Sheraton Vistana Villages offers one, two and three bedroom villas and is located four miles from Disney World. This property includes a fitness center, free-form pool, full kitchen and dining area.

• Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort

This Hilton property is located across from the Downtown Disney Marketplace and provides free transportation to Disney World theme parks and water parks. Although it’s a Hilton hotel, it is considered an official hotel of the Walt Disney World Resort, so there are Extra Magic Hours benefits (early admission to theme parks or extended evening hours). The property also has two swimming pools, a children’s spray pool, whirlpool spa, and a health club facility. Hilton is conveniently located near Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney, so guests interested in being where the action is should find no shortage of it here.

Tips

Before you book your Disney World trip, consider the following:

• What are you looking for in your vacation lodging? Consider how many rooms and bathrooms are needed, which amenities are important, and if you need a kitchen or washer/dryer in your room. Some vacationers like to save money by cooking meals in the room, and many of these resort properties have in-room facilities.
• Research, research, research. Review resort property websites, read online reviews and visit Disney World discussion forums to see what other guests say. Of course, lodging preferences vary, but if a property gets consistently bad reviews, you may want to rethink your overnight choices.
• Discuss the options with your family. Before you plunk down the money, talk with your family about the options, especially if your children are old enough to have a say. If you would rather, narrow down the choices to two or three properties and make a collective decision. Kids love to have a say in vacation planning!
• Plan well in advance. Realize that research takes time and the resort may be booked for your desired vacation dates. Returning guests may make their reservations a year in advance, and other events, such as conferences and weddings, may have rooms reserved. Consider having a “Plan B” in case your first choice is unavailable.

Of course, this is just a sampling of vacation resorts near Disney World, so research your options carefully to find the best resort for your Disney getaway plans.