NON DVC hotel recommendation from DVCers

[luckyman_apd]

My wife turns 50 and since we have 2 days left on non expirations tickets.......and all our points are used up from Aulani trip in June......I'm taking my wife for an adult only food and wine weekend in Nov. Somehow I was able to snag really decent airfare for the weekend (I'm from Jersey and it's the start of Jersey week that weekend). My buddy has a condo right near MCO airport he lets us stay at whenever we want but that's a good 25-35 minute drive (or worse depending on the time of day). The plan was to stay there, until I started looking at Disney Springs hotels. Any recommendations on them? I'm trying to stay on a very low budget (Eldest kid in college and tuition is a gut punch). Was looking at the holiday inn and the Renaissance Orlando to start. Anyone stay at either of these on a non DVC trip?

I feel like everything is a downgrade when you are used to DVC, but this way we wouldn't have to be park commandos because the place we are staying is 30 minutes away. These while not DVC on property, is at least close enough to go back and take a break if need be.

 

[keishashadow]

The Hilton in DS is Nothing fancy, dated but, clean last time we stayed there

Many love drury, have never seen a good rate my dates.

Will u have a rental car? Four corners properties are often on Priceline. Never stayed in that area. You might even see all star sports pop up. There's a thread on boards with hints for determining opaque listings

If not a blackout period, renting a res @ Wyndham bonnet creek is my go-to when fresh out of points. Try VRBO. We've used vacation strategy for years, never an issue

Good luck

 

[CarolynFH]

You might be interested in this thread from the Orlando Hotels & Attractions forum - https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-springs-resorts.3950819/.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I’ve never stayed here personally but extended family has often and only has positive things to say - Sheraton Vistanas Resort Villas. Just looked at 2nd week in Nov and 1 bedroom villa is less than $150 p/n including tax for AAA rate.

 

[eandt]

My wife turns 50 and since we have 2 days left on non expirations tickets.......and all our points are used up from Aulani trip in June......I'm taking my wife for an adult only food and wine weekend in Nov. Somehow I was able to snag really decent airfare for the weekend (I'm from Jersey and it's the start of Jersey week that weekend). My buddy has a condo right near MCO airport he lets us stay at whenever we want but that's a good 25-35 minute drive (or worse depending on the time of day). The plan was to stay there, until I started looking at Disney Springs hotels. Any recommendations on them? I'm trying to stay on a very low budget (Eldest kid in college and tuition is a gut punch). Was looking at the holiday inn and the Renaissance Orlando to start. Anyone stay at either of these on a non DVC trip?

I feel like everything is a downgrade when you are used to DVC, but this way we wouldn't have to be park commandos because the place we are staying is 30 minutes away. These while not DVC on property, is at least close enough to go back and take a break if need be.

Hilton Lake Buena Vista is right across the street from Disney Springs Easy walk over the pedestrian walk way leading right to the hotel grounds … not sure what ‘low budget’ means but Swan and Dolphin are also at times very reasonable if you qualify for one of their discounts

 

[Best Aunt]

I was going to say Swan & Dolphin also, but somebody beat me to it. Check for discounts, watch out for resort fees, and don't forget to factor in transportation time and cost if you are staying off site.

If you're going for Food & Wine at Epcot, it's really nice to be able to walk there from your hotel.

Oh, and also keep an eye on dedicated DVC reservations at the big DVC rental agencies, just in case something happens to be there for the dates you want.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I’ve never stayed here personally but extended family has often and only has positive things to say - Sheraton Vistanas Resort Villas. Just looked at 2nd week in Nov and 1 bedroom villa is less than $150 p/n including tax for AAA rate.

I think this place sometimes has Getaways on II that are also a good deal, from what I have read.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

I like the Flamingo Crossing area. Not too far away, many have a shuttle, but also easy to Uber/Lyft around.

We also do value or moderates on-site when we have run out of DVC points. Port Orleans (either one) has always been lovely for us.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Swan and Dolphin prices are pretty nuts in Oct/Nov due to many conferences (ie checked second weekend in Nov and nightly rates are over $1000 at all three).

 

[zackiedawg]

Are you adverse to the value hotels on Disney property? Personally, I've stayed in those a few times when on business trips or overnight short-notice stays - All Star is running under $150 night at this point - higher than the offsite hotels, but of course being on property comes with transportation and other perks,

I've stayed at the Hilton before and it's clean and fine - it's an older hotel but still well kept, and right across the street from Disney Springs...it's been running under $100 a night.

I've stayed in the Buena Vista Palace (I think it's under Hilton now - it was Wyndham and something else before)...nice hotel, right across the street from Marketplace - while staying there, I actually used the Disney busses to get to the theme parks (Disney Springs to Contemporary for MK, to Beach Club for Epcot, and AK Lodge to transfer to AK bus). They seem to run in the $100-120 range. I haven't stayed at the other Wyndham garden or hotel right next to it, but rates seem to run pretty reasonable too, usually under $100.

 

[Mle8308]

I like the Flamingo Crossing area. Not too far away, many have a shuttle, but also easy to Uber/Lyft around.

We also do value or moderates on-site when we have run out of DVC points. Port Orleans (either one) has always been lovely for us.

Agree! Was going to suggest this area. A lot of new restaurants there, too.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Because of its proximity and views of Disney Springs, I prefer the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area. While many of the hotels are within walking distance, it has the greatest feeling of being within the Disney bubble.

If you are open to driving, rather than walking, then I do agree with the other contributors that Flamingo Crossing area hotels are a great option. We regularly do our check-in day/arrival grocery shopping at Target and have always been happy with the complex and its available offerings.

 

[keishashadow]

I’ve never stayed here personally but extended family has often and only has positive things to say - Sheraton Vistanas Resort Villas. Just looked at 2nd week in Nov and 1 bedroom villa is less than $150 p/n including tax for AAA rate.

Those that own there are very loyal & complimentary to that TS.

We were invited (complimentary) guests from the TS company for 3 nights before covid. Were placed in Cascades ? (near front, very nice). It just wasn’t a fit. Far too many large tour groups that clogged amenities up as they moved in herd fashion with their handlers.

Also, when exploring the large resort, wasn’t impressed with the appearance of the older buildings in the back section.

Will say I often see it pop up on the opaque sites mentioned earlier, often close to $100 a night.

 

[ak517]

Are you adverse to the value hotels on Disney property? Personally, I've stayed in those a few times when on business trips or overnight short-notice stays - All Star is running under $150 night at this point - higher than the offsite hotels, but of course being on property comes with transportation and other perks,

I will second this. If you're offsite, you may accrue extra costs from a rental car or rideshares to and from Epcot anyway. Plus, whatever the sticker price is on the off-site hotel might not include all taxes and fees. And if I remember correctly the F&W booths don't open till 11, so you can chill in the AM and avoid the mad rush of families to rope-drop.

 

[DVCNewb21]

I like the Flamingo Crossing area. Not too far away, many have a shuttle, but also easy to Uber/Lyft around.

We also do value or moderates on-site when we have run out of DVC points. Port Orleans (either one) has always been lovely for us.

We always stay at a Flamingo Crossings hotel the first night we arrive in Orlando and drive in the next morning to our DVC resort. Lots of different restaurants. As others have mentioned Pop Century is good value and very easy to get to Epcot.

 

[DisTravels]

Marriott Vacation Club Palms (Imperial, Royal and Sable) have access Marriott World Center (Hotel & Water park) while about 10 minutes from Disney Springs.

If you're splitting time between Disney and other non-Disney parks/events and/or like water parks - this could be a good option.

 

[CarolynFH]

Marriott Vacation Club Palms (Imperial, Royal and Sable) have access Marriott World Center (Hotel & Water park) while about 10 minutes from Disney Springs.

If you're splitting time between Disney and other non-Disney parks/events and/or like water parks - this could be a good option.

Yes, we love those resorts. Just don't get spoiled by the much larger size of the villas as compared to DVC villas, and the fact that a 2BR has a dining table that actually seats as many people as can sleep there - am I bitter? Maybe a little....

 

[muppets3d]

You can often get some good deals for a Westgate villa in Interval International - paying cash, no points. An option if you want villa style accommodations off-property.