Solid off-site hotel recommendations?

[bsmcneil]

When I take my next trip to WDW, I'm coming solo - arriving late the night before my reservation starts. So, I'm looking for a solid place to sleep. But - the reviews, etc can be hard to gauge and I didn't find a thread on here that just had solid info/listings.

Generally, I'm pretty open. I hate the smell of smoke and am wary of some places because of that. If at all possible, it would be great if the place had either an airport shuttle or shuttle to the parks (but I know covid has messed with all of this). When I use things like Priceline, I tend to look for 3 stars on a trip with others and 2/2.5 or above when I'm alone. That said, keeping costs down is pretty important to me (likely more so than comfort). I won't be sticking around to use the pools, restaurants, etc - so long as it's safe, I'll be happy.

And also, I'm taking a trip with my kiddos after the first of the year (can't decide between Jan/Feb). Given the lack/removal of benefits (EMH, baggage stuff/DME) and the outright cost differential, I'm considering staying off-site. I did that a few times growing up but since I stayed on site in college, I've only ever stayed on site. So, I recognize I'm a little biased. I want my kids to enjoy the theming of the resorts - but I also know I'm an adult and they likely care less about that than I do. So, if you have any good recommendations that's more for a week (well, 5-8 days - still not sure) vs. my earlier request for an overnight place, I'm all (Mickey) ears!

 

[cate2]

An offsite place to consider with your kiddos is the Double Tree suites by Disney springs. When our kids were younger, and we had more time, we used to drive to Disney and our first night was always spent here. The kids were given warm chocolate cookies upon arrival. The rooms were clean bright and spacious, with a separate bedroom area. There is a small but nice pool and a breakfast buffet. (I'm not sure if it's still true but we used to book through mousesavers and the buffet would be complementary ... which made it nicer).

add on .. they also had a little gift shop with Disney merchandise which helped give it that 'Disney vibe' and they are walking distance to the Springs

 

[dmhgolfer1903]

The double tree now I would not stay at even if it was free

 

[HopperFan]

When I take my next trip to WDW, I'm coming solo - arriving late the night before my reservation starts. So, I'm looking for a solid place to sleep. But - the reviews, etc can be hard to gauge and I didn't find a thread on here that just had solid info/listings.

Generally, I'm pretty open. I hate the smell of smoke and am wary of some places because of that. If at all possible, it would be great if the place had either an airport shuttle or shuttle to the parks (but I know covid has messed with all of this). When I use things like Priceline, I tend to look for 3 stars on a trip with others and 2/2.5 or above when I'm alone. That said, keeping costs down is pretty important to me (likely more so than comfort). I won't be sticking around to use the pools, restaurants, etc - so long as it's safe, I'll be happy.

And also, I'm taking a trip with my kiddos after the first of the year (can't decide between Jan/Feb). Given the lack/removal of benefits (EMH, baggage stuff/DME) and the outright cost differential, I'm considering staying off-site. I did that a few times growing up but since I stayed on site in college, I've only ever stayed on site. So, I recognize I'm a little biased. I want my kids to enjoy the theming of the resorts - but I also know I'm an adult and they likely care less about that than I do. So, if you have any good recommendations that's more for a week (well, 5-8 days - still not sure) vs. my earlier request for an overnight place, I'm all (Mickey) ears!

Given the last year and half - I think it's going to be really hard to know what you will get for sure, and you will get opinions from all over the place review wise. Some websites show amenities that are not in operation right now and your only way to know is call the hotel direct for those that are important to you.

First you need to figure out your top budget price and your transportation requirements. That will narrow it down when looking at theme etc. I personally would rule out the airport shuttle as even if they have them you have to pay for it. You might as well save time and ride share to the hotel that offers park shuttles.

It would help to know your nightly budget for the one night and the kid's trip to help narrow suggestions.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

To consider on your trip with your kids - We have stayed at the Lake Buena Vista Resort several times and like it for the space, cost, close proximity to Disney (very close to DS), and cool pool with a pirate ship. We canceled our reservations at Pop and are staying there again with my parents in August in a two bed/two bath full kitchen, just because the savings is so great. It's also a Disney Good Neighbor resort, though it doesn't get the early ADR perks.

 

[bsmcneil]

Given the last year and half - I think it's going to be really hard to know what you will get for sure, and you will get opinions from all over the place review wise. Some websites show amenities that are not in operation right now and your only way to know is call the hotel direct for those that are important to you.

First you need to figure out your top budget price and your transportation requirements. That will narrow it down when looking at theme etc. I personally would rule out the airport shuttle as even if they have them you have to pay for it. You might as well save time and ride share to the hotel that offers park shuttles.

It would help to know your nightly budget for the one night and the kid's trip to help narrow suggestions.

Ugh, I'm very much experiencing the "amenities listed are not currently available" situation right now. I get it - and I'm shocked places haven't had to update their listings more thoroughly!

 

[SarahC97]

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek is nice. Lots of amenities and great pool situation (several pools, slides, and 2 lazy rivers shared with the timeshare part of the resort). Plus the location is pretty great. Nice place for a family trip. Any of those Bonnet Creek resorts I'd stay at, though only if I had a car.

 

[AnnaS]

Our two last trips we arrived a night earlier. We booked (while on the road) The Holiday Inn in DS once and this last time The Hampton Inn in Lake Buena Vista (w/breakfast). We just needed the room for the night so we were not too concerned with any amenities (even though the free breakfast can be a perk). I would check both sites for amenities and the final price tag after fees. They were both nice enough for us two adults to stay in if we had to choose a reasonable priced hotel to stay off site. Some are more themed towards the kids - I honestly don't remember if they had themed pools. Look at the website.

Enjoy! Let us know how you make out

 

[rangerxenos]

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek is nice. Lots of amenities and great pool situation (several pools, slides, and 2 lazy rivers shared with the timeshare part of the resort). Plus the location is pretty great. Nice place for a family trip. Any of those Bonnet Creek resorts I'd stay at, though only if I had a car.

Definitely. I stayed here for part of a trip in May of 2019 and the buses were a nightmare. Loved the resort, though. Definitely get a car if you stay here.

 

[HopperFan]

Ugh, I'm very much experiencie ng the "amenities listed are not currently available" situation right now. I get it - and I'm shocked places haven't had to update their listings more thoroughly!

I once booked beachfront in Pensacola years after a hurricane. Website showed all was good. Arrived to damaged hotel, pool filled with sand, no breakfast .... they just don't want to lose the business and will take the chance. I leave Friday for Marriott World Center Resort vacation club unit. No notification in any way that entire pool complex is virtually empty of water and shut down. If I hadn't been online trying to book a cabana and did more homework why I couldn't I would have arrived SHOCKED. We have decided to just buy tickets for entire week and shift focus from pool time.

Traveling to Disney right now, even a Disney hotel means minimal amenities and I trust no one to have updated websites. Guests must be ready to do for themselves.

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek is nice. Lots of amenities and great pool situation (several pools, slides, and 2 lazy rivers shared with the timeshare part of the resort). Plus the location is pretty great. Nice place for a family trip. Any of those Bonnet Creek resorts I'd stay at, though only if I had a car.

If you want a hotel but resort amenities the Grand is a great option. I also travel with a car so never depend on hotel shuttles but Grand in normal times has their own. If I didn't want a car I would use ride share since Grand is so close.

Our two last trips we arrived a night earlier. We booked (while on the road) The Holiday Inn in DS once and this last time The Hampton Inn in Lake Buena Vista (w/breakfast). We just needed the room for the night so we were not too concerned with any amenities (even though the free breakfast can be a perk). I would check both sites for amenities and the final price tag after fees. They were both nice enough for us two adults to stay in if we had to choose a reasonable priced hotel to stay off site. Some are more themed towards the kids - I honestly don't remember if they had themed pools. Look at the website.

Enjoy! Let us know how you make out

I last stayed at Hampton for a week in summer 2019 and they were in middle of big renovation. Even with that we had a great stay. Now renovated I would for sure book it. Pool is basic but.. price was great ... and we are park people, just a dip here and there.

 

[SwanVT2]

When I take my next trip to WDW, I'm coming solo - arriving late the night before my reservation starts. So, I'm looking for a solid place to sleep. But - the reviews, etc can be hard to gauge and I didn't find a thread on here that just had solid info/listings.

Generally, I'm pretty open. I hate the smell of smoke and am wary of some places because of that. If at all possible, it would be great if the place had either an airport shuttle or shuttle to the parks (but I know covid has messed with all of this). When I use things like Priceline, I tend to look for 3 stars on a trip with others and 2/2.5 or above when I'm alone. That said, keeping costs down is pretty important to me (likely more so than comfort). I won't be sticking around to use the pools, restaurants, etc - so long as it's safe, I'll be happy.

And also, I'm taking a trip with my kiddos after the first of the year (can't decide between Jan/Feb). Given the lack/removal of benefits (EMH, baggage stuff/DME) and the outright cost differential, I'm considering staying off-site. I did that a few times growing up but since I stayed on site in college, I've only ever stayed on site. So, I recognize I'm a little biased. I want my kids to enjoy the theming of the resorts - but I also know I'm an adult and they likely care less about that than I do. So, if you have any good recommendations that's more for a week (well, 5-8 days - still not sure) vs. my earlier request for an overnight place, I'm all (Mickey) ears!

Holiday Inn Disney Springs has good reviews and looks affordable. Like previous poster mentioned, check for resort fee. Hotel pool is zero entry, which is nice for the kids!

 

[SarahC97]

I have been a little shy about trying Disney Springs hotels, but the Hilton Buena Vista Palace is on my list. It looks pretty nice.

The Swan and Dolphin we've stayed at a few times and it's pretty great. They have good dining and, obviously, the location is amazing. We're used to staying onsite at Disney hotels, too, and I'll be honest -- even the hotels that are basically next door to Disney resorts don't have the same feel as a Disney resort. I like that feeling, but with no clear benefits to staying onsite at this moment, we've been lured away. I got a TA rate at the Grand that is cheaper than Pop -- that's difficult to pass up. But I'd prepare yourself for missing that Disney feeling when you stay offsite. Might be nice for the wallet, but not the same for the heart!

 

[gatormom2tots]

The hotels in the Flamingo Crossing area are nice- newer and closer to the parks (about 1/2 mile if that from the Western entrance to property.at a reasonable rate. I have stayed at both Springhill Suites and Towneplace suites for under $130 a night. There are some newer ones since I have been so I am not sure what they are running a night.

 

[teawar]

Orange Lake Resort is huge and not far from 192 and WDW. Yes, it is Holiday Inn’s timeshare but they often have great rates. They will try to get you to sign up for a “tour”of their resorts aka sales pitch, but just say no, if you’re worried about cracking under pressure. The rooms are large and the grounds are beautiful; some rooms/sections are older, but they are pretty well taken care of.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

With the kids I really enjoy vacation club properties, our favorite is Sheraton vistana idrive. We always have a car and prefer a little space so I get a two bedroom. They have a great thread on here with pics.
If I was solo I would stay at jw Marriott super great rates on priceline

 

[bsmcneil]

Thanks for the advice, all! I ended up sticking with an on-site reservation (renting points). There's a piece of me that's still wary that DME won't be around, etc but dealing with the logistics of two kids still in booster seats (8 & 5) off-site felt like it would be more frustration than I wanted for this vacation (I'm a single dad with a disability - so I have to factor that in). But I'm glad to have learned about these places for future reference (and still yet for this one night in September).

 

[GreatLakes]

I don't have a specific hotel suggestion but do suggest you pick a "brand", sign up for their perks program, and then book their properties. We always stay at a Marriott property, both when we travel as a family and when I travel for work, so we accumulate the most points. Marriott has a lot of options all around Disney at a variety of price points and I don't know if any of them have many if any smoking rooms any longer.