Top 12 Notable Accommodations Near Walt Disney World in 2025
Discovering the Differences Between Disney Resort Hotels and Good Neighbor Hotels
When planning a trip to Disney World, travellers often find themselves debating between staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and a Good Neighbor Hotel. Both options offer unique advantages, and understanding the key differences can help in making an informed decision.
Disney Resort Hotels are Disney-owned and operated properties located on Disney World property. These hotels offer immersive Disney theming, exclusive amenities, and superior guest service. Benefits include access to the parks without leaving the “Disney bubble,” complimentary transportation across the resort, early park entry, Extra Magic Hours, and advanced FastPass booking. Disney resorts often have unique themes, superior pools, dining options, and are integrated into the overall Disney experience, enhancing immersion and convenience, though at a higher price point. Examples include Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Animal Kingdom Lodge, which provide distinctive themes, quality pools, dining, and extras like tours or animal views.
On the other hand, Good Neighbor Hotels are nearby, non-Disney-owned hotels officially approved by Disney for quality and service. They often provide more affordable rates, family packages, free breakfast, kitchenettes, pet-friendly rooms, and park shuttles. Some even allow early theme park entry like Disney resorts. They are typically located close to Disney property, such as near Disney Springs, and can be booked using hotel loyalty points.
| Aspect | Disney Resort Hotels | Good Neighbor Hotels | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Ownership | Disney-owned and operated | Independently owned, Disney-approved | | Location | On Disney property, immersive “Disney bubble” | Close to Disney, often near Disney Springs | | Disney Theming | Strong, immersive themed environments | Standard hotel designs, minimal Disney theming| | Price | Higher, premium rates | Lower, more budget-friendly | | Amenities & Services | Exclusive Disney transportation, pools, dining, tours | Vary by hotel; often include shuttles and extras like breakfast or kitchenettes | | Park Benefits | Early park entry, advanced FastPass, Extra Magic Hours | Sometimes early park entry and shuttle service | | Convenience | Integrated with parks, no need to leave Disney property | Easy access to parks but some transit outside Disney property |
For instance, Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South offers a complimentary evening reception and has rooms with a separate living area with a sofa bed. Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista/Orlando, on the other hand, offers a free shuttle to Disney World and has rooms that range from 1 king bed to a 1-bedroom suite with a sofa bed.
Good Neighbor Hotels provide information and assistance for Disney World guests. Floridays Resort Orlando, for example, offers large suites, numerous outdoor recreation options, and a scheduled shuttle service to Disney World. Nightly rates at Floridays Resort Orlando start at about $139, plus a $30 resort fee.
In summary, Disney Resort Hotels offer a premium, immersive Disney experience with exclusive benefits and theming at a higher cost, while Good Neighbor Hotels provide a more budget-friendly option with some Disney perks and proximity to the parks but less theming and fewer exclusive services. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as location, transportation, room occupancy, amenities, room rates, and reviews to find the best fit for your Disney World adventure.
When deciding where to stay during a trip to Disney World, consider the unique advantages of both Disney Resort Hotels and Good Neighbor Hotels.
Disney Resort Hotels, owned and operated by Disney, offer immersive Disney theming, exclusive amenities, and superior guest service, with benefits such as early park entry and advanced FastPass booking. They are located on Disney property and offer access to the parks without leaving the "Disney bubble."
Good Neighbor Hotels, while independently owned, are Disney-approved for quality and service. They are often more affordable, offering family packages, free breakfast, kitchenettes, pet-friendly rooms, and park shuttles. Some Good Neighbor Hotels also allow early theme park entry, similar to Disney resorts.
Ultimately, the choice between Disney Resort Hotels and Good Neighbor Hotels depends on factors such as budget, desired level of immersion, and specific amenities sought, as each option has its own unique set of advantages.
