Booking a Disney World hotel doesn’t have to mean choosing between staying on property and blowing your whole budget. Here are the best hotels near the parks that aren’t owned by Disney, but they come with a lot of the same perks.

One of the first things you’ll need to decide when you’re planning a Disney World trip is where you’re going to stay. However, a lot of people only focus on the Disney Resort hotels and overlook the nearby hotels that offer some of the same benefits for a quarter of the cost! In fact, some of the best hotels for a Disney World vacation aren’t owned by Disney at all.

These nearby resorts often give you more space for your money and amenities you can’t find at a Disney hotel. Many of them also include the same theme park perks that let you into the parks before the crowds. If you’ve been writing them off, you could be leaving a better trip on the table. Here are five that you should consider before you book.

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

If location is what keeps bringing you back to Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin hotels should be on your radar. These two connected hotels are actually located in a prime spot at Disney World near EPCOT, which means you can walk or hop a Friendship boat straight to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That kind of access usually costs a small fortune at a Disney-owned Deluxe.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are a staple in the EPCOT resort area. Photo by CJ Ayd

Plus, Disney treats these two resorts like Deluxe Resorts of their own, even though they’re both owned and run by Marriott. So, when you stay here, you’ll still get access to Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, giving you tons of extra time in the parks without the crowds! Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a daily resort fee plus parking, and you can’t charge purchases around the parks to your room with a MagicBand the way Disney resort guests can when you choose to stay at these hotels.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a new tower that opened in 2021 just across the street from the Swan & Dolphin, with a sleek, modern look that feels more like a boutique city hotel than a sprawling resort. It is also owned and run by Marriott, but is a bit smaller than the other two EPCOT area resorts, making it a nice fit if you want a calmer hotel but still love the idea of staying close to the parks without paying Disney prices.

Staying at the Swan Reserve also comes with the same Disney perks as its larger neighbors, so you’ll get Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours here, too. You can also use the bigger pools and dining over at the Swan & Dolphin, which gives you the best of both worlds. Just know that the Swan Reserve sits a little further from the walking path to EPCOT, and you’ll have to pay the same resort fee and parking charges.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando

If you’re planning on splurging on your next Disney World vacation and want more than just the Disney Deluxe Resort experience, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a great pick! It is the only AAA Five Diamond resort inside Walt Disney World property, and is located in the upscale Golden Oak community. The rooms are some of the largest in Orlando, and many come with a private terrace where you can watch the EPCOT and Magic Kingdom fireworks from your own balcony.

Photo by CJ Ayd

As an official Disney partner hotel, the Four Seasons gives you Early Theme Park Entry every day, along with complimentary motorcoach bus transportation to all four parks. There’s a Disney Planning Center right in the lobby with Disney Cast Members who can help you with your tickets and book dining reservations for you. And, on top of all of that, it’s also a great place to skip the parks and hang out for a day. The hotel features a five-acre water park, a championship golf course, a rooftop steakhouse with fireworks views, and a character breakfast with Goofy and pals.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Located in the Bonnet Creek resort area close to Disney World, you’ll find the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. It is an official Walt Disney World hotel, so you’ll get many of the perks that Disney World Resort hotel guests enjoy when you stay here, including Early Theme Park Entry to all four parks and a complimentary shuttle service that runs to the four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Photo by Morgan Flaherty

This is a great off-site hotel option if you’re traveling with kids, because children 12 and under are free at select restaurants for dinner when an adult orders an entree. Plus, anyone staying here also gets access to the Signia by Hilton hotel next door, which means your pool-loving kiddos can enjoy the large pool and lazy river whenever you need a break from the Florida heat.

Disney Springs Area Resorts

The Disney Springs area resorts are a whole collection of off-site hotels that offer some of the best value if you’re planning a budget-friendly vacation. These hotels are located on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, right across from Disney Springs, and range from the upscale Drury Plaza and Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace to cheaper options like the Holiday Inn and Wyndham. So, whatever your price range is, there’s likely a hotel here that fits your needs.

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Photo by Morgan Flaherty

Most of these hotels include access to Early Theme Park Entry and have a complimentary theme park transportation option (though buses may not run as often compared to on-site options). Plus, you’re walking distance from Disney Springs, meaning you can stroll over for dinner, shopping, or even a movie without needing a car or waiting for a bus. Several of these hotels also include a complimentary breakfast, which no Disney-owned resort offers unless you’re paying for a pricey club-level room. 

Just keep in mind that the quality can vary quite a bit from one hotel to the next, so it pays to read recent guest reviews before you commit to a specific spot.