Disney Springs is Walt Disney World's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district that stays buzzing from morning until late at night. Whether you're looking to grab dinner at celebrity chef restaurants, shop for unique Disney merchandise, or enjoy live entertainment, staying at a hotel within walking distance transforms your vacation experience.

The seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer the perfect blend of convenience and value, providing many of the same perks as Disney-owned properties but at more affordable rates. These hotels provide complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks, early park entry privileges, and most importantly, you can walk to Disney Springs whenever you want.

Understanding Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

The Disney Springs Resort Area includes seven independently-owned hotels located on Disney property along Hotel Plaza Boulevard. While these aren't Disney-owned properties, they're officially recognized as Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels, which means you'll get several valuable perks:

Key Benefits Include:

• Early Theme Park Entry: Access to all four Disney World theme parks 30 minutes before regular opening hours
• Complimentary transportation: Free shuttle service to Disney theme parks during operating hours
• Walking distance to Disney Springs: Easy access to 130+ shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
• On-property location: You're staying on Disney World property without paying Disney resort prices

The biggest advantage right now is pricing. While Disney-owned resort rates continue to climb, these hotels regularly offer discounts and competitive rates, often under $150 per night before resort fees.

The 7 Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Ranked

1. Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area

Why it's our top pick: The Drury Plaza Hotel offers the best overall value proposition for most families visiting Disney World.

This hotel replaced the former Best Western and opened in December 2022 with completely renovated facilities. What sets Drury apart is their complimentary evening "Kickback" - a light dinner buffet with drinks from 5:30-7:00 PM that can save families significant money on dining costs.

Standout Features:

• Free breakfast: Full hot breakfast included daily
• Free evening Kickback: Light dinner and drinks included
• Spacious accommodations: One-bedroom suites sleep up to 6 guests
• Resort-style amenities: Saltwater pool with splash pad, 24-hour fitness center
• Multiple dining options: Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and full-service restaurant on-site

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 10-12 minutes via pedestrian walkway

Typical rates: Starting around $150-180 per night, plus resort fees

2. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

Why it's excellent: Direct pedestrian skybridge access to Disney Springs makes this the most convenient option.

This lakefront resort underwent major renovations and features stylish, modern accommodations with impressive amenities. The pedestrian skybridge connects directly to Disney Springs, making it incredibly easy to pop back to your room for a midday break or to drop off shopping bags.

Standout Features:

• Direct skybridge access: No need to cross busy roads to reach Disney Springs
• Float Lagoon pool: Zero-entry lagoon-style pool with private cabanas
• Modern rooms: Recently renovated with contemporary design
• Multiple dining venues: Several restaurants and lounges on-site
• Hilton Honors points: Earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for stays

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 5-7 minutes via covered skybridge

Typical rates: $160-220 per night, plus resort fees

3. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

Why it's solid: Great location with reliable Hilton standards at competitive rates.

Located next to the Buena Vista Palace, this property offers similar convenience to Disney Springs with slightly lower rates. While the rooms are more traditional compared to its newer sibling property, the location and amenities make it a strong choice.

Standout Features:

• Excellent location: Short walk to Disney Springs
• Hilton reliability: Consistent service and amenities
• Dining options: Multiple restaurants and room service
• Pool area: Heated outdoor pool with sundeck
• Hilton Honors benefits: Earn points and elite night credits

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 8-10 minutes

Typical rates: $140-190 per night, plus resort fees

4. Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area

Why it's good for families: Affordable rates with solid amenities and kid-friendly features.

This 14-story hotel surrounds an atrium lobby and underwent a complete renovation in 2010. While the architecture feels dated compared to newer properties, the rooms are comfortable and the location is convenient.

Standout Features:

• Budget-friendly: Often the most affordable option
• Family amenities: Game room and kid-friendly pool area
• Atrium dining: Restaurant and grab-and-go options in the lobby
• Hourly shuttle service: Regular transportation to Disney parks
• IHG Rewards: Earn IHG Rewards Club points

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 10-15 minutes

Typical rates: $120-160 per night, plus resort fees

5. Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista

Why it's convenient: Prime location directly across from Disney Springs at budget-friendly rates.

This hotel shares the same excellent location as the Renaissance but at more affordable prices. The rooms are basic but clean, and the proximity to Disney Springs makes it incredibly convenient for shopping and dining.

Standout Features:

• Prime location: Directly across from Disney Springs
• Budget-friendly: Lower rates than most Disney Springs hotels
• Basic amenities: Pool, fitness center, and restaurant
• Wyndham Rewards: Earn points through Wyndham Rewards
• Quick access: Very short walk to Disney Springs

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 3-5 minutes

Typical rates: $110-150 per night, plus resort fees

6. Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa

Why it's luxurious: Upscale amenities and spa services for guests seeking a more refined experience.

This Marriott property offers the most upscale experience among Disney Springs hotels with a full-service spa, multiple dining venues, and sophisticated accommodations.

Standout Features:

• Luxury amenities: Full-service spa and upscale dining
• Marriott Bonvoy points: Earn valuable Marriott Bonvoy points
• Business facilities: Extensive meeting and business center
• Multiple pools: Resort-style pool complex
• Prime location: Short walk to Disney Springs

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 5-8 minutes

Typical rates: $180-250 per night, plus resort fees

7. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando

Why it's practical: The only all-suite hotel in Disney Springs area, perfect for larger families.

All accommodations are suites with separate living areas, making this ideal for families who need extra space. The trade-off is a slightly longer walk to Disney Springs.

Standout Features:

• All-suite accommodations: Separate living areas in every room
• Extra space: Ideal for families with multiple children
• Complimentary cookies: Famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies at check-in
• Hilton Honors benefits: Earn Hilton Honors points
• Suite amenities: Refrigerator, microwave, and additional seating

Walking distance to Disney Springs: 15-20 minutes

Typical rates: $130-180 per night, plus resort fees

Maximizing Your Disney Springs Hotel Stay with Credit Cards

Choosing the right credit card strategy can significantly reduce your Disney Springs hotel costs and enhance your overall vacation experience. Here's how to approach it:

General Travel Rewards Cards for Maximum Flexibility

Chase Sapphire Preferred CardThe Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months - that's enough for several free nights at Disney Springs hotels when transferred to hotel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel.

Key benefits for Disney Springs stays:

• 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel (including hotels)
• 3x points on dining (perfect for Disney Springs restaurants)
• Transfer partners: Move points to Hyatt, Marriott, or other hotel programs
• $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel

Capital One Venture X Rewards CardThe Venture X offers 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in three months, plus valuable travel credits.

Benefits for Disney travel:

• $300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings
• 2x miles on all purchases (no category restrictions)
• Premium perks: Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry credit
• Flexible redemption: Use miles to erase travel purchases at 1¢ per mile

Hotel-Specific Credit Cards for Elite Benefits

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardIf you're planning to stay at either Hilton property, the Hilton Honors Surpass card provides valuable perks.

Benefits include:

• 130,000 bonus points after meeting spending requirements
• Hilton Gold status: Complimentary room upgrades and late checkout
• Free weekend night: Annual certificate for stays up to 50,000 points
• $200 annual credit: Quarterly $50 credits for Hilton purchases

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit CardFor stays at the Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card.

Key features:

• 3 free night awards (up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000
• Silver elite status: Guaranteed room upgrades and late checkout
• 6x points at Marriott properties
• Anniversary free night: Annual certificate for stays up to 35,000 points

Dining and Entertainment Cards

Capital One Savor CardDisney Springs is known for its incredible dining scene. The Capital One Savor card earns 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, including many Disney Springs restaurants.

Perfect for Disney Springs because:

• 4% back on dining at Disney Springs restaurants
• 4% back on entertainment purchases
• $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in three months
• No annual fee version available

How to Book Your Disney Springs Hotel for Maximum Value

1. Compare Direct vs. Third-Party Booking

Book directly when:

• You have elite status with the hotel chain
• You want to earn loyalty points and elite night credits
• You need flexible cancellation policies
• You want room upgrades and late checkout

Use booking platforms when:

• You're focused purely on lowest price
• You don't have elite status
• You're comfortable with less flexible terms

2. Factor in Resort Fees and Parking

Most Disney Springs hotels charge resort fees ($25-40 per night) and parking fees ($15-25 per night). When comparing prices, always include these mandatory charges in your calculations.

Pro tip: Some hotel credit cards waive resort fees or parking charges. The Hilton Honors Surpass card, for example, provides statement credits that can offset these fees.

3. Consider Package Deals

Check if your chosen hotel offers packages that include:

• Disney park tickets
• Dining credits
• Transportation upgrades
• Early access to attractions

These packages sometimes provide better value than booking components separately.

Transportation from Disney Springs Hotels

Disney Theme Parks

All Disney Springs hotels provide complimentary bus transportation to Disney's four theme parks. Buses typically run every 30 minutes during park operating hours, with more frequent service during peak times.

Transportation tips:

• Allow 45-60 minutes total travel time to parks
• Morning buses can be crowded during rope drop
• Consider ride-sharing during peak times for faster service
• Save money by using hotel shuttle services instead of rental cars

Orlando International Airport

Disney Springs hotels are approximately 20-25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) via rideshare or rental car.

Transportation options:

• Rideshare: Uber/Lyft typically cost $25-35 each way
• Rental car: Use travel rewards cards for bonus points
• Airport shuttle: Some hotels offer paid shuttle services
• Disney's Magical Express: Discontinued in 2022

Disney Springs Access

The main advantage of these hotels is walking access to Disney Springs. Walking times range from 3-20 minutes depending on your hotel choice.

Disney Springs transportation to other areas:

• Buses to Disney resorts: Free transportation to explore other Disney properties
• Boats to Disney resorts: Seasonal water taxi service
• Buses to Disney parks: Additional transportation options from Disney Springs

Dining Strategies for Disney Springs Hotel Guests

Take Advantage of Hotel Dining Credits

Several hotels offer dining benefits that can significantly reduce your food costs:

Drury Plaza Hotel: Free breakfast plus evening Kickback with light dinner and drinks saves $40-60 per day for a family of four.

Hotel credit cards: Many hotel credit cards provide dining credits that work at on-site restaurants.

Disney Springs Dining Options

With over 60 dining locations, Disney Springs offers everything from quick-service to fine dining. Hotel guests can easily walk to dinner and return to their rooms without transportation hassles.

Money-saving tips:

• Use dining credit cards for bonus rewards
• Make advance dining reservations through the My Disney Experience app
• Consider Disney Springs' happy hour specials
• Look for seasonal promotions and discounts

Room Service and Grocery Delivery

Most Disney Springs hotels offer room service, but it's typically expensive. A more economical option is ordering groceries through services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh for delivery to your hotel.

Grocery delivery benefits:

• Stock up on breakfast items if your hotel doesn't include breakfast
• Keep snacks and drinks in your room
• Reduce dining costs for families with young children
• Use cash back credit cards for grocery purchases

Best Times to Book Disney Springs Hotels

Seasonal Pricing Patterns

Lowest rates typically occur:

• Late January through early March (except Presidents' Day week)
• Late August through mid-September
• Mid-November through mid-December (except Thanksgiving week)
• Weeknights vs. weekends

Highest rates occur during:

• All major holidays and school vacation periods
• Marathon weekend (January)
• Food & Wine Festival (fall)
• Christmas through New Year's

Booking Timeline Strategy

6-8 months ahead: Book for peak seasons and holidays3-4 months ahead: Good balance of availability and rates1-2 months ahead: Last-minute deals sometimes availableSame week: Rare deals but limited availability

Pro tip: Use hotel booking sites to track price drops and set alerts for your preferred dates.

What to Expect: Resort Fees and Additional Costs

Typical Additional Costs

Resort fees: $25-40 per night

• Pool and fitness center access
• Wi-Fi (though most hotels offer free Wi-Fi anyway)
• Local and toll-free calls
• Business center access

Parking fees: $15-25 per night

• Self-parking rates vary by hotel
• Valet parking available at some properties for $35-45 per night
• Some hotel credit cards provide parking fee credits

Money-Saving Strategies

Avoid or minimize additional costs:

• Use hotel credit cards that provide statement credits
• Book packages that include resort fees
• Use rideshare instead of rental cars to avoid parking fees
• Take advantage of free hotel amenities

Making the Most of Your Disney Springs Hotel Choice

Maximize Hotel Amenities

Pool time: All Disney Springs hotels have pools, making them perfect for midday breaks from the parks.

Fitness centers: Most hotels have 24-hour fitness facilities - perfect for maintaining routines during vacation.

Business centers: Free internet and printing services for travel documents.

Explore Disney Springs Thoroughly

With walking access to Disney Springs, you can:

• Experience live entertainment without crowds
• Shop for unique Disney merchandise not found in parks
• Enjoy diverse dining options from celebrity chefs
• Take advantage of seasonal events and festivals

Connect to Other Disney Areas

Use Disney Springs as your base to explore other Disney resort areas:

• Take boats to Disney's Saratoga Springs or Disney's Old Key West
• Ride buses to other Disney resorts for dining and exploration
• Use Disney transportation to avoid parking fees at Disney parks

Conclusion: Your Perfect Disney Springs Hotel Match

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels provide an excellent balance of convenience, value, and Disney magic. Whether you choose the Drury Plaza Hotel for its included meals, the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace for its direct skybridge access, or the DoubleTree Suites for extra space, you'll enjoy significant savings compared to Disney-owned properties while maintaining many of the same benefits.

The key to maximizing value is combining your hotel choice with the right credit card strategy. Using travel rewards cards for bookings, hotel credit cards for elite benefits, and dining cards for Disney Springs restaurants can reduce your total vacation costs by hundreds of dollars.

Remember to factor in resort fees and parking costs when comparing prices, and book directly with hotels when you have elite status or want to earn loyalty points. With the right strategy, your Disney Springs hotel will serve as the perfect home base for a magical and affordable Disney World vacation.

Ready to start planning? Check out our comprehensive guide to Disney's top hotels and Disney World's best restaurants to make the most of your magical vacation.

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