What are Disney Good Neighbor Hotels? Which One Should You Book for Your Disney World Vacation?
Is it better to stay at a Disney resort hotel, or choose one that is off-site? Though the lodging offered by the Walt Disney Company is well-known for its theming and friendly cast members, you may be able to get the best of both worlds.
Did you know there are a wealth of hotels in close proximity to both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort called Good Neighbor hotels? These hotels are generally owned by chains, like Marriott, Fairfield, Four Seasons, Hilton, and more. But though they’re not Disney Resort hotels, they come with many of the same perks.
Whether you're looking for value or luxury, there's a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel for you. But with so many options, which one should you choose? In this post, we'll break down the different types of Good Neighbor Hotels and help you choose the best one for your needs.
What are Disney Good Neighbor Hotels and how do they compare to Disney resorts?
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are hotels located near Disney World and approved by Disney to provide quality experiences to visitors. These hotels offer convenience, affordability, and proximity to the popular theme parks while still providing a great stay experience.
They differ from Disney resorts in that they are not owned or managed by Disney; however, many of them offer Disney related discounts on park tickets, water park package deals, and special on-site benefits as well as shuttle services to the parks for an even more convenient vacation stay.
Though non-Disney affiliated, these independently owned hotels still provide quality accommodations - at a fraction of the cost compared to their on-property counterparts - that can truly make your trip magical!
Good Neighbor hotels are an excellent choice if you plan to explore more of Orlando than just the Walt Disney World Resort. Say you have planned the following itinerary: day 1 at Magic Kingdom, day 2 at Hollywood Studios, day 3 at Animal Kingdom, day 4 at EPCOT, day 5 at SeaWorld, and days 6 and 7 at Universal Orlando.
Florida has a lot to offer off-site and away from the Disney theme parks. A Good Neighbor hotel can give you both the Disney experience and the flexibility to visit other parks, too. Plus, you may be able to get discounted tickets for SeaWorld or Universal Orlando at some hotels, in addition to deals for the Disney part of your trip.
It’s important to note that Disneyland has Good Neighbor hotels, too. If you’re headed to California instead of Florida to meet Mickey, check out the perks you can get from a Disneyland Good Neighbor hotel.
Why staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel can be a great option for your Disney World vacation
Staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel while you're visiting Disney World can be a great choice! Not only are these hotels conveniently located off Disney property, but they also often offer more amenities than the traditional onsite resort.
You can expect larger and more comfortable guest rooms, private balconies, swimming pools and lounges, free parking, spa services, and even free breakfast. Not sure what benefits your Good Neighbor hotel offers? Check with guest services at check-in to see if you’ll get a discount on theme park tickets or a deluxe breakfast buffet. Note that your Magic Bands probably won’t work at a Good Neighbor hotel (as of this writing), but you can still enjoy other perks, like getting Amazon Fresh deliveries right to the front desk or a free shuttle to the Orlando convention center.
Additionally, many of these hotels offer packages with multiple nights' stay as well as shuttle service to the Disney parks so you won't have to worry about renting a car or relying on public transportation. Finally, Good Neighbor Hotels typically offer competitive rates which may fit better into your budget then staying directly onsite or having to take all meals in the parks.
How to choose the right Good Neighbor Hotel for your needs
Choosing the right Good Neighbor Hotel can be a tall task. To get the most out of your stay, it’s important to research the amenities and features that each hotel has to offer. A good place to start is by reading online reviews of similar establishments, as they may provide insight into what other travelers enjoyed or disliked about their visits. Be sure to consider your specific needs when selecting.
For instance, if you’re travelling with young kids, you may want to look for hotels that offer family-friendly packages with lots of extra amenities such as game rooms, toy boxes, and swimming pool areas with impeccable theming. Another great way to find the perfect Good Neighbor Hotel is by looking for discounts through websites like Groupon and Travelocity—you might just be surprised at the multitude of deals available for your next visit!
The top 10 Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, rated and reviewed
The Good Neighbor Hotels are an elite family of Disney approved hotels, located near the Orlando area theme parks. Staying at one of these select hotels allows guests to reap the benefits of generous amenities such as extra Magic Hours, complimentary transportation, and special discounts. Check with guest services to see if you still will get benefits like special Genie+ booking hours or AAA discounts.
From modern to quintessentially traditional, each beautiful hotel within this distinguished group has something unique to offer in terms of superior hospitality, comfortability and convenience. With expertly designed accommodations, visitors are sure to find a haven that suits even the pickiest of critics. From two bedroom suites to luxurious fitness centers, from pet-friendly family suites to walking distance to Hollywood Studios, there’s really a Good Neighbor hotel for every need.
After combing through customer reviews and ratings from past visitors, we have proudly compiled a list of the top 10 Disney Good Neighbor Hotels – perfect for any family or individual looking for a magical getaway!
1. Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista
2. The Grove Resort & Spa
3. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs Area
4. Holiday Inn Orlando-Lake Buena Vista
5. Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel
6. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Disney Springs Area
7. Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs™ Area
8. Radisson Hotel Orlando - International Drive South
9. Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive
10 Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
FAQs about Disney Good Neighbor Hotels
When it comes to planning a vacation, there are lots of questions that can arise. One popular destination for vacationers is Disney World and understanding the details of Disney Good Neighbor Hotels is essential in choosing where to stay. Good Neighbor Hotels are hotels located close to the Disney Parks that offer special amenities, services and discounts while upholding certain standards regarding quality and setting.
These hotels range from moderate to luxury in price and vary in locations so there's something available for everyone. Being aware of benefits such as free shuttle services and how far away each hotel is from the attractions can help travelers make an informed decision for their stay. Knowing what FAQs about these hotels will ensure travelers have a better overall experience when visiting Disney World.
Is there a benefit to staying on Disney property? With the removal of perks like the Magical Express shuttle from the Orlando airport, it’s less of an obvious win to choose a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Still, if you are a Disney loyalist and like to come to the resorts frequently, take trips on the Disney Cruise line, or want to visit places like Disney’s Aulani, it may make sense for you to get the Chase Disney Credit Card, earn some rewards, and book an onsite stay. The decision is highly personal, of course, but ultimately, you can’t really go wrong with any hotel you choose—after all, you’re in the most magical place on earth.