When it comes to planning your Disney World vacation, deciding where to stay can be the toughest part.
Should you stay in a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel for the ultimate Disney theming and amenities? Or, should you stay in a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel that offers many of the same perks as a hotel on Disney property? If you’ve always wondered whether or not staying outside of the bubble is right for you, keep reading because we’re bringing you our ranking of the Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels!
What Are Good Neighbor Hotels?
Located near Disney World and in the surrounding areas, Good Neighbor Hotels are not owned by Disney but instead have partnerships with the company. There’s typically a person on staff at each hotel who can help you with your Disney World vacation.
Good Neighbor Hotels range in cost from Value Resort pricing to Deluxe Resort pricing depending on what kind of stay you’re after as well. Not only that, but some Good Neighbor Hotels offer the same benefits you’d get in a Disney World Resort Hotel like Early Theme Park Entry and free transportation — but not all of them have these perks!
There are actually over 40 Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels, but only eight of them currently offer Early Park Entry — so those are the ones we’ll be ranking. We’re using Google for this which bases reviews out of 5 stars. Let’s get to it!
The BEST and WORST Disney World Hotels at Every Price Point
B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
The B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista is located right near Disney Springs, and is considered a “boutique hotel experience” that blends sophisticated theming with family-friendly fun. It seems as though B Resort guests agree, as it received 3.6 out of 5 stars.
Rooms start at $127 per night, and you can take advantage of Early Theme Park entry and free transportation to the parks, or enjoy watching the fireworks from your room’s window!
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Next up on the list of Good Neighbor Hotels is a place where you just might find a deal for less than $100 per night! Special rates start at $76 at the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.
These rooms were recently renovated, plus you can check out the Oasis Aquatic Pool and FREE transportation to Disney World. Guests rated this hotel 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
One of the hotels on this list features a huge, “Float Lagoon” pool complete with a splash pad for the kiddos! The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace boasts a 4 out of 5 stars, and is within walking distance to Disney Springs.
You’ll also find three onsite restaurants, three heated pools, a lazy river, and free shuttle service to the Disney parks, plus exclusive tee times at Disney golf courses.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
Starting at $109 per night, the DoubleTree Suites are a great option for those traveling in a larger group. There are one and two bedroom suites available — this is the only “all suite” hotel in the Disney Springs area.
Just like the other hotels on this list, the DoubleTree features Early Theme Park Entry and free shuttles to the parks — though you do need to reserve a spot! Guests rated this hotel a 4.1 out of 5.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
You can probably tell from the photo just how close this hotel is to Disney Springs, but the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista takes the crown as the closest Good Neighbor Hotel to Disney Springs.
Enjoy transportation to the Disney parks, plus heated pools and Early Theme Park Entry! The close proximity to Disney Springs is what garners a 4.2 out of 5 rating from guests.
Holiday Inn Orlando – 4.4
As Pitbull would say, “We at the hotel, motel, Holiday Inn” and in this case, he’s right. The Holiday Inn Orlando is a popular choice for many guests looking to stay outside of the Disney bubble as they’ve rated it 4.4 out of 5.
Hourly shuttles will take you to the Disney parks, but you will need to reserve a spot in advance. If you’re heading to Disney Springs, though, you can walk there from this hotel — or take advantage of the swimming pool, hot tub, and Early Theme Park Entry.
Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek – 4.5
Want to still get that Deluxe Resort feel while staying off property? The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek might be the hotel for you! It’s located conveniently nearby the parks and features all sorts of luxurious amenities.
World-class dining, five pools, nine hot tubs, two lazy rivers, and two splash pads are just some of the reasons guests rate this resort 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – 4.5
Last, but certainly not least (and tied for first!) is the Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek Hotel. This recently renovated hotel is located close to all the action but far enough away that you can take a breather.
Boasting 4.5 out of 5 stars, this hotel offers free park transportation, plus Early Theme Park Entry as well. Not only that, but guests can take advantage of highly rated dining experiences, pools, and recreation as well.
We Ranked All the Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels
Should You Stay in a Good Neighbor Hotel?
If you don’t mind being a bit further away from the action of the Disney bubble, staying in a Good Neighbor Hotel might be for you! This is especially true if you’re a member of any of these hotels’ rewards programs. Often times you can take advantage of even better deals by being a member.
You can find some of the same perks at a Good Neighbor Hotel, but if you want to really immerse yourself in your Disney World vacation, staying on property is probably a better choice.
Out of all of the Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels that offer Early Theme Park Entry, they all are 3.5 stars on Google, but only two of them have less than 4 stars! If you don’t mind being a little bit outside of the Disney bubble, you can still take advantage of some of the best Disney Resort Hotel perks without having to pay the Disney price (though you can if you want to)!
Still not sure where you should stay in Disney World? Find out why Deluxe Resorts are worth it here, and you can find out how to save on your Disney World hotel here. Plus, see how Disney World’s monorail resorts have changed over time here.
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, keep in mind that park pass reservations are still required — and be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news!
What Are The Benefits Of Staying at a Good Neighbor; Hotel In Disney World?
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Have you stayed at a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel? Let us know in the comments!
What about the good neighbor hotels?
You’ve listed ratings, not rankings. DFB has had the same misunderstanding lately. Also, you didn’t include the Four Seasons. Are their guests no longer eligible for early theme park entry? When was that removed? Or is this list supposed to only include budget options?
Thanks for posting this info. I have started looking into these and feel it is probably worth the mention of Resort and or Service fees charged by these hotels. Looking at Holiday Inn, their fee is near $38 a night. This fee is like a 35% upcharge that cannot be avoided. Have not looked at the others but I would imagine they would be in the same range.
Stayed at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Place earlier this month (August 2022). This is an active convention hotel. The staff is friendly and the pool area is great. The rest of the hotel is well worn and tired. The rooms need a complete refresh and there are noticeable maintenance and upkeep issues in common areas. Still no daily housekeeping.