Budget-friendly hotels for families
By Mimi Slawoff
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (Courtesy Disney)
So you’re excited about going to Disney World but wonder whether you can find a decent family-friendly hotel near the theme parks for $100 max per night. The good news: staying in a value priced hotel close to Disney World might be more affordable than you think.
In fact, there are several on-site Disney properties that start at about $92 per night. Even these value priced properties offer many of the same perks as the fancier Disney resorts. These amenities include free self-parking, free transportation to theme and water parks, and complimentary transportation and luggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport (advance reservations are required).
There are also good bargains at off-site hotels near Disney World. While the nightly rates may not be less than at a Disney resort, these hotels typically offer more space and money-saving amenities.
Here’s a sampling of on-site and off-site Disney World hotels for budget-conscious families.
On-Site Disney Properties
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (Flickr: Atiq Nazri)
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Get in the groove at this cool resort that pays homage to popular music genres and features a heated, guitar-shaped swimming pool. Standard rooms have two double beds and views of the courtyard, pool or parking area. From $92/night.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Whimsical décor featuring classic Disney films extends to the Fantasia-themed pool where Sorcerer Mickey sprays water at guests. There’s also a separate kiddie pool and water play area nearby. Catch Disney flicks during Movies Under the Stars on select nights. Hotel amenities include in-room pizza delivery. Standard room rates from $92/night.
(MORE: Accommodations at Disney World for Large Families)
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground (Courtesy Disney)
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. No ordinary campground, the resort embraces an American frontier theme complete with live deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. Amenities: free bus transportation from the cabins and campsites to the campground’s dinner shows, groceries and Disney theme parks. Full hook-up campsites start at $69/night.
Off-Site Properties
Buena Vista Suites (Courtesy Buena Vista Suites)
Buena Vista Suites. Located about two miles from Disney World, this modern hotel features suites that sleep up to four adults and two kids. With a separate living room and pull-out sofa in each suite, there’s room for everyone to stretch their legs and enjoy two flat-screen TVs, mini-fridge and microwave. Family amenities include free full-American buffet breakfast, heated pool and transportation to Disney theme parks. From about $100. The hotel’s nearby sister property — Caribe Royale – has rates starting at about $110/night.
(MORE: Insider Guide: Walt Disney World)
Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas (Courtesy Starwood Hotels)
Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas. Located about four miles from Disney World, the congenial family resort offers value (not cheaper) packages. Save on meals by cooking your own in one- and two-bedroom villas with fully appointed kitchens or kitchenettes, and washers/dryers. One bedroom villas sleep up to four people. Pools, playgrounds and daily activities are among property amenities. Rates vary, but with special deals can start from $123 to $170.
Mimi Slawoff of Planetfamilytravel contributed this to MiniTime. She is a Los Angeles-based journalist and a seasoned family travel expert who explores the world with her three children and writes about their journeys.
