Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Planning your holiday to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida is full of important decisions. One of the main decisions is where to stay. While there is a great range of hotels available at Walt Disney World there are also some excellent off-site places to stay. Believe it or not, some of the top hotels in Central Florida do not have “Disney” in their name. It can be cheaper to stay off-site and some families don’t want everything to constantly be all about Disney, that’s certainly true of my husband.
If you also plan to visit Universal Orlando, the Kennedy Space Centre and SeaWorld it is more convenient to stay outside of Walt Disney World. Many off-site hotel prices include breakfast, but Disney hotels don’t. The accommodation can also be a lot more spacious off-site and include kitchens so that you can save money by staying self-catering.
The Grove Resort and Waterpark Orlando – Kissimmee
Address: 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787, United States
Hotel Information – Located close to Walt Disney World is the sprawling Grove Resort and Waterpark. It has a lakeside location and comes complete with three swimming pools, restaurants and a waterpark. Surfai has a 700-foot-long lazy river, waterslides, a dual-rider surf simulator and a splash park for kids.
On the lake families can enjoy boating about on pedalos, paddling on kayaks and fishing. Kids will love the activity centre and there are arcade games. Just a 10-minute drive away is a 45-hole golf course. You can stay in a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment which is great for families and all have their own balcony.
Worldquest Orlando Resort – Lake Buena Vista
Address: 8849 Worldquest Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
Hotel Information – Bringing the Mediterranean to Florida is the Worldquest Orlando Resort. Located next to a lake the hotel looks like an Italian mansion. There is a 5-minute free shuttle to Walt Disney World four days a week. Suites at Worldquest come as standard with a fully equipped kitchenette and roomy lounges. They have 2 or 3 bedrooms with plenty of in-room facilities.
Outdoors there is a swimming pool with a hot tub and a bar next to it. If you want to make use of the kitchenette the hotel has its own mini-market which is open 24 hours a day. Guests can also make use of the on-site gym and there is free Wi-Fi throughout.
Rosen Shingle Creek – International Drive
Address: 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hotel Information – The Rosen Shingle Creek is situated within the peaceful grounds of a golf course and is just a 5-minute drive from International Drive with numerous restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas and mini golf courses. The hotel is close to many attractions and on-site you have a number of restaurants and bars to choose from.
There are three outdoor pools including one just for the kids and with plenty of sun loungers, you have lots of places to chill out after a busy day at the theme parks. Other facilities include tennis courts, arcade machines, volleyball and basketball. Plus there is a spa for those aged 16+ and a gym. There’s a regular shuttle bus service to attractions such as Universal Orlando Resorts, SeaWorld and Aquatica.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa – Lake Buena Vista
Address: 8113 Resort Village Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
Hotel Information – Just 3 miles to Walt Disney World, 7 miles to SeaWorld and 10 miles to Universal Orlando is the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa. There is a hotel-run bus service to all three parks which you can use twice a week for free.
This hotel has a huge pool with a life-sized pirate ship for the kids to play on. There is also a second, lake-style pool for those looking for a quieter time. You can choose between 2 or 3-bedroom apartments which all have air-conditioning, WiFi, a flatscreen TV and a fully-equipped kitchen. The hotel also has two restaurants, a games room, free Wi-Fi, a minimarket, a spa and a fitness centre.
Caribe Royale Resort Suites – Lake Buena Vista
Address: 8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
Hotel Information – The Caribe Royal Resort and Suites is a seriously impressive hotel. It has had a contemporary revamp in 2022 and with a complimentary Disney shuttle it is a great family-friendly place to stay. Universal Orlando Resort is also just a 15-minute car drive away.
Suites in this hotel either have 2 queen-sized beds or 1 king-sized bed and can sleep up to 5 people. There is a lagoon-like pool with waterfalls and a waterslide. Plus hot tubs and a kid’s splash pool. The hotel has a choice of places you can eat plus tennis courts, a playground, arcade machines, a spa and a fitness centre.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando Hotel – Kissimmee
Address: 8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States
Hotel Information – Located right next to the Island H2O Water Park is the Margaritaville Resort Orlando Hotel. It is also situated close to theme parks with a complimentary shuttle service available. It is a great hotel for families and is full of things to do.
There is a huge tropical lagoon-style pool with its own beach. The hotel has a couple of restaurants, an evening entertainment programme and a hotel-run kids’ club. Adults will love the on-site spa and 24-hour gym plus the shops and minimarket.
Rosen Inn International – International Drive
Address: 7600 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hotel Information – Located right on International Drive is the Rosen Inn International. With shops just across the road and a short drive to Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Orlando this hotel is certainly well-appointed. The hotel runs a free shuttle bus to Universal, this is subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
On-site there are two swimming pools, perfect for relaxing in at the end of the day. There is an on-site restaurant and bar plus a playground and games room for the kids. This hotel even runs an evening entertainment programme.
The Avanti Resort – International Drive
Address: 8738 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hotel Information – With a prime central location on International Drive is The Avanti Resort. It is close to all the main theme parks and the hotel runs a free shuttle bus to the biggest parks. The bedrooms are bright, spacious and modern with air-conditioning, an LCD TV, a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi and more. Their double rooms can sleep up to 4 people.
Outdoors there is a large swimming pool with fountains for little ones and a neighbouring whirlpool bath. There is a sandy area that’s set aside for volleyball games or the kids can build a sandcastle. Adults can work out in the fitness centre and you can enjoy live music after dark.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings
Address: 13279 Hartzog Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787, United States
Hotel Information – Close to the Walt Disney World Resort is the Springhill Suites by Marriott Orlando at Flamingo Crossings. International Drive is a 20-minute drive away plus Universal Orlando is less than half an hour away.
The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool with a whirlpool. Plus there is a poolside bar and grill and you are just across the road from restaurants and fast-food joints. For adults, there is an air-conditioned gym plus a convenience store.
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista Orlando Resort – International Drive
Address: 8480 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Hotel Information – With a prime spot on International Drive just across from the ICON Park Wheel is the Sonesta ES Suites Orlando. Their apartments have been recently renovated with fully-equipped kitchens, 1-2 bedrooms, air conditioning and more. You are just a short drive away from the main theme parks.
There is a shared swimming pool which is a peaceful place to be surrounded by palms and shrubs. The 24-hour mini-market is great for those wanting to cook meals and you can get your fix of coffee. Other facilities include free Wi-Fi, a gym and a games room. The hotel also runs a shuttle bus to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
For further reading and inspiration, why not check out all our other Walt Disney World and Florida posts?
