Best Area to Stay Near Disney World: Hotels With Shuttles, Top Neighborhoods & More
Are you looking for the best area to stay near Disney World in Orlando? I’ve grown up in central Florida and I’m happy to help shed some light on places around Disney.
To make things easy, I’ll review multiple areas near Disney and I will note the driving times to the Magic Kingdom parking lot and sometimes to Universal. The driving times will always be the shortest option in normal traffic, whether it’s a toll road or not. I do recommend avoiding rush hour in the morning and evening (7AM to 9AM and 4PM to 7PM). Lastly, I’ve also provided various categories to help you in your search to find the right hotel or accommodation for your trip to Disney World!
Quick Picks: Best Places to Stay Near Disney World
| Category | Top Pick |
|---|---|
| Luxury | Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort |
| Mid-Range | Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area |
| Budget | Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista |
| Family Resort | Floridays Resort Orlando |
| Family Vacation Home | Upstay — Family Retreat w/ Pool, Games Room & Karaoke (Sleeps 18) |
| Couples | Waldorf Astoria Orlando |
| With Shuttle | Signia by Hilton Orlando |
| Large Groups | Spacious Bowling Villa, Lake Views (Sleeps 38) |
| Charming Stay | The Inn at Celebration, Autograph Collection |
| Between Disney & Universal | Hilton Orlando (International Drive) |
My Go-To Travel Tools
Hotels | Booking.com
Hotels & Cars | Expedia
Tours | Viator
Research & Hotels | Tripadvisor
Travel Insurance | Insubuy
Charming Towns Near Disney
When considering the best area to stay near Disney World, there are quite a few charming towns about a half hour or less from the Magic Kingdom parking lot! They all have charm, but in different ways, so let’s review each one to help you decide.
Celebration
Designed by Disney, so you know it has charm, Celebration is only 15 minutes from the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Celebration has an adorable downtown area with good restaurants and is the perfect off-site area if you still want to feel like you’re staying on Disney property.
I’ve gone down to Celebration a few times, and two of those instances was to enjoy the “snow” in the downtown part of Celebration during Christmas. Of course, it was just bubbles, but a magical experience nonetheless and definitely offers the Disney vibes.
- Boutique in Downtown Area | 16 Minute Drive | The Inn at Celebration, Autograph Collection
- Mid-Range | 10 Minute Drive | Meliá Orlando Celebration
- Family | 12 Minute Drive | 2-Bedroom, 2- Bath, 2 -Balcony, Corner Suite
Kissimmee
One of the most popular and budget friendly areas near Disney World is Kissimmee. While there are plenty of budget friendly options, Kissimmee also has a charming downtown area or you can stay near old town for more fun. I visited the historic downtown not that long by taking the Sunrail and loved the area!
When it comes to Kissimmee, I’d only consider the historic downtown charming, but it is about 30 minutes from the Magic Kingdom parking lot. Greater Kissimmee is full of affordable hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and family resorts, some of which are very close to Disney.
Overall, it’s proximity to Disney World, a charming downtown, and a beautiful lake, make it a great area for a Disney World Vacation.
- Upscale | 9 Minutes Disney | Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
- 3 Star Boutique | 10 Minute Drive | Kompose Boutique Resort at Theme Parks
- Historic Downtown | 24 Minute Drive | Kapp and Kappy B&B
- Family | 18 Minute Drive | Spacious 4Bd Home W/ Pool @ Storey Lake 2560
- Family | 14 Minute Drive | Barefoot’n Resort Kissimmee Orlando
- Large Family or Group | 14 Minute Drive | Upstay—Family Retreat w Pool, Games Room & Karaoke Sleeps 18
- Extra Large Family or Group | 20 Minute Drive | Spacious Bowling Villa, Lake Views Sleeps 38
- Budget Dorms | 17 Minute Drive | Bposhtels Orlando Disney
Winter Garden
When considering the best area to stay near Disney World, I love Winter Garden! It’s an authentic, charming town with good restaurants and cute shops. They also have a lake with public parks to enjoy it. There is also a bike trail going through Winter Garden, which is connected to all the other central Florida trails, perfect for any cyclists out there!
The con is it’s a bit further than the other options. In normal traffic it will take about 28 minutes to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. If you avoid the high traffic times, it’s a great option offering charm, authentic Florida town vibes and beauty.
- Near Downtown | 30 Minute Drive | Downtown Winter Garden Cottage! Sleeps 4
- Near Downtown | 30 Minute Drive | Walkable Winter Garden Bungalow: 3 Blocks to Dtwn Sleeps 4
- Near Downtown | 30 Minute Drive | Walk to Dtwn: Winter Garden Home w/ Patio Sleeps 4
- Lake Front | 30 Minute Drive | WATERFRONTWntrGdnHSE VIEWS Dock Wildlife 13mi Disn Sleeps 8
- 7 Minutes Drive to Downtown | 24 Minute Drive | Home2 Suites By Hilton Winter Garden
Lake Nona
For a clean, contemporary atmosphere, Lake Nona is worth considering! I have yet to visit Lake Nona, but I know it has experienced a boom in the last decade or so. It’s definitely been an up and coming residential area for a while and now businesses are moving there as well. Offering mostly mid-range options, it’s a growing area with plenty of restaurants that could be perfect for families or those wanting a newly built and quieter area. Oh and they have a market every weekend in the town center offering that small town vibe.
Lake Nona is about 25 to 30 minutes in normal traffic to the Magic Kingdom parking lot. It will definitely require a toll road so keep that in mind. Additionally, it’s only 10 minutes from the Orlando Airport (mco).
- 4 Star by Town Center| 26 Minute Drive | Lake Nona Wave Hotel
- 3 Star | 26 Minute Drive | Aloft Orlando Lake Nona
Summary: Choosing the Best Area to Stay Near Disney World
No matter your preferences, there’s an area near Disney World that will fit your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Best Overall for Families: Kissimmee — plenty of family-friendly resorts, vacation homes, and easy access to Disney World. Great mix of budget and mid-range options with convenient shuttle service.
- Best for Budget: Kissimmee & International Drive — affordable hotels, motels, and vacation rentals under $100 per night, plus some free or low-cost shuttles to the parks.
- Best for Luxury: Bonnet Creek (Waldorf Astoria, Signia by Hilton) — plus top luxury picks nearby: Four Seasons Resort Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
- Best for Charm: Celebration & Winter Garden — picturesque towns with quaint downtown areas, and good restaurants.
Where to Stay Near Disney and Universal
Disney and Universal are only about 20 to 30 minutes apart by car, so I wouldn’t stress too much about this. If you plan to spend more time at Disney, then make that your priority and vice versa. However, there is an area that is in the middle if that proves to be the most convenient. Or a cute town about equal distance to both.
International Drive
International Drive, also known as I-Drive, is a very touristy area that is lined with hotels, restaurants, and attractions. I-Drive has outlet shopping, Sea World, and the Orlando Eye (Ferris wheel) among many other attractions!
Your list of hotels here will seem endless as well! Additionally, this area is more touristy, so keep that in mind. It’s not far from Restaurant Row in Dr. Phillips if you want a nicer area also full of restaurants.
- Mid-Range | 20 Min to Disney & 12 Min to Universal | Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive
- Budget to Mid | 20 Min to Disney & Free Shuttle to Universal | Rosen Inn International Near The Parks
- Mid to Upper |18 Min to Disney & 12 Min to Universal | Hilton Orlando
Winter Garden
Winter Garden is a cute town and it’s about 30 minutes from both Disney and Universal! There are cute home rentals in the downtown area or some overlooking the lake. Winter Garden is a great area if you want a cute small town feel within driving distance of both theme parks.
- Near Downtown | 30 Minute Drive | Downtown Winter Garden Cottage! Sleeps 4
- Near Downtown |30 Minute Drive | Walkable Winter Garden Bungalow: 3 Blocks to Dtwn Sleeps 4
- 7 Minutes Drive to Downtown | 30 Minute Drive | Home2 Suites By Hilton Winter Garden
- Lake Front | 30 Minute Drive | WATERFRONTWntrGdnHSE VIEWS Dock Wildlife 13mi Disn Sleeps 8
Luxury
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge sits near Doctor Phillips, an affluent, residential area of Orlando. Whether you want to play golf or not, it’s only about 16 minutes from Universal and Disney will be approximately a 25 minute drive. Restaurant Row in Doctor Phillips is close by or you can enjoy downtown Winter Garden for a charming downtown and good food.
- 4 Star | 25 Minute Drive | Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Hotels Near Disney World Orlando With Shuttle
If you don’t plan to rent a car for your Walt Disney World Vacation, then free shuttles are a must! Once you are at Disney, it’s easy to get around with Disney transportation, so a shuttle to and from your hotel is so helpful!
The mid-range hotel options may offer shuttle services, but reviews tend to be mixed. If it’s in your budget, paying a bit more will offer a better experience overall, including with the shuttles.
However, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Resort Area is a mid-range option that offers shuttles, but is also within walking distance of Disney Springs. In about a 10 minute walk, you can be at a bus area for Disney resorts, making it a good plan B if the hotel shuttle doesn’t work out. While these buses may not go to parks, you could go to a Disney resort on the monorail line (like the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Polynesian) and then head to where you want from there.
Of course, if you have the budget and you’re looking for more reliable shuttles consider Signia by Hilton Orlando which mentions luxury motorcoach to all Disney parks as well as early entry!
Floridays Resort Orlando mentions shuttle to all theme parks and water parks, which is great if you want to do more than Disney. Reviews mentioned needing to reserve in advance, so call ahead to understand the process.
Of course, Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers luxury all around, including with their shuttles!
In general, shuttle service will vary, so call the hotel to ensure you know how the shuttle runs and how you can utilize it during your trip. Some hotels only offer very little in terms of the shuttle, so make sure it’s something you can utilize for the Disney itinerary you have in mind.
| Hotel | Category | Shuttle Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark | Mid-Range / Family | Free shuttle to Disney at certain times. |
| Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway – Free Theme Park Shuttle | Budget | Free shuttle; must reserve ahead. |
| Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks | Mid-Range / Family | Free shuttle to the parks. |
| Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area | Mid-Range | Free shuttle to all parks. |
| Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista | Budget | Free shuttle to some parks. |
| Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista | Mid-Range | Free shuttle, but only twice a day. |
| Wyndham Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Resort Area | Mid-Range / Resort Feel | Daily shuttle with 3rd party company, walk to Disney Springs. |
| Renaissance Orlando Resort | Mid to Upscale / Family-Friendly | Complimentary roundtrip shuttle service. |
| Signia by Hilton Orlando | 4 Star Upscale / Resort | Shuttle service to all Disney parks. |
| Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista | Mid-Range | Free shuttle, but serves multiple hotels. |
| Floridays Resort Orlando | Mid to Upper / Extended-Stay | Shuttle to all parks, reservation needed. |
| Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress | Upper Midscale / Resort | Shuttle available to Disney and Universal drop-offs. |
| Four Seasons Resort Orlando | Luxury | Complimentary coach shuttle to all parks. |
Interactive Map: Best Area to Stay Near Disney
Budget Options Near Disney
When considering budget options near Disney, Kissimmee and International Drive will have plenty. I looked at options under $100 per night with decent reviews and provided them below. There are more to choose from, but be sure to read the reviews to know what you’re getting into.
- 10 Minute Drive | Quality Inn & Suites By the Parks
- 12 Minute Drive | voco Kissimmee Orlando by IHG
- 14 Minute Drive | Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
- 10 Minute Drive | Quality Inn & Suites Kissimmee by The Lake
- 10 Minute Drive | Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway – Free Theme Park Shuttle
- 18 Minute Drive | WoodSpring Suites Orlando I-4 & Convention Center
- 18 Minute Drive | Hotel SonoHotel IDrive District
Luxury Options Near Disney
There are great luxury options near Disney! Whether you want to stay at the Four Seasons or The Ritz-Carlton, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for your Disney holiday!
While Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is the furthest from Disney of the below luxury options, it’s 16 minutes from Universal, making it a great option for all the theme parks of Orlando.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort offers complimentary shuttles to Disney parks, including Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. It’s also stated that fireworks are visible from this resort, making it a great luxury stay for a Disney vacation!
- 5 Star | 12 Minute Drive | Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
- 5 Star | 20 Minute Drive | The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
- 5 Star | 14 Minute Drive | Waldorf Astoria Orlando – An Official Walt Disney World® Hotel
- 4 Star | 25 Minute Drive | Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- 4 Star | 13 Minute Drive | Signia by Hilton Orlando – An Official Walt Disney World Hotel
- 4 Star | 13 Minute Drive | JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
Family-Friendly Accommodations Nearby
The beauty of looking for the best area to stay near Disney World is there will be no shortage of kid friendly options! Since Disney is a popular destination for families, there are plenty of great accommodation options for families!
Resorts & Hotels
For family-friendly luxury, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort offers a water park and a complimentary daily kids club!
Signia by Hilton Orlando has pools, a lazy river and an arcade! Additionally, since it’s close to Disney, they offer shuttles to the parks.
Floridays Resort Orlando is a more affordable option and includes 2 or 3 bedroom units so families can spread out. They have a large pool area and offer shuttles to the parks.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa has a waterpark that includes a lazy river and water slides!
A mid-range option Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area offers free shuttles to the parks, pool, splash pad and an arcade! It’s conveniently located in the Disney Springs area as well!
If you’re looking for a budget option, consider Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista. They offer pools, a splash pad and a playground for kids! They also offer a free shuttle to some parks.
- Luxury | 12 Minute Drive | Four Seasons Resort Orlando at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
- 4 Star | 13 Minute Drive | Signia by Hilton Orlando – An Official Walt Disney World Hotel
- Affordable Condo-Resort | 17 Minute Drive | Floridays Resort Orlando
- 4 Star | 13 Minute Drive | JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
- 3 Star | 14 Minute Drive | Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
Rental Homes
If you rent a car and would prefer a vacation home in the area, you’ll have plenty of good options! Most will come with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and plenty of rooms and bathrooms giving you more space overall. Some offer private pools or game rooms, making even a rental home a fun time for the family!
- Sleeps 6 – Private Pool & Lake View | 30 Minute Drive | Charming 3-bedroom house with Lake view, in fantastic Kissimmee
- Sleeps 18 – Pool, Billiards, Movie Theatre | 22 Minute Drive | Upstay—Family Retreat w Pool, Games Room & Karaoke
- Sleeps 10 – Resort Pool & Lazy River, Game Room | 18 Minute Drive | Lux 5BR Home w/Game Room, 4 Suites & Private Pool
Things to Know Before Booking
Resort Fees
Many Orlando hotels charge a daily resort fee in addition to the room rate. These fees vary by property and usually cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and shuttle service. Always check before booking so you know the total cost of your stay. Some resorts may not charge this resort fee up front, so it’s good to ask.
Parking Fees
A lot of hotels charge for parking, so be sure to check on parking fees if you plan to rent a car. You’ll definitely want to ensure it’s part of your budget as it can really add up. Of course, having a car offers more freedom to explore the best day trips from Orlando!
Call to Confirm Amenities
If there’s an amenity you have your heart set on like shuttle service or a lazy river, I recommend calling in advance to confirm. Details on the shuttles vary, so it’s a good idea to call so you understand the process and schedules offered.
Additionally, amenities like pools or lazy rivers could potentially be under construction or may not be heated. Getting a lay of the land and setting your expectations accurately will help to avoid any disappointments on arrival.
Pack for the Season
This may seem obvious, but Florida is far more humid than some realize in the summer, and temperatures can drop randomly in the winter! It’s important to know what things to pack for Florida, so you’re not caught off guard!
This year, it was incredibly hot starting in May, but other years May can still offer temperate weather. November usually offers cooler weather, but one year I also went to the beach at the end of November! Be sure to check the weather forecast before you pack, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months.
Best Area to Stay Near Disney World
I hope this article was helpful and you are able to choose the best area to stay near Disney World for your trip! Orlando has so much to offer, so I hope you enjoy your time in Florida whether you’re riding rides at theme parks or relaxing on a beach!
