One of the best and easiest ways to save on your family Disney trip is to cut down on your accommodation costs. Another great way is to find a local resort that can fill a day or two of your trip so that you can get more bang for your buck. Both options are excellent when it comes to saving on your Disney trip and give you a lot more flexibility to build the perfect trip for yourself and your family.
There are many great affordable options when it comes to accommodation. You can choose a suite with a full kitchen, for example, and save instead on food costs. You can go with a big group and choose a room that can accommodate everyone in a smaller space. When you look outside of Disney World, there are so many great options and so many ways that you can save.
If you are on a particularly tight budget, you will want to find a room or suite that can accommodate your family, one that has a kitchen so that you can make meals in your temporary home, and of course, one that has great amenities like a pool or even waterpark so that you can spend a few days relaxing poolside while your kids have a thrilling time without a big extra cost for the day.
These tips help you choose the best resort for your big family trip, and this shortlist of hotels will help you pick the best of the best.
Areas and Neighborhoods to Book Your Budget Disney Vacation
One of the best ways to book your ultimate vacation to Orlando is to understand the various areas. While Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are in Orlando, don’t be confused and think that Lake Buena Vista, Grand Cypress, or Kissimmee are hours away. They aren’t. The best hotels and resorts will be in one of these top areas, which are close to the action and offer some great things to do in and of themselves.
Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista is one of the two towns where Walt Disney World Resort is located in. The second town is Bay Lake. That makes the resorts in Lake Buena Vista some of the closest resorts around. Here you can typically find some great rates for rooms and some excellent amenities like free shuttle transportations.
This area is typically full of families, so the resorts have accommodated to offer kids clubs and kid-friendly programs that are perfect for keeping everyone, big and small, entertained throughout your stay.
International Drive
International Drive is a long stretch of road that is pretty famous in its own right. It is just 20 minutes from the international airport in Orlando and is where you can find Orange County Convention Center. If you are in the area for business and are hoping to spend a few half-days at one of the theme parks, then this can be the ultimate area to book your hotel.
There are other great things to do in the area as well. You can visit the Wheel at ICON Park or go to WonderWorks.
As you have easy access to the I-4, you will be able to reach Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and downtown Orlando in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for those who want to do it all.
Kissimmee/Celebration
Kissimmee and Celebration aren’t on the top of the list in terms of local things to see and do, but when it comes to affordable accommodation and good connections to Walt Disney World, they can be a great option. Here you will find the most budget-friendly options in the area.
Celebration, in particular, is a great choice, as the area was originally designed by Disney. This makes it a stunning place to stay and even visit. Here you will be able to find The Bohemian Hotel, which, like its downtown sister, features artwork that you can view.
You can get to Walt Disney World Resort directly from here by driving north along the US-192.
The Best Budget-Friendly Disney Area Hotels
While you cannot go wrong by choosing any resort in the above areas, these are the top options and favorites amongst international and local travelers alike. Book one for great value, its great location, and for the many excellent things to do onsite and nearby.
Source: Facebook, posted on January 7, 2022, Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center’s Official profile
1. Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center Resort
This property has two resorts. The first offers rooms and suites, and the second offers villas to provide groups of all sizes with the spacious, luxurious accommodation they need for a winning vacation to Disney.
When it comes to the best resorts closer to Disney, Westgate is one of the best. Both it is Westgate Vacation Villas and Town Center Resort and the Westgate Lakes Resort, and Spa offer a wide variety of accommodation options and excellent water features, including multiple pools, hot tubs, and a waterpark that only costs $20 per day extra.
The biggest draw for those planning their first Disney trip, of course, is that you will be just 3.5 miles away from Walt Disney World. If you want to split your time or spend one day at Universal Studios, know you won’t be far from this excellent park, as it is only 14.9 miles away.
The resort even offers a shuttle service, so you don’t need to drive yourself to these top destinations.
Source: Instagram, posted on October 15, 2021, Avanti International Resort’s Official profile
2. Avanti International Resort
Avanti International Resort is one of the perfect resorts that is within equal distance to Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the downtown area.
If you want to try to do it all and get a good mix of Disney, Universal, and Orlando, then look no further than Avanti International Resort. This hotel offers a massive recreation area that is perfect for all types of travelers. Not only is there a pool and poolside café, but you can play beach volleyball, enjoy one of the onsite eateries, or head outside and enjoy an of the many local establishments in the area.
On Fridays, there is even a local exhibition held by local artists and creatives between 3pm and 6pm.
Source: Instagram, posted on February 6, 2022, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress’ Official profile
3. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is one of the top family-friendly resorts in the area and offers many excellent activities and programs to keep you entertained during your downtime.
This large hotel is right next door to Walt Disney and has onsite pools, spa services, restaurants, and even a kids program called Camp Hyatt. While you enjoy some quiet and alone time with just the adults in your group, your kids will be out there making friends while they swim, paddle boat, rock climb, and more.
Take the shuttle to Disney World during the day, and come back for great eats and poolside relaxation in the evenings. At Hyatt Regency, you will get it all for a great price.
Source: Instagram, posted on August 17, 2018, Drury Inn and Suites Orlando’s Official profile
4. Drury Inn and Suites Orlando
If you want truly budget-friendly accommodation, than look no further than Drury Inn and Suites Orlando, which offers giveaways and park partnership packages.
Follow Drury Inn and Suites Orlando online to stay up to date on the many giveaways and special deals that they offer throughout the year. You will also want to look into the special park partnership deals that they may have at the time.
To save further, take advantage of their complimentary breakfasts and their 5:30 Kickback program that lets you get freebies from free wine and beer to free soft drinks to even a few hot bites. Kids can even get free popcorn in the lobby between 3pm and 10pm.
Get to Disney or Universal with their free shuttle service as well, so you don’t need to worry about wasting time driving and parking and can get straight to the action.
Source: Instagram, posted on March 23, 2022, Rosen Inn International Official profile
5. Rosen Inn International
Rosen Inn International is an excellent value-centric resort that offers tropical décor and vibes for less, making it perfect for the whole family.
This resort can be found on International Drive or I Drive, and offers many great amenities that will keep everyone having fun for less. One of the best features for families with little kids is that their buffet service allows kids under 9 to eat for free when accompanied by a paying adult (one kid per adult).
There are pools, a playground, and even a video arcade. It is a family-friendly haven with many fun things to do and is close to all the big theme parks. You won’t be far from the action and have an affordable, comfortable place to retreat to at the end of a long day out.
