Top 6 Family Friendly Hotels Near Walt Disney World

Why Choose Hotels Near Disney World Instead of Staying On-Site?

When planning a Disney World vacation with little ones, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in your family’s experience. While Disney’s on-site properties offer undeniable charm, savvy parents are discovering excellent alternatives just minutes from the parks that provide both comfort and value.

Save Money Without Sacrificing Space: Off-Site Hotel Benefits

Smart Savings Without Sacrificing Space Off-site hotels near Disney World often feature larger rooms at significantly lower prices than their on-property counterparts. Many offer suite-style accommodations with separate living areas and kitchenettes – perfect for maintaining naptime routines and storing snacks for hungry toddlers. By booking through Hotels.com, you can earn rewards nights for future travels, whether it’s another Disney adventure or a different destination entirely.

Understanding the Trade-offs While staying off-site means you won’t have access to certain Disney perks like early park entry, the cost savings and extra space often outweigh these considerations. The main trade-off is transportation – you’ll need to plan a few extra minutes for your commute to the parks. However, with most hotels in our list located just 10-15 minutes away, the difference is minimal with proper planning.

REALTED POST: Best Hotels for Toddlers at Walt Disney World

Transportation Options to Disney World Parks

Getting to the Parks Transportation options are plentiful and straightforward:

Hotel shuttles: Many properties offer scheduled transportation to Disney parks
Rental cars: Provide flexibility for families with young children, though you’ll need to factor in parking fees
Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft are readily available, offering convenient transport without parking hassles
Local shuttle services: Several companies provide scheduled park transportation for a fee

Best Family-Friendly Hotels Near Disney World with Toddler Amenities

Planning a family trip to Walt Disney World is exciting, but choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. To help you find the perfect stay, we’ve rounded up the top-rated hotels near the parks that are not Disney properties – three of which we have already stayed at and the other three are the top recommended by others.

These hotels offer toddler-friendly amenities like splash pads and water parks, as well as family-friendly rooms. Booking through Hotels.com allows you to secure these accommodations conveniently while taking advantage of any available deals or promotions.

Note: Prices and ratings are subject to change. Please check the provided links for the most current information. Disney with Toddlers is a member of the Hotels.com affiliate program and may receive a small commission for purchases made through our links at no added cost to you.

1. The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

Location: Winter Garden, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 6 miles
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Surfari Water Park: Features a lazy river, water slides, and a splash area for toddlers.
Kids’ Activities: Daily programs designed for children of all ages.
Spacious Suites: Multi-bedroom accommodations with full kitchens and living areas.
Rating: 4.5/5
Average Price Range per Night: $250–$400
Link: The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

2. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark, an IHG Hotel

Location: Orlando, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 1 mile
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Water Park: On-site water park with slides, splash zones, and a poolside lounge.
4-D Experience Theater: Interactive movies suitable for young children.
Family Suites: Rooms designed with kids in mind, including bunk beds and play areas.
Rating: 4/5
Average Price Range per Night: $150–$300
Link: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark

3. Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Location: Kissimmee, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 4.7 miles
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Island H2O Live! Water Park: A 12-acre water park featuring 14 attractions, including areas suitable for toddlers.
Lagoon-Style Pools: Multiple pools with shallow entries ideal for young children.
Parakeets Kids Club: Supervised activities and programs tailored for children.
Spacious Accommodations: Options range from standard rooms to multi-bedroom cottages, perfect for families.
Rating: 4.5/5
Average Price Range per Night: $168–$298
Link: Margaritaville Resort Orlando

4. Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Location: Orlando, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 3 miles
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Free Kids’ Club: Complimentary supervised activities and programs for children.
Multiple Pools: Several outdoor pools, some featuring splash pads suitable for toddlers.
Villa-Style Accommodations: Spacious units with kitchens and separate living areas, perfect for families.
Rating: 4.5/5
Average Price Range per Night: $200–$350
Link: Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

5. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

Location: Kissimmee, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 2 miles
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Children Stay Free: Policies allowing children to stay at no additional cost.
Free Cribs/Infant Beds: Complimentary cribs available upon request.
Children’s Pool and Playground: Dedicated areas designed for young children to play safely.
Spacious Villas: Accommodations equipped with full kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms.
Rating: 4/5
Average Price Range per Night: $175–$325
Link: Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort

6. Westgate Vacation Villas Resort

Location: Kissimmee, FL
Distance from Walt Disney World: Approximately 1 mile
Family-Friendly Amenities:

Shipwreck Island Water Park: On-site water park featuring a variety of slides and splash areas suitable for toddlers. *added cost, or a visit to their timeshare presentation
Multiple Pools: Fourteen heated outdoor pools, some with children’s sections.
Playground: Outdoor play areas equipped with swings and slides for young children.
Villa Accommodations: Units ranging from studios to multi-bedroom villas, offering ample space for families.
Rating: 4/5
Average Price Range per Night: $150–$300
Link: Westgate Vacation Villas Resort

Hotel Amenities That Make Disney Trips Easier with Kids

When traveling to Disney World with children, certain hotel amenities can transform your vacation from manageable to magical. Look for properties that offer complimentary breakfast – this simple perk can save both time and money during your stay. Many hotels in our list feature kid-friendly pools with splash areas and shallow sections perfect for toddlers. Consider hotels with on-site restaurants for those evenings when everyone’s too tired to venture out. Coin-operated laundry facilities are another valuable amenity, especially for families with young children who may need unexpected outfit changes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Off-Site Disney Hotel for Your Family

Start by considering your daily schedule. If you plan for afternoon breaks with young children, choose a hotel closer to the parks to make mid-day returns more convenient. Check the hotel’s room configurations – some offer convenient room dividers or separate sleeping areas that make naptime easier without forcing the whole family to tip-toe around in darkness. Read recent reviews from other families, paying special attention to mentions of cleanliness, safety features, and staff responsiveness. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of transportation when comparing prices – a slightly more expensive hotel with a free shuttle service might actually save money compared to a cheaper option requiring daily ride-share services.

How to Maximize Hotel Rewards When Booking Disney Area Hotels

Booking through Hotels.com offers a straightforward way to earn rewards on your Disney area stay. Their rewards program gives you one free night for every 10 nights booked, which can be used at thousands of properties worldwide. We’ve found this particularly valuable for family travel, as you can use your rewards earned during a Disney trip for a future weekend getaway or another family vacation. The program also includes “secret prices” and member-exclusive deals that can help reduce your overall vacation cost. Plus, Hotels.com’s price guarantee ensures you’re getting competitive rates while still earning rewards. Remember to book your stay while logged into your rewards account to ensure your nights are counted toward your free stay.

While Disney’s on-site hotels offer their own special magic, these family-friendly alternatives prove you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or convenience when staying off-property. With spacious rooms designed for families, toddler-friendly amenities, and locations just minutes from Disney World, these hotels offer excellent value for your vacation budget. Plus, booking through Hotels.com lets you earn rewards toward future adventures while enjoying competitive rates on your Disney stay. Browse our carefully selected properties to find the perfect match for your family’s magical vacation.