I’ve been looking into different places to stay near the fun in Orlando, and I found some really interesting options around Disney Springs. This area is quite a big outdoor spot with lots of shops and places to eat, and it seems like a great place to be if you want to experience a lot of what Disney World has to offer without being right in the middle of the theme park queues all the time. It’s a place that gets a lot of attention from visitors, and I can see why. It has some of the best stores and restaurants not just at Disney World, but in Central Florida too. Many hotels are located nearby, making it easy to reach. I’m hoping this guide helps you figure out which hotel might be the best fit for your family’s trip in 2026.
Where to Stay Near Disney Springs
When I think about visiting Orlando, I know there are many places with great food, fun bars, and lots of shops. Disney Springs is one of those places that brings many of these things together right within the Disney World property. Whether you love food, shopping, or just want a nice place to relax after a day of fun, staying near Disney Springs can make your trip even better.
The hotels around Disney Springs offer a good mix of choices. You have Disney’s own moderate resorts and some Disney Vacation Club villas. Plus, there are several well-known hotel brands like Hilton, Wyndham, and Holiday Inn. This means there are many places that can fit different budgets and preferences.
Disney-Operated Hotels
If you prefer to stay in hotels managed by Disney, you have a few good options that are close to Disney Springs. These hotels often come with extra Disney perks that can make your visit smoother. They also have a special Disney feel that many families enjoy.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
I think this resort is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a bit of New Orleans charm. The buildings have lovely details like wrought-iron balconies and gas lamps, making it feel special. It’s a moderate resort, which usually means it’s a bit more affordable than the deluxe options but still offers a great experience.
For guests, there’s a fun pool called Doubloon Lagoon with a water slide that looks like it’s made from Mardi Gras floats. Adults might enjoy the Scat Cat’s Club for some live jazz music. For quick meals, the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory offers a variety of food options, perfect for when you need something fast.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
This resort feels like stepping back in time, with two different areas to choose from. You can stay in the rustic Alligator Bayou or the more elegant Magnolia Bend. They even have special Royal Guest Rooms if you want to feel like royalty during your stay.
The main pool area, Ol’ Man Island, is quite large and has a playful theme of an old sawmill. There’s a long water slide and activities sometimes available, like campfires. You can also rent bikes or surrey bikes, and sometimes horse-drawn carriage rides are offered, which sounds like a lovely, old-fashioned way to spend time. Boatwright’s Dining Hall is where you can enjoy Southern comfort food.
Disney Vacation Club Villas
For those who prefer more space and the conveniences of a home, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) villas are a great choice. They are designed for longer stays and often have separate living areas and kitchens.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
This resort is known for having some of the biggest villas in Disney World. It was actually the very first DVC resort. The villas are designed like beach cottages, giving a relaxed feel. They come with many things you’d find in your own home, which is very convenient for families.
The Sandcastle Pool is a highlight, with a big waterslide coming out of a sandcastle. There’s also a lighthouse with a sauna. Olivia’s Café is a restaurant here that many people love for its brunch and island-style dishes. It’s a good place if you have a larger group and want everyone to have their own space.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
This resort is inspired by the historic Saratoga Springs in New York, known for its spas and horse racing. It’s designed to be a peaceful place, which can be a nice break from the excitement of the theme parks. They even have treehouses you can stay in, which sounds like a unique experience.
While families can enjoy the pools, adults might find the spa treatments appealing. There’s also a golf course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. A really nice benefit is that Saratoga Springs is within easy walking distance to Disney Springs, which makes getting to the shopping and dining very convenient.
Chain Hotels Near Disney Springs
Beyond the hotels owned by Disney, there are several well-known hotel brands located very close to Disney Springs. These hotels are officially part of Walt Disney World Resort, so you can still get some of the benefits like Early Theme Park Entry, even though they are not run directly by Disney. This can be a good way to earn hotel points while still being close to the magic.
B Resort & Spa
I found that the B Resort & Spa is about a 0.6-mile walk from Disney Springs. The rooms are described as modern and stylish, with large windows that offer views of Walt Disney World. It also has a zero-entry pool, which is great for younger children getting in and out of the water safely. There are different dining options available within the resort.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area
This DoubleTree is one of the hotels that feels a bit further from Disney Springs, around a 0.7-mile walk. However, if you are part of the Hilton Honors program or just love their famous chocolate chip cookies, this could be a good choice for you. Staying here allows you to collect those hotel rewards points.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
This is one of the newer hotels, having opened in late 2022. I learned that it offers modern rooms and includes complimentary hot breakfast every morning. They also have a nice perk: a free reception in the evening with snacks and drinks, which can save you some money on food.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
This Hilton hotel is located right across the street from Disney Springs, making it very convenient. The rooms are described as modern and newly renovated. It also boasts a large pool area, and I was interested to hear it includes a lazy river. Having a lazy river can be a lot of fun for everyone in the family.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Also located across Buena Vista Drive from Disney Springs, this Hilton is similar to its sister property. While it might not have the newest rooms or the lazy river, the guestrooms are comfortable. It also offers a variety of dining choices, including a Benihana Steakhouse, which is good for some exciting dinner shows.
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
For those who collect IHG points, the Holiday Inn Orlando is a good option. The rooms are described as cozy and modern. It features a zero-entry pool, which is nice for easy access. I also noted they have a new game area with outdoor games like cornhole and ping pong, plus a giant Connect Four, which could be fun for families.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
I found that the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista is the closest hotel to Disney Springs, only about 0.3 miles away. This makes it super easy to walk to all the shops and restaurants. The rooms are described as simple but elegant, and it has a large pool area with views of the Disney World resort.
Why Choose a Disney Springs Hotel
When I was comparing hotels, I noticed that staying at a Disney Springs Resort Area hotel has its own set of advantages, even if they aren’t as close to the theme parks as some other Disney resorts. They don’t have access to the Monorail or the Disney Skyliner, which are popular transportation systems. However, they offer unique benefits that might be perfect for your trip.
One of the biggest draws is being within walking distance or a short water taxi ride to Disney Springs. This entertainment district is packed with fantastic restaurants, unique shops like the World of Disney, and places to enjoy live music. For families like mine, with Emma who is six, and my older daughter Sofia, who is thirteen, having easy access to so many different dining and entertainment options right outside our hotel is a huge plus. It means less time in transit and more time enjoying ourselves. I imagine it would be very relaxing to take a water taxi for dinner and then head back to the hotel with our shopping bags.
These hotels also connect to the Disney theme parks via a bus system. While the buses might not be the fastest way to get around Walt Disney World, they are convenient and free. It’s a simple way to get to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom. For the non-Disney hotels, there’s usually a shuttle service to the parks. If you want to visit a different Disney resort, you’d catch the bus from the main bus stop at Disney Springs.
Another benefit I’m considering is the mix of Disney-owned hotels and chain hotels. Staying at a Disney resort means you get perks like Early Theme Park Entry. But, chain hotels, like those from Hilton or IHG, can be less expensive and allow you to earn hotel reward points. Many of the chain hotels near Disney Springs offer both: they are official Walt Disney World resorts and allow you to collect points. This balance can be very appealing when planning a budget-friendly but still magical trip.
Planning Your Stay
Deciding on the best hotel for your family really comes down to what’s most important for your trip. I like to think about who is traveling, how much space you need, your budget, and if having Disney-specific perks is a must-have. For example, if you plan to spend a lot of time in the theme parks, hotels closer to specific parks might seem better. But if you want to enjoy the dining and shopping at Disney Springs, or want a slightly more relaxed pace, these hotels are excellent options.
I’m looking at the Disney-operated hotels because of the theming and the extra magic they offer. However, I’m also seeing the value in the chain hotels for earning points. For a trip in 2026, I’m keeping both options open. You can check out more about accommodations in Orlando at our detailed guide to places to stay.
When you think about your own family, consider Sofia’s age – she might want more independence exploring shops, while Emma might be all about the pools and themed experiences. The hotels near Disney Springs seem to cater to a wide range of interests and ages, offering a good balance for a family vacation. I find it helpful to compare the specific amenities each hotel offers, like pool features, dining options, and room types, to make the best choice for your family’s needs.
You can explore more about what Orlando offers families on our main page: our detailed Orlando travel guide. It has information on top things to do, theme parks, and other attractions that might help you plan your itinerary.
I’m trying to make sure any trip we plan is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Thinking about how easy it is to get places, the comfort of the hotel, and activities that are good for kids are my main priorities. The hotels around Disney Springs offer a good starting point for creating a memorable vacation that balances fun with relaxation.
