15 best hotels near Disney World theme parks (for adults)

Disney World is about the size of San Francisco, so staying near Disney World vs on property means you might be further out than you want to be.

However, you can stay near Disney World theme parks at hotels not owned by Disney, which can provide a more adult atmosphere for your vacation. Just keep in mind that most of these hotels have parking and resort fees, and you may end up spending more money on transportation (rental car, rideshare) compared to staying at an official Disney resort hotel.

To view the best places to stay for adult trips, see the list below. All of these hotels have free bus transportation to theme parks, but not all have bus transportation to Disney Springs.

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Disney Boardwalk Area

View of the Swan Resort from the Dolphin Resort

There are three Marriott convention hotels next to Disney’s Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has a dance hall, games, restaurants and even a margarita stand. Plus, there is boat transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (you can also walk to both; EPCOT is much closer).

We love this area for adult trips, and staying at these hotels qualifies you for early entry and extended evening hours in the theme parks. Staying at one of these three hotels also gives you access to amenities at all of them, including a spa, fitness centers and multiple pools. There’s even a dole whip soft serve machine in the Dolphin!

See Walt Disney World Swan vs Dolphin to learn more about how these hotels are different. Note that the Swan Reserve is the newest and most expensive of the three, and is also the furthest away from the boardwalk and theme parks. Click the links below to check prices and read reviews.

Bonnet Creek Area

For a relaxing and sophisticated getaway, consider staying at one of the Bonnet Creek hotels. They are in a tree-filled area near Disney Springs, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. You’ll qualify for early entry to the Disney theme parks, but you’ll need to drive, use rideshare or take a bus to get there.

Other perks are the upscale amenities. Wyndham Grand and Signia by Hilton have lazy rivers. JW Marriott has a rooftop terrace with firework views. Waldorf Astoria has one one of the top-rated restaurants in the United States (Bull & Bear). Most also have spas.

Note that Club Wyndham is a timeshare property so there are full kitchens and living areas separate from the bedrooms. Club Wyndham and Wyndham Grand are also typically the most affordable of the Bonnet Creek resorts if you’re on a budget. Click the links below to view prices and reviews.

Disney Springs Area

Hilton Palace Disney Springs with lazy river and shuttle — Lazy river at Hilton Palace

Staying in the Disney Springs area gives you the option to walk to Disney Springs, plus you’ll have early entry to the theme parks, regularly scheduled bus transportation and affordable room rates. On the downside, most hotels have parking and resort fees, and most have been around for decades and show their age in different ways.

For the newest building, stay at Drury Plaza and book a room that does not have a terrace balcony. For the cheapest rates, stay at Wyndham Garden (Sunset Wing is closest to Disney Springs). For the best pool, choose Hilton Palace. For free food and alcohol, book a stay at Drury Plaza.

Click the links below to view prices and reviews (Drury Plaza is rated the best by travelers). Hotels are listed in order of walking time to Disney Springs, with the hotels closest to Disney Springs listed first.

Magic Kingdom Area

Four Seasons Disney World — Four Seasons. Photo by Inside the Magic (via Creative Commons)

If you’re planning on visiting Magic Kingdom during your trip (or are in the military), then the Shades of Green and Four Seasons are two resorts to consider. Shades of Green is only for military guests and their families (and is surrounded by a golf course). You’ll qualify for extended evening hours, too.

Four Seasons is the place to stay for luxury. But you may want to consider staying at the Grand Floridian instead for easier access to the theme parks and Disney Springs.

Click the links below to view prices and reviews. Note that you’ll need to use bus transportation, rideshare or your own car to reach the theme parks.

More Information

Top photo by DW for adults (Dolphin resort at night)