Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is one of the top family travel destinations in the country. Still, the price of Disney vacations is known to be quite.. pricey. Where you choose to stay can make or break your budget. What are the inexpensive hotels at Disney? There are a few official Disney resort hotels, some neighboring hotels and another long term option to consider.
Magic for Less: What are the cheapest hotels at Disney World?
The lower priced hotels at Disney are called value resorts. These are official Disney resort hotels and come with amenities like themed pools and transportation to the parks and resorts.
- Disneys All Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s All Star Music Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
The pricier resorts typically have the best locations and modes of transportation. However, two value properties are Disney Skyliner resorts. These gondola style vehicles fly over Disney property, quickly getting guests to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and neighboring areas.
How much are Disney value resorts?
These budget friendlier options might still be pricey. Cost and value are relative and the peak times can double or triple Disney hotel prices.
Around Thanksgiving in 2024, a peak time, All Star Movies Resort has a rate around $256 per night before tax. At that same time, it’s a bit less for Florida residents at about $205 per night before tax. In mid May of 2025, rates might be around $175 per night before tax.
Next tier up: How much are Disney moderate resorts?
Maybe you remember staying at the value resorts on your high school Disney trip and want to try something else. Perhaps something a little nicer. The Disney moderate resorts are the next tier up. This includes:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Rates for the Disney moderate resorts are often found in the $300s per night before tax.
Are Disney Springs area hotels are more affordable?
Another option for inexpensive Disney world hotels is the Disney springs area. You may find specials at these hotels throughout the year like those for teachers.
If you are part of a hotel rewards system, you might find your brand here. There is a Hilton, Holiday Inn and more, all right on Walt Disney World Resort property.
What’s nice about the Disney Springs area hotels is that they also have transportation to and from the parks.
Can you stay at Universal and visit Disney?
Of course you can choose to stay at a Universal Orlando Resort and go to Walt Disney World Resort’s parks. Universal resorts can have much better rates for nicer accommodations depending on what’s available. Does it make sense though? How far is Universal from Disney? You’ll be missing out on Disney hotel guest perks like entering the park early or staying late and getting free parking at the theme parks. If your vacation itinerary takes you to both Universal and Disney theme parks, it could be worth it depending on your preferences.
Are there budget friendly hotels near Disney?
Orlando is a major tourist location. You’ll find just about every hotel name in the area. It’s possible to find inexpensive hotels for your Disney trip nearby. These won’t include all of the benefits of staying at a Disney resort but do tend to be more affordable.
The 192 area hotels are closest to Disney with the most basic rooms. Some do offer free breakfast and a shuttle to the Disney World parks.
There are many options near International Drive and the Orlando convention center. These are best suited for those visiting a few different destinations on their stay like Disney, Universal and SeaWorld.
How to Save on Disney World Hotels
There are some opportunities to save on Disney World hotels. Various discounts and specials are available throughout the year.
- Disney does have specials throughout the year. Usually seasonally, discounts are released on rooms. This is based on availability and only a certain amount of discounted rooms are offered. The best discounts, like 35-40% are offered on the most expensive rooms. It’s possible to still pay a lower rate on value rooms as well though not as discounted.
- You can save on Disney World hotels by looking for Disney Springs area hotel discounts. You may find seasonal offerings or those for select groups like teachers.
- Those eligible for military discounts may be able to save on Disney hotels. Some unofficial Disney area hotels offer special discounts for affiliations like military or AAA.
- If you are a Florida resident, you may be able to find inexpensive Disney hotel rates more often. Deeper discounts can be offered for Florida residents throughout the year. You can find these on the Disney World website. You will need to show proof of residency with a valid ID.
- If you’re thinking about getting a Disney annual pass, this can help as well. Passholders are offered hotel discounts throughout the year. These are also based on availability.
- Consider joining the Disney timeshare. This is an option for those who want to visit Disney every year or every other year. Members stay at deluxe resorts which are in the top tier of Disney hotels. However, the prices can become much more affordable through Disney Vacation Club Membership.
Disney Vacation Club Can Help You Save
If you’re looking for budget friendly options but would prefer to stay somewhere nice, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is the Disney timeshare. The DVC resorts are the best you’ll find at Disney destinations. Deluxe properties, the top tier of Disney hotels, are part of the timeshare. There are seventeen Disney properties across the country including:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
You can basically pay for decades of vacations up front. When you do the math, the rates can be much better than when you rent a room from Disney. This is especially true with resale DVC. It’s possible to buy a contract from a Member who is selling theirs and save.
See DVC resale listings and what’s available right now.
