5 Awesome Motels Near Disney World Orlando
American motels are a perfect family lodging solution all across the United States (except Manhattan). They offer a basic hotel setup with a one or two-star rating, usually providing two queen or king beds, a bathroom, and often a basic breakfast (usually also a pool, food purchasing options, and more). Basically, it’s all you need if you're not looking to splurge too much and want to save on the second biggest expense of any trip (after flights).
On the highways between Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista, you'll find hundreds of motels from all the big chains like Super 8, Motel 6, Comfort Inn, and more, as well as hotel chain motels like Holiday Inn from IHG and brands of Marriott, Hilton, and others, plus a wide selection of private businesses. Usually, there's no problem finding a place in motels near Disney World. During peak season, you might need to find one a bit farther out toward Tampa or Cape Canaveral.
So before you rush to find a flight to Orlando or Miami, want to get to know Disney's resort and its four theme parks a bit?
Click here for the complete guide to visiting the Disney World Resort in Orlando…
Ready to book a place to stay near Disney World? Click here to check availability and prices at hotels near Disney World Orlando…
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Perfect motels for the whole family visiting Disney World
Holiday Inn Express Orlando – South Park, an IHG Hotel
The Holiday Inn Express is the motel brand of the giant IHG chain (Holiday Inn three stars, Crowne Plaza, Indigo, Kimpton and more four stars, Intercontinental five stars, and other extended stay brands, etc.). The Express South Park is one of the best motels in Orlando, located just a five-minute drive from Universal parks and twenty minutes from Disney parks. The motel is relatively new with large rooms, a good breakfast included in the price, a small pool, and more. The hotel is very clean, well-maintained, and serves as an excellent base for staying while visiting Orlando.
To book a place at Holiday Inn Express Orlando – South Park, click here…
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando South/Grande Lakes Area
The Courtyard by Marriott is located not far from the Holiday Inn Express South Park, just a short drive from Universal's parks and twenty minutes from Disney parks. This is a motel on the verge of being a hotel, featuring a large lobby and a variety of amenities that you usually don't find in motels. The big advantage of the Courtyard is that it's a new building, so everything is still brand new. There is breakfast available (for an extra charge), a small pool, and all sorts of other treats that you generally don't find in motels.
Click here to book a place at Courtyard by Marriott Orlando South…
The Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater is one of the coolest simple lodging places in Florida. Technically it's a motel due to its level, but essentially it's a historic hotel in nature. It offers the vacation experience of Florida from the early 20th century, with vibrant grandeur, lavish design, and a vintage feel. Beneath the facade, it's a splendid roadside hotel, clean, well-kept, and fun. The rooms are a bit outdated but have been partially renovated and include kitchenettes. The Edgewater is a bit far from the parks, about a twenty-minute drive from Universal and half an hour from Disney parks.
Click here to book a spot at The Edgewater Hotel…
Seasons Florida Resort
Seasons Florida in Kissimmee is a very practical American motel for basic and comfortable lodging for the whole family visiting Disney World's parks. It's situated not far from Old Town amusement park, a fifteen-minute drive from Epcot. This is a privately and well-managed motel, very efficient in its hotel approach, clean, with a basic and good breakfast, a basic and good pool, and everything you really need without the luxury side of the hotel world.
To book a place at Seasons Florida Resort, click here…
avid hotels – Orlando International Airport, an IHG Hotel
Avid, the IHG brand aimed at refreshing the Holiday Inn, offers a basic level of hospitality but with modern facilities and a meticulously modern design. In a new building near the Orlando Airport, the motel/hotel offers a cool and efficient lodging experience, one-minute drive from the airport and twenty-five minutes from Epcot. In the hotel, everything is basic – the room, the breakfast, the gym, and the lobby, but it’s polished and pleasing to the eye with a meticulous design.
Click here to book a place at avid hotels – Orlando International Airport…
Guy's 5 Tips for the Perfect Stay at Disney World Resort
Taking the whole family to Disney's theme parks in Orlando is a significant expense, including flights and park tickets. One way to save money is by finding simpler yet highly effective lodging. The motels in Orlando and Kissimmee are an almost uniquely all-American experience that offers a fun and convenient way for the whole family to stay near the happiest place on Earth.
- Motel Location – Near Disney's theme parks, there are hundreds of motels from all the big chains. It's a good idea to find lodging in motels closer to the parks. Naturally, the closer you get to the park, the more in demand the motels are, making it harder to find availability. Of course, these motels also charge higher prices. The most affordable lodging near Disney World is found in the motels that are further away, in Kissimmee or near Orlando's airport, approximately a half-hour drive from the parks.
- Motel Quality – Motels in the United States typically offer hotel standards of one or two stars. Some are of higher quality that are motels in name only, but are actually three-star hotels in every other way. Basic motels can be a gamble, especially if they're not part of large chains. Generally, motels from the big brands like IHG, Marriott, or Hilton are the best, operating under strict standards and careful management.
- Transportation from the hotel to the theme parks – Motels in the USA are the cornerstone of a road trip, closely tied to cars. Their location on highways allows quick access to Disney and Universal theme parks, and parking isn't an issue at the parks (though during peak times you might park further out in the large lots). Nearly all motels close to Disney offer shared shuttle services to the parks (usually to Epcot's entrance, which is Disney World's transportation hub).
- When to visit Disney World? – Disney World is an almost perfect fantasy world, but it's still in Florida, and the weather significantly affects your visit. Summers in Florida are hot and humid, and wandering around the parks in the August sun isn't easy with the kids – long lines and peak season crowds under the scorching sun. Winter at Disney is perfect, not too crowded and especially pleasant.
- A Skeptical Eye on Online Reviews – Most motels in the USA are part of road trips and are often visited without prior planning. In Disney World, motels serve as a base for several nights, just like regular hotels, making it crucial to know where you are heading. Generally, the quality of motels near Disney World ranges from fair to good. It's important to carefully read reviews on Booking, TripAdvisor, or other dedicated sites regarding the quality of the motel. Some motels are rated very low and are best avoided as they can be quite appalling.
Where to Stay in Disney World Resort Florida?
It's important to know which area to book a hotel or apartment near Disney World in Orlando, to enjoy what the theme parks have to offer.
The five most popular areas for tourists visiting near the parks are:
- Disney Resort Orlando Hotels – Have breakfast with Mickey and take the monorail straight to the Magic Kingdom
- Four Corners – The best resorts (not Disney)
- SeaWorld Orlando area – Great resort hotels not far from the park
- Lake Buena Vista South – Good motels at affordable prices
- Old Town amusement park area – Closest to Disney World at motel prices
Map of Accommodation Areas in Disney World
