Why I’m AVOIDING Disney World Hotels in 2026

By Brian Delpozo Leave a Comment

One of the most important aspects of planning a trip to Walt Disney World is choosing the right hotel. While Disney’s on-property hotels have been part of the experience since the beginning — and we certainly love them — they’re not the ONLY way to stay at the “Most Magical Place on Earth. “

What a view!

Just off of Disney’s property proper, there are Disney’s Good Neighbor Hotels. Located near Disney World and in the surrounding areas, these hotels are not owned by Disney but instead have partnerships with the company, including typically having a person on staff at each hotel who can help you with your Disney World vacation. Good Neighbor Hotels range in cost from Value Resort pricing to Deluxe Resort pricing, and some offer the same benefits you’d get in a Disney World Resort Hotel, like Early Theme Park Entry and free transportation — but not all of them have these perks!

Some guests prefer staying at Good Neighbor Hotels — especially those that offer the same benefits of staying on property — because they tend to be more malleable financially, and for some (believe it or not), the idea of not being completely immersed in Disney for their whole vacation.

In addition, according to Disney, many of these locations also include “breakfast, kitchenettes, and pet-friendly rooms. So whether you’re vacationing as a large group, traveling with small children, or it’s just the two of you, there’s a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel that’s right for you.”

©Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa

Some of the notable Good Neighbor Hotels include:

The Disney Springs Resort Area

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
The Holiday Inn Orlando
Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

©Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area

Other Good Neighbor Resorts include the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, select Bonnet Creek Resorts, and the collection of Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels.

©SpringHill Suites Orlando | Disney

If you’re planning your next Walt Disney World vacation and want to avoid staying on property, check out Disney’s selection of Good Neighbor Hotels, and stay tuned to DFB for more on the best Central Florida vacation options.

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Have you stayed at a Good Neighbor Hotel? How did you feel about the experience? Let us know in the comments below.