Save on Your Disney (or Universal) Trip by Booking One of These 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels and Resorts

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Disney World is a dream vacation for the whole family – but it can be very expensive. The good news is that there are many ways to easily save on your trip simply by being a smarter traveler and booking a hotel or resort outside of the theme park. 

You can save immediately by booking your accommodation outside of Disney World, but don’t stop there. Many of these resorts offer suites that come with full kitchens. Eating out is another huge cost, so if you are budget-conscious, making your own family meals in your hotel suite can be a great way to save and put your budget towards more fun, exciting activities that your kids will love. 

Another great way to save is to limit your time at Disney World. By choosing a resort that features its own water park and family-friendly activities on-site, you can keep your whole family entertained without having to go to Disney World (or any of the other theme parks) every day. To change things up, you can also get a day pass at another resort near you, just to change things up. 

There are many ways to save, and they all start with the right resort. These top 10 budget-friendly resorts and hotels are perfect for families, and are a great choice for those on their way to Disney World. 

Source: Instagram, posted on March 5, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa’s Official Instagram

  1. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa Orlando

This resort offers it all and is one of the best budget hotels for value, with close proximity to the hottest theme parks and a waterpark of its own on-site. 

Westgate is a popular name in Orlando and manages multiple resorts with easy access to the biggest theme parks in Orlando. These hotels all come with high standards of comfort, cleanliness, and care, and if we had to choose just one, we have to go with Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa (westgateresorts.com). 

Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando is one of the best options for those looking for an affordable resort that offers a lot of value for money. When you book, you’ll have access to a variety of great amenities, but the best by far are the spa, the pools, and of course, the Treasure Cove Water Park, which costs just $20 for a day pass (and $15 if you are active military). 

Source: Instagram, posted on April 25, 2022, Aloft Orlando’s Official Instagram

  1. Aloft Orlando 

This hotel is a trendy option that is right next door to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center. 

If you want affordable rates and trendy design, look no further than Aloft Orlando. Not only does it feature a contemporary and comfortable design, but you will also have access to the gym and snack bar at all hours. Add in the nightly happy hour, and you’ve got the perfect hotel for young travelers looking for a party experience between visits to the big resorts and theme parks. 

Source: Instagram, posted on December 4, 2016, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s Official Instagram

  1. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is relatively new on the scene and offers quality amenities and big benefits like early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This resort is perfect if your theme park of choice is Universal Studios. Not only are there 1000 guest rooms and several suites to suit guest groups of any size, but you will also be able to get some hotel perks you simply cannot get anywhere else. One of the most popular perks in the early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You will also have access to free water taxi rides and be able to hop on a regular shuttle to Universal Orlando and Universal CityWalk, putting all the top activities in your day within easy reach of one another. 

Source: Instagram, posted on June 5, 2022, Hyatt Regency Orlando’s Official Instagram

  1. Hyatt Regency Orlando 

This massive resort is pet friendly and offers great water amenities, including an Olympic-sized pool and water slides. 

IF you want a huge resort and the associated big amenities, then look no further than Hyatt Regency Orlando. This resort is pet friendly, with various dog stations throughout the property. You will have access to massive pools, water slides, private cabanas, and waterfalls. If you get tired of being outside, there is a fitness center and spa, which comes complete with a sauna and steam room. You will need to make your own way to the theme parks, but in exchange, you will usually find the on-site pools and facilities to be quieter and calmer.  

Source: Instagram, posted on March 1, 2022, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace’s Official Instagram

  1. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

This Official Walt Disney World Hotel was recently renovated, so you get updated amenities, beautiful design, and complimentary shuttles to Disney World every 30 minutes. 

This beautiful hotel is sleek with dark wood and pops of bright blue and has everything you could want for your Disney trip. You’ll find stunning pools and sun decks and easy access to Disney World thanks to the shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes that works to take you to and from Walt Disney World. 

As an official partner, you can buy park tickets in the lobby, and you can even bring the magic to breakfast by booking a seat at the Disney Character Breakfast, which is a huge hit with young children. 

Source: Facebook, posted on March 8, 2012, Marriott’s Harbor Lake’s Official Facebook

  1. Marriott’s Harbor Lake 

This resort is perfect for those looking for villas that offer everything for a relaxing and rewarding vacation away in Orlando. 

Marriott’s Harbor Lake is ideal if you are looking for authentic Floridian charm. Here you will be able to book for a villa that comes complete with everything you need in a home away from home. The décor and amenities are certainly minimal in comparison to others on this list, but if you are looking for a quiet place to slow down after a hectic day at one of the theme parks, then this option is for you. 

Source: Instagram, posted on March 31 2022, B Hotel Resort & Spa’s Official Instagram

  1. B Hotel Resort & Spa 

This affordable resort is the only resort in the Orlando area to be home to an AVEDA lifestyle spa. 

B Hotel Resort & Spa is one of the top affordable options on this list. It is again minimal and more suited for those looking for rooms rather than suites or villas. If you are a small group, then it can be just what you need as it offers a great pool and balcony views and is within easy distance to the top theme parks in the area. One of the unexpected benefits of booking here as opposed to elsewhere is that it is the only Orlando resort to have an AVEDA lifestyle spa, so if you are a fan and are interested in booking a few relaxing treatments for yourself, this is the place. 

Source: Instagram, posted on October 17, 2019, Drury Inns and Suite’s Orlando’s Official Instagram

  1. Drury Inns and Suites Orlando 

With multiple kickbacks and freebies, this hotel is perfect for budget travelers coming to Disney World or Universal Studios. 

There are many great freebies that you get as part of your room rate at Drury Inns and Suites Orlando. Every day of your vacation, you will have access to complimentary breakfast in the mornings. In the evenings, at 5:30, you will be able to enjoy Kickback which lets you enjoy ongoing free soft drinks, wine, beer, and hot plates. Kids can even enjoy complimentary popcorn in the lobby from 3 pm until 10 pm. 

It is an official Universal hotel partner, so expect free shuttle services to Universal Studios. 

Source: Instagram, posted on August 1, 2020, Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Official Instagram

  1. Cabana Bay Beach Resort 

This resort can be found within the Universal Orlando Resort and is the only one on-site that offers kitchenettes. 

If you want to be right in the heart of the action but are looking for ways to save on ongoing costs like eating out, then the Cabana Bay Beach Resort can be just the resort for you and your family. It is the only hotel within Universal Orlando to offer kitchenettes, which makes it easy to offer your family budget-friendly and healthy meals instead of eating out. 

Source: Instagram, posted on December 16, 2019, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista’s Official Instagram

  1.  SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista 

This budget hotel caters to those looking for a clean, comfortable place to stay for under $100 a night. 

Not only is SpringHill Suites one of the most affordable options on this list it even offers a complimentary breakfast buffet. It is just one mile away from Walt Disney World, however, so expect this hotel to book up fast and months in advance. You will even be able to book tickets in the lobby and benefit from special promotions as this hotel is a Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel.