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Travel Guide: Orlando
Picking the Best Hotel Location
Finding the right Disney World area hotel location for you and your family can make a big difference in your enjoyment. You'll want the best balance between convenience and price while staying in Orlando or nearby.
Whether you want a cheap, but good quality basic hotel or a big discount on a deluxe luxury hotel in Orlando, the information here helps you make the right choice. You'll find the pros and cons of hotel neighborhoods.
Some of the concerns discussed include
- Should I stay at a hotel on the Disney World transportation system like the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel or Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort?
- Should my family stay at a hotel adjacent to Disney World like the Sheraton World Resort?
- What about nearby alternatives, such as being near Universal Studios and International Drive, or staying in Kissimmee?
- Could I save more in other areas of Orlando?
- How about visiting and staying in nearby cities?
- How do I get the cheapest prices for the hotel quality I want?
To view hotel neighborhoods, click on
Then click on the "Name your own price" option for links to more detailed maps.
1. Should I stay at a hotel on the Disney World transportation system?
Yes, if you are willing to pay top price for convenience.
You definitely pay more—considerably more—to stay virtually inside the gates. You seldom find discounts on these popular hotels.
On the other hand, you have no parking hassles. No time wasted commuting. Priority “jump the queue” status in the Disney parks. Nothing gets in the way of your fun.
However, teenagers especially will want to roam to Universal Studios and to the beaches and to other spots outside the Disney World complex.
This means part of your money spent for convenience at Disney World goes to waste.
2. Should my family stay at a hotel adjacent to Disney World?
Again, you spend more for being “at the gates.”However, the premium you pay is much less than staying at Disney-owned hotels that are on its transportation system. Instead, you use quick and usually free transfers by van to avoid parking hassles.
Because you are on Disney World property (or adjacent to it), you remain in an uplifting and pleasant environment. First-class restaurants and top fun spots like the House of Blues Orlando are at your doorstep.
On the map found in
this area is called “Disney World Vicinity."
3. What about nearby alternatives such as being near Universal Studios, on International Drive, or in Kissimmee?
International Drive, Kissimmee, West Disney, and the area around Universal Studios are where most visitors stay.You remain reasonably close to Disney World, but tend to pay less for accommodation, especially in Kissimmee.
In most cases you can still transfer by van to avoid parking problems, but you may have to pay a nominal fee for each trip.
You are close to most attractions and a large variety of restaurants and fun places like the House of Blues Orlando. In many cases, the restaurants are less expensive than those on or adjacent to Disney property.
You are convenient to Orlando International Airport and to the Amtrak and Greyhound stations in either Orlando or Kissimmee.
Overall, these areas areas fine choices for most visitors.
4. Could I save more in other areas of Orlando?
Except for downtown, neighborhoods away from Disney World and Universal Studios tend to be less expensive.However, you'll pay a very heavy price in time due to Orlando’s notorious traffic congestion. The Interstate 4 corridor is an especially busy bottleneck.
Nevertheless, all areas on the priceline map, such as Altamonte Springs and Winter Park, are suitable for travelers, in terms of neighborhood quality and general safety, if you use reasonable care as you would in any urban area.
Before you choose this alternative, make sure that you try to get a low price in close by Kissimmee.
5. How about visiting and staying in nearby cities?
Sightseeing in Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, St. Augustine, Canaveral National Seashore, Ormond Beach, Cocoa Beach, and the Kennedy Space Center are great alternatives to spending all your time in theme parks.
To save driving time to and from Orlando, you may wish to stay elsewhere several nights.
This is discussed in BidonTravel's Florida nature tour. (We've also tips for planning your time in Orlando.)
6. How do I get the cheapest prices for the hotel quality I want?
Definitely consider using the special rates for specific hotels found on
If you need a room or rooms for just one or two persons, you can bid for even more savings. You pick the neighborhood; you pick the quality and amenities (1 to 5 stars); and you pick the price you want to pay. You don’t choose a specific hotel.
When you think of it, neighborhood, quality, and price are all most people want.
See
for typical Priceline winning bids in the Orlando area.
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