If you’ve ever thought about staying off-resort at Walt Disney World but weren’t sure if it’s the right choice, let me share our recent experience. We decided to stay at a non-Disney hotel (a Walt Disney World Official Hotel, to be exact) and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. From the perks to the pitfalls, here’s a breakdown of our stay and whether it’s the right choice for your next trip.
Why We Chose to Stay Off-Resort
I had a conference in Orlando in January 2024 and decided to extend the trip for some fun—checking out the Art Festival at Disney and saving a bit of money. As I wanted to compare staying off-resort to on-resort, we picked the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, a Walt Disney World Official Hotel. I’ll explain why the difference between this hotel and the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista (which is a Deluxe resort) matters, so stick with me!
The Logistics: Getting There and Around
Let’s start with the basics: getting to and from the hotel.
- Airport Transportation: We rented a car, but you can also use Mears Connect for about $20 per person each way or ride-sharing options. The car rental was only used for the airport transport, as the hotel and park transportation worked seamlessly.
- Hotel Transportation to Parks: One of my initial concerns was how bad the transportation would be from an off-resort hotel to the parks. Turns out, it was a pleasant surprise. The hotel provided a QR code that allowed us to book free bus tickets (thanks to a discount code they gave us). The buses were comfortable, on time (seriously, like clockwork), and dropped us off at the parks. However, Magic Kingdom was a bit different—you’re dropped off at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), requiring a monorail or ferry to the park gates. It wasn’t a big deal, but worth noting.
Pricing Breakdown: Is It Worth It?
Here’s where the math comes in. The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, part of the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, is considered a Value hotel by Disney. The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista (the Deluxe option) is only about $100 more for the same tickets, so why not upgrade? Here’s the breakdown for November 8-10 (2024):
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista: A 2-night stay with 3-day park tickets for two people costs about $1,385.
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista (Deluxe): The same setup would run $1,480.
- Disney Resort Hotels: A Value Disney Resort would cost around $1,500, Moderate at $1,800, and Deluxe can range from $2,500 to $4,000.
When you compare, staying off-resort can save you quite a bit, but with the price difference, the upgrade to Deluxe might be worth considering for the extra amenities and comfort.
Hotel Experience: What Worked and What Didn’t
Now, let’s talk about the hotel itself.
- The Good: The hotel was clean, safe, and had some great amenities. There was a beautiful lobby, a Joffrey’s coffee shop (big win for me!), a pool with a restaurant and bar, and an easy walk to Disney Springs, just a 5-minute walk away.
- The Not-So-Great: The room wasn’t perfect. We ended up in a section facing the parking lot, which was loud with delivery trucks early in the morning. The room itself was okay—not fancy, but clean and updated. However, the bathroom was tiny, and the shower’s water pressure was disappointing. If you stay here, ask for a room away from the parking lot for more peace and quiet.
Transportation Perks
Disney transportation is a huge factor in the decision-making process for a Disney trip. We were pleasantly surprised with the transportation to the parks from the Wyndham hotel. The buses were punctual and comfortable, with set pick-up and drop-off times (which Disney’s own buses don’t always provide). Having a guaranteed pick-up time made our mornings much easier to plan.
However, as I mentioned, Magic Kingdom’s transportation involves an extra step, with the monorail or ferry ride from the TTC to the park. Again, not a deal-breaker but something to plan for.
The Overall Experience: Would I Stay Again?
So, would I stay off-resort again? Yes, I would—though I might opt for the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Deluxe next time for just a bit more comfort and amenities. The hotel was a great budget option for the 3 nights we stayed, especially since we spent most of our time in the parks or exploring Disney Springs. It’s safe, clean, and has convenient transportation, but if you’re looking for luxury or room service, it’s not the place for you.
I also can’t say enough good things about the bus transportation. It was consistent, comfortable, and way easier than I anticipated. When it comes to the balance between location, price, and perks, staying off-resort is definitely an option to consider for those wanting to save some money without sacrificing too much convenience.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Transportation Costs: If you’re driving, make sure you check parking prices at both the hotel and the parks, as they can add up. For our trip to Universal, I paid about $16 for an Uber ride over, but $30 on the return trip due to surge pricing.
- Price Comparison: When booking, it’s good to compare off-resort prices to Disney resort costs, keeping in mind location, amenities, and extra fees for parking.
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the parks and don’t need the luxury of an on-resort hotel, staying at a Walt Disney World Official Hotel like the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista can be a solid choice. It offers good perks, reliable transportation, and close proximity to Disney Springs, all while keeping your budget in check.
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