Other Disney Lodging Options

Wanna get away from hotel rooms, but still stay inside the magic? Like most things, Disney's got a solution for that too. In addition to the vast selection of resort hotels, Disney also offers lodging alternatives like camping and villas.


Disney's Deluxe Villas

Disney's Old Key West Resort

If you're planning a trip with several people, or if you just want more space, Disney's deluxe villas just might be the thing for you. Villas offer all the comforts of home with your own kitchen and living area. They come in studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, or three bedroom. You can find villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Prices range from about $350 for a studio, to about $1,650 for a three bedroom per night.


The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

The Fort Wilderness campground has been around as long as Disney World itself. Walt was a big outdoorsman and loved wild nature, so it's no surprise to find camping as part of the Disney experience. All campsites have water, cable and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and charcoal grills, and most have internet access and sewer hook-ups. You can bring your tent, pop-up or camper. Up to 10 people can camp at each site. There are "Comfort Stations" all over the campgrounds which provide private toliets, showers, laundry, and telephones. To set up a tent or pop-up is $46, full hook-up is $61, preferred campsites are $66 and premium campsites are $76.


Other Deluxe Hotels

There are also two other deluxe hotels on Disney property. The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and Walt Disney World Swan Resort are located  next door to the Boardwalk Inn. These are huge resorts designed by architect Michael Graves. They have 5 swimming pools, 17 restaurants and lounges, 2 health clubs, 4 tennis courts, and a beach. Room prices range from $240 to $280 per night.


Hotels Outside Disney

Comfort Inn Suites at Lake Buena Vista

Another option you can always consider is staying outside the Disney property. This is often the cheapest route, depending on which hotel you choose. Is it the best thing to do?... The jury is still out on that one.
I personally prefer to stay inside Disney, but being the big Disney lover that I am, my opinion is probably a little biased. My family and I have always stayed outside the gates. I've actually only stayed on Disney property 3 out of the 13 times that I have been to the parks. We've tried different places, but the hotel we stay at most often (and that we like best) is the Comfort Inn of Lake Buena Vista. It's just 1.5 miles away from the Downtown Disney gate and has great rooms and a gorgeous pool area.
One perk about staying inside Disney though: parking. If you stay outside Disney you have to pay for parking at the parks. That's $14 per car. The hotels that are closest to Disney property usually offer free shuttles, but I've never done that so I don't know how that is. But it is a option you can always consider.


Well, that's it for the "Where do I stay" question. I hope it's helped in your decision-making, at least a little bit. I'll probably go more in-depth about some of the resorts later on, but for now at least you have a little preview of each of them. You can also check them out on Disney's website under the tab "Places to Stay."
Next up, it's time to talk about the fun stuff. Stay tuned for a tour of all the Walt Disney World theme parks!


Toodles!
Miranda