Nothing beats a trip to Walt Disney World (WDW), where the sun always shines on 27,000 acres of magical attractions. With four major theme parks, several water parks, Disney Springs & the Boardwalk to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. When you are worn out from all the fun, the key to a successful vacation is finding just the right place to lay your head down at night. Luckily, there’s dozens of resorts and hotels to choose from, both on and off WDW property, but the sheer number of options can make it hard to choose. Since booking a property can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, this is where your hard earned points and miles come in. We have taken the guesswork out of redemption lodging for your next Disney trip with this list of the top ten best value redemptions near WDW.

The Best Value Hotel Redemptions Around Walt Disney World

We surveyed over 60 Marriott, IHG, Hilton and Hyatt Orlando properties; half of the hotels that made our list are Marriotts, two of which are on Walt Disney Resort property and enjoy special perks like extra park hours and official Disney transportation to the parks. Four of the properties are IHGs, with one on property and another that is a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel (with a guest services desk and a shuttle to the parks). No Hilton properties and only one Hyatt property made the list, but it is in the top five, gets great reviews and remember, when you book a redemption with Hyatt you will not pay resort fees!

The Top 5 WDW Hotel Redemptions

The overall value derives from a combination of redemption value (average cost vs average point value for a week stay), distance from WDW and customer hotel rating. Let us start with the top five properties that made our best value list; in no particular order.

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Resort (Marriott)

This brand new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Resort by Marriott sits at the Boardwalk near Epcot. Clean and modern inside, it has a more boutique feel than its sister the Swan across the street. Included in your stay are Disney benefits like early park admission, extended hours, early lightning lane access, free parking at WDW, and a boat or bus regularly shuttling guests into the parks (walk across the street to the Swan & Dolphin to use their amenities, including catching the ferry to Hollywood Studios and Epcot). There are several onsite restaurants to choose from, and you can view the Epcot fireworks from the rooftop, or from your room if you get an upgrade!

** In March 2022, Marriott moves to a variable point redemption model.

Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs (IHG)

Located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, the newly renovated Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs is just a short walk from all the dining, shopping and entertainment offered at Disney Springs. Included in your stay are shuttle service to the parks, park ticket discounts, and early park entry when you link your hotel reservation to My Disney Experience. There is even an assigned WDW Event Coordinator who can arrange group events in the parks. Enjoy the well-maintained outdoor pool area with a walk-up bar. Rooms include microwaves and fridges, and some include balconies for viewing Disney Springs fireworks.

Residence Inn Flamingo Crossing (Marriott)

One of the newest on the list, the Residence Inn Flamingo Crossing is located at Flamingo Crossing, a brand new development on the Western edge of the WDW resort near Animal Kingdom. Minutes from the park entrance, Flamingo Crossing Towne Center includes Target, Walgreens, Starbucks and more. Enjoy this new, clean property with a great layout, stunning architecture and one or two bedroom suites with full kitchens. Perfect for families.

** In March 2022, Marriott moves to a variable point redemption model.

Hyatt Regency Orlando (Hyatt)

Centrally located to many Orlando attractions, the iconic Hyatt Regency Orlando has spotless, beautiful grounds and is close to downtown Orlando, SeaWorld and the convention center. It includes a full-service spa and salon, 24-hour StayFit Gym, 7 dining & lounge options, five full-service dining outlets, two bars, a grab & go Market and 24 in-room dining options. The outdoor area includes two pools and a separate kiddie pool area with splash pad, a water slide and waterfall, as well as cabanas for rent. This property is the perfect opportunity to use a Hyatt Free Night Award.

Candlewood Suites Orlando, Lake Buena Vista (IHG)

Considered by many a budget hotel with great services, the Candlewood Suites Orlando is another property centrally located between Universal & WDW, which includes a transport shuttle to many of the surrounding parks. Suites include fully stocked kitchens and guests will enjoy a laundry, covered parking and a well equipped gym onsite. Stop at the nearby IHOP, 7 Eleven, WAWA gas station, or Walgreens just a block away.

The Top 6-10 WDW Hotel Redemptions

While not in the top five, the following properties still offer tremendous value and an amazing WDW hotel experience.

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites–Waterpark (IHG)

The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel and is the only all suite Holiday Inn Resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort entrance. Families will love the mini water park with slides, large heated pool, two jacuzzis, music and an outdoor bar. Make sure to book the park shuttle 24 hours in advance as it fills up quickly.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort (IHG)

Situated west of the parks near the Animal Kingdom entrance, the sprawling Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort consists of four separate villages of amenities available to all guests. A complimentary resort shuttle with 20+ stops transports guests to each of the seven beautiful pools, a lazy River and a waterpark / water slide; three of the pool areas include restaurants, shops and bars. Dining choices include Mexican, Italian, American, ice cream, coffees, as well as a small general store and a little gift shop. For entertainment, visit the arcade, a lazer maze or 4D theater. Free parking is available onsite, and many other shops and restaurants are just outside on the main road.

Walt Disney World Dolphin (Marriott)

A Marriott Disney Resort on property at the Boardwalk near Epcot, the Dolphin includes the same Disney perks as the Swan Reserve mentioned above, like extra park hours and transportation. While a boat or bus regularly shuttles guests into the parks, guests can also walk straight to Epcot or Hollywood Studios in ~20 minutes (Disney’s Yacht and Beach clubs and the Boardwalk Resort are all within walking distance). Resort amenities include Mandara Spa, two fast-food counter service market / restaurants, and two four-star sit-down restaurants in each of the three hotels in the complex. On the beautiful outdoor grounds you’ll find a pool and jacuzzi area, playground, sand beach, hammocks, volleyball net, and daily fitness classes.

** In March 2022, Marriott moves to a variable point redemption model.

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa (Marriott)

Newer and thoughtfully designed, the beautiful JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa has a more adult feel and is in a great location located minutes from Disney Springs and WDW. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed with mostly great views. Amenities include two big pools, a jacuzzi, several restaurants, a rooftop bar and a floor with kids activities like a mini putt-putt course. A shuttle to Disney arrives / departs on a schedule.

** In March 2022, Marriott moves to a variable point redemption model.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Marriott)

The Gaylord Palms Resort includes many recreational options in a glass-covered atrium. Families will enjoy the plants, water features, koi fish, alligators and more, and WDW is less than 10 minutes away. On down days between park visits, kids will love the multiple pools, slides, hot tubs and lazy river. Shuttle service to WDW resort is included; no valet, self-parking only.

** In March 2022, Marriott moves to a variable point redemption model.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a budget property or a WDW resort with extra park perks, something on this list is sure to strike your fancy. Despite the resort fees, the proximity and Disney perks of the Marriott resorts really make them shine; on the other, hand, if you’ll be spending time at other Orlando theme parks and prefer Hyatt, the Regency might be the right choice for you. And if you’re all about the bottom line, there’s several IHG budget options on the list to choose from. No matter what, with this list you’ll know you’re getting the most out of your points. Have a magical vacation!