The best hotels near Disney World you can book with points
Choosing the right hotel for your Walt Disney World vacation is no easy feat. In addition to the more than 25 official Disney World hotels, there are dozens of properties in the surrounding area at a variety of price points that offer perks like early theme park entry and complimentary shuttle service to enhance your vacation.
However, finding the right one is almost as difficult as finding Nemo's dad if you're a blue tang with short-term memory loss.
Related: How to use points to buy Disney tickets
To help you, in true TPG fashion, we've created a list of our favorite hotels near Disney World that participate in major loyalty programs, so you can earn or redeem points and enjoy elite status benefits. TPG staffers have stayed at most, if not all, of the hotels in the Cinderella Castle vicinity.
The hotels below provide a mix of Disney benefits and hotel loyalty perks that make them, as Mary Poppins would say, "practically perfect in every way."
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve
The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels are sister properties conveniently within walking distance of two Disney theme parks: Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. (Bus and boat transportation is available, too.)
Each of the three resorts has its own distinct style and amenities, but they share a kids activity center, arcade, playground, spa, and massive pool complex with a waterslide and waterfalls.
Because of their proximity to Disney World, they offer Disney benefits like 30-minute early theme park entry and extended evening hours on select nights. Guests are eligible to purchase and begin booking Lightning Lane selections at the same time as guests staying in official Disney World hotels, seven days prior to check-in.
Guests who are members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can book these properties using Marriott Bonvoy points. If you hold Marriott elite status, you can access additional benefits. I've received upgrades to balcony rooms, bonus points earnings and late checkout thanks to my Marriott Gold Elite status; I received this status automatically with The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment is required).
Rates at the Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels start around $230 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord Palms is a sprawling resort with beautiful glass atriums, a 3-acre water park and guest rooms with decor inspired by the Sunshine State. The resort is less than a 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, and shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World theme parks is included in the resort fee.
Related: Ho-ho-holiday fun: Tips for visiting 'Ice!' at Gaylord Hotels
In addition to the water park, Gaylord Palms offers amenities and activities like a full-service spa, daily yoga classes, an arcade, an augmented reality scavenger hunt and seasonal events during Halloween and Christmas that will keep you plenty busy whenever you're away from the parks.
Based on current points pricing, you could use the 35,000-point certificate that you receive at each annual account renewal with the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) to cover a one-night stay.
Rates at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center start around $329 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area is one of seven Disney Springs hotels. This property has a sky bridge that directly connects to the shopping, dining and nightlife of Disney Springs; it also provides continuous daily shuttle service to Disney's theme parks. Guests of all Disney Springs hotels also get a 30-minute early theme park entry.
This property has a large pool complex with a lazy river, a heated pool, an adults-only pool, a poolside bar and grill, and a kids splash pad. After several summertime trips to Orlando, I can assure you an afternoon swim (and a poolside cocktail) is a must.
There are several dining options, including a grab-and-go venue where you can get your morning Starbucks before hitting the parks. Several room types are available, including rooms with a view of Disney Springs, the pool or Epcot's nighttime fireworks.
Hilton Honors members with elite status can get their fifth night free on award stays. If you don't travel often enough to build up the nights needed to reach elite status, you can fast-track your way to Hilton status with a card like the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates and fees) or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($150 annual fee, see rates and fees).
Rates at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace start around $230 per night. Hilton Honors members can book award nights starting at 47,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
If you are looking for a points hotel near Disney with rooms and amenities designed for families, look no further than the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. In addition to standard rooms and suites, this property has Loft Family Suites with one king-size bed, bunk beds and two sofa beds. These rooms sleep up to seven guests.
This upscale property also offers a full-service spa, fitness center, several on-site dining options, separate family and adult pools, a kids club, and an outdoor game yard with a rock wall, minigolf and more. In regard to Disney benefits, the nightly resort fee includes shuttle service to and from Disney's theme parks (reservations are required).
Marriott Platinum or Titanium elite members can put their status perks — such as late checkout, suite upgrades and complimentary breakfast — to good use at this property.
Rates at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa start around $345 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Orlando World Center Marriott
There is so much to do at the Orlando World Center Marriott that you could almost forget about the world-class theme park just a couple of miles down the road. The hotel's Falls Pool Oasis has a lagoon-style pool, splash pad, hot tub and three waterslides.
The adjacent 200-acre River Falls Water Park boasts three multirider tube slides, a lazy river and a zero-entry area where young kids can splash safely. Entry to the pool and water park is included in your resort fee.
The hotel also hosts daily activities for families, including wild animal encounters, poolside activities and crafts. There is also a nightly laser show. On select nights, you can attend a Mermaids & Glow Party where kids can swim with mermaids.
From this property, you can drive to Disney World in less than 10 minutes; alternatively, you can save money on parking and take the hotel's shuttle (included in the resort fee; reservations are required). Certain room types offer a view of the nightly laser show and Disney's nightly fireworks.
Rates at the Orlando World Center Marriott start around $222 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights starting at 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a bit farther from Disney World than the other hotels on this list (about a 15-minute drive or free shuttle ride away). Still, it's a great choice for travelers wishing to earn or burn World of Hyatt points for their Disney vacation.
In addition to all the fun of Disney, guests can play a round on the hotel's award-winning golf course; visit the full-service spa and fitness center; swim in the lagoon-style pool complete with a waterslide, whirlpools, waterfalls and a splash area for kids; or dine at the three on-site restaurants.
The hotel has a $49 daily resort fee, which covers transportation to Disney as well as hotel activities like pickleball, bike rentals, nonmotorized water sports equipment rentals, rock climbing, minigolf and more. The good news is that there are no resort fees on award redemptions for World of Hyatt members.
World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) holders receive an annual Category 1-4 free night certificate after their cardmember anniversary and can earn a second Category 1-4 free night certificate after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. This could net you two nights at this World of Hyatt Category 4 property.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress start around $270 per night. World of Hyatt members can book award nights starting at 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Conrad Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort
Not only is Conrad Orlando one of the newest points hotels near Disney World, but it's also one of the most luxurious.
The resort is less than 3 miles from Disney World, and theme park transportation is included in the $50 daily resort fee. Also included are kayak and paddleboard rentals, daily bottled water, and discounts on golf club rentals and spa treatments.
The pool area here rivals those at most Disney World hotels, with an 8-acre crystal-clear lagoon, sandy beach and a splash pad. Despite being so close to Disney, you'll feel more like you are on a tropical beach far from the theme park capital of the world.
In addition to standard guest rooms, the resort offers family suites with bunk beds, wellness rooms and poolside rooms with direct access to the resort's pool.
Rates at the Conrad Orlando start around $439 per night. Hilton Honors members can book award nights starting at 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Bottom line
There you have our top points hotels near Disney World. Earning points — or redeeming some for free hotel nights — makes the Most Magical Place on Earth even more magical.
While booking a stay at a points-friendly hotel is the most obvious way to use points toward your Disney World vacation, we have a few other tricks up our sleeves, too. There are a few ways you can use points to buy Disney tickets or redeem travel credits to cover part of your trip with our favorite credit cards for Disney.
Related reading:
- 14 of the best hotel pools in the US
- Best hotel credit cards
- Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
- Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
- The best hotel loyalty programs for families
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.