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A huge part of planning the ideal Walt Disney World vacation involves booking the right hotel. Luckily, Disney makes it easier by identifying Good Neighbor Hotels: properties vetted by and in an ongoing relationship with Disney. Good Neighbor Hotels (GNH) are within 2-14 miles of the parks, typically have a Disney guests services desk in the lobby, and offer (often complimentary) transportation to one or more Disney parks.
There’s options on our list for all family sizes and budgets; we’ll start by looking at the top three choices, which ranked by maintaining a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor. We’ll also identify which credit cards will earn the points needed for each hotel brand mentioned.
Top Three WDW Good Neighbor Hotels to Book With Points
Lake Buena Vista–a municipality owned by Disney–is where you’ll find the properties on our list. Located just outside the Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista (LBV) is right off I-4 northeast of the parks. LBV is conveniently adjacent to Disney Springs, which offers all the food, dining and entertainment you can imagine within walking distance.
Hyatt Place Orlando / Lake Buena Vista
The only Hyatt on the list, loyal fans will be delighted to discover this highly rated Hyatt Place Good Neighbor Hotel. Offering their signature clean rooms with a modern feel, this property includes free shuttles to Disney World Parks and low-cost shuttles to other theme parks. Enjoy the outdoor pool and fitness room; hot breakfast and onsite parking are also included in your stay.
To earn Hyatt points, I recommend a two-step process:
1. Open a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening (that’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®). For only a $95 annual fee, you’ll earn 3x points on dining and on select streaming services and online grocery purchases, 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 2x points on other travel, as well as a $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit.
2. Transfer enough CUR to Hyatt to book the hotel you want.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites (IHG) – South Lake Buena Vista
A little further off the beaten path, this property is in South Lake Buena Vista, about ten miles from WDW. You’ll definitely use the free shuttles to the parks if you’re not driving, and Disney Spring isn’t walkable, but it’s a clean and comfortable stay, and this Holiday Inn puts you close to the Premium outlets. Rooms offer plush, comfortable beds as well as refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. Guests will enjoy free breakfast and parking (check the resort fee).
Open an IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card and earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Enjoy a Reward Night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide (plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for any stay of 3 or more nights: book three nights get the fourth night free). Use a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card. You’ll have Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member. Cardholders earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel! Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants! Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases!
That welcome bonus is enough to book any of the IHGs on our list (and remember, with IHG, every fourth night is free!)
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando/International Drive South
Right across I-4 from the Hyatt Place & Holiday Inn Express listed above, this Home2 Suites is near the Orlando Premium Outlet Mall, close to restaurants, Publix, Target and more. The suites are spacious and comfortable; breakfast is included in your stay, and lunch & dinner can be prepared in your room’s kitchen or poolside at one of the grills. Enjoy complimentary shuttle to theme parks.
Open the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card and earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership. ($95 annual fee, terms apply). Or–if you’d prefer zero annual fee, open the Hilton Honors American Express Card and earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card Membership (terms apply).
Six More WDW Good Neighbor Hotels, Grouped by Brand
Marriott
Open a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and earn 100,000 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando, Lake Buena Vista
Another conveniently located Lake Buena Vista property, suites here include mini-refrigerators and microwaves and bunk bed rooms for families. The Fairfield 100% Guarantee™ means if you’re not satisfied, they’ll make it right; free breakfast, parking, and shuttles to and from Epcot included.
Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort
A mile from Epcot, this resort is walking distance from many restaurants and offers a shuttle to the parks. Guests will enjoy a spa on the 6th floor; kids will love the pool with a slide and the volleyball net. Paid private onsite parking; like any Marriott resort redemption, prepare to pay a resort fee.
Read about our favorite way to use Marriott Points at Disney World: Book a WDW resort on property:
Hilton
Use the welcome bonus points from one of the Amex Hilton cards listed above to book one of the following two properties:
Homewood Suites by Hilton Lake Buena Vista – Orlando
Newly renovated in 2019, the updated guest rooms and suites include fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel kitchen appliances. Guests will enjoy complimentary theme park shuttles and a grocery shopping service! Gather with your family in the outdoor kitchen and grill area, or relax in the pool & hot tub. Families will appreciate the sports court, fitness center and game room.
Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-South Lake Buena Vista
This property is located three miles from WDW in Kissimmee (south Lake Buena Vista). Perfect for families, adults can relax in the hot tub while kids will love the pool and Mickey Mouse pancakes included in the free breakfast. Parking & complimentary theme park shuttles included with stay.
IHG
Use the IHG welcome bonus above to book either of the following two properties:
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista
With a million dollar makeover and minutes away from WDW, this property offers scheduled shuttles to Disney as well as other theme parks in the area. Perfect for families, the KidSuites allow kids and parents to each enjoy their own space. Unwind in the two whirlpool spaces while kids frolic in the heated pool and Splash Pad. The whole family will enjoy the pool tables, giant checkers and chess, ping pong, fitness center and an arcade/game room.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark
Located one mile from the entrance to the WDW, families will enjoy one, two, or three bedroom suites. Amenities include a Lagoon Pool and Waterpark and splash pad as well as a 24 hour fitness center, outdoor basketball courts, playground, Club Candy Activity Center. Complimentary WDW shuttle service to WDW and more. Dining options include Lakeside Café Breakfast Buffet, Burger Theory, Sombreros Cantina, Hershey’s Ice Cream Shop, Antonio’s Pizzeria, Essentials Market and the Lagoon Poolside Bar (this property made the list of Top Ten WDW Value Hotel Redemptions we compiled for The Points Analyst)!
For more about using points & miles for Walt Disney World lodging, check out The Disney Points Podcast:
Takeaways
With this many WDW Good Neighbor Hotels and credit cards to choose from, you’re sure to find a way to book lodging for your next Disney adventure using points!
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
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