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There’s no doubt that a Walt Disney World vacation is high on the bucket list for many families. With four theme parks, two water parks, and dozens of resort hotels, there’s enough to explore to fill a week or more. While many on-property resorts are owned and operated by Disney, this guide focuses on those you can book with points. We’ll look at the different options across major hotel brands, along with the pros and cons of each.
Page Contents
- Enhance Your Walt Disney World Experience by Booking a Hotel Stay With Points
- Marriott Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Hilton Hotels at Walt Disney World
- World of Hyatt Hotels at Walt Disney World
- IHG Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Wyndham Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Choice Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Final Thoughts
Enhance Your Walt Disney World Experience by Booking a Hotel Stay With Points
There are many hotels bookable with points in the greater Orlando area worth considering for a Disney trip. The right one for you depends on what you value the most.
Most on-property hotels offer perks like early park entry, advance Lightning Lane reservations and easy transportation to and from the parks. Some deluxe resorts even offer extended evening hours, giving you more time in the parks at night. Off-property hotels do not include these benefits but are often more affordable.
If your goal is to maximize park time, I encourage you to consider staying at a property designated as an Official Walt Disney World Hotel. Extra time in the parks can stretch the value of your ticket, and the on-property location means a quicker start to your day. We’ll highlight which hotels include Disney perks as we go.
Related: Disney Dreams for a Dime: Tips for Saving Money at Disney World With Points and Miles
Marriott Hotels at Walt Disney World
Four Marriott-branded hotels located on Walt Disney World property are eligible for free night redemptions using Marriott Bonvoy points. Even better, Marriott’s fifth-night-free benefit applies to award stays at these properties, as do Free Night Certificates earned through Marriott’s co-branded credit cards.
Because Marriott uses dynamic pricing, Free Night Certificates won’t always cover a night here, but I’ve had success using them at several of the properties listed below.
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are three sister resorts located in the Epcot Resort Area. While they are not owned or operated by Disney, they are still classified as Official Walt Disney World Hotels and are recognized as official “deluxe” resorts. That means they come with valuable perks, including extended evening hours, which allow resort guests to stay two hours later in one park on select nights.
And like other official hotels, they also offer early entry each morning at all four theme parks.
These resorts are within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and offer boat service between the two parks. For Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, the resorts operate their own bus system. In my experience, these buses are not quite as convenient as Disney’s, but they are reliable and should work well for most guests.
Guests staying at any of the three resorts can enjoy access to the Grotto pool, a large water complex that includes a waterslide, waterfalls, and Swan boats available for rent, all included in the resort fee.
If you’re considering a stay at one of these properties, planning ahead can help you save points or use a Free Night Certificate. For example, rates at the Dolphin in November 2025 range from 53,000 to 80,000 points per night.
For a 10-night stay in November, you may be able to use a 50,000-point Free Night Certificate at these properties, as long as you have enough Marriott Bonvoy points to top it off. Just keep in mind that Marriott still charges a $50 per night resort fee on award stays, which is not waived.
If you hold Marriott Bonvoy elite status, all standard benefits at resort properties apply. Platinum Elite members and above can enjoy perks like a complimentary continental breakfast for two, which can help stretch your budget even further during your Disney trip.
- Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
- Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection*, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. *Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa
The Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa, located in the Disney Springs Resort Area on Walt Disney World property, is a rebranded hotel that opened in 2024. As an Official Walt Disney World property, it offers guests early park entry each morning. The resort provides its own bus transportation to all four theme parks, though service is less frequent than what you’d find at Disney-owned hotels or at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve.
The location is a bit farther from the parks compared to other on-property options, and the resort itself is more compact, with just one pool available for guests.
Award pricing for November 2025 is pretty reasonable, ranging from 31,000 to 54,000 points per night. These rates may make it possible to use a 35,000-point Free Night Certificate, depending on the night.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is another appealing option for Marriott Bonvoy members. Although the hotel is located within Walt Disney World property lines, it is technically considered off property and does not offer theme park benefits like early or late entry. Still, it’s a newer hotel that opened in 2020 and sits very close to the parks. The JW also provides shuttle service to all four theme parks and to Disney Springs.
This property is included in Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which is available to those with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Tools like MaxFHR can help you track when FHR rates drop. You can also book with Bonvoy points, but remember that Marriott charges a $50 resort fee per night on award stays.
Award rates for November 2025 start a bit lower than those at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve.
If the properties above don't match your interests, there are over 100 other Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts available around the Orlando area!
Hilton Hotels at Walt Disney World
Another important program to focus on for your Walt Disney World vacation is Hilton Honors. That's because the program has five properties that feature early entry privileges at the theme parks, including one of the most luxurious brands that Hilton Hotels operates.
All of the properties are considered resorts within Hilton, which means your $200 resort credit from the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is eligible to be used, saving you even more on your vacation.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is located in the same Bonnet Creek development as the JW Marriott Orlando, but it is an Official Walt Disney World hotel. That means guests receive early theme park entry, giving them a 30-minute head start each morning over guests staying off property.
The resort features its own pool and also provides access to the lazy river and water park at the neighboring Signia by Hilton. Guests can also enjoy the Waldorf Astoria Golf Course, which is a rare amenity among Disney-area hotels.
Hilton recently began fluctuating standard room reward rates, which now operate within a band. For the Waldorf Astoria, that band is 90,000-95,000 points per night for a Standard Room Reward, which is what you'll need to use a Hilton free-night reward or utilize one of Hilton's best elite perks: the fifth night free on award bookings.
The property is also part of Amex’s Fine Hotels and Resorts collection. Hilton Gold and Diamond members receive a $25 per person daily food and beverage credit, since the Waldorf is classified as a premium brand. If you are paying cash for your stay, keep in mind that there is a $50 nightly resort fee.
Related: What Are Hilton Honors MyWay Benefits?
Signia by Hilton Orlando
The Signia by Hilton Orlando is connected to the Waldorf Astoria and is also an Official Walt Disney World hotel. Guests staying here enjoy early theme park access and shuttle transportation to all four parks. The resort is located closer to the lazy river, but guests do not have access to the Waldorf Astoria’s pool.
Standard Room Rewards at the Signia typically start at 70,000 points per night. However, during a recent search, I couldn’t find a single standard night available across the entire schedule. This is pretty peculiar, especially considering the more premium Waldorf Astoria next door had plenty of availability.
Gold and Diamond members receive a $15 per person, per day food and beverage credit at this property. That’s lower than what’s offered at the Waldorf, which gives that property a leg up. The Signia also charges a $50 per night resort fee, which is waived on award stays.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area
There are three official Walt Disney World Hotels in the Disney Springs area that are Hilton properties. The first is the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. This property is a bit older, but features early entry, regular shuttle service to the theme parks, as well as a resort-style pool.
I like the location of this hotel, since an elevated walkway connects it to Disney Springs. This area features lots of dining options that you'd otherwise have to take a bus to. Plus, Disney bus transportation serves Disney Springs, so you might find it more convenient to end your day on the more frequent Disney buses than Hilton's transportation options.
Since it's a middle-tier property, award rates are much more reasonable here, starting at 57,000 points per night. Note that the $39 per night resort fee is not charged on award reservations in the Hilton program.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located near Disney Springs. While it isn’t connected by an elevated walkway, it’s still an easy walk to the shopping and dining district. Guests at this resort enjoy early entry to the theme parks, along with shuttle service to all four parks.
One standout feature of this property compared to nearby Hilton options is its lazy river, which makes it a great choice for families. Standard Room Rewards here start at 60,000 points per night. And the resort charges a $39 nightly resort fee, which is waived when booking with Hilton points.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Disney Springs Area
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Disney Springs Area is the final Official Walt Disney World Hilton property on this list. The hotel recently underwent a much-needed refresh. Despite its more modest offerings, it still includes early theme park entry, shuttle service to all four parks, a small pool, and four tennis courts.
Standard Room Rewards begin at 47,000 points per night in November 2025, making it a practical choice if availability lines up with your travel dates. The resort fee at this property is the most reasonable of the Hilton options, at $25 per night.
Other off-property Hilton options
I can't write about Hilton options near Walt Disney World and not mention the Conrad Orlando and Evermore Resort. These sister properties opened in 2024 and made quite a splash, given their location on a crystal-blue manmade lagoon.
Award nights at the Conrad start at 90,000 points per night, and the resort is located very close to Disney property. While these hotels do not offer early park entry, they do provide shuttle service to the theme parks. If you’re looking for one of the most luxurious ways to redeem Hilton points in the area, the Conrad is worth a look.
World of Hyatt Hotels at Walt Disney World
The World of Hyatt program is one of the most rewarding when it comes to elite benefits. I’ve maintained Globalist status for more than a decade thanks to perks like free full breakfast, suite upgrades, and more. While there aren’t any Hyatt properties located directly on Walt Disney World property, there is one nearby that’s worth considering if you’re willing to skip early park entry.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located just outside the Walt Disney World gates. The resort is sprawling and features a lot of amenities, including a massive pool complete with a waterfall. My favorite amenity as a golf-obsessed blogger is the included pitch-and-putt golf course. This amenity makes for a fun diversion on off days.
What's more amazing is that this property is still a Category 4 within the World of Hyatt, despite recent category changes. That means you can book the property for as low as 12,000 points per night on off-peak dates. You're also able to use a Category 1-4 certificate here, earned through various methods or from The World of Hyatt Credit Card.
There's a $50 per night resort fee here, waived for award stays and Globalists.
- Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
- Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
- Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
- Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
- Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
- Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
- Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- Up to 9X points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4X points per $1 when you use your card at Hyatt hotels & 5X points per $1 you can earn as a World of Hyatt member
- 2X points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airlines tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
- 1X point per $1 everywhere else
Related: Avoid Wasting Valuable Hyatt Free Night Awards — How to Make Sure Hyatt Pulls the Right Certificate
IHG Hotels at Walt Disney World
IHG has one Official Walt Disney World hotel located on property. Like some of the Hilton options mentioned earlier, this hotel is in the Disney Springs area and offers convenient access to dining, shopping, and transportation to the parks.
Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
The Holiday Inn Orlando is a well-priced award option for travelers looking to take advantage of early entry to the Walt Disney World theme parks. The hotel offers a resort-style pool and family-friendly accommodations that fit the brand’s reputation.
Award nights start at just 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night, making it an excellent value for points redemptions.
This property is also eligible for free night certificates earned from your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card credit card, which I'm looking forward to using here later this year! Note, there's a $39 per night resort fee at this property.
- Our Best Offer of 2025! Earn 5 Free Nights
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
- IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- Earn 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel
- 5X points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants
- 3X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
The earning for spending at IHG hotels breaks down as follows:
- Earn 10X points for being a IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card member
- Earn 6X points from IHG® with Platinum Elite Status, a benefit of having this card
- Earn 10X points from IHG® for being an IHG® One Rewards member (Being a cardholder is not required to earn this bonus for participating in the IHG® loyalty program)
Wyndham Hotels at Walt Disney World
Wyndham has two official Walt Disney World hotels worth considering for your next theme park trip. They are both located in the Disney Springs area.
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista are located next to Disney Springs. And this property effectively operates as two brands under one roof. The resort offers several recreational options, including a large pool, two tennis courts, and sand volleyball.
Guests at both properties enjoy early park entry and shuttle transportation to the theme parks. Each charges a $40.50 per night resort fee.
The main difference between the two comes down to room amenities. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista is the more premium option, with award nights available for 30,000 points per night.
The Wyndham Garden charges half that rate for award nights, with redemptions starting at just 15,000 points per night. Keep in mind that the Wyndham Garden features more motel-style rooms compared to the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, which offers accommodations in a traditional hotel tower.
Choice Hotels at Walt Disney World
Choice Hotels offers several budget-friendly options near Walt Disney World, though none include early entry benefits. Two properties provide shuttle service to the parks: Comfort Suites Maingate East and Comfort Inn Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista South.
The most appealing option is a newer addition to the program through Choice’s recent partnership with Westgate Resorts.
Westgate Towers Resort
Westgate Towers Resort is located in nearby Kissimmee, Florida, and is part of the Ascend brand within Choice Hotels. The property offers shuttle service to the parks. But just keep in mind that Kissimmee is farther from Walt Disney World than other official on-property hotels.
However, this property has several pools, though the overall style and design are not as polished as some of the other options on this list. That said, the resort can be a great fit for larger families. Standard rooms are true suites and include a full kitchen and washer and dryer.
Award nights are reasonably priced at 20,000 Choice Privileges points per night, but the property appears to require a two-night minimum stay. This may not be a concern for families planning a longer trip, but it's something to think about nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of hotel and resort options to choose from when visiting Walt Disney World. Ultimately, your decision may come down to which rewards program you prefer. But if you’re more of a free agent, focus on the perks that will matter most during your trip.
If you’re renting a car, shuttle service may not be a priority. And if you’re visiting over a weekend, a deluxe Disney Resort with extended evening hours may not be worth the extra cost, since those extended hours are usually offered on weekdays.
No matter what you choose, I hope you have an incredible time in Central Florida!
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees), The World of Hyatt Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (Rates & Fees)
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