Closest Marriott to Disney World: Comparing the Top 8 Resorts
Are you looking for the closest Marriott to Disney World? Are you looking for the best way to utilize your Mariott Bonvoy points for your upcoming Disney World trip?
As a Disney World fanatic and a fellow Marriott Bonvoy member, I’ve got you covered.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of planning a trip to Disney World with your family.
While staying on Disney property offers its own charm, I’ve discovered that Marriott properties near Disney World can provide a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Plus I can use my Bonvoy points to save on some cash!
In this article, I will tell you the closest Marriott hotel to Disney World. Hint: It’s actually closer to the parks than many Disney-owned properties.
I will discuss the benefits of staying at a Marriott property for your next Disney vacation and I will take a look at other Marriott resorts that are within close proximity to Walt Disney World
Bonus: We will also discuss how to best utilize your Marriott Bonvoy points to save you money so that you can spend more of your budget on things your family will enjoy.
Hey guys, This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted.
Why stay at Marriott Hotels near Disney World?
1. Cost Savings:
Marriott hotels generally tend to be more budget-friendly than Disney-operated resorts, allowing families to allocate their vacation budget to other activities and experiences.
2. More Spacious Accommodations:
Properties from Marriott often offer larger rooms or suites, providing families with extra space and comfort during their stay.
For the same price as a tiny value resort room on Disney property, you can get a room with so much more room for your family to enjoy.
3. Variety of Hotel Options:
Off-property, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, catering to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that families can find the perfect fit for their needs.
4. Local Dining Options:
Let’s be honest. Eating at Disney World is expensive. Staying off-property at a Marriott hotel, allows families to explore and indulge in local dining experiences without the Disney price tag.
5. Proximity to Other Attractions:
Many Marriott hotels are conveniently located near other popular attractions, providing families with the chance to explore beyond Disney World.
In Orlando, there are so many other attractions such as Universal Studios, Sea World, Cape Canaveral, and the beach. You may want to stay someplace that offers easier access to these attractions.
6. Flexibility in Dining:
Unlike Disney resorts, some Marriott accommodations often offer kitchenettes or full kitchens, allowing families to prepare their meals, saving both time and money.
7. Fewer Crowds:
Off-property hotels typically have fewer guests, resulting in a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, especially after a long day at the bustling Disney parks.
8. On-Site Amenities:
Most Marriott hotels offer a variety of on-site amenities such as pools, fitness centers, spas, and complimentary breakfasts, enhancing the overall vacation experience.
9. Minimal Disney Theming:
I’ll admit it. Disney goes OVER the top on their theming.
It’s why we love them.
For families seeking a break from the “in your face” Disney-theming, staying off-property provides a chance to enjoy a different ambiance.
10. Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program:
This is the BIG reason I recommend staying at Marriott Disney hotels.
Guests earn Marriott Bonvoy Points, providing additional benefits for future travels!
My Quick Picks
Where is the closest Marriott to Disney World?
Shhhh….here is a little well-known secret…
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts and Disney’s Swan Reserve Resort are literally on Disney Property.
They are considered by Disney to be a Deluxe resort and guests receive most of the perks that Disney resort hotel guests do as well.
This is amazing because you get to enjoy benefits like early entry to the theme parks, the ability to book individual lightning lanes at 7 Am, and transportation to the parks, while still being able to use and earn Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay.
These resorts are also within walking distance of both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
1. Walt Disney World Swan Resort
1200 Epcot Resort Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Distance to Disneyworld: On Property- Near Epcot
Pros:
1. Prime Location: One of the most significant advantages of the Disney Swan Resort is its prime location. Situated just 0.6 miles from Epcot, guests can easily walk to the park allowing for more time to immerse themselves in the magic of Disney.
2. Proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios: The resort’s location not only provides easy access to Epcot but also to Hollywood Studios via the convenient water taxi service. This proximity makes it a breeze for families to explore two of the most popular Disney parks without worrying about transportation.
3. Extended Evening Hours: Guests staying at the Disney Swan Resort are eligible for extended evening hours at select parks. This perk allows families to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times during the evening, making the most of their time in the parks.
4. Individual Lightning Lane Purchases: The option to make individual Lightning Lane purchases is a valuable advantage for guests at the Disney Swan Resort. Families can skip the regular standby lines for certain attractions, ensuring more time for magical experiences and less time waiting in line. You can make these reservations at 7 Am in the My Disney Experience App on the day of your visit.
5. Family-Friendly Amenities: The resort offers a range of family-friendly amenities including fantastic pools with waterslides. Between its sister resort The Dolphin, there are five outdoor pools and four hot tubs.
Cons:
1. Limited Disney Theming: While the Disney Swan Resort is located on Disney property, it is not a Disney-operated resort. As a result, some families may find that the resort lacks the immersive Disney theming and character experiences found at official Disney resorts.
2. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: Families should be aware that the Disney Swan Resort does have an additional resort fee and parking costs, which can add to the overall expense of the vacation.
3. Transportation to Other Parks: While the resort’s location is excellent for Epcot and Hollywood Studios, families will need to consider their options for Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. There are shuttle buses available to these parks but they are not allowed to drop off and pick up in the same location as the Disney-operated buses. This can lead to additional walking and time spent traveling to the park.
2. Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
1500 Epcot Resort Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Distance to Disney World: On Property- Near Epcot
Pros:
1. Ideal Location: The Disney Dolphin Resort enjoys an ideal location, just a short 15-minute walk away from Disney Epcot. Its proximity to the parks allows families to spend less time on transportation and more time having fun at the parks.
2. Close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios: Similar to the Disney Swan Resort, the Dolphin Resort provides easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios via the water taxi service. Both parks are also within walking distance of the two parks listed above. This allows superior flexibility when planning your day.
3. Extended Evening Hours: You will also get extra time at the selected parks on selected nights if you stay at this resort. This can result in significantly lower wait times for rides as you won’t be fighting the crowds. These extra evening hours are reserved only for guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts or the Marriott Swan and Dolphin Resort.
4. Individual Lightning Lane Purchases: Guests staying here will also have the option for individual Lightning Lane purchases right at 7 AM is a significant benefit when trying to minimize waiting in long lines
5. Five Outdoor Pools and Four Hot Tubs: The resort boasts five outdoor pools and four hot tubs, providing families with ample opportunities to unwind and relax after walking in the Disney parks’ heat.
Cons:
1. Limited Disney Theming: Like its sister resort, the Disney Dolphin Resort is not an official Disney-operated resort, and the design is not themed in over-the-top Disney decorations.
2. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: As with most resort properties, the Disney Dolphin Resort does charge for both parking and the resort experience.
3. Transportation to Other Parks: While the resort’s location is excellent for Epcot and Hollywood Studios, families going to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will need to take a shuttle bus. These shuttle buses are not able to drop off and pick up at bus stops owned by Disney so there may be additional walking involved.
3. Disney World Swan Reserve
1255 Epcot Resorts Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Distance to Disney World: On Property-Near Epcot
Pros:
1. Proximity to Epcot: The Disney Swan Reserve is conveniently located just 0.7 miles from Epcot, making access to this park simple and hassle-free.
2. Excellent Pool Area: The pool is a relaxing oasis for your family to enjoy during your rest days from the park. You can rent a cabana for the day to enhance your pool time even more.
3. Access to the Boardwalk Area: You will be within walking distance to one of the best areas on Disney Property: The Boardwalk. The boardwalk features many premier shops and restaurants for your family to dine at. You also have a great view of Epcot’s fireworks from the boardwalk if you want to take your family there for a stroll and a magical experience.
Cons:
1. Limited Disney Theming: Like its sister resorts, the Disney Swan Reserve is not an official Disney-operated property. While it provides a luxurious stay, families seeking the immersive Disney theming and character experiences found in Disney-branded resorts may miss that aspect.
2. Transportation to Other Parks: The resort does provide shuttle bus services to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom but just like her sister resorts, the drop-off and pick-up locations are different than the Disney resort stops so you might want to check with the hotel ahead of time for their updated schedule and drop off location.
3. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: You have to consider the nightly resort fees on top of the room price.
Other Marriott Properties near Disney World:
4. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek
14900 Chelonia Parkway Orlando, Florida 32821
Distance to Disney World: On Property-Near Disney Springs
Pros:
1. Close Proximity to Disney Parks: The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is conveniently located near Disney Springs and Epcot, providing families easy access to the Disney parks. This prime location ensures that families can maximize their time at the parks without spending too much time on transportation.
2. Luxurious Amenities: The resort offers a range of luxurious amenities, including multiple swimming pools, a spa, and upscale dining options.
3. Family-Friendly Amenities: There is a putt-putt golf and a rock climbing wall for your family’s entertainment.
4. Fireworks view: From this hotel, you can see the fireworks from Epcot. Consider booking a room with a fireworks view to enjoy the spectacle from your own cozy space as a family.
Cons:
1. Distance from Some Disney Parks: While the resort is conveniently close to the parks, families will need to consider renting a car or taking an Uber to the parks as they are not walkable. The hotel does have a shuttle but drop and pick-up times are limited compared to Disney property hotels.
2. Limited Disney Theming: As with other non-Disney-operated properties, the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek may lack the immersive Disney theming and character experiences found in official Disney resorts.
3. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: Families should be aware that the resort does charge a resort fee per night.
5. Delta Hotels near Disney World
12490 South Apopka Vineland Road Orlando, Florida 32836
Distance to Disney World: 1 mile
Pros:
1. Comfortable Accommodations: Delta Hotels offer comfortable and well-appointed accommodations, providing families with a relaxing retreat after a day of excitement at Disney World.
2. Onsite Coffee Shop and Restaurant: Grab your cup of joe on the way out the door in the morning and skip the lines at Starbucks or Joffreys. This hotel has a Peet’s coffee house open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to get your caffeine fix.
3. Budget-Friendly Option: Compared to some of the larger, more luxurious resorts, Delta Hotels can be a more budget-friendly option for families looking to save on accommodation costs.
4. Complimentary Shuttle Service: They do offer a shuttle service to and from the park; however, drop-off and pick-up times are limited. Do double-check with the hotel before booking.
Cons:
1. Limited Resort Amenities: Delta Hotels may have fewer on-site amenities compared to larger resorts, which may be a consideration for families seeking a wide range of recreational activities and facilities.
3. Transportation to Other Parks: While the hotel does offer a shuttle service to Disney World, the times are limited to once or twice a day. If you are needing more flexibility, consider renting a car or taking a ride-share service.
4. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: Families should be aware that the hotel does have additional parking costs.
6. Courtyard Orlando in Marriott Village
8623 Vineland Avenue Orlando, Florida 32821
Distance from Disney World: 1.5 miles
Pros:
1. Family-Friendly Accommodations: The Courtyard Orlando in Marriott Village offers family-friendly accommodations and plenty of space for your Disney Loving family. They welcome kids of all ages.
2. Variety of Dining Options: The resort has a food court with deli, pizza, and ice cream options, as well as an onsite restaurant. This variety of dining choices ensures that families have a plethora of options to satisfy their cravings, making mealtime hassle-free.
3. Budget-Friendly Option: This resort is much friendlier on your pocketbook compared to other surrounding hotels. This leaves more spending money for fun things like souvenirs and Mickey ice cream bars!
4. Indoor/Outdoor pool: This hotel has a pool that is half indoors and half outdoors so even if it rains, your family can have pool time.
Cons:
1. Limited Resort Amenities: The Courtyard Orlando in Marriott Village is smaller than some of the deluxe resorts mentioned above and does not have all the bells and whistles of a large upscale resort.
2. Transportation to Other Parks: You will need to rent a car or use ride-share services to stay at this resort.
3. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: Families should be aware that the hotel has parking fees.
7. Residence Inn by Marriott Flamingo Crossing
2111 Flagler Avenue Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Distance to Disney World: 2.9 miles
Pros:
1. Spacious and Family-Friendly Suites: The Residence Inn offers 1-2 bedroom suites with full kitchens, providing families with ample space and the convenience of preparing meals during their stay. These spacious accommodations create a home-like atmosphere for families to relax and unwind.
2. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, giving families a convenient and delicious way to start their day before heading out to Disney World.
3. Proximity to Flamingo Crossing: The Residence Inn is conveniently located near Flamingo Crossing, providing families with easy access to various dining and shopping options.
4. Budget-Friendly Option: The Residence Inn is a budget-conscious choice for families. For the price, you get a kitchenette and free breakfast. This can save a family a lot of money on meal expenses.
5. Pet-Friendly: For families traveling with furry companions, the Residence Inn is a pet-friendly hotel, allowing them to include their beloved pets in the vacation experience.
6. Family-Friendly Amenities: The hotel has BBQ grills, a family pool, a fire pit, and a sports complex for guests to utilize for their entertainment.
Cons:
1. Distance to Disney Parks: While the hotel is close to Flamingo Crossing, families will need to arrange transportation to reach Disney World parks, adding to travel time and expenses.
2. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: Parking at the time of publication was 10 USD/day.
8. SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings
13279 Hartzog Road Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Distance from Disney World: 2.7 miles
Pros:
1. Spacious and Modern Suites: SpringHill Suites Orlando offers spacious and modern suites with separate living and sleeping areas, providing families with plenty of space to decompress after a day of adventure at Disney World.
2. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet: You can’t beat free breakfast! This hotel offers a hot, complementary breakfast buffet to all of its guests.
3. Proximity to Flamingo Crossings: SpringHill Suites Orlando is located near the shopping and dining district of Flamingo Crossing. This area has many dining and shopping options within walking distance of the hotel.
4. Budget-Friendly Option: The hotel can be a more budget-friendly choice for families, providing comfortable accommodations and complimentary breakfast at a reasonable price.
5. Family-Friendly Amenities: The hotel offers a BBQ and picnic area as well as onsite laundry if you need to wash your clothes while on vacation.
6. On-Site Restaurant: SpringHill Suites Orlando features an onsite restaurant and coffee shop that offers families the option to eat meals without leaving the hotel.
Cons:
1. Distance to Disney Parks: While you can walk to many dining options in the Flamingo Crossing area, the hotel is not within walking distance of the Disney parks and you will need to consider renting a car or taking a ride-share service to Disneyworld.
2. Resort Fees and Parking Costs: At the time of publication there is a 10 USD/day parking fee to consider in your budget when booking this location.
How to best utilize your Marriott Bonvoy points for a Disney World stay
1. Plan Ahead:
Start planning your Disney World vacation well in advance to ensure availability and to have enough time to accumulate sufficient Marriott Bonvoy points.
2. Choose the Right Disney Marriott Resort:
Research Marriott hotels closest to Disney World and choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs.
Consider factors like proximity to the parks, amenities offered, and points redemption rates.
3. Take Advantage of Promotions:
Keep an eye out for Marriott Bonvoy promotions, bonus point offers, and discounts that can help you earn more points or save on your stay.
4. Opt for Off-Peak Seasons:
If possible, plan your Disney World visit during off-peak seasons when hotel rates and point redemption requirements may be lower.
5. Use Points for Free Nights:
Redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights at a Marriott property near Disney World. Check the point redemption rates and availability for your desired dates.
6. Combine Points and Cash:
Some Marriott hotels offer the option to combine points and cash for a discounted stay. This can be a great way to stretch your points and save money.
7. Book Award Travel Packages:
Marriott Bonvoy offers travel packages that include hotel stays and airline miles. If you plan to fly to Disney World, consider booking one of these packages to maximize your value.
8. Book in Advance:
Popular Disney vacation times can fill up quickly, so book your Marriott stay as soon as your travel dates are confirmed to secure your preferred hotel and room type.
9. Consider Hotel Benefits:
Some Marriott hotels offer additional benefits for Bonvoy members, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and access to exclusive lounges.
10. Check for Partner Offers:
Occasionally, Marriott Bonvoy partners with Disney for special offers and packages. Keep an eye out for such promotions that can further enhance your Disney World stay.
Final Thoughts about choosing Marriott Hotels near Disney
Choosing the right accommodation for a Disney World vacation can significantly impact the overall experience.
As a loyal Marriott customer, staying at a Marriott property near Disneyworld offers me the ability to combine two of my loves: Disney and travel hacking.
I love to save money. I love to rack up reward points, and I love taking my kids to Disney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriott and Disney World
FAQ: Are Any Disney World Hotels Marriott?
While there are no actual on-site Disney World hotels that are Marriott branded, The Swan and Dolphin hotels come with many of the perks of staying on-site including early entry, extended evening hours, and the ability to make individual lightening lane selections at 7 AM. The proximity to the theme parks cannot be beaten, and these hotels are closer to Epcot and Hollywood studios than many Disney-owned properties.
Can Staying Off-Property at Walt Disney World Save You Money?
The answer is a resounding yes! Marriott properties near Disney World often offer competitive rates compared to on-property Disney resorts. Additionally, the availability of Marriott Bonvoy Points allows guests to earn rewards and redeem them for free nights, room upgrades, and other enticing perks, further enhancing the value of their stay
Can I Use My Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificate at Walt Disney World?
Absolutely! Guests can use their Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates at eligible Marriott properties near Walt Disney World. This presents an exciting opportunity to utilize rewards and save money! Who doesn’t love that? By redeeming a Free Night Certificate, guests can enjoy a complimentary stay at a Marriott property, making it an even more enticing prospect for families seeking to create cherished memories while leaving more money in the bank.
Should I rent a car or take the shuttles at the hotels above?
In my experience, offsite hotels have inconsistent shuttles with limited drop-off and pick-up times. You can always check specifically with the hotel. Because of the Swan and Dolphin resorts’ proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you could skip the rental car at these properties. For any other resort, I would highly recommend a car rental or using Uber/Lyft.
Are Marriott Hotels Family Friendly?
Absolutely. It is Disney World after all. However, the reason my family is loyal to the Marriott brand overall is that they always aim to provide a memorable and pleasant experience for all families and travelers. You will find amenities such as pools and restaurants that your kids will enjoy at each of the hotels listed above. I would not hesitate to take my family to any of these Marriott-branded hotels.
