If your family has some shopaholics, foodies, or perhaps social media influencers who want to brag about visiting the largest Disney store in the word, then perhaps staying at a Disney Springs resort hotel is the best bet for your family’s next Walt Disney World vacation.
Disney Springs is a unique, one-of-a-kind, fun-filled area adjacent to Disney’s four main theme parks. It contains over 90 stores, pavilions, and pop-ups, over 65 dining options- including table-service and quick-service restaurants, and over 15 ways to play with a variety of attractions, shows, and events. The best part? There are no tickets or entry requirements for this area (with the exception of course of Cirque Du Soleil’s Drawn to Life) and it’s open long after the parks close.
If your family likes to shop, dine, and extend the fun into the evening hours, then you should definitely consider staying in one Disney’s resort hotels near Disney Springs. There are several great options to choose from, and they’re still close enough to the theme parks that you’re not missing out.
This article will help you learn which one might be the best for you. So let’s do a quick dive into the best hotel near Disney Springs for your family’s epic Disney World vacation.
Benefits of Staying at Disney Springs
We mentioned it briefly already, but staying at Disney Springs provides convenience for families visiting Disney World. With its central location, guests can easily access the four Disney theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom via Disney’s free bus transportation system.
These Walt Disney World Resorts also offer waterway transportation directly to and from Disney Springs along the Sassagoula River via water taxis, hence the name, “Disney Springs Resorts.” This allows families staying at Disney Springs Resort hotels quick and easy access to the various dining, shopping, and entertainment options available there.
And to be honest, many of the families we’ve worked with have told us that taking the water taxis from their resort hotel to Disney Springs is one of the highlights of their trip for their children.
Considering the Different Hotels
There are several top-quality Disney hotels you should consider staying at with your family. If it helps, you can look at this map of Disney Springs to see where each of these Disney Springs resort hotels are located. Then, consider the following descriptions below of each to decide which Disney Springs hotel is the best for you.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
This first one is a charming resort to consider. It captures the spirit and ambiance of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
The resort’s theming and architecture create a unique and immersive experience. In this way, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter transports guests to the heart of Louisiana.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. Check out this YouTube video of a room in Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter to learn more.
The resort’s main pool, Doubloon Lagoon, is a highlight for families. It offers a large waterslide, a hot tub, and a poolside bar.
In addition, the resort also has a playground, an arcade, and a jogging trail that winds along the Sassagoula River. Guests can also enjoy boat rentals, fishing excursions, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort your family will love. It celebrates the charm and elegance of upstate New York’s Saratoga Springs. The theme is inspired by the area’s horse racing heritage and Victorian architecture.
The rooms at Saratoga Springs feature sophisticated decor and modern amenities. Each room is equipped with the same amenities such as a mini-fridge, coffee maker, etc.
The resort’s spa, Senses Spa & Salon, is ideal for guests looking to unwind and relax. It offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
Other recreational facilities at the resort include a fitness center, multiple pools, and a playground. Guests can also enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Enjoy the romance and tranquility of the Mississippi River Delta at this resort. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside showcases the Mississippi region’s plantation-style architecture and natural beauty.
The rooms here are spacious and well-appointed. They all feature elegant furnishings and modern amenities. You can see a full-room tour of this resort here.
The resort’s dining options are a highlight for guests. You’ll have multiple restaurants and lounges offering a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. Guests can also enjoy a themed dinner show at the resort’s Riverside Mill Food Court.
For more specific guidance, check out this article about things you need to know about Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. That way, you can ensure you and your family take full advantage of this top-quality resort experience.
All Have Waterway Transportation
All three resorts – Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside – offer waterway transportation. This provides guests with a unique and convenient way to explore the Walt Disney World Resort.
The waterway transportation includes boats that travel along the Sassagoula River. It connects the resorts to each other and to Disney Springs.
The boats operate daily and run frequently. That way, guests can easily access the dining, shopping, and entertainment options in the area.
Each resort has its own dock, too. So, guests can enjoy a leisurely ride on a covered, open-air boat. The boats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of seating and room for strollers and mobility devices.
The journey along the river is a wonderful time in itself. It offers a relaxing and scenic experience that is unique to Disney World. Guests can also enjoy different views of the resorts and surrounding landscapes from the water.
Differences Between the Resorts
Considering the above resorts, each offers different advantages. Families can choose the resort that best fits their needs and preferences. It might be based on factors such as budget, location, and recreational opportunities.
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter features smaller room sizes and fewer amenities than the other two resorts. Fortunately, this makes it a more affordable option.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a more luxurious resort. It has more of a focus on relaxation and wellness, with a full-service spa and multiple pools.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is a charming option with multiple dining options. It also offers a great playground and a jogging trail.
Take the time to consider what your family’s Disney vacation priorities might be. If you need help deciding which route to take, be willing to work with our expert Disney travel agents to make your dreams come true.
Disney Springs Dining Options
The dining experiences at Disney Springs range from quick service to signature dining. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from American to Italian to Asian.
Some of the most popular family-friendly restaurants include T-Rex Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, and Raglan Road Irish Pub. These offer unique themed environments that are sure to delight children and adults alike.
For families looking to meet their favorite Disney characters while dining, there are several character dining experiences available. Examples include Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park. With over 60 dining options to choose from, Disney Springs offers something for everyone.
Shopping Experiences
Disney Springs offers a world-class shopping experience for families visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. There are over 100 different stores and boutiques to explore.
You can find clothing, jewelry, toys, and even home goods. The shopping options range from high-end luxury brands to affordable souvenir shops.
Special Events and Activities
On top of food and fun, there are many special events your family might catch. These events live performances and seasonal celebrations that are sure to entertain everyone.
Families can participate in these events by visiting Disney Springs during the designated dates and times. They could also do so by booking special packages and experiences in advance.
Some of the most popular seasonal events include the Christmas Tree Trail. This features dozens of Disney-themed Christmas trees and a nightly snowfall.
There are also Halloween-themed festivities. These include trick-or-treating, costume contests, and spooky decorations.
Other events throughout the year include concerts, food and wine festivals, and art exhibits. With so much to see and do, Disney Springs is a great destination for families looking to experience the magic of Disney World.
On-Site Services
Staying at a Disney-owned resort provides access to a variety of on-site services. These are ideal for families to be able to enhance their vacation experience.
The transportation options, including waterway transportation and buses, are convenient and efficient. These make it easy for families to move around the resort.
On-site child care services, such as Disney’s Kids Club, are available, too. They provide parents with the peace of mind they deserve. This amenity allows them to enjoy some adult time while their children have fun in a safe and supervised environment.
The recreational activities, such as pool areas and arcades, are also attractive features of Disney Springs. They offer a variety of options for families to unwind and have fun after a busy day in the parks.
Reserving Hotels Near Disney Springs
At this point, you have a good idea about which of the hotels near Disney Springs you’d like. Still, there’s a lot of planning you need to do to make this trip happen. From transportation to dining options, it takes a lot to create the perfect Disney experience.
The good news is that you don’t have to do all of that planning alone. Our team of Disney vacation experts is on hand to help. So, schedule a complimentary consultation to see how our travel planning services can save you time and optimize your fun.
