What’s So Hard About Finding Budget Hotels?

In this post I will show you how to find budget hotels near Disneyworld. It sounds easy right. Just pick a price, and if the hotel is in that price range you’re done. But not so fast. That may be the way to find a cheap hotel, and if that’s all that you’re after then go for it. But that cheap hotel may end up costing you a whole lot more money in the long run.

I’m certainly not saying that hotel owners are going to take your money. But there are a number of ways that picking the right hotel can save you a whole lot more overall. In the end that will affect your entire budget, and leave you with more money to spend on things you really want.

Hotel Or Hostel

In this post I am going to limit myself to hotels only. My family and I have stayed in lots of hostels and they can be great fun. However I am aiming this information at family groups, and to be honest not all families are happy to share a room with other people they don’t know. Especially around their kids. That said though, if you ever get the courage up, give them a go. You will get to know your fellow traveler much better and learn to share information easier.

The people in hostels are generally on a bit of a budget so they all pass on the best tips. You’ll find it much more communal than a hotel where your interactions are fairly limited.

So What’s The Budget.

This is such a subjective term. My idea of budget may vary wildly from yours, however, I have to draw a line in the sand somewhere. The figure I have gone for is $100 AUD per person per night. This is about $75 US or £54 GBP.

My apologies to the billions of other currency users. If I am lucky enough to have you visiting my site, then I am sorry for not catering directly to you. However, if you’ve read this far, then you’re likely smart enough to be able to work it out from there.

Most of the hotels in this range either allow 2-3 kids in the room for free, or at a massively reduced price. So don’t panic yet if you thought that was out of your budget. Now lets have a look at some ways you can save more money on your stay with inclusions.

What Inclusions?

Here’s where we look to see what else we need on this trip and whether or not we can get it from the hotel or if we have to pay extra to get it. In Europe I always look for a hotel that has free private parking. Paid parking can easily cost 20 Euros a day so after a couple of weeks, that’s a lot of beer and ice cream I’ve missed out on.

Likewise, free WI-FI can stop your racking up huge charges on your mobile phone. You can simply download the maps you need the next day using the WI-FI, then work largely offline when roaming. I’m going to look at 3 key areas in this Disneyworld search. Transport, Breakfast and Laundry.

Transport

Let’s face it. You’re here for the theme parks. Disney, Universal and Sea World. They’re the big one’s around here, and no doubt they’ll dominate your time. Walt Disney learnt his lesson from Disneyland. He bought enough land for the park, then watched all the hotels, gift shops and restaurants spring up across the road. He always felt that these detracted from the look of the park.

All future parks therefore, were bought with a lot more land so that there was a buffer zone between Disney and the rest of the world. Now this is good for Disney, because you can’t just step across the road to buy a cheap lunch. You also can’t just step out of your hotel and into the park. Unless of course you stay in a Disney hotel. I don’t intend to be the first person ever to describe a Disney hotel as “budget”, so we’ll presume that you’re not there.

What this means is that you need transport. A car perhaps, to drive 15 mins to the park in the morning and 15 mins home again in the evening. That works out to be a fairly pricey car. On the upside you probably wont be doing excessive mileage.

Free Shuttles

No, the best choice here is to find a hotel which offers free transport to and from the parks. You sometimes need to look closely though. Some only go to Disney, other’s just to the parks near them. I find it easier to try and do all of your theme park stuff in a block.

The last time we went there was for 3 weeks. We spent 2 weeks using the free shuttle every day. Then just hired a car for a few days to head off and see the Kennedy Space Center, and a few other spots further afield. This probably saved us a couple of hundred dollars that we could put to much better use.

Breakfast

Most important meal of the day, depending on which brochure you read. But it can certainly add up quickly. Now, coming from Australia, I would say that the food in America is cheap and plentiful. We were thrilled with the prices. Still, if you have to buy 5 breakfasts, every morning, for three weeks. That is a lot of money.

We did make this mistake once but we learnt from it. The next time we found a hotel that included a free breakfast. We all filled our bellies in the morning, and that generally held us till around 4 pm. Then we would simply have an early dinner and beat the line.

Obviously I need to have ice cream at 11 am. It’s a medical thing. I have a note from my wife and everything. But essentially this means that we can get away with purchasing just one meal a day. If we succumb and need extra food somewhere, so be it. But we got the first one for free and it generally sets us up for the day.

Laundry

I like to travel light. That means I don’t have to spend money on excess baggage, so that’s a saving. It also means that I need to do my laundry every few days. Now most hotels have coin operated machines and I’m not suggesting that they are going to be cheaper that a laundromat. However, you don’t have to travel to get there. So that saves you fuel or possibly bus fare. The main thing that it saves you however, is time.

We can stay at the parks until they close, then head back to the hotel and do our laundry, with very little fear of being kicked out at closing time. Most of them have a night manager whose happy to let you stay. I use the time to write in my journal. I find it a good way to unwind at the end of what could have been a fairly hectic day.

The hotels

So I have gone through and found 9 hotels that fit all of these criteria. I should point out that I was using dates in late July, early August. If you were to choose off peak times then the prices should be lower. If you click on the name of the hotel it will open a new link and take you to the Booking.com page for it, and you can check availability.

For real Disney fans I have a similar post for Disneyland here, and one for Disneyland Paris, here.

Cheers and happy travels.

Clarion Suites Kissimmee-Orlando Maingate

7888 West Irlo Bronson Highway, Celebration, Orlando, FL 34747, United States of America

This Kissimmee hotel offers free scheduled transfer service to the Walt Disney World Resort, which is 3 mi away, and outdoor pool with children’s water playground. The Orlando Premium Outlets are 8 mi away.

Spacious, all-suite accommodations at the Clarion Suites Maingate are furnished with many modern conveniences, including microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers. Free wireless internet access along with laundry facilities are also available on-site.

Thoughtful amenities at the Maingate Clarion Suites include a breakfast buffet for 2, an on-site gift shop and a game room. Guests will also enjoy the outdoor pool, complete with a children’s swimming area.

The property is a 17 minutes’s drive to SeaWorld. Universal Orlando Resort is 15 mi away.

The restaurant, Jumbo’s Eatery, is located on-site for added guest convenience. The Pixies Java Cafe, a sweet shop, is also on the property.

Quality Inn & Suites by the Lake

7785 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Celebration, Orlando, FL 34747, United States of America

Featuring a year-round outdoor pool, Quality Inn & Suites Disney offers accommodations in Kissimmee. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is 2.7 mi away.

Each room is fitted with a 40-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Beds at this Quality Inn feature pillow top mattresses.Views of the lake, pool or garden are featured in certain rooms. Rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, the bathroom features free toiletries, a hairdryer, and curved shower rods.

In addition to free WiFi, you will find free shuttle service and gift shop at the property. Free local calls and a wake-up service is also offered.

Disney’s Boardwalk 3.1 mi from Quality Inn & Suites Disney, while Epcot is 3.7 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Orlando International Airport, 19 mi from the property.

Comfort Inn Maingate

7675 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Celebration, Orlando, FL 34747, United States of America

This Kissimmee hotel is 1 mi from the Disney Theme Parks. This completely smoke-free hotel offers a free scheduled shuttle to area theme parks and to the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Mall. The hotel features an outdoor pool with separate children’s area.

Rooms at the Comfort Inn Maingate offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TVs and ironing facilities. Rooms are also equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities.

Guests can also enjoy a nightly buffet at Lighthouse Lobster Feast, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

The Maingate Comfort Inn is within a 30-minute drive from downtown Orlando. The hotel is 24 mi from the Orlando International Airport.

Quality Suites Lake Buena Vista

8200 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32836, United States of America

Quality Suites Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World is just a 5-minutes’ drive from Walt Disney World. Guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast and then take a dip in the pool. Complimentary WiFi is provided for all guests.

Rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and stove top is offered. Select rooms feature additional living space.

Free access to the fitness room and hot tub is offered to all guests. Business center are provided onsite. A convenience store is available as well.

SeaWorld Orlando and the Grande Pines Golf Club are both within a 10-minute drive of this hotel. The Orlando International Airport is 14 mi away.

Best Western Plus Kissimmee-Lake Buena Vista South Inn & Suites

3484 Polynesian Isle Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States of America

Best Western Plus Kissimmee-Lake Buena Vista South Inn & Suites provides a free theme park shuttle service to area attractions. Guests can start their day with a complimentary hot breakfast, and then take a refreshing plunge in the heated outdoor pool. Complimentary WiFi is available to all guests. The Walt Disney World Resort is a 10 minutes’ drive from the property.

Each room at this air conditioned hotel includes a TV with cable channels. A microwave and refrigerator are also included. All rooms come with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. Some suites feature a separate living area with a sofa bed and a wet bar.

Business guests will enjoy the convenience of an onsite business center. For guests looking to work up a sweat, a fitness center is offered. A children’s playground and game room are also provided.

SeaWorld Orlando is 6.3 mi from the property. Universal Orlando Resort is 9.7 mi away. Orlando International Airport is a 24 minutes’ drive from the Sunset Palms Inn & Suites.

Comfort Suites Maingate East

2775 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Celebration, Orlando, FL 34746, United States of America

Located just 2 mi from Disney World, this all-suite Florida hotel features free shuttles to Orlando theme parks, a restaurant and poolside bar. Suites offer sofa beds and free WiFi.

Guest accommodations at Comfort Suites Maingate East include microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers. The suites also have flat-screen TVs and desks. Room service is available.

Along with a heated outdoor pool, the hotel offers a hot tub. Guests can workout in the gym or visit the games room. For added convenience, there is a business center and meeting facilities.

Barracuda Bart’s tiki bar has a full bar and menu that includes cocktails and pizza. A breakfast buffet is provided daily.

Maingate Comfort Suites is 8.9 mi from SeaWorld Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort is 13 mi from the property.

Best Western Orlando Theme Parks

6301 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32821, United States of America

Best Western Orlando is 0.6 mi from Seaworld Orlando and 1 mi from the Discovery Cove. It features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi access. This hotel is 1 mi from the Orange County Convention Center.

Air-conditioned guestrooms are fitted with a personal safe, mini fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and a TV with cable channels. The private bathroom comes with toiletries and a hairdryer.

A business center and fitness center are available to guests. Free on-site parking is available.

Guests can enjoy a full hot breakfast at Best Western.

This hotel is 1.1 mi from Wonder Works. Orlando International Airport is 9.6 mi away.

Comfort Inn International Drive

8134 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, United States of America

This Orlando International Drive hotel features a free hot breakfast and free WiFi. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle to Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, which are 1.7 mi away. The Orange County Convention Center is an 11 minutes’ drive away.

A flat-screen TV, desk, and refrigerator are standard in each Modern-style room at Comfort Inn International. The private bathroom has a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include daily maid service, and some rooms have a sofa bed.

Complimentary copy-fax services, free local calls, and free newspaper are provided for all guests. Coin laundry is also available.

The I-Ride Trolley stops outside the hotel. Point Orlando dining and shopping complex and Orange County Convention Center are 1.7 mi from Comfort Inn International. Orlando International Premium Outlets are 13 minutes’ drive by car.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Near Universal

7701 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, United States of America

Offering free transfer service to Disney World and Universal Studios, this Orlando hotel offers a hot breakfast served daily. Orange County Convention Center is 2.3 mi away.

Guest rooms at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orlando, FL feature cable TV and free local calls. The spacious one-bedroom suites are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator.

Recreational facilities at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and game room. A gift shop is available.

Universal Studios theme park is within 10 minutes’ drive of the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Orlando, FL . SeaWorld amusement park is 3.5 mi away.