A Walt Disney World vacation is still a dream trip for millions of families, but there’s no denying that the cost of making that dream a reality continues to climb. Between higher hotel rates, park tickets, Lightning Lane purchases, dining, and souvenirs, many families are looking for creative ways to stretch their vacation dollars without giving up the Disney magic.
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According to a recent LendingTree survey, 45% of parents who have taken children under 18 to Disney said they went into debt to pay for the trip. That statistic highlights just how significant the financial commitment has become for many families. Instead of canceling their vacation altogether, more guests are shifting where they spend their money, and one of the biggest changes is where they choose to stay.
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels have become an increasingly attractive option for travelers who want to remain close to Walt Disney World while enjoying more space and additional resort amenities at a variety of price points. Officially recognized by Disney, these hotels combine convenient access to the parks with many of the comforts families are looking for during longer vacations.
Several factors are fueling this trend. Hotel prices both on and off Disney property have increased in recent years, while admission costs and popular vacation add-ons continue to grow. At the same time, larger families and multi-generational groups often need accommodations that offer more living space than a traditional hotel room. Many travelers are also looking for resorts that provide entertainment beyond the parks, allowing vacation days at the hotel to feel like part of the experience rather than simply a place to sleep.
One example is Caribe Royale Orlando, located just 1.5 miles from EPCOT. As an official Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, the resort offers complimentary scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World, newly renovated all-suite accommodations with separate living and sleeping spaces, larger two-bedroom villas for bigger groups, a tropical pool complex complete with a 75-foot waterslide, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and even catch-and-release fishing.
Another popular option is The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, which sits just minutes from Walt Disney World on more than 100 acres overlooking Lake Austin. In addition to complimentary scheduled transportation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, guests can choose from spacious one, two, and three-bedroom suites. The resort’s Surfari Water Park features thrilling slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider surf simulator, and interactive splash areas, giving families another full day of vacation fun without purchasing another theme park ticket. The Grove is also Autism Double-Checked® certified, offering an added level of confidence for many traveling families.
For many guests, choosing a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel isn’t simply about saving money. It’s about maximizing the overall vacation by finding accommodations that offer more space, additional amenities, and opportunities to relax between park days while still keeping Walt Disney World just minutes away.
As Disney vacations continue to evolve, it’s likely that more families will carefully weigh where they stay as part of building a trip that fits both their wish list and their budget. The magic may still happen inside the parks, but for many travelers, getting the most value out of every vacation dollar starts with choosing the right resort.
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Whether you choose a Disney Resort hotel or a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, our travel partners at Get Away Today can help you compare options, find great rates, and plan the Walt Disney World vacation that best fits your family’s budget and travel style.
Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
