One of the perks of living in Central Florida is the discounts and deals we can often take advantage of. And as Florida residents, we’ve got a pretty rare chance to take advantage of great hotel deals in the Walt Disney World area over the next few months. While some deals have come and gone, there are still good discounts and packages available. But I would encourage you to hurry! Occupancy is beginning to rise at local hotels (and will hopefully rebound this summer) and the parks have been reaching capacity recently. This spring might be your last chance to have a Disney resort staycation together that won’t break the bank.
Below I’ve compiled information about the current deals, including some of the best I’ve found in the Walt Disney World area. I’ve included the hotel or resort name, a description of the deals that appear to be available, and an overview of the hotel itself.
Editor’s note: Looking for more date night ideas for doing Disney like a local? Read all of Dani’s wonderful Disney and outdoor adventure-focused articles here and connect with her on Instagram.
Walt Disney World Deals for Florida Residents
Now through April 17, 2021 Florida Residents can save up to 35% on select hotel stays at Disney owned and operated hotels. The discount ranges by hotel category. The 35% off is hard to come by on weekends, but if you’re able to stay during the week you can usually find the lowest rate.
Disney is also offering a 2, 3 and 4-day Discover Disney tickets for Florida Residents. 2-day Discover Disney tickets are good through March 11, 2021, and 3- and 4-day Discover Disney tickets are good through June 18, 2021 (blackout dates apply for both). If that is coming up too quickly for you to plan a getaway, there is also the option to save 30-40% on 3 and 4-day tickets, just for Florida Residents (compared to the price of a non-Florida resident 3- and 4-day ticket). There is no expiration date set on this discount at the time of publishing this post.
You’ll need to purchase your tickets in advance so that you can make Disney Park Pass Reservations. Right now the Disney theme parks are by reservation only, done online. And in order to make a reservation you need to have your tickets purchased.
Offers at Disney’s Resorts
There are two types of hotels on Walt Disney World property. First, there are the hotels that are owned and operated by Walt Disney World itself. These hotels have the name “Disney’s” in front of them and they are available in four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Even the Value resorts are destinations themselves. As you work your way up each tier from Moderate to Deluxe, the resort’s amenities increase.
Regardless of whether or not you choose to visit the parks, the Disney resorts are great fun. And now is the perfect time to go with discounted rates available. Not all Disney hotels are currently open, so the ones that I am listing are favorites that are open at this time.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Category: Value
Offer: Up to 25% off for Florida Residents
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a fun choice if you’re on a budget but still want some Disney magic in your life. Each building of hotel rooms at this Value resort features a unique theme ranging in time from the 1950’s to the 1990’s. Couples can have fun walking around the resort and reminiscing about childhood memories and taking photos with larger than life props, like a giant Mickey Mouse telephone. The pools and amenities are a little basic, but there’s still a fun theme and recreational activities, like movies under the stars every other night. This resort is also part of the Disney Skyliner system, which provides convenient access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. And even if you are not going into the parks, you can hop around on the Skyliner just for fun.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Category: Moderate
Offer: Up to 30% off for Florida Residents
My husband, son, and I just had a great weekend getaway at this resort (check out a little video of our stay here). The Caribbean island theme is so relaxing. The main themed pool is great for families, and the Banana Cabana pool bar is a lovely date night spot. This tropical themed resort is a bit spread out so be prepared to walk. It is also next to Disney’s Riviera Resort, so you can walk over for a wonderful lunch at Bar Riva, or a specialty coffee and dessert at Le Petit Café. Like Disney’s Pop Century Resort above, this resort is also part of the Disney Skyliner system.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Category: Moderate
Offer: Up to 30% off for Florida Residents
This resort is themed after Central America and has the most dining options of any Moderate resort. There is a large lagoon in the middle, which provides a relaxing atmosphere. Lounge around the themed pool and additional small basic pools throughout the resort. There is also the Gran Destino Tower to explore, which has a rooftop lounge and dining. While this resort is centrally located within Disney property, the only transportation option is Disney’s bus system. This is an ideal option if you want to stay at the resort and skip the parks.
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge (Villas – Kidani Village only)
Category: Deluxe / Deluxe Villa
Offer: Up to 35% off for Florida Residents
This is my personal favorite for a Disney resort staycation. It is a destination unto itself. You can select a view of the savanna when booking your room so you can gaze at incredible African animals from your balcony. And even if you select a standard view room, there are lots of common areas from which you can view the animals. There is also an impressive African art collection on display throughout the resort. This large resort has two wings: Kidani Village and Jambo House. Right now only the Deluxe Villas at Kidani Village and Jambo House are open, meaning the regular hotel rooms at Jambo House are not available. Most Deluxe Villas are just for Disney Vacation Club members, but regular guests can book certain Deluxe Villas too.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Category: Deluxe
Offer: Up to 35% off for Florida Residents
This resort is fantastic for a romantic getaway, whether or not you’re heading into the parks. It is part of of a collection of resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk area. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are within walking distance and there is boat transportation to each. Yacht Club and the neighboring resorts surround Crescent Lake, which makes for a romantic setting. You can walk to each resort to explore its shopping and dining options. Or, put together a DIY bar crawl!
Offers at Walt Disney World Hotels – On Property
In addition to Disney resorts, there are four resort areas on Disney property with hotels that are not owned and operated by Disney. These resort areas include the Bonnet Creek Resorts, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, and the Disney Springs Area Hotels.
Besides offering Florida Resident discounts, some of these hotels have Annual Passholder discounts and Front Line Worker discounts, so be sure to really scope out the special offers section.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Offer: 30% off for Florida Residents on select dates (promo code FR6); up to 30% off for Annual Passholders (promo code QWH)
If you want to stay in the middle of the magic, these two hotels are a fantastic choice. The Swan and Dolphin are basically in the center of Disney property. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are within walking distance and there is boat transportation to each. These two whimsical hotels share an awesome grotto-style pool and have fantastic restaurants and lounges. You could even do your own food crawl as we did a few years back.
Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek
Offer: 20% off select dates
The Bonnet Creek area resorts are right on the edge of Walt Disney World property. They are close to EPCOT and offer beautiful grounds, sparkling pools, and many rooms have awesome views of Disney theme parks.
Wyndham and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Offer: 15% off for Florida Residents on select dates
Both of these hotels are within walking distance of Disney Springs. These two resorts share a large pool and the Aquatic Oasis Water Playground.
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Offer: 10% off for Florida Residents on select dates
Of all the Disney Springs hotels, this one is the closest. It is right across the street, with a pedestrian bridge just a few steps from the lobby. The pool has a lazy river, perfect for soaking up the Florida sun before summer gets here.
Special deals are also available at the following Disney Springs area hotels:
- B Resort & Spa: from $79 per night
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando: from $78 per night
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace: from $109 per night (the promo code is V2)
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista: from $89 per night (the promo code is V2)
- Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area: from $79 per night
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista: from $76 per night
Look for these deals at https://disneyspringshotels.com/magic. These rates are available on select dates through June 18, 2021.
Two of the above hotels have additional Florida Resident Rates listed in their special offers.
All images by Dani Meyering unless otherwise noted