Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (Best Disney World Resorts Near Disney Springs)

30 April 2026 by Steve Bell Leave a Comment

A more relaxed, scenic place to stay—with easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

If your Walt Disney World trip isn’t all about rope drop and late nights in the parks, the Disney Springs Resort Area offers a very different kind of experience.

This area is less about being close to a specific park and more about enjoying your resort, having easy access to Disney Springs, and taking things at a slightly slower pace.

It’s also one of the best areas for guests who want strong Moderate-level value—or more space—without stepping all the way up to Deluxe pricing.

Let’s take a look at what makes the Disney Springs Resort Area unique and whether it’s a good fit for your trip.

Quick Facts About the Disney Springs Resort Area

• Location: Along the Sassagoula River near Disney Springs
• Resorts: Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort
• Resort Categories: Moderate and Deluxe Villa Resorts
• Transportation: Boats to Disney Springs, buses to parks
• Best For: Relaxation, dining access, larger rooms, quieter stays
• Eligible for Military Discounts: Yes (Disney-owned resorts; availability varies)

Location Overview

The Disney Springs Resort Area is located on the eastern side of Walt Disney World property, centered around Disney Springs and the Sassagoula River.

Unlike the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT Resort Areas, this location is not within walking distance of any theme park. Instead, it offers easy access to Disney Springs, which has become a major destination in its own right for dining, entertainment, and shopping.

This makes the area a great choice for guests who want more balance in their trip—not just park time, but also time to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Transportation in the Disney Springs Resort Area

Transportation here is simpler than in other areas—but still effective.

• Boats: Available from Port Orleans Riverside, French Quarter, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West to Disney Springs
• Buses: Provide transportation to all four theme parks and water parks

Boat transportation to Disney Springs is one of the highlights of staying in this area. It’s relaxing, scenic, and often much more enjoyable than taking a bus.

However, it’s important to understand that buses are your only option for getting to the theme parks. There is no Monorail, Skyliner, or walking access to any park from this area.

For many guests, that’s perfectly fine—but it’s something to factor into your decision.

The Resorts in the Disney Springs Resort Area

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Port Orleans – Riverside

Riverside offers one of the most scenic and relaxing environments at Walt Disney World, with its combination of Southern mansions and bayou-style theming.

It’s a large resort, but the setting along the river gives it a peaceful, laid-back feel that many families love.

Best for: Guests who want a relaxing Moderate resort with strong theming

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarrter

French Quarter is smaller, more compact, and easier to navigate than Riverside. It shares the same overall New Orleans-inspired theme but with a more intimate feel.

It’s often a favorite for guests who want Moderate pricing without the long walks that come with larger resorts.

Best for: Guests who want a quieter, easier-to-navigate Moderate resort

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

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Saratoga Springs is a Deluxe Villa Resort located right next to Disney Springs. Some areas of the resort are even within walking distance.

It offers larger accommodations, including one- and two-bedroom villas, making it a strong option for families who want more space.

Best for: Larger groups and guests who want extra space and proximity to Disney Springs

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Old Key West was Disney’s first Vacation Club resort and is known for having some of the largest rooms on property.

The vibe is very laid-back and residential, making it feel more like a vacation home than a traditional hotel.

Best for: Guests who want the most space and a relaxed, non-hotel feel

Who Should Stay in the Disney Springs Resort Area?

This area is ideal for a different style of Disney vacation.

You should strongly consider staying here if:

• You want a more relaxed, less hectic resort experience
• You plan to spend time at Disney Springs for dining and entertainment
• You want more space, especially for larger families
• You are looking for Moderate pricing or Deluxe Villa value
• You don’t mind relying on buses for park transportation

You may want to consider another area if:

• You want the fastest possible access to the theme parks
• You plan to return to your room frequently during the day
• You prefer having multiple transportation options

Military Discount Considerations

All Disney-owned resorts in this area are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discount, though availability varies.

For military families, this area often represents a strong value play.

• Port Orleans Resorts: Frequently among the best Moderate options when discounts are available
• Saratoga Springs & Old Key West: Great for families needing more space at a lower price than many Deluxe resorts

Because these resorts are not tied to a specific park, availability can sometimes be better compared to Monorail or EPCOT-area Deluxe resorts.

If you want help comparing options, we recommend working with a military-focused Disney travel specialist:

The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists

The Non-Disney Disney Springs Hotels

Adjacent to Disney Springs—and separate from the Disney-owned resorts—is a collection of third-party hotels known as the Disney Springs Hotels.

These hotels are not owned by Disney, but they are located right next to Disney Springs and offer many of the same location benefits, including easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.

One of the biggest advantages for military families is that these hotels frequently offer a 20% military discount. In addition, because they are part of major hotel brands, you can often use or earn points through their loyalty programs.

Compared to nearby Disney resorts like Port Orleans or Saratoga Springs, these hotels can sometimes offer lower pricing or point redemption—but you’re trading away some Disney-specific perks and the more immersive resort experience.

For a full breakdown of discounts, eligibility, and booking tips, see our guide here:

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Military Discounts

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include:

• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – Disney Springs Area
• Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area
• Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area
• Renaissance Orlando Resort – Disney Springs Area
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista

While these hotels can offer strong value and flexibility, keep in mind that they do not provide the full range of Disney Resort perks and typically rely on their own transportation systems.

Final Thoughts

The Disney Springs Resort Area offers a different kind of Walt Disney World experience—one that’s a little slower, a little quieter, and often a better value.

While you give up some transportation convenience compared to other areas, you gain space, atmosphere, and easy access to one of the best dining and entertainment areas on property.

For many military families, that tradeoff makes perfect sense.

Have you stayed in the Disney Springs Resort Area? Which resort is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Read about all the Disney Resort Areas:

• How Disney World Resort Areas Work
• Magic Kingdom Resort Area Hotels
• EPCOT Resort Area Hotels
• Animal Kingdom Resort Area Hotels
• BoardWalk Area Resorts
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Area Resorts
• Disney World Monorail Resorts
• Disney World Skyliner Resorts

• Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
  • Disney World Value Resorts
  • Disney World Moderate Resorts
  • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
• Do WDW Room View Categories Matter?
• MDT Tested & Approved Resorts
• Walt Disney World Resort Guest Benefits
• Walt Disney World Resort Theming

• Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
• Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
• The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
• Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
• Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide

• Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
• Dining Overview Page
• Transportation Overview Page
• Technology Overview Page
• Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort

The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!