For many of us, the best family vacation ideas involve Disney, Universal, or one of the many other incredible theme parks around the country. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make on any theme park vacation is where to stay. With hundreds of hotel options in Orlando alone, it can be hard to decide if you should stay at one of the on-site theme park hotels for more perks at a potentially higher cost, or stay at one of the nearby hotels that offer a lower price but fewer perks.
If you’ve settled on spending a little more of your vacation budget on a hotel, you’ll be excited to know that many amusement park hotels come with major perks. Think things like early park admission, close proximity to all the action, and complimentary transportation. I always think these added perks are worth the extra cost, especially for families who want to get the most out of every minute of a theme park vacation.
Cheap theme park hotel deals
You may be surprised to learn that not all theme park hotels are budget breakers. Even the most affordable ones offer a lot of the same perks as their pricier counterparts at the same theme parks. From cheap Disney World hotels to affordable Dollywood accommodations, the cheapest theme park hotels offer a comfortable (and budget-friendly) place to start and end your day.
Walt Disney World Hotel Deals
Many words come to mind when thinking of “the most magical place on Earth,” but inexpensive is probably not one of them. Disney owns and operates nearly two dozen Disney World hotels in Orlando, though, and some of them are surprisingly on the affordable side. Here are our picks for the best Walt Disney World hotel deals.
My pick: Disney’s All-Star Resorts
The most wallet-friendly Disney World hotels are its All-Star Resorts, which are actually three separate Disney hotels: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. These no-frills, motel-style resorts offer Disney’s standard perks, such as complimentary on-site transportation and early access to the parks. They also have swimming pools and on-site quick-service dining options.
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All three of these Disney World hotels are kid-friendly and feature dive-in pool movie nights and other recreational activities, too. For even bigger savings, look for seasonal discounts where you can book the Disney World hotels at a lower rate.
My biggest tip: You can often find good prices at Disney’s Pop Century Resort as well, and it’s an especially convenient option if you’re planning a trip around Disney’s Hollywood Studios (home of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) or EPCOT because there’s a Disney Skyliner station that will bring you directly to either park from the hotel.
Runner-up: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Disney World also has “partner resorts” that are separately owned and operated but still fall under the category of “official resorts.” One of the cheapest is Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, a centrally located hotel within a five-minute walk of Disney Springs. Wyndham Lake Buena Vista comes with the usual Disney perks, like extra park hours and complimentary transportation, and at a great price, too.
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When not in your room, you can take advantage of the resort’s expansive pool area, including a waterside bar and restaurant. And unlike many other Disney World hotels, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista also features an on-site coffee shop, marketplace, and a CVS pharmacy vending machine.
Disneyland hotel deals
The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is home to three on-site resort hotels that offer easy access to both of Disney’s California amusement parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. Unfortunately for those looking for a low price, these three hotels near Disneyland don’t offer much in the way of deals.
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And since they also offer very little in the way of additional perks, you can safely opt to stay at a neighboring hotel that’s also within walking distance to save money. With Disneyland being situated on a tourist-centric, walkable road, there are many national chain hotels within a mile radius of this great family vacation spot.
My pick: Hotel Lulu
A boutique hotel in the Best Western portfolio, Hotel Lulu is a short seven-minute walk to Disneyland. With an on-site bar, coffee shop, and pool, it has all the classic resort-style amenities while still being budget-friendly for families. The property feels warm and welcoming. Even better, Disney theming is used throughout, so you’ll feel like you’re staying at a Disneyland hotel (without the hefty price tag).
Runner-up: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim
Located quite literally across the street from the main pedestrian entrance of Disneyland, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim has been a family-favorite for Disneyland hotel deals since the 1960s.
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The hotel embraces a mid-century modern design and offers a variety of room layouts, from standard rooms to family suites, all of which have an in-room microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. A highlight for many is the hotel’s expansive pirate-themed water playground, Castaway Cove, complete with numerous splash pads, a drench bucket, and slides. There’s also a quieter garden pool near building two.
Universal Orlando Resort hotel deals
When you stay at one of the on-site Universal Orlando Resort hotels, you get special perks like complimentary theme park transportation, early admission, and special discounts on room and ticket packages.
My pick: Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts
Two of Universal Orlando’s budget hotels, Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites, are great options for Universal Orlando hotel deals. You can often find nightly rates at these two hotels for around $170 (and closer to $100 for Florida residents).
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The two Endless Summer hotels feature all the amenities you associate with a theme park resort stay: an expansive pool at each, several bars, on-site dining options, and full Starbucks coffee shops. Ideal for families, the rooms are delightfully large and well-themed. The quick service restaurants at each shine, too, with Dockside Inn and Suites’ fried chicken and waffles from Pier 8 Market a popular option. Both of these Universal Orlando hotels offer speedy transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk via complimentary shuttle.
My biggest tip: Unlike other hotel family suites, rooms at these hotels feature a full privacy door between the main bedroom and large living room. The living room also has a picnic table for dining.
Runner-up: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s retro-chic Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a short walk to the gates of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Guest rooms are bright and full of 1950s touches, and many of them offer spectacular views of Universal’s Volcano Bay water park in the distance.
Universal Studios Hollywood hotel deals
In the heart of Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of lodging options when visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. There aren’t any official resort hotels owned and operated by Universal Hollywood, and the two partner resorts on-site tend to be on the pricier side. For the best Universal Studios Hollywood hotel deals, you need to cast a wider net.
My pick: BLVD Hotel and Spa near Universal Studios Hollywood
Instead of one of the two on-site partner hotels, opt for the boutique BLVD Hotel and Spa. It’s just a 10-minute walk (or five-minute drive) from the amusement park, and the modern rooms feature contemporary furnishings and offer a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. The impressive amenities include an outdoor pool, gym, in-room spa treatments, several dining options, and a trendy lounge.
SeaWorld Orlando hotel deals
My pick: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
The Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is one of the amusement park’s official hotel partners and is located just a short walk from the front gates. The hotel is ideal for families thanks to its amenities, including an outdoor pool and free continental breakfast.
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This hotel is also within 15 minutes of the other major Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, should your vacation plans include multiple amusement parks.
My biggest tip: When visiting for the holidays or the park’s annual Howl-O-Scream, SeaWorld Orlando hotel deals and discounts are readily available and may save you even more money.
SeaWorld San Diego hotel deals
My pick: Best Western San Diego Zoo/SeaWorld Inn and Suites
SeaWorld San Diego is about 20 minutes northwest of downtown, making it easy to avoid those high-priced hotels in the heart of the city. Although SeaWorld doesn’t have an official hotel, Best Western San Diego Zoo/SeaWorld is a partner hotel located just minutes from the park.
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The modern rooms are basic but provide everything you need, including free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. For families, some rooms have bunkbeds, which are great if you’re traveling with kids. The Best Western San Diego Zoo/SeaWorld Inn and Suites is also close to both the airport and the many dining options at Fashion Valley Mall.
LEGOLAND Florida hotel deals
My pick: Legoland Hotel
The LEGOLAND Hotel is one of the three hotels at the Florida amusement park and is located mere steps from the park’s entrance. It offers impeccably themed family-friendly rooms and suites, each one complete with its own LEGO model sets. Kids love that each room features its own distinct design, from the swashbuckling pirate rooms to the kingdom rooms fit for little princes and princesses.
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This is an affordable theme park hotel with a true resort feel, with nightly entertainment, character meet-and-greets, a pool, and a daily free breakfast buffet. The heated resort-style pool features soft LEGO bricks, allowing guests to let their imaginations run wild as they build in the water. Don’t miss the in-room treasure hunt with a LEGO prize that is complimentary with each stay.
My biggest tip: Kids and adults alike will love relaxing at the hotel’s Skyline Lounge. In addition to local craft beers for the adults, the lounge serves a menu of unique mocktails for kids and a food menu that embraces organic Florida produce and vegetables.
Knott’s Berry Farm hotel deals
My pick: Knott’s Hotel
By staying at the Knott’s Hotel, you’ll not only be completely immersed in a whimsical world of all things berry during your visit, but you’ll also be just steps from the theme park. Additionally, those staying at the hotel are privy to discounted Knott’s theme park tickets. And if you’re pairing your berry good vacation up with a day or two at Disneyland, the hotel offers a free shuttle to the Disneyland Resort.
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Because no trip to Knott’s Berry Farm is complete without sampling its namesake fruit, the on-site restaurant, Thirty Acres Kitchen Restaurant, offers up boysenberry-chipotle BBQ wings and boysenberry chipotle BBQ chicken pizza.
My biggest tip: Spending the night at Knott’s Hotel during the holidays (deemed Merry Farm) is an absolute must. The hotel is transformed with festive décor, and there is always a variety of hotel deals and packages that include special perks.
Silver Dollar City hotel deals
My pick: Silver Dollar City Campground Cabins
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Silver Dollar City is a unique theme park reminiscent of an 1800s village. The distinct theming is carried through its owned-and-operated Silver Dollar City Campground Cabins. The property offers authentic log cabin accommodations with premium amenities, including a general store, playgrounds, a pool, and walking paths. Free door-to-door shuttle service to the theme park is provided, allowing you to come and go as you please.
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My biggest tip: For the ultimate getaway, book the higher-end (but still affordable) premium loft cabins. These feature jetted tubs and can sleep up to six guests.
Hersheypark hotel deals
My pick: Hershey Lodge
The sweetest place on Earth is home to a nearby official (and affordable) resort, Hershey Lodge. Here, the charm of an old-school motor lodge is combined with modern updates and amenities, including cozy nooks by a large stone fireplace. Hospitality is at the forefront and kicks in right when you check in and are handed a Hershey’s premium chocolate bar.
In addition to several standout dining options that highlight chocolate throughout the menu, the property also features a water park themed to some of your favorite Hershey’s candies.
Dollywood Hotel deals
My pick: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pigeon Forge
In the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a family-friendly town home to hundreds of amusements and activities, including Dollywood. Many of the hotels in the area are dated, but the SpringHill Suites by Marriott is a breath of fresh mountain air. This all-suite hotel is just 10 minutes from Dollywood and features an on-site indoor and outdoor pool with a slide and whirlpool, a cozy lobby, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning. It’s also within walking distance of many popular dining and shopping options.
Holiday World hotel deals
My pick: Santa’s Lodge
It’s Christmas all year long in Santa Claus, Indiana, and Santa’s Lodge is the closest hotel you’ll find to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari. Located less than a mile away, Santa’s Lodge offers two pools and an expansive playground. The resort, which keeps its Christmas décor up year-round, exudes a welcoming wilderness lodge feel and was constructed from the hand-hewn timbers of a 19th-century barn that once stood on the site.
My biggest tip: Santa’s Lodge is especially great for those who love fishing. Guests have access to the hotel’s catch-and-release fishing lake for free. It’s also close to Lincoln State Park, where there are 10 miles of hiking trails to enjoy.
