Disney in a Minute: What is a Good Neighbor Hotel?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

There are dozens of Disney-owned hotels at Walt Disney World, but did you know that there is another class of hotels very nearby that are not owned by Disney. These “Good Neighbor” hotels offer a wider variety of accommodations available that those available directly at Disney.

While the list changes periodically, there are currently 46 properties classified as Good Neighbors. Among them are Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista, Caribe Royal Orlando, Comfort Suites Maingate East, two Courtyard by Marriott locations, three Embassy Suites locations, three Fairfield Inn locations, five Holiday Inn locations, and more. The Good Neighbor webpage allows you to sort by hotel features and amenities such as pet-friendly accommodations, bunk beds, free breakfast, in-room kitchens, and many other offerings.

All the hotels in the Good Neighbor classification offer some sort of transportation to the Disney World theme parks and the ability to purchase park tickets on site (though you probably should do this online in advance of your trip).

Note however, that NOT ALL Good Neighbor Hotels have the same benefits as staying on Disney property. A select subset of non-Disney hotels have the advantage of one of WDW’s best perks: early park entry. These include: Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando, Shades of Green, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, and Wyndham Lake Buena Vista.

Our fearless leader Len Testa gives a great explanation of how link your off-site hotel reservation your My Disney Experience account so that you can reap the early entry benefit.

If you’re booking an off-site hotel and want to get the maximum benefits, be sure you’re choosing to stay in a property with the correct classification.