Many families don’t realize that Disney Springs hotels offer discount Orlando room rates for every vacation period. This summer, they also feature free evening entertainment with a new Drone Light Show. “Disney Dreams That Soar” utilizes hundreds of computer-programmed drones. They buzz above the Disney Springs commercial area and light up to create shapes and tell stories. It’s beautiful and it’s free.
Skip heading back to the parks for a parade or crowded nighttime show. Families and kids who may be frightened by noisy fireworks will love seeing how drone lights create 400-foot-tall characters who move to music. Plus, the Disney Springs Resort Area is an entertaining destination unto itself, not only a top value place to stay.
Why a Disney Springs Hotel Saves You Money
Disney Springs is a fun commercial mall formerly known as Downtown Disney. Hotels at the mall are closest to the Disney theme parks without being Disney managed. Each has free shuttles to the parks every 30 minutes so you can leave your car parked. All have ADA accessible rooms that cater to those with disabilities. Many offer several perks like the Extra Magic Hours or early admission and military family discounts. If you’re headed to Walt Disney World, convenient Disney Springs offers cheap rates almost all year long.
Check out what’s happening at the Disney Springs mall for free entertainment around days packed with themepark fun. More than 100 shops, restaurants and businesses range from fancy to a branch of Uniqlo. You can do a little shopping, get high in a hot air balloon or enjoy a night out. Kids love the free window shopping and streetview entertainment. Skip the theme park admission for the day and your family can save that way, too.
Staying at one of the seven Disney Springs hotels guarantees an easy place to buy theme park tickets and souvenirs. Book advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World golf courses. Get help with advance booking for all WDW dining and dinner show reservations.
Why Go to Disney? Why Now?
Walt Disney World Resort comprises four huge theme parks plus two great waterparks. There are some amazing festivals going on nearly all year long to complement the rides and shows. Ever since the WDW 50th Anniversary celebration, there have been new thrills and excitement to experience.
For example, ride a Banshee together. If you saw “Avatar: The Way of Water,” a visit to Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom is a must. Tweens and teens will love TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, a high-tech, high-speed thrill ride now open at Magic Kingdom Park. Other must-see attractions include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
At Epcot, perhaps the most edutaining of the parks, enjoy the many attractions. Summer is the season for the delectable Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It runs July 27-Nov. 17, 2024. ¡Celebración Encanto! is a spirited sing-along that celebrates the animated, Latina-focused film “Encanto” through summer. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! is still one of our favorite theme park rides. And in the Orlando humidity, kids will love the water sculptures along the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana trail.
Orlando’s Disney World Parks After Dark
Our first money-saving tip is to visit Walt Disney World in spring or fall, when it’s cooler. Summer is one of the parks’ busiest seasons, yet many families need a daytime break from the hot, humid Orlando weather. Summer visitors should consider arriving at the parks in mid-afternoon after a morning at your Disney Springs hotel pool. Little ones should bring autograph books because favorite Disney Characters are doing meet and greets at designated stations. At charming Toy Story Land, ogle the larger-than life toys that take over the tall grass in Andy’s backyard.
Of course, you’ll return to the parks at least one night during your stay. Have an early dinner and stake out your spot for the Happily Ever After nighttime fireworks extravaganza at Magic Kingdom Park. Disney’s Hollywood Studios features the amazing Fantasmic! fireworks. Save a night for Luminous: The Symphony of Us at Epcot. The popular with teens Disney After Hours program of fun-filled events (extra fee) wraps up this month. Stay tuned for more announcements of summer 2024 evening festivities.
(You may find our Disney World Hacks story about fast passes, etc. useful this season.)
Why Families Like Staying at Disney Springs
At all Disney Spring hotels, there’s plenty of space to be family — or the hot young couple you were #bk. Book yourselves childcare (with advance notice to the concierge) and indulge at a local Spa, hit the fitness center, or go clubbing. Any of these hotels are also a very handy base. Explore the many other Orlando family-friendly, non-theme park attractions during your Florida vacation.
Experience an aerial adventure baloon flight together at Aerophile. Tour the lake on a leisurely Vintage Amphicar Tour or just stroll the shops and catch live musical performances throughout Disney Springs. Plus, you can behold a thrilling show that blends Disney animation with awe-inspiring acrobatics: Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney.
There are dozens of good restaurants. At Wine Bar George, for example, kids sample tapas while over-21s can taste up to 150 different wines. Enjoy elevated Mexican fare at celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina. Dine at Paddlefish, situated on an iconic paddleboat. Save room for Southern fare at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ and the noodle bar at Morimoto Asia. Celebrity chef Jose Andres (founder of World Food Kitchen) often has specials for Spanish eatery, Jaleo.
Disney Springs 2024 Hotel Specials
In addition to great room rates at participating hotels, check out the “Disney Springs Magic” page. This is the place to find sales, special menu items, coupons and discounts on merchandise, dining and drinking within the mall. The seven Disney Springs Resort Area hotels have these rates now through July 31, 2024 They must be booked by July 15 — though this window may get extended — based on availability. Do your homework and choose the perks you will use.
For example,
- At the stylish, contemporary B Resort & Spa – $145 rates may include a resort credit.
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – $98 for newly renovated rooms with microwave, fridge.
- Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – $135.99 rates include hot breakfast buffet, evening snacks and beer/wine reception.
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – $133/N – ask about their kids eat free under 11 years policy.
- Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs – from $108/N including the above perks
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – $198/N specials may include WiFI, two 16 oz Starbucks coffees, bottled water, DVDNow rentals.
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – $165/N plus some dates also take 10% off food and beverages at hotel.
If you’re eligible, book the new Teachers Appreciation offer now through Aug. 15 for stays through Sept. 2, 2024. It guarantees 20% off, has some blackout dates, and availability may be limited. Teacher rates do not include Resort Service Fees or daily parking (if applicable), taxes, or gratuities.
Trip Planning Details for Disney Springs Hotels
Check out the active deals for the period you want to visit. Some blackout dates may apply. Rates may not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. Summer offers, to be clear, are not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.
Stop by each supplier’s website as well to confirm you have the best rate. Often, loyalty program members receive special perks. By the way, some Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels also offer separate discounts for AAA members. Some hotels have military family disscounts, too. It’s best to check each hotel’s site while planning.
Don’t stop here — Booking.com always has good deals in Orlando during busy travel periods.
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