I stayed at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs™ Area earlier last week. While we considered a few other properties, I picked this hotel because of its proximity to Disney Springs area. It’s walk-able from the hotel. Because the property is an official Walt Disney World Hotel, it offers Disney Parks benefits such as the Disney FastPass+ Service and the Extra Magic Hour.
Check-In
Check-in time is 4PM, and check-out time is 11 AM. We needed a late check-out due to a late departing flight, and got an extended noon check-out.
Self-parking and valet parking are both available. Self-parking will set you back $18.00/night. The front desk staff will set your room key to be your in-and-out parking pass when you check-in.
If you are a Hilton Honors member, you get a little shopping bag containing two bottles of water.
The hotel also charges a $35 resort fee. The resort fee here includes:
- Guest internet access: No need; my phone includes Internet access.
- Disney shuttle:: Did not use; we ended up driving to the park.
- 16 oz Starbucks coffees: Did not use; not a coffee drinker; gave the vouchers away before we left.
- 2-16 oz bottles of water: Did not use; gave the vouchers away before we left.
- DVDNow rentals: Looks interesting; didn’t have time to use.
- 10% off in gift shop with $30 buy: Stopped by, but did not use.
- $5 off tickets sold at concierge desk: Used, finally!
- Local/toll-free/credit card calls: Did not use. My phone includes calls.
Hotel Room
This room is fairly plain and standard. In many ways, this Hilton reminded me of my stays at Holiday Inns. It’s comfortable and adequate, but the sound insulation is lacking. You can hear people talking outside your rooms. You can also be certain that you would be woken up by early risers who are out and about to take advantage of the extra magic hours.
Breakfast
A complimentary continental breakfast is provided for Hilton members at the Andiamo restaurant on the first floor, between the hours of 6:30am-11am. While the meal is filling, I didn’t find the breakfast to be particularly tasty.
The hotel offers Disney Character Dining every Sunday morning at Covington Mill. If this is something you think your kids would enjoy, be sure to plan and reserve a spot.
The other on-site restaurant Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi also appears to be a popular option.
Concierge Services
We ended up buying Disney park tickets at the concierge services. There was no line at the concierge desk. It was one of the best game time decisions, as there was a long queue at the park’s ticketing line.
Bottom Line
The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs™ Area is a decent hotel near the Disney Parks. If you are looking for Disney benefits without the premium of staying inside the parks, this hotel is a good option. It worked out well for me as it met my prime criteria of staying near the Disney Springs area.
Would I stay here again? While I like this hotel well enough for my specific needs, I’d probably opt to try another area hotel the next time.
Have you stayed at this hotel? What other area hotels would you recommend for those staying outside the parks with Disney benefits?
I have to confess to some seriously snarky thoughts when I saw the Hilton Family building. Where were the celebutantes hawking perfume? No screaming idiot insulting people for trying to get him to stop smoking on a commercial flight? Maybe it’s a different Hilton family.
Heh, it’s interesting the different feelings the images evoke. When I first saw the display in the hotel lobby, I simply thought it was such as a creative art piece, a sweet way in which the Disney hotel and its staff is wishing all their guests a happy holiday. A warm, fuzzy kind of thing.
I didn’t even think the about “Hilton” family. Maybe best that I don’t, I guess.
Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!