Hey Lori! So happy you found your way to planDisney. Thanks for bringing us your question!
The short answer is yes, sort of! While you won’t really find a non-resort room inside a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you can absolutely stay at hotels that sit on Disney property without being owned or run by Disney. You’ll see these listed as
Disney Springs Area Hotels or Good Neighbor Hotels, and they're located right there on Walt Disney World property.
There are a few things worth knowing before you decide where to stay for your upcoming visit to the most magical place on earth. These hotels don't come with the same
Disney Resort benefits you might be used to, so things like the
Disney Dining Plan, charging purchases back to your room, or hopping on the Skyliner and the boats right from your hotel aren't part of the deal. The theming is also going to feel a little different compared to staying at an actual Disney Resort. That being said, if you want a little separation from the resort and Disney theming, but still want to stay wrapped up in that Disney bubble, these might be the perfect choice for you! A lot of these hotels throw in some nice perks, too, like free transportation to the theme parks and early park entry, though it does depend on which hotel you pick, so be sure to read their fine print for those specific details.
Lori, if you're trying to find that sweet spot between being on Disney property and having a bit more freedom, or maybe spending a little less per night, these hotels can honestly be a really solid choice. I'd just suggest taking a close look at what each one offers and thinking about what's going to matter most to you, and whether that's how close you are to the parks, what you're spending, how you're getting around, or just how deep into the Disney magic you want to be.
I hope this helps you as you plan your dream vacation. And please do come back and see us if you have any more planning questions.
See ya real soon,
Emille