Hi Kelly! I always like to encourage guests who are looking for a budget hotel close by to really check into the Disney value resorts to compare costs. When you sit and see what you get when staying on property versus staying off you are usually very comparable in the pricing.
Disney is constantly having specials and if they don't directly check with Disney Visa, AAA, or Passholders if you have one of those. You did not mention the dates of your visit but you can check
HERE for the fall specials that are being run.
Your next best choice would be one of the Swan or Dolphin hotels. They associate with Disney so you can enjoy some of the perks but they do run specials on their own. Click
HERE to read more. They are located in a great location next to the Epcot park.
Also check with the Downtown Disney outside hotels. They have some Disney perks but are run independently so you won't have the free transportation to and from airports, package pickups, extended hours etc. There is also the Bonnet Creek resorts which are close to check with them. Please remember that when you book with an outside hotel and they offer free park transportation it at best is sporadic. You lose the ability to come and go as you please from the parks and at the mercy of standing and waiting for their shuttle. When traveling with a large group you will always have some who need to return at different times.
Also just check out the Treehouse Villas as well as the resort villa properties that offer two bedrooms as you might be able to share costs which helps bring the pricing down.