With the 50th Anniversary Disney Celebration around the corner, we know that Orlando offers many places to stay. There are so many great resorts in Orlando – many that I’ve personally visited! With the 50th Anniversary spanning for 18 months, you’ll need to pick the best resort for your family. Your fabulous blogger friend – aka me – is going to make this all easy! Instead of posting the star rating, you’re getting the “real tea 
.” Since visiting and staying at these resorts, I’ll be providing you my honest opinion and telling you if it’s worth the hype!
These seven resorts are my top pick resorts that are close to Disney and offer lots of amenities! Price, reviews, rooms, services, and hot tubs at the resort – yes, hot tubs 🙌! I may include a few bomb photo locations for you and your family too! These aren’t in any particular order, BUT buckle up because we’re looking at it ALL.
Table of Contents
1. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Who: (407) 345-0000 | Where: 9500 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819
This full-service lakefront resort and spa feature a prime location near world-famous theme parks, a wide range of onsite amenities, including a full-size waterpark, seven pools, hot tubs, and plenty of other activities! The resort is in the middle of a beautiful 85-acre spring-fed lake. With an island beach that allows guests to stroll, they can enjoy tropical birds and spectacular views.
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
If you’re a workout queen like myself, then you’ll love the fitness center here! It has to be one of the biggest resort gym’s I’ve ever seen. Free weights, cardio machines, cables, and a juice bar. Definitely a highlight if you enjoy a good workout.
The waterpark on property is impressive! Complete with a lazy river, cabanas, waterslides, and a 41,000 wave pool, this is all walking distance from your room!
Sometimes you just need to relax, am I right? The Serenity Spa by Westgate is the perfect place to unwind. This 10,000 square foot spa offers massages, facials, spa treatments, and a full salon – sign me up!
Explore the nearby scenic lake with outdoor recreational activities, including paddleboat and kayak rentals. Each of these boats can be rented by the half-hour (paddle boats, kayaks) or hour (kayaks).
Need tickets? Need mail? Need help – with anything? These are the best people to help with anything you may need.
With all the amenities that Westgate Lakes offers you would expect a hefty resort fee – WRONG! I was surprised to see it at only $13 a night on Expedia. Hilton could never!
For all that you get at this resort the price is amazing! There are a lot of resorts on this least that cost $400+ per night. Westgate Lakes stays usually in the $100 – $300 per night range depending on when you go.
Things I Don't Fancy...
Really anywhere in Orlando is deemed as “busy” but this area is next to one of the busiest Walmart’s and Dr. Phillips (busy area, but with great restaurants).
Your girl likes to sleep in after all the 50th Anniversary of Disney festivities…
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
Westgate Lakes is only about a 13-minute drive, 5 minutes from the entrance of Walt Disney World! You’re close to all the 50th Anniversary Disney festivities at Westgate Lakes.
The Real tea 💁♀️
Westgate Lakes is an excellent resort for families because the resort offers so many activities right on property! It is next to Dr. Phillips, which has restaurant row – some of Orlando’s best eateries are here! I love the area it’s located. I think for the price you pay to stay here you get a great experience. Honestly, you don’t have to leave the property; there is so much to do on-premise!
I like that it’s far enough from Disney that you can experience I-Drive, Universal, or Seaworld. A short 5-mile drive is nothing in terms of getting around Orlando. Bay Hill is around the corner if you enjoy a round of golf, there are multiple outlet malls nearby for shopping, and of course, the 50th Anniversary at Disney is right there too! This location offers something special for everyone.
2. Rosen Shingle Creek
Who: (866) 996-6338 | Where: 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
The impeccable grounds of the Rosen Shingle Creek resort are inviting and alluring. Explore the 255-acre resort with an 18 hole golf course, rose garden, tennis courts, and four outdoor swimming pools. There are over fifteen dining options at the resort and a 13,000 sq ft spa. This resort is stunning as you pull down the long driveway and is always a treat to visit!
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
Who wants to pay for another fee on vacation? Not me! You’re getting 255 acres of greatness for no resort fee.
They really up keep the golf course and it shows! Designed by the Arnold Palmer company, you know that it will be a rewarding challenge at every turn.
With 15 different dining options you won’t go hungry! For major Holidays they do a bougie buffet with mimosas, prime rib, bruschetta, all the delectable things!
Decompress after a long day of 50th Anniversary fun at Disney! Talk abut relaxation, I can’t think of a better combo then a sauna and a steam room!
What resort do you know that has a rose garden? I enjoy sitting in the rocker chairs lining the garden and smelling the roses.
Things I Don't Fancy...
Self parking is $25 per day
Valet parking is $35 per day
This could be a pro, but if you’re looking to be in the center of it all then this isn’t it. This resort is 255 acres of feeling like you’re in Hilton Head not necessarily Orlando. Let’s just say you’re not walking distance to Universal or Disney.
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
The distance from Rosen Shingle Creek to the entrance of Walt Disney World is 14 minutes and about a 7.7-mile drive. Certainly not bad but, since your main option getting there is I-4, traffic may add extra time to your commute to the 50th Anniversary at Disney.
The Real tea 💁♀️
I’ve had the pleasure of staying here a few times and look forward to the next stay! The resort exudes this old classic style matched with the professional and accommodating staff – it’s truly memorable. I love all the activities on the property. I love that they have a lap pool, a more quiet pool, and a pool for families. Multiple hot tubs are always welcomed in my book too! The nature walk is excellent, and you don’t feel like you’re in Orlando.
The rose garden is big and grand. It’s tranquil with the fresh smell of roses and the fountain in the garden. I recommend taking advantage of the rocking chairs that line the garden. I look forward to my next stay-cation at the Rosen Shingle Creek!
3. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Who: (407) 239-1234 | Where: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a stunning 1500 acre resort only minutes from Walt Disney World. The pool area is massive, complete with private beaches and boat rentals. This resort has it all!
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
The main pool is 800,000-gallons with 12 waterfalls, water slide, swim-through caves, and rope bridge. The pool area also has two whirlpool hot tubs!
The room was clean and ideal. The room was garnished with a 65″ flat-screen TV and a mini fridge. The balcony was a great touch and is a standard feature!
The bellmen actually grab your bags immediately when you get out of the car. The coordination between the staff was effortless and made the experience staying there memorable. They were very accommodating with any requests and it felt genuine.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Disney on your own private beach! Spanning the entire side of the lake outfitted with umbrellas and lounge chairs, its truly relaxing!
The garden area located here – 28.382323, -81.512264 – is so picturesque especially at night! You can tell that a lot of wedding must happen here.
*Put the Google code in your maps and it takes you directly to the location!
Things I Don't Fancy...
Self Parking is $25 per night
Valet Parking is $37 per night
The resort fee here is a hefty $42.75 per night, per room.
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
This resort is 0.8 miles which are equivalent to about a 5-minute drive to the entrance of Walt Disney World. It’s only 2 miles to get to Disney Springs, so you’re right there!
The Real tea 💁♀️
My friends and I stayed here, and we loved it! The property is literally huge. We loved laying out at the beach that wraps around the lake. The pool area was so expansive it felt like it should have been in Las Vegas! The number of fabulous photo locations for Instagram is endless at this property.
The rooms were nice and spacious. It was spotless when we checked in, which was reassuring. Every room has a sliding glass door that opens to a balcony which is a great addition. I would totally stay here again!
4. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Who: (407) 586-0000 | Where: 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Gaylord Palms is built around a 4.6-acre (19,000 m2) glass-covered atrium, divided into four areas, each with its activities and guest rooms. The resort gives you an experience unlike any other, with the atrium and different activities outside your hotel room. The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center spans 68 acres and is 5 minutes from major attractions.
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
This pool is everything! Very South Beach with the tall big Palm trees lining the pool. One of the prettiest pool set ups in Orlando!
It’s a cool experience to enjoy dinner under the atrium. The level of detail is on another level – plus all the Instagram photo locations – its a lot!! It is different and memorable venture!
Multiple 35 ft. drop waterslides, a multi level water playground, a wave surfer experience, and cabanas – I’m in!
Things I Don't Fancy...
The price per night with taxes and fees never dips under $300 per night from what I’ve seen living in Orlando. On average it costs over $400 a night to stay here not including parking.
Self Parking is $28 per night.
Valet Parking is $38 per night.
Tacked onto the nightly price is a $34 a night resort fee.
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
The Gaylord Palms & Convention Center is only five minutes/2-miles from the Walt Disney World entrance. Perfect for being so close to the 50th Anniversary Disney festivities.
The Real tea 💁♀️
Is the Gaylord Palms pretty cool? Yes, it is. Is it worth staying there? I think there are better alternatives for the price you pay! I think everyone should visit Gaylord Palms for the sheer fact that it is an atrium! Other than that, you may have just saved some coin and stayed at the other great resorts I mentioned.
For the price, you’re not in the “best location” overall. If you plan just to do Disney for the 50th Anniversary, then it’s okay – even then, it’s not in a super great area – certainly not for $400+ a night. If you want to go to Universal or another attraction, it’s a bit of a drive.
5. Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Who: (407) 313-7777 | Where: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Golden Oak, FL 32836
Secluded in 26 acres of Disney property, you’ll find The Four Seasons resort, arguably one of the fanciest hotels in Orlando. The Four Seasons offers so much, from a lazy river to spa treatments to a championship grade 18 hole golf course!
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
Check out time is at 12pm! Woot woot!
The rooftop terrace at the Four Seasons is legendary. Nestled on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons lies the Capa Restaurant/Bar. Best views of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom!
If you’re paying over a thousand dollars a night you do get some extra perks, such as, MULTILINGUAL CONCIERGE, TRANSPORTATION TO THEME PARKS, PRIVATE-EVENT PLANNING, OVERNIGHT SHOESHINE, UMBRELLAS.
The Four Seasons offers 24-hour room service. You can get Pan-Seared Halibut anytime you wish!
Not only do they have a fancy gym and spa BUT, you can get IV Vital Therapies at the resort which is a cool touch.
Things I Don't Fancy...
The going rate right now is about $1,200 per night not including parking, taxes and fees.
For $1,200 a night on average I would expect it to be maximum secluded or on its own island. Instead, The Four Seasons is located in between “Golden Oaks” which is an upscale neighborhood – but still residential nonetheless.
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
The good news is that you’re already on Disney property for the amount of money you pay. It is about a 7 minute/ 3-mile drive to the entrance of Magic Kingdom.
The Real tea 💁♀️
If money is no option, then go for it! If you have to double think about the price, then don’t do it. It’s a gorgeous property with plenty of amenities to enjoy, but the cost is staggering, to say less. Even during the height of quarantine in Florida’s “early days,” the price never dipped under $600 a night. That’s while Disney was closed, mind you – still $600+ per night.
6. Westgate Town Center Resort
Who: (407) 396-2500 | Where: 7700 Westgate Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Westgate Town Center Resort has everything you need for a fun-filled experience. The resort has 14 pools, a waterpark, tennis courts, a soccer field, a baseball diamond, a helipad, and soon will have a wave pool! The resort offers so much, and it is right near Disney!
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
This is a 2 story waterpark, made up of waterslides, a lazy river, splash pads, and pools.
The resort spent $2,000 on a new projector for the 103 seat theater. Feels like you went to Regal or AMC!
The property has 14 hot tubs!
You can book everything you need with this desk including transportation or recommendations around the area. You can even purchase your Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld tickets all in the lobby!
The rooms are big, have full size kitchens, and bedrooms – makes for a good vacation for the 50th anniversary at Disney.
Things I Don't Fancy...
Check out is pretty early at 10 am!
The property is MASSIVE! Finding your way area can be a challenge at first. Make sure to download the map online before going,
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
Westgate Town Center is about a mile from the West Disney World Entrance. With traffic, it takes about 5 minutes or less!
The Real tea 💁♀️
The resort offers a lot… like so much that you don’t need to leave the resort necessarily. With 14 pools and a waterpark, the kids will be busy pretty much every day. Many of the rooms are remodeled, and I was able to stay in some of the polished rooms! I felt like I was staying at the W, and it isn’t badly priced either.
I recommend if you’re looking for a resort with lots to do and you’re looking for a luxurious big room for your vacation. The space feels like your own condo and beats staying in a single-room hotel with no kitchen.
7. Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Who: (407) 597-5500 | Where: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821
Embark on an oasis on Disney property! The Waldorf Astoria is in a peaceful 482-acre nature preserve near the Walt Disney World® Resort. This smoke-free resort features 12 restaurants, two outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Additionally, a golf course, two poolside bars, and 8 bars/lounges are onsite.
Amenities I'm obsessed with...
There are two pools underneath the tall glamorous Palm Trees! The photos you can take here for Instagram are unreal!
The Waldorf Astoria is well known for their soft robes and slippers. When I stayed here I wore mine throughout the resort – you won’t want to take it off!
One of my favorite amenities of all the resorts is the Waldorf Astoria Spa. Once you pay the resort fee you have access to the spa! There is a whirlpool, Eucalyptus Steam room, a Sauna, and a relaxing lounge with aroma therapy and refreshments to enjoy. All of it is included in the resort fee – totally worth it!
Located along Bonnet Creek on Disney Property you don’t have to travel far to get to the parks! The best part is that the Waldorf Astoria has good views of the Disney fireworks especially for the 50th anniversary!
Things I Don't Fancy...
This five star hotel isn’t as crazy as the Four Seasons on price BUT, expect to pay no less than $350-$400 a night minimum per night – parking and resort fee not included.
There is only one way to park and that is valet, which is $40 per night
The resort fee is $45 per night. Yikes!
50th Anniversary Disney Proximity
Good news – you’re already on Disney property! It is a 15-minute drive with traffic to the Magic Kingdom.
The Real tea 💁♀️
I’ve stayed here, and it was indeed a beautiful stay. Like I mentioned as something I obsessed over – the robes and slippers are so great. I worked that robe all across the lobby to the spa and the pool! The spa was so relaxing, and I liked how some of the features were included with the resort fee.
If you enjoy golf, then look no further than the Waldorf Astoria. The course is in excellent shape, and it is stunning to walk around the greens. This is a perfect resort for adults who want to get away; I wouldn’t say it’s great for kids in particular. I would definitely stay here again but, it is pricey with all the fees, and parking added together.
Share the post!
Orlando is buzzing with excitement for the 50th Anniversary of Disney World. It’s hard to believe that it has been five decades since Walt Disney opened his first theme park in Florida, but now we have a whole new celebration coming our way! We want you and your family to come to celebrate this milestone at one of these seven resorts so you can experience all the magic firsthand.
Share this article with someone who might enjoy celebrating the 50th Anniversary over the next few months here in Orlando! Comment down below if you have stayed at any of these resorts!
Similar Posts
