Which hotel if no dining plan?!

[pamatt]

We had our Xmas trip cancelled, (refunded within 2 weeks so would consider Virgin again) now looking at options for later next year.
For our 'Disney week' we've always stayed on site (done pofq, cbr, aoa) & had the dining plan. If the dining plan doesn't return, we're considering a non Disney hotel, ideally near Disney Springs. We wouldn't want to hire a car - only 1 of us drives and we've always found Disney buses fine. Any hotels you would recommend? It will be 2 adults and a 17yr old.
And have I missed any news on the dining plan returning?!

[Tweety1]

Originally Posted by pamatt

We had our Xmas trip cancelled, (refunded within 2 weeks so would consider Virgin again) now looking at options for later next year.
For our 'Disney week' we've always stayed on site (done pofq, cbr, aoa) & had the dining plan. If the dining plan doesn't return, we're considering a non Disney hotel, ideally near Disney Springs. We wouldn't want to hire a car - only 1 of us drives and we've always found Disney buses fine. Any hotels you would recommend? It will be 2 adults and a 17yr old.
And have I missed any news on the dining plan returning?!

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If you stay offsite Uber/Lyft are reasonable too

[Manc1979]

Good budget option is Rosen lake buena vista ...loads of restaurants nearby decent shuttle bus no resort fees and the lynx bus stop is outside aswell which takes you to Disney

[Moorlandman]

I usually stay off site but I do have a car and I am happy to use it and spend time in traffic jams etc.

If you are not driving, I would stay onsite and put some extra funds to one side to pay for meals. Off-site hotel food is just as expensive as Disney (or not much difference).

[mskitty]

Take a look at the partner hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. We've stayed at the Wyndham and B Resort and can recommend them both, although B Resort is more contemporary (but does have a shaded pool in the afternoon).

The buses run every 30 minutes and are very reliable. Some off site hotels offering a shuttle only have a couple a day so make sure you check this before booking.

[Leggibone]

Originally Posted by Moorlandman

I usually stay off site but I do have a car and I am happy to use it and spend time in traffic jams etc.

If you are not driving, I would stay onsite and put some extra funds to one side to pay for meals. Off-site hotel food is just as expensive as Disney (or not much difference).

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I wouldn’t say offsite food is as expensive - but there are lots of viable options based on taste (Denny’s or ihop for 2 was like $20, but you’d only get a quick serve meal for that)

I have stayed on idrive a couple times - I would say for a Disney base it’s not the best, it’s great for universal and the rest though. We’ve staying in the Rosen international - it’s a fab hotel, so one can only assume the Rosen at lake Buenavista will be a similar basic, clean and comfy standard

[DonkeyCentreArf]

We have stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort before and a two bedroom deluxe suite costs around the same as a Disney Value Resort. It is next to CBR so you are still very close to the parks.

With a 17 year old in tow, this place would give them their own bedroom - usually on the opposite side of the suite - to give you and them more privacy. Lots to do on site and regular shuttles to the parks if you are not driving or a low cost taxi / Uber than if you stayed further away.

[GroovyYvee]

Happy New Year everyone!
We’re thinking along the same lines regarding hotels if there’s no dining plan next year: there are a few interesting options within walking distance of Disney Springs that look good. Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Buena Vista or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace? They both have shuttles to the parks every half hour and the option to return to the hotel via one of the DS buses, plus 60-day fastpass booking because they are Disney partner hotels. I think the experience would be pretty similar to staying at some of the on-property hotels, but with the bonus of all the DS shopping and dining options within walking distance!

[Lilminx]

We stayed at B Resort. It was great. You could walk to Springs on around 10 mins.

[BaconAndAvocado]

Originally Posted by Moorlandman

I usually stay off site but I do have a car and I am happy to use it and spend time in traffic jams etc.

If you are not driving, I would stay onsite and put some extra funds to one side to pay for meals. Off-site hotel food is just as expensive as Disney (or not much difference).

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Off-site food is WAY cheaper than Disney prices!