Enjoy a view of Disney Springs , right outside your window .
It ’ s Saturday morning at Walt Disney World , and I ’ m up before my alarm , sipping a Joffrey ’ s Shakin ’ Jamaican Cold Brew and watching the sun sparkle across Disney Springs from my hotel room . We ’ re heading to EPCOT for early entry to hop on a few rides in the 30 minutes before the park officially opens . Instead of rushing out the door to queue for Disney transportation , I ’ m enjoying a slower start , leaving my room only five minutes before my reserved coach bus to the park . My husband and I arrive , clear security , and enter , in perfect position to rope drop Soarin ’ Around the World with a few minutes to spare .
I didn ’ t purchase a VIP Tour or another hidden premium offering to merit such a stress-free but successful morning at Walt Disney World : It ’ s available to anyone , and surprisingly , it costs less than you think .
SMALL EXPECTATIONS , BIG SURPRISE I knew I was in for a comfortable stay ; Disney doesn ’ t grant its coveted “ Official Walt Disney World Hotel ” seal of approval to just anyone . But I was genuinely blown away by my experience , and like most places at WDW , that started with the staff .
At the check-in desk , I noticed shiny silver mylar balloons in the shape of a “ 10 ” and asked if the hotel was celebrating an anniversary . It turns out , the team is working on a collective goal to receive 10 / 10 service reviews — a high bar , and one they keep front of mind for the customers and themselves . From the servers in the bars and restaurants to the bell staff at the door to the general manager of the hotel , I encountered hospitality that matched any Disney hotel on property .
Behind Disney Springs , easily accessed by a six-minute walk from The Marketplace , is what might be the most unique resort on property : the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista . It ’ s actually two hotels in one , giving guests a choice of room experiences with shared amenities . It boasts the Wyndham brand name and offers Wyndham Rewards , but it feels more personal than you ’ d expect for a massive chain .
The closest hotel to Disney Springs , the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista resort complex has a combination of proximity , perks , and personality for those on a tight budget . As an Official Walt Disney World Hotel , the resort includes extras usually reserved for guests of Disney owned and operated hotels , including early theme park entry , round-trip transportation to the theme parks , and Mickey-shaped Waffles at breakfast .
I ’ d overlooked this special property for too long , so when WDW Magazine was invited for a three-night stay to experience the Wyndham LBV , I was excited to see how the experience stacked up against my dozens of stays at Disney ’ s Value , Moderate , and Deluxe Resort Hotels .
Mickey-shaped Waffles ? Yes , please !
PREVIOUS : Disney Springs is only steps away from the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista resort complex