Disney-Owned Resort Hotels
Disney offers many great luxury resorts, all with the most convenient transportation options available. These hotels offer world class accommodations and service, detail themes and an overall immersing experience. With many of these hotels, there is no need to bother with the bus. Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa, Polynesian Resort, and the Contemporary Resort are all on the monorail line. Outdoor enthusiasts will likely feel most at home at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, as it is near the woods, has a "camping" feel and is on the lake, where you can sail and jet ski. Those staying at Wilderness Lodge can access the monorail line by boat. Epcot is easily accessible by boat from Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club. All are deluxe luxury hotels and you can even choose to upgrade to club level.
Five-star Hotels with Extra Benefits
There are three 5-star hotels within the Orlando area that are not on Disney property. They are the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando and Reunion Resort. None of them have regularly scheduled buses that run to and from Disney or any other Orlando park, but some will arrange private car or taxi transportation for you at your expense. The Waldorf Astoria advertised this transportation arrangement service on their website, although they don't offer much in the way of outdoor recreation aside from golf, a water aerobics class and bicycle rentals. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is the best 5-star hotel for outdoor enthusiasts. There are some great things to do here like take a morning row down Shingle Creek, set up a guided eco-tour, go fly fishing or try to complete a multi-level adventure course. Reunion Resort offers hiking trails, bicycle rentals, a fitness center, tennis, golf and a large aquatics area.
Downtown Disney and Epcot Areas Hotels
There are four Downtown Disney and Epcot area four-star hotels that are on Disney property, but not Disney owned. The Swan and Dolphin are near Epcot, and Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa and Hilton Lake Buena Vista are in Downtown Disney. These hotels receive the same free, scheduled bus service to and from all Disney parks and Downtown Disney that Disney-owned hotels do. This service is provided through the Disney transportation system.
