The Drury Plaza in Lake Buena Vista, Florida is a Disney World Good Neighbor resort situated in the Disney Springs area. This hotel offers many free amenities and an appealing price tag that sets it far apart from other “off property” accommodations for a Disney World vacation. Here is a look at what I learned from a recent stay at this resort.
First, for any Disney related travel plans, let me encourage you to utilize the service of a travel professional that specializes in Disney Destinations.
Before we dive in keep in mind that because the Drury Plaza is a Disney Good Neighbor resort, your stay can be booked with a theme park ticket package.
The Benefits of Staying at The Drury Plaza
This hotel’s price is comparable to staying at a Disney Value Resort on property. Roughly, it’s $150/night but that can vary depending on the season of your stay. The difference is it includes many free perks. Also, the guest rooms are more spacious than at a Disney Value Resort.
Included in the cost of your stay is the following:
- Free full breakfast each morning of your visit from 6am to 10am
- Free evening meals (referred to as a kickback) from 5:30pm- 7:30pm
- Free coffee available 24 hours a day
- Free popcorn and soda daily from 4pm to 8pm
- 3 free alcoholic beverages per adult daily from 5:30- 7:30pm
- Free bus transportation to/from the Disney theme parks.
In addition, this resort has a full fitness center, 24-hour laundry, and an event space. The beautiful outdoor pool includes a full bar with a food menu as well as plenty of seating.
Inside, guests can purchase on-the-go snacks, beverages, and sundries at the Market Place. Sit, relax and enjoy a meal and/or a drink nightly at The Kitchen+Bar open from 5pm to 12pm Monday-Saturday, and 5pm to 11pm on Sunday.
The Disadvantages of The Drury Plaza Hotel
Transportation
The one downside of staying at a Good Neighbor resort on a Disney vacation is not exclusive to The Drury Plaza. Most hotels off property that are classified as “Good Neighbor” offer free bus transportation to the parks. However, that transportation does not run as frequently as the Disney buses.
Disney bus transportation runs approximately every 15 minutes to/from the Disney resorts, Disney Springs, and the Water Parks. When you stay at a Good Neighbor hotel, those shuttles may only provide pick-up and drop-off every hour or less frequently. It’s important to know the times the buses will be available to you.
The only negative thing I experienced was some confusion over the bus transportation from the parks back to the resort. For example, the day I visited Animal Kingdom, there was a 1:30pm park pick-up time and then not again until 4pm. If you are ready to leave Animal Kingdom between those two times, you need to find other means of transportation.
Also, at the Drury Plaza, guests are encouraged to make a reservation for the bus they plan to use as early as the night before their park visit. This is particularly important during busier seasons. While this process is not difficult, it is an additional step that may seem inconvenient.
Disney Magic
At this resort, you won’t find the Disney theming. While the Drury Plaza has beautiful décor and plenty of its own appeal, you won’t see references for Mickey and friends around the property.
The staff are friendly, helpful and all around fantastic. However, if you or your little ones are looking to extend that Disney experience beyond the parks, the Drury might not be the place for you.
Although you may not find the Disney magic at the hotel, this resort is a quick 10-to-15-minute walk to the Disney Springs shopping and dining district.
The Benefits vs. The Disadvantages
So, is the free food included with your stay worth it? Short answer, YES! The food is good. Would I say it’s great? No! I have no complaints about the quality. It certainly fits the bill because there is no bill. The drinks were not watered down. I honestly thought they would be!
I will say, if you don’t plan to be at the resort during those evening times, it may be difficult to fully take advantage of that benefit.
I would choose to stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel again. I plan to recommend it to others if I believe it would be a good fit. This hotel comes with many free benefits you can’t get without spending a lot more money. Free food is quite the perk! In addition, the price is comparable to a Disney Value Resort, and you get a more spacious room in comparison.
The downside is that with Disney Good Neighbor resorts, the complimentary theme park transportation is not as convenient as staying on property. However, the same could be said for most hotels classified as a “Good Neighbor”.
If you are interested in more information about the Drury Plaza Hotel for your next Disney World vacation, or if you would like to book any Disney destination, reach out to DizN Vacations. You can submit a free no obligation quote request to stary planning your trip right away.
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