Disney World Hotels Hidden Gem! Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando 10-Stars for Disney Families
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming—between the park passes, dining reservations, and keeping everyone happy, where you stay can make or break the trip. After our recent family stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, I can confidently say: this hotel is an absolute game changer.
We’ve stayed at plenty of hotels on family trips over the years, but this was our very first visit to Orlando—and Drury Plaza made it unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this place was something special.
The value, the hospitality, the little extras—it all added up to one of the most relaxing and budget-friendly vacations we’ve ever had. If we could give it 10 stars out of 5, we would. Here’s why.
🏨 Clean, Spacious & Surprisingly Affordable Rooms
First off—the rooms are modern, spotless, and incredibly affordable for being so close to Disney. We booked through Expedia and got a better rate than the hotel’s own website. Even better, the next day we received a special link to book discounted Disney park tickets directly through the hotel—another way they help you save.
Our room had comfortable beds, a full bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, lots of charging ports, and a great view of the lake and pool. Everything felt fresh, well-maintained, and super quiet—perfect after long days at the parks.
Waking up to this peaceful view every morning was the perfect way to start our Disney days. From the sparkling pool to the lake and palm trees, it felt like a resort without the resort price.
And here’s the kicker: we stayed four nights at Drury Plaza for the same price as just two nights at a hotel we stayed at in St. Augustine later that week. The difference in value was huge—and honestly, the service at Drury blew the other place away.
🍳 Free Breakfast Buffet That Actually Feeds You
Every morning starts with a full hot buffet breakfast—completely free with your stay. And this is no skimpy continental setup.
We enjoyed:
- Fluffy scrambled eggs
- Sausage patties and crispy breakfast potatoes
- Pancakes and biscuits with gravy
- Yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, and toast
- Mickey-shaped waffles you make yourself (huge hit with our kids!)
My daughter living the good life here at Drury Plaza Hotel.
You can load up before heading to the parks and avoid paying $50-$100 for breakfast elsewhere. The dining area is large, clean, and well-staffed—we never had trouble finding a table.
🍽️ Free Kickback Dinner – A New Surprise Every Night
Every night from 5:30–7:00 PM, guests can enjoy Drury’s signature Kickback, a rotating hot dinner buffet with free drinks. The menu changes nightly, and we were honestly impressed with the quality.
Some highlights included:
- Pasta with various sauces
- Nachos with shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, and toppings
- Fresh salads and steamed vegetables
- Baked potatoes with all the fixings
- BBQ sliders, mac and cheese, meatballs
- Free wine, beer, and cocktails for adults
I made this nacho chicken salad with extra jalapeno’s and was delicious!
It was more than enough food for all of us, and because it’s included, we saved over $200 a day just by eating breakfast and dinner at the hotel. We only had to grab lunch inside the parks.
🚌 Free Shuttles + Early Park Access
Transportation was seamless. The hotel offers free, scheduled shuttles to all four Disney parks, running reliably throughout the day. We never waited long, and the drop-off points were convenient.
As a bonus, because Drury is part of the Disney Springs Resort Area, guests get 30-minute early entry to the parks. That meant we were able to ride the biggest attractions first thing in the morning—before the general public entered.
This perk alone helped us knock out the most popular rides early and avoid long wait times later in the day.
🏊 Poolside Perfection (And Yep—Dad Bod Approved 😎)
The outdoor pool area was a highlight for our whole family. Surrounded by palm trees, loungers, umbrellas, and a fun splash pad for kids, it felt like a mini resort.
Great for families with kids.
There’s a hot tub for relaxing after the parks, and the vibe was friendly and chill—not overcrowded or loud. And yes—the pool is fat guy / dad bod approved. It was comfortable, no pressure, and totally relaxing.
☕ Extra Perks That Just Keep Coming
Drury goes above and beyond with unexpected extras that make a big difference, especially for families:
- Free coffee available 24/7 in the lobby
- Free popcorn every night during the Kickback dinner
- A clean, fun arcade for downtime with the kids
- A stylish restaurant and bar on-site for lunch or late-night snacks
- A marketplace shop with snacks, essentials, drinks, and souvenirs
- Walmart delivers straight to the hotel, which was perfect for a quick restock
We made a nightly tradition of grabbing some popcorn and relaxing after dinner. And when we needed something small like sunscreen or snacks, Walmart delivery was fast and easy.
💬 Final Thoughts – Would We Stay Again?
No hesitation—absolutely. The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando gave us one of the smoothest, most enjoyable, and most affordable family vacations we’ve ever taken.
It’s rare to find a hotel that offers this much value without sacrificing comfort, service, or convenience. From the meals to the Disney perks to the warm hospitality, Drury exceeded our expectations in every way.
We’re already planning our next trip—and this will be the only hotel we even consider.
🧳 Bonus Tips for Your Stay
- Book through Expedia for better pricing, then use the hotel’s link to book discounted park tickets
- Take advantage of Walmart delivery for snacks, forgotten items, or sunscreen
- Get to breakfast and dinner early—popular times get busy but lines move fast
- Use early park entry to knock out top rides with no crowds
- Bring refillable cups—free soft drinks, coffee, and soda are available in the dining area
TL;DR: Why We Loved It
✅ Clean, modern rooms at a great price
✅ Stayed 4 nights for the same price as 2 nights elsewhere
✅ Booked through Expedia + got park ticket discounts
✅ Free hot buffet breakfast and rotating dinners every night
✅ Free shuttle to all Disney parks
✅ 30-minute early park entry
✅ Free 24/7 coffee, popcorn, arcade, pool, and hot tub
✅ Saved over $200/day in meals
✅ Pool is Dad Bod Approved
✅ Staff was friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming
10/10. Book it. You’ll be glad you did.
