The best way to experience a Walt Disney World vacation that’s priced right begins with a stay at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex. Guests of the twin complexes (394 newly reimagined garden-themed rooms and 232 rooms in the upscale 19-story tower) find all the bells and whistles of a stay at a Disney owned hotel/resort without the higher expense. In fact, depending on the time of season, a stay at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex might cost as much as 50 percent less than a stay at a value-priced Disney hotel.
And as an “official’’ Disney World Resort, those stays include hourly shuttle transportation and early entry into each of the four Disney theme parks – major perks, particularly for large families and groups.
Perhaps the biggest advantage for guests of the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex is that it is the closest hotel to Disney Springs. The 120-acre shopping and dining complex is only a five-to-seven minute walk over a pedestrian bridge out in front. That’s quite a benefit given that parking at either of the two Disney Springs garages (Lime and Orange) and entering the facility often can take a while.
Pool Deck (The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex)
The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex is one of eight hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard and is the closest to Disney Springs.
For Disney history buffs, the twin hotels began in 1972 as the Dutch Inn, became the Grosvenor Resort in 1988 and the Regal Sun in 2007. They joined the Wyndham portfolio in 2010.
“We’re the third hotel ever built in Walt Disney World and the first hotel built in the Disney Springs area,’’ said Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex General Manager Jay Leonard, who has been at the property for 17 years.
“Our proximity to Disney Springs is really what we’re providing as much as anything. It’s almost like Disney’s fifth theme park.’’
Indeed. Formerly Pleasure Island, Disney Springs is a destination unto itself, featuring such landmark attractions as the House of Blues, Coca-Cola Experience and Star Wars and Marvel themed stores. Signature restaurants include Morimoto Asia, Wolfgang Puck, STK and The Boathouse.
My favorite Disney Springs eatery? No doubt Chicago-based City Works, that serves up everything from Cuban sandwiches to outstanding barbecue ribs.
If you have to choose only one place to eat across the bridge, make it City Works.
City Works at Disney Springs
“People like to come to the hotel especially around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,’’ Leonard said. “They’ll shop and stay overnight for a House of Blues concert or a dinner at The Boathouse and others. So, there are many good reasons to come to the hotel other than the theme parks.’’
The Wyndham Garden and 19-story Wyndham Lake Buena Vista hotels each share a large, inviting lobby and the Eclipse Lounge – each ideal for people watching and daily happy hour. The hotels also share one of the best pool complexes – complete with Oasis Restaurant. The Lakeview Restaurant (open daily 7:30 am to 11 am) serves an outstanding breakfast buffet starring Mickey Mouse Waffles made to order.
The Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Complex is also a great headquarters hotel for playing the four golf courses on property, Disney’s Magnolia, Oak Trail, Palm and Lake Buena Vista. The latter is a 5 minute drive from the hotel.
“We’re just a good location,’’ Leonard said. “And it’s all about location, location, location.’’
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Feature Photo: Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
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