The 'Float Lagoon' lazy river is a legitimate resort perk
Pedestrian skybridge makes walking to Disney Springs incredibly safe and easy
Tower rooms on high floors offer genuine Epcot fireworks views
Quick Take: A massive convention hotel wearing a vacation resort costume—great pool, but the rooms feel like a business trip.
Reviewed by @gabriellaamariaa: I honestly think this is the best way to do Disney. I spent my afternoon floating in the lazy river with a drink, then watched the fireworks from my balcony without fighting any crowds. It was the perfect mix of fun and actual relaxation.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Families love the pool and location; couples hate the noise and convention crowds.
Reality check
The 'walk to Disney Springs' is a huge selling point, but the 'walk to your room' in the Island building can feel like a hike through a parking lot.
You plan to spend your evenings eating and drinking at Disney Springs
A lazy river is non-negotiable for your rest day
You are a Hilton Honors member using points (waives the resort fee)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.8
Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of missed days or rushed service.
Bathroom hygiene: Grout lines in older rooms often show wear; 'musty' smell is a frequent complaint.
Maintenance: Tower rooms are generally fine; Island rooms show peeling paint and worn carpets.
Linens & towels: Standard Hilton quality—clean but not luxurious; pool towels can run out on busy weekends.
Odors & scents: Distinct damp/musty smell in hallways and some carpeted rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Lobby bar noise echoing up the tower atrium
Thin connecting doors in suites
Fireworks booms (if you have a view)
Before you book
Good to know
Self-parking is $38/night; Valet is $48/night—budget accordingly.
The shuttle to Disney parks is NOT the official Disney bus; you must book your seat 72 hours in advance.
You get Early Theme Park Entry (30 mins early) just like official Disney hotel guests.
What to pack
Your own pool floaties (hotel charges for tube rentals in the lazy river)
White noise machine to drown out the atrium echo
Comfortable walking shoes for the bridge to Disney Springs
Room Genie
Best picks
Tower Room, High Floor (15+), Epcot View for fireworks
Tower Room, Pool View for a quieter balcony experience
Rooms to avoid
Any room in the 'Island Building' (unless you prefer motel-style exterior entry)
Low floor Tower rooms near the elevators (noise funnel)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Requesting a High Floor Tower Room (Floor 15+) facing Epcot for fireworks views. Please avoid the Island Building and rooms directly adjacent to the elevator banks.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the lazy river free?
Access is free with your resort fee, but they often charge for the rental of the inner tubes themselves.
Can I walk to Magic Kingdom?
No. You can only walk to Disney Springs. You must take a shuttle or drive to the theme parks.
Is breakfast included?
No, and the Letterpress buffet is pricey ($30+). Walk to Disney Springs for better, cheaper options like Earl of Sandwich.
Does the hotel have Disney character dining?
No, the Sunday character breakfast was discontinued post-2020.
How long is the walk to Disney Springs?
About 5-7 minutes via the pedestrian skybridge to the Marketplace side (near Earl of Sandwich).
Are the pools heated?
Yes, pools are heated to ~82°F year-round.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'Island Building' rooms are technically closer to the pool, but they feel decades older than the Tower rooms.
✨
Don't buy the sunscreen in the gift shop; your resort fee includes two small bottles of sun-care product—ask the front desk.
✨
The shuttle drops you off at the Transportation & Ticket Center for Magic Kingdom, not the front gate (adds 20 mins to travel time).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Resort Fee' includes DVD rentals... in 2025.
💡The lobby bar (Sunnies) noise travels straight up to the rooms on floors 3-10.
💡There is a grab-and-go market (Citrus 28) that sells beer/wine, but it closes surprisingly early on weekdays.
💡The 'Fireworks View' rooms also come with a view of the massive HVAC units on the roof below.
💡You can see the drone show at Disney Springs from the pool deck at night.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs A is located and what's nearby.