TravelDiari matches your credit cards to every hotel booking — saving you points you'd otherwise miss.

Destination + card

The best credit card for Disney and Orlando hotels.

Updated

Why this card

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card for Disney and Orlando hotels.

Walt Disney World resort hotels do not participate in any major loyalty program. Off-property chain options near the parks include the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, Hilton Bonnet Creek (all inside Disney Springs area with extra perks), and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Annual fee

$550

Best earn rate

14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual credits

Signup bonus

Currently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek are both inside Disney property which means you get Disney's early park entry benefit on most days, plus a complimentary park shuttle. Diamond breakfast for two saves $60 to $80 per day. The annual free weekend night cert covers a Friday at the Waldorf cleanly and the $400 Hilton resort credit applies at the Waldorf or Bonnet Creek for spa or dining. Family of four can offset $1,000 in Disney trip costs across the card's perks.

See this cardarrow_forward

If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card.

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek also has the Disney early entry benefit and prices around 50,000 to 65,000 points a night against $400 to $600 cash. The 50K free night cert covers an off-peak night. Cheaper card if you do not need the Waldorf's premium feel.

American ExpressAnnual fee $250

Skip this one

Not the right card for Disney and Orlando hotels: World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a strong property but does not have Disney's early park entry benefit because it is technically off-property. For a Disney trip, an on-property Disney resort or a Bonnet Creek chain property is the smarter base.

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecHilton Honors American Express Aspire CardMarriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card
Annual fee$550$250
Best earn rate14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual creditsSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Disney's on-property hotels include perks (Magic Bands, early park entry, Disney transportation) that off-property chains do not always match. Bonnet Creek properties (Waldorf, Hilton, JW) are the exception because they sit inside Disney's transportation zone. Booking direct with the chain is usually cheaper than booking through Disney's package system.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for Disney and Orlando hotels?

expand_more

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card from American Express. Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek are both inside Disney property which means you get Disney's early park entry benefit on most days, plus a co... Annual fee is $550.

How many points do you need for a free night in Orlando?

expand_more

Roughly 75,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Orlando. Cash rate is around $420 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card a better choice for Disney and Orlando hotels?

expand_more

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek also has the Disney early entry benefit and prices around 50,000 to 65,000 points a night against $400 to $600 cash. The 50K free night cert covers an off-peak night. Cheaper card if you do not need the Waldorf's premium feel. Annual fee is $250.