Have you thought about going to Disney, but the Disney hotel prices are just too much? Have you thought about what an offsite property has to offer? Read on to find my full review of the HomeWood Suites at Flamingo Crossing!
Staying Off Disney Property
It is common knowledge that staying on Disney property is expensive. Now, the perk of staying inside the Disney Bubble is becoming less and less.
The draw to stay off property and save money is easier to do with lack of perks that Disney is offering. Luckily, there are so many hotels to choose from just outside of Disney’s gates!
Many hotels are just a short ride to any of the parks! You could even be closer to one park than one of Disney resorts!
HomeWood Suites
When I started my search for a hotel outside of Disney, one of my friends suggested something at Flamingo Crossing. There are several hotels in this location. All of them are new and look beautiful!
I happened to find a room at a great price at HomeWood Suites by Hilton at Flamingo Crossing Town Center. I have never ventured off Disney property, so this was a new experience for me.
With a quick search on the hotel’s website, it appeared that this hotel would check all of our boxes: location, pool, kitchen, and more! We gave this hotel a shot, and we were pleasantly suprised!
Location
HomeWood Suites by Hilton at Flamingo Crossing Town Center is located just off SR-429. This hotel is just 10 minutes away from Disney’s west entrance and less than 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport!
Head to a top floor by the elevators (if you don’t have a room over looking the pool) and watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance!
With this prime location you are just minutes away from restaurants, shops, golf courses and more! I was even able to see Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance!
Rooms
There are several different room types. Options include: 1 King Bed Studio Suite, 2 Queen Beds 1 Bedroom, and 1 King Bed 1 Bedroom Suite. We stayed in the 1 King Bed Studio Suite. All of these rooms sleep four except the 2 Queen Beds 1 Bedroom which sleeps six.
Each room has a kitchen area, dining table, bed, sofa bed, and TV. The 1 King Bed Studio Suite was perfect for our family of four! When you check in through the Hilton app, you can even pick out your room!
Our room had an open floor plan. The kitchen had full sized appliances including a full size fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. The best part for this momma was a stove top! This made for easy meals to keep this family on budget.
I love eating out on vacation, but sometimes I am all done with park food and want something else. Also, my kids are picky eaters (think mac and cheese and pb&j’s and they are happy), and I don’t want to pay $10 each for all of these meals just so I can eat out. This stove top made making the kids meals a breeze!
I would make the kids’ food, and my husband would run to grab us take out! It was a win for everyone!
Another thing I like was real dishes! You could use the microwave with a regular plate! A lot of the DVC studios have moved to paper products, and this can be frustrating when you are trying to prepare a meal there.
Pool
This pool is shared with the Home2Suites right next door, but it was a decent size. It did not feel overly crowded. We visited in August, so it was HOT!
I also enjoy a nice pool, but special water play areas are not a must. This pool checks that box! This pool had a zero entry and a water slide! It was a good water slide, too!
Along with the fun water slide, the zero entry is a favorite with my kids. It makes splashing around with the toddler a little easier.
Parking
Parking is $10 a day, however this cost is minimal. Even though Disney now offers free parking again, it would not be a deciding factor for me to stay on property.
If you add parking into your room rate, it could still be cheaper per night than some value resorts.
Breakfast
Many people suggest breakfast in the room when doing Disney on a budget. But what if you could have breakfast for FREE? Yes, you read that right. FREE BREAKFAST!
This isn’t your typical continental breakfast either. We are talking hot items like eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, breakfast pastries, cereals, and of course MICKEY WAFFLES. When we visited you could have a large Mickey waffle or a small traditional size Mickey waffle that you see at Disney. FYI: they were both delicious!
Other Amenities
If the above amenities weren’t enough to get you to try here, they have even more to offer! Other amenities include:
- connecting rooms
- free WiFi
- Digital Key
- Streaming TV
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Business center
- Meeting rooms
- Exercise facility
- Laundry room
- Outdoor bar
- Propane Grills
- Store (some food items for sale)
Final Thoughts
This hotel had so much to offer. I won’t lie or sugar coat it, I always thought it was a must to stay on Disney property. This hotel has changed my mind!
As much as I love staying in a Disney World Resort Hotel, this hotel had just as much to offer, and in some cases more! You won’t find a cook top in any regular hotel room or DVC studio at Disney! That kitchen is a game changer for families!
Disney is getting more and more expensive, and I will find ways to keep it affordable and still maintain the magic for my family. The price can’t be beat, and the perks of staying on property are less.
If you are looking to save some money on your next vacation, I would recommend this hotel! Minutes from the magic and all the amenities you could need!
If you choose to stay at HomeWood Suites at FLAMINGO CROSSING, I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine. Happy planning, crew!
Have you stayed at HomeWood Suites at FLAMINGO CROSSING? Will you stay there? Let us know on the Kenny the Pirate Facebook page. Don’t forget to join the KtP crew page, too!
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Leslie
Saturday 24th of August 2024
Hi! I was wondering if the tv on the wall is stationary in the king studio or does it swival so uou can turn toward bed?
Heather Alosa
Monday 26th of August 2024
Hi Leslie, thank you for reading. That's a great question. I am not positive, but I will try and find the answer for you!
Susan Guerra
Monday 15th of July 2024
Hi there, I was wondering how the King room sleeps four. Is the sofa a pull out sofa bed? Thank you!
Heather Alosa
Tuesday 16th of July 2024
The couch does pull out for a bed. It isn't the most comfortable, so I wouldn't recommend for adults. However, it would work for the kids plus all the space you get with this room is a big win!
Erin Campbell
Saturday 6th of January 2024
Hi Heather! Thank you so much for this informative blog posts. We are planning to stay here in September. Can I ask you what the shuttle situation is like here, and is it free?
Heather Alosa
Sunday 7th of January 2024
There is a shuttle to the parks, but I there is a fee (not positive on price). You also have to make a reservation for the shuttle. The hotel is beautiful and the FREE breakfast is delicious! I hope you have a wonderful trip. Thanks for reading!