Situated in the Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) neighborhood and convenient to area dining, shopping and entertainment at popular venues, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista offers visitors easy access to action-packed fun, along with complimentary theme park transportation, a weekly breakfast with Minnie Mouse and friends, and all of the perks of a Hilton hotel.

The 814-room hotel is one of only three non-Disney owned properties to offer early-entry and late-stay privileges at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks through Disney’s Extra Magic Hours program. On select days, this exclusive perk allows families to experience more rides, more fun, less waiting and fewer crowds, thanks to extended theme park hours.

Considered by many to be at the top of the “Disney Springs” resort list for its overall value, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista features a pool complex, where families can splash and swim, get a hair wrap, book a poolside massage or watch a dive-in movie. At an onsite Disney store, you can purchase theme park tickets, along with autograph books and special souvenirs.

In addition to three full-service restaurants, including a family-friendly Japanese Teppan-style grill, onsite dining options include a poolside bar and grill; a convenience market, which offers coffee, sandwiches, ice cream and snacks; and a lobby lounge that serves salads, snacks and sandwiches.

Family accommodation options range from standard double rooms with signature Hilton Serenity beds, to suites with a separate bedroom, a living area and a theme park view.

Situated in a 10-story tower, family accommodation options range from standard double rooms to suites with a living area, separate bedrooms and a theme park view. Bathrooms, which feature granite counters, are stocked with La Source by Crabtree & Evelyn products. A daily resort fee includes high-speed Wi-Fi and two bottles of water, or two cups of Starbucks coffee from the onsite market.

Guestrooms
Of the property's 814 rooms, 595 contain two double Hilton signature Serenity beds, along with a desk, a lounge chair, a coffeemaker, a laptop-friendly safe and a mini-bar, which should not be used for storage. For those who need cold storage, mini-refrigerators are complimentary upon request. Some guestrooms feature a patio or rooms with a view of Disney Springs.

Suites
Ideal for families, Deluxe Junior Suites are twice the size of a standard room and are available in a variety of sleeping configurations. Rooms contain either one king bed or two double beds with a sofa bed. Junior Suites are another space-stretching option. These accommodations are 1.5 times the size of a standard room and are available in King or Double. Allergy-friendly Double rooms are also available.

Accommodations on the Business floor come with complimentary continental breakfast, served in a Business Club Lounge.

Deluxe suite options include a 676-square-foot Suite Parlor, which connects to two double rooms, the luxurious 1,100-square-foot Hilton Suite and a 2,350-square-foot Governors Suite, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a 1,500-square-foot parlor.

Rollaway beds are available in select guestrooms for a fee. Cribs are complimentary upon request.

Pool
Lush landscaping and tropical island sounds welcome guests to a nicely laid out family-friendly pool area. Nearby, there's a small round circular kiddie pool and two hot tubs. Pool towels and use of lounge chairs are complimentary. Rafts and inner tubes can be rented for a small fee. You can book a poolside massage or hair wraps and braids are also available through an independent vendor. Dive-in movies happen at the pool throughout the week, too!

Downtown Disney
Tethered hot air balloon rides (Characters in Flight), street performers, boat rentals and fishing excursions at Disney Springs Marina, Splistville (a high-energy bowling and entertainment venue) and Disney Quest (a massive 5-story, 100-million-square-foot indoor interactive theme park) are just some of the diversions at this sprawling outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Souvenir shopping options include the World of Disney Store (the largest Disney store in the world), Trend D (a fashion-forward store popular with teens) and a LEGO Imagination Center. Downtown Disney is an easy five-minute walk from the hotel. Shuttle service is also available.

Video Arcade
Just past the Disney Store, a small arcade is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. A key card gains you access.

Andiamo Italian Bistro
Freshly made ravioli, grilled fish and meats and a variety of pasta dishes are on the menu at this cozy venue, located off the main lobby. In addition to regular favorites like chicken fingers, a cheeseburger and grilled cheese, kids can order pasta (with or without a meatball) or a specialty pizza. Gluten-free options are available. Hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly.

Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi
Watch chefs slice and dice your dinner at this Hilton Walt Disney World outpost of the national Teppan-style chain restaurant. Hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

Covington Mill
A Sunday character breakfast with Minnie Mouse and friends and an extensive daily breakfast buffet, complete with Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles and made-to-order omelets, are the highlights of this popular hotel-dining venue. Indoor and outdoor seating, high chairs and children's menus are available. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Disney Character Breakfast hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Minnie Mouse appears with at least two other Disney characters. Call for reservations.

John Ts
Order light snacks along with beverages, and watch your favorite sports teams at this lobby lounge. Hours are 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Rum Largo Poolside Bar & Cafe
Enjoy lunch or dinner poolside at this casual cafe, one of the hotel's most family-friendly dining options. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.

24-Hour Mainstreet Market
Fresh fruit, salads, sandwiches, ice cream and convenience items like cereal and milk -- most at resort prices -- are what you'll find at this handy, 24-hour shop, located off the main lobby.

In-Room Dining
Sleep in -- or stay up late -- and treat the kids to room service. Kids' breakfast choices include pancakes, eggs with sausage or bacon, and a Belgian waffle or French toast and yogurt with fruit. For lunch and dinner, options range from spaghetti and meatballs to chicken fingers, burgers, hot dogs and grilled cheese. Consider surprising your little ones with a specialty "Kids Basket," which contains a variety of sweet treats and a plush character. Breakfast hours are 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. All-day dining is available from 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

All About the Extras
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista hotel guests enjoy early entry and late stay privileges at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks through Disney's exclusive Extra Magic Hours program. A valid Key Card (room key) is required for participation. Key cards are also required to board free shuttles to and from the theme parks. Be sure to ask for a key card for each member of your traveling party at check-in.

Two DVD kiosks -- similar to RedBox -- are stationed in the lobby. Pay at the front desk at check-in and receive a card good for rentals.

Purchase theme park tickets, along with autograph books and souvenirs, at the Disney Store, located on Lobby Level. You can also purchase Disney theme park tickets at the Concierge desk.

Guests are eligible for special discounts and preferred tee times at Walt Disney World golf courses.

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista participates in the Disney Resort Delivery service. At select Disney retail locations, you can make a purchase, and then arrange to have it delivered to the hotel.

Babysitting
In-room babysitting is available with advance arrangements.

Fitness Center
Located near the West Wing entrance, a 24-hour health club is accessible with a valid room key. Stop at the Concierge Desk for a Disney Springs-area jogging map.

Laundry
On the far end of the lobby in the West Wing, a guest laundry is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is a popular location for meetings and conventions. When a major group is onsite, some dining venues may close for private events. If you're concerned about crowds, it's a good idea to call ahead and inquire whether a large event is scheduled during your stay. On the flip side, the hotel is a great off-property official resort option for those times when Disney resorts are full. Additionally, holidays mean visits from special guests including the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.

Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO), transportation options include Mears Shuttle Service or a taxi. To drive from Orlando International Airport, take the Beachline Expressway West (528) toll road, to I-4 West, to Exit 68. Make a right and then at the first light, turn left onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is the fourth hotel on the left side.

Getting Around
Guests of Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista enjoy free shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. The shuttle, operated by Mears Transportation, stops first at the Hilton before continuing on to other Disney Springs member resorts and the theme parks. During peak periods, shuttles can fill quickly. There is a fee for self and valet parking. If you're arriving late at night, you might want to spring for the valet option, as parking lots fill up quickly.

If you want to rent a car, there's a rental car agency desk located in the hotel's main lobby. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For Mom and Dad
Book a babysitter for the night and enjoy a leisurely meal at Andiamo Italian Bistro. Alternatively, head to Disney Springs for a night out at Cirque du Soleil -- La Nouba. If you can't leave the kids, you can still enjoy some pampering with a poolside or in-room massage.