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Drury Plaza Hotel Review at Disney Springs (A Hotel that Knows Hospitality)

As the title suggests, the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs knows the meaning of hospitality, so much so that I have difficulty expressing how much I appreciated the amenities that benefited me as a guest during this stay. It is the newest hotel within the Disney Springs area and a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel.

Below, we provide a review of the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs. I could say that the Disney Springs Drury runs like a well-oiled machine. It does. It reminded me of a cruise ship. Once you’re on board, everything else is taken care of, and you’re job is to have a good time.

Of course, you have to worry about grossly overpriced food and other upcharges with most hotels. But this hotel offers an array of complimentary meals throughout the day and has no extra resort fee. So, for this review, I want to walk you through my stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel. My only complaint was that I wished I had stayed longer!

The Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs

Earlier this week, I found myself playing catch-up on the website. We keep a list of hotels to try, and my primary goal is to stay at a new hotel each month. However, things like room updates and older content require us to revisit the hotels at Disney World regularly.

When I realized I hadn’t reviewed any off-site hotels recently, other than the Swan Reserve, I decided to check a few rates. Surprisingly, I found a reasonable rate of approximately $140.00 at the new Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs. The only extra fee besides tax was the parking charge. So, if you have a car, you’ll want to consider the nightly parking charge.

With no significant plans aside from work, I reserved the room and planned an afternoon at Disney Springs. Since Disney Springs is within walking distance, I thought I might walk from the hotel after settling in my room. Unfortunately, several thunderstorms passed through that afternoon. So, I left early and parked my car in the Lime Garage at Disney Springs. That way, when I was finished, I could continue to the Drury.

For reference, the Drury Plaza Hotel sits directly across the street from the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. When we reviewed the Disney Springs Doubletree last year, I measured the distance to Disney Springs. It’s 0.7 miles from the Drury Plaza Hotel to the Marketplace entrance of Disney Springs. That’s about a 15-minute walk at an average pace. Once you reach the Lake Buena Vista intersection, you’ll take the stairs or elevator to the pedestrian bridge.

You do not have to worry about crossing any streets to get to Disney Springs. They are all fenced off to keep pedestrians safe. After a late lunch at D-Luxe Burger and a facial at Sephora, I continued to the Drury.

The Drury Hotel lobby with globe lantern light fixtures.
Lobby

A bellman was available to assist guests who needed help. However, almost everyone appeared to be taking advantage of these luggage carts inside the breezeway.

luggage carts
Self-Service Luggage Carts

Upon entry, I was impressed with the hotel’s clean, modern look. A kind lady at the check-in desk quickly helped me with my room assignment. She answered all of my questions and was very knowledgeable about the hotel.

sofas, tables, and various seating areas in the lobby of the Disney Springs Drury
Lobby Seating Areas

My room assignment was on the 15th floor of the Cypress Tower. Thankfully, the elevators moved swiftly.

Separate elevator lobbies for the Cypress and Palm Towers of the Drury Plaza Hotel.
Cypress Tower Wing

At the top, I was greeted by an expansive foyer leading to a hall of guest rooms.

A window looked out to the resort’s pool.

Looking down at the pool from the 15th floor.
A view of the resort’s pool from the fifteenth floor.

My guest room was more than adequate. It had plenty of space and more extras than I’m used to seeing in a hotel.

An overall view of the room that shows seating areas, king bed, and layout.
Room | Drury Springs Hotel Review

I acknowledged early on that I could easily spend a week in this room.

Amenities are located in the room's foyer.

It is rare to see a microwave, and I used it to reheat leftovers after a late night at Hollywood Studios. We’ll get to that. But having a microwave in a hotel room is a tremendous asset.

Amenities in the room include an extra sink, vanity, microwave, mini fridge and in-room safe.
Room amenities include a microwave and mini-fridge.

Here is the walk-in shower with built-in toiletries. It had excellent water pressure–and we’re talking the 15th floor!

Walk-in Shower and Toilet
Walk-in Shower

Here is the vanity, which provided plenty of counter space and storage areas. We have a separate room tour of the Drury Plaza Hotel that contains more photos and a video.

Vanity area in the bathroom
Vanity Area

At this point, the weather was unfavorable. My plans were to take photos of the room, and I had considered taking the resort’s shuttle service to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the evening.

So I decided to look over the items they had given me at the front desk and tour the inside of the hotel. I also wanted to check out the 5:30 p.m. Kickback, which I was unaware of before this stay.

One of the pamphlets read, “Our generous, free amenities are designed to help you…Travel Happy.” Those amenities include a hot breakfast, evening kickback, popcorn with soda, and free wifi throughout the hotel.

A welcome package and a list of the resort's amenities that includes hot breakfast and kickback hour.
Welcome Package with Info

Each evening between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the Drury has what I would call a cocktail hour. However, it’s so much more than that. It’s more like staying club-level at Disney World, except this option is complimentary and doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Adults are given a Kickback drink card at check-in that allows them three (yes, 3) cocktails per night of their stay. So, if you have two adults in your room, you’ll each get three drinks per night. I know this might seem hard to fathom, but it’s true.

A Kickback drink card that allows guests of the Disney Springs Drury Hotel to receive complimentary snacks, drinks, and cocktails.
Kickback Drink Card | Drury Springs Plaza Hotel Orlando Disney Springs

Disney Spring’s Drury also offers complimentary bus transportation to the theme parks, Disney Springs (in the afternoon and evening), and Typhoon Lagoon. After browsing the schedule, I realized I had just missed the last bus to Hollywood Studios for the day, which left the hotel at 4:30 p.m.

Now, that was not the last return bus from Hollywood Studios to the hotel, and I imagine I would be one of a few who would leave for a park so late in the evening. But whether or not you’ll need to use bus transportation is something you’ll want to consider. Parking costs money, and it costs money to park at the hotel and the theme parks, so parking costs can quickly add up.

Here is the schedule, and I think most will find it efficient. The top column shows pick-up times from the hotels to the parks, and the bottom shows return times from the parks to the hotel.

Disney Springs Drury Springs Bus Schedule
Drury Plaza Hotel Bus Schedule (During Our Stay)

After reviewing the schedules, I headed down to the second floor. It was about 4:45 p.m., so I thought I would check out the popcorn and soda treat listed between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Sure enough, guests could make their own bag of popcorn and fix a fountain drink at one of the machines. What a nice treat!

A machine with popcorn for guests to use at their leisure.
Complimentary Popcorn
scoop, salt, and bags for the popcorn
Everything You Need to Prepare a Bag of Popcorn

Since this was where the Kickback and Hot Breakfast were offered daily, I decided to take a few photos before the space filled. It’s a vast area taking up most of the floor.

Dining Area with Televisions
Dining Room with Tables and Chairs
a row of booths next to a wall of windows
Booths with Window Seats | Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando

Here is the dining area. Guests are instructed to start in the middle and go to the right or the left. Each side has identical items.

Buffet Area before dinner items were added.
Buffet Setup for Kickback Hour and Breakfast

Additional seating is located on both sides of the expansive area. This part reminded me of one of those large dining rooms on a cruise ship where guests can partake in an all-day buffet for breakfast and lunch.

long hallway between the buffet area and the dining area

Here is the opposite side, looking back toward the front of the restaurant.

a row of booths on the left side and tables with banquettes on the right side
Seating Areas

The bar area is at the end of each side. Between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., you can show your ticket for up to three complimentary cocktails.

the walk-up bar area for complimentary cocktails
Complimentary Cocktail Bar Area | Drury Plaza Disney Springs

A few liquors were on display.

Various liquors sitting on the counter that are used for cocktails.
Liquor Display

Here is the drink menu.

Drury Hotels Drink Menu for the complimentary cocktail hours.
Drink Menu | Drury Plaza Disney Springs

Here are a few more photos before we check out the dinner offerings.

Additional seating with views to the Disney Springs Hotel area
Extra Seating
Tables with chairs facing a television

I noticed many of the tables had outlets and USB ports. How considerate.

Outlets and USB Ports at some of the booths
Outlets and USB Ports

While on the 2nd floor, I decided to check out the other amenities on the same level.

Hallway with bright, cheerful murals of tropical animals.

A hallway leads to the laundry room.

laundry room wish washers, dryers, and a table with chairs
Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Laundry Facilities

A laundry facility is available. The resort’s gift shop sold detergent and fabric softener, and change was also provided.

Shows the cost of a load of laundry as $2.00
Washer and Dryer

A fitness center is also available.

the entrance to the Fitness Center at the Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs
Drury Disney Springs Fitness Center

Here are a few photos of the gym’s weights, machines, and other amenities.

A water bottle filler is available inside the gym's entrance at the Disney Springs Drury.
Water Bottle Filler
gym towels and a rack of floor mats
exercise equipment like ellipticals and bikes
Exercise Equipment
Treadmills facing out the window to other hotels in the Disney Springs area.
Weight Machines, Exercise Balls, Treadmills
free weights
Free Weights

After the fitness center, I took the open stairway to the first floor. It was still pretty cloudy, but the storm appeared to have passed.

Stairs down to the main level.

I noticed this transportation map that showed the various routes and bus schedules.

A map that shows the time the next bus arrives and departs the hotel. It also shows the routes to and from the theme parks.
Map of the Bus Schedule on a Digital Board off the Drury Hotel’s Lobby

An arcade was also available. It was pretty busy, so I never got a photo of the inside.

A pair of glass doors opens up to a busy arcade with people playing games.
Drury Plaza Hotel Arcade

A coffee bar is set up a few steps off the lobby, so you can easily prepare a cup when you’re coming or going. A few seating areas are available, or you can enjoy the nearby lobby.

A stand with complimentary coffee for guests
Complimentary Coffee

Back inside the lobby, I checked out the Kitchen Bar.

The entrance to the Kitchen Bar at the Disney Springs Drury Plaza

This location serves cocktails and regular menu items. They had several specials on display, like $5.00 desserts for cocktail hour. Most of the desserts ranged in price from $9.00 to $15.00.

a menu that shows some of the desserts offered at happy hour
Dessert Happy Hour is a thing at the Disney Springs Drury Hotel.

A sizable gift shop was available toward the back of the lobby. It had an impressive inventory.

interior of the gift shop that shows the entirety of the space
The Gift Shop

This location serves Starbucks coffee. However, I enjoyed the complimentary coffee, so you might like to try it before purchasing a cup.

Starbucks logo over the gift shop at Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs.

Here are a few souvenir items.

a display with various souvenirs
Souvenirs

Some other souvenirs extended beyond the register.

register with items for purchase in the gift shop
Register

A refrigerated case contained plenty of items that could be microwaved in the room. The gift shop is open every day until midnight. So if you come back late and find yourself starving with no dining options, you can likely find something here to make do until breakfast. If you need something after they close, someone at the front desk can let you in the store to make a purchase. Here are photos of the grocery items that were available during our stay.

frozen food items
Frozen Food Selection
ice cream novelties
Ice Cream Novelties
a case with microwaveable meals
Microwaveable Meals
Bottled Coca-Cola products, Powerade, Juice, Milk, and more
A case with various sodas, milk, sports drinks, and juice.

As someone who regularly takes photos of random merchandise in hotel gift shops, I was impressed with how neatly items were displayed. Everything at the hotel felt designed to ensure guest satisfaction.

A display with a variety of snacks, chips, candy, and similar items.
Snacks

A separate microwave was available to heat something to enjoy elsewhere. Pizza Hut Express personal pan pizzas were available from 11:00 a.m. until midnight. You could order them in the gift shop. They were reasonably priced. Cheese, pepperoni, and supreme were the three options.

Pizza Hut Express stand and a microwave
Pizza Hut Express
Espresso Machine in the Gift Shop

Here is the Starbucks coffee.

Starbucks Coffee in the gift shop
Starbucks Coffee with Cream

A selection of pastries was also available.

Case with pastries like brownies, cinnamon rolls, cherry danish, and croissants.
Pastries

Outside, the Drury Plaza Hotel has a large dining and lounge area close to the pool.

Outdoor Seating Area

You could find plenty of spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Landscaping

Lakeside Bar and Grill is available by the pool. It appeared to be an extension of the indoor bar and grill in the lobby.

They had plenty of items at reasonable prices. Kids’ meals were pretty on par with most places. However, I think the Pizza Hut option is a win-win for most people.

menus for the Lakeside pool bar and grill at the Drury Disney Springs
Lakeside Bar and Grill Menus

Here are a few more photos of the outdoor area. Unfortunately, the pool area filled up quickly as the sun started to pop out. So, I resolved to wake up early the following day for pool pictures.

Outdoor tables and chairs on a patio surrounded by palm trees.
Outdoor Patio with Tables and Chairs

A splash pad is on the far edge of the pool area. It’s in a separately fenced area, so parents can sit and enjoy the area without worrying about their children wandering into the pool.

Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs Splash Pad
Splash Pad

At this point, the Kickback hour had started, so I decided to see what it was all about. On the way up, I walked by the conference side of the resort.

A hallway that leads to the resort's conference center and meeting rooms.
Conference Center

This is the part that surprised me the most. When I returned to the second floor, I found the space bustling with guests from all walks of life. Everyone was preparing their plates and finding a table. We’ll start with the salad.

Salad offering during Kickback hour.
Salad

It was a nice spring mix with Roma tomatoes on the side. Shredded cheese was also available.

A few dressings and croutons were also present.

Behind the salad bar, nachos with toppings were available.

Around the corner, I found hot dogs and buns.

Complimentary Hot Dogs

Some guests were having chicken noodle soup.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Baked potatoes started off the entree bar.

Baked Potatoes

Then, slider buns, which could double as dinner rolls.

Sliders

Barbecue was the main protein.

Barbecue

This is a terrible photo, but baked beans and veggies were next.

Beans and Steamed Vegetables

Back at the bar area, a few wine and beer selections had been laid out. However, from what I could tell, everything was on tap.

Wine Selection

Additionally, guests could select various fountain drinks, tea, or coffee.

Drink Station

Anyone could walk up and prepare what they liked.

Refillable Soda Fountain

So, I ended up having a complimentary dinner that consisted of a salad, a baked potato topped with cheese, a roll, and a few veggies. I also had a Diet Coke and a cranberry spritzer.

Complimentary Dinner at the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs

To my recall, I’ve never visited a hotel that offered a complimentary dinner. I have teared up thinking about this meal several times since I left. It was apparent that the Drury cared about its guests. They don’t have to do this. No one else does.

But it’s this very thing that sets them apart. So many people splurge to visit Walt Disney World, and the prices are exorbitant for theme park tickets, hotels, and other charges.

Many of us were fortunate to live in a time when we knew that the companies we love cared about us. But those times have passed. We now live in a time where everyone, including the places where we do business, strives to be trendy while still turning a profit.

Unfortunately, social media has given us an outlet that’s caused us to try and “keep up” or compare ourselves to others. The Drury doesn’t do that. They have a good thing going on, and I’m willing to bet their biggest return is through repeat business and word-of-mouth.

Anyway, after my meal, I drove to Hollywood Studios. It was approximately 7:30 p.m. when I arrived. But I was still able to ride Star Tours, which I hadn’t done since Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios earlier this year.

Star Tours

Then, I took a little time to walk through Galaxy’s Edge before heading to Toy Story Land. I took a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers and met a new friend while waiting in line.

Alien Swirling Saucers

After that, I hoped to ride Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Dash. But I walked off Toy Story Mania at 9:01 p.m., so there wasn’t enough time.

Toy Story Mania

Usually, I can do all three rides in Toy Story Land in that last hour before the park closes. But I had a late start and did a few other things first, so it didn’t work out that way this evening. Since it had rained, the temperature was pleasant. I stopped and watched the Wonderful World of Animation Projection Show.

Wonderful World of Animation

Then, I walked down Sunset Boulevard to check out some of the neon lights. For those who don’t know, the park often closes at 9:00 p.m. However, Fantasmic didn’t start until 9:30 p.m. this evening. So, while the rides close, all the shops remain open. Guests can still enjoy the main areas toward the front of the park.

Hollywood Studios at night

I wish I had brought my camera. But I got a few fun shots with my cell phone.

We visited Hollywood Studios during our stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs.

I think it’s swell, too, Mickey.

Mickey Mouse’s Handprints at Hollywood Studios

After the Studios, I drove back to the Drury and heated up a late-night snack. I forgot to mention I had taken a hot dog back to my room and put it in the mini-fridge after dinner. As silly as it sounds, I thoroughly enjoyed it as I watched television in my pajamas. Unfortunately, my alarm clock went off bright and early the next morning. It was storming again. But I was still able to get a few photos of the pool.

The pool faces a lake at the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Pool

It was a sizable pool that ranged from 9″ (inches) to 5′ (feet) deep.

Zero-Depth Entry Pool
The pool has a zero-depth entry on one end.

From my understanding, this is a saltwater pool.

Shows the length of the pool at the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs.

The pool is open daily between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

A view of the hotel from the back end of the pool.
A view of the pool

A whirlpool spa sat adjacent to the pool area.

A hot tub with pretty mosaic tile around it.
Whirlpool Spa

After a few pool pictures, it was time to check out the Hot Breakfast, offered daily from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. We’ll start with the scrambled eggs.

Next, we have breakfast potatoes.

Here we have sausage, which was a good quality brand.

Buttermilk biscuits came next.

The gravy sat nearby.

Pancakes were another option. Someone was freshly preparing these on a nearby griddle.

Or you could cook your own Mickey waffles.

Butter and several syrups were available.

Here we have cereal selections, milk, and yogurt.

Several fresh fruits were available.

Pastries included cinnamon raisin toast, muffins, bagels, and regular bread.

Hard-boiled eggs were also present.

In addition to soda, coffee, tea, and water, a few juices were also available at breakfast.

This stay was only for one night. But in less than 24 hours, I had received two complimentary meals, the option to have up to three cocktails, a warm breakfast that far exceeded most continental options, popcorn, soda, coffee, and juice.

If these items weren’t offered, I would have purchased dinner at Hollywood Studios, a late-night snack at the hotel, and likely whatever the hotel had for breakfast the next morning. For me alone, that would have likely been around $50.00 to $75.00, depending on whether I had counter or table service for dinner.

Naturally, if this is a trip to Walt Disney World, you probably won’t be back for dinner at the hotel every evening. But I imagine you would take advantage of this perk on your check-in day and a resort day at the pool. You might also have a day when you return early due to excessive rain or thunderstorms. If so, dinner is waiting between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Additionally, that free hot breakfast is the kind of thing that makes most dads happy. You know I am right.

Also, I’m reminded of one other benefit. The Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs is eligible for early entry at the theme parks. That’s where guests of select hotels can enter the theme parks 30 minutes earlier than regular guests. It applies to each theme park every day of the week.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed this visit to the Drury Plaza Hotel and was happily overwhelmed with the amenities provided. This is an excellent option for anyone, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel or want a nice hotel near Disney Springs.

Lastly, I couldn’t finish this review without a nod to the hotel staff. Everyone I encountered at the hotel was friendly and had a smile to offer. Employees working during breakfast and dinner would come by and offer to remove items you had already finished.

It was the kind of atmosphere where you want to throw your money at people for being so lovely. I’m still a little positively puzzled over the whole thing. Here are a few other off-site hotel reviews:

  • Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Review
  • Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Review
  • Wyndham Grand Orlando Review
  • Orange Lake Resort Review
  • Flamingo Crossings Hotel List (Budget-Friendly)

Or you can check out our list of the best hotels near Disney World. For more hotels near Disney Springs, see the 7 Off-Site Disney Hotels Within Walking Distance of Disney Springs.

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on this review of the Drury Hotel at Disney Springs? Did you know about these amenities? Have you ever stayed at a Drury? Leave a comment below and let us know. We enjoy hearing about your experiences and feedback!

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