If there is one family trip that can end all family trips, it’s one to Orlando. You have Disney World; you have Universal Studios; you have Epcot and SeaWorld! There are so many water parks, thrill rides, restaurants, live entertainment, and activities to do in Orlando that you could spend months in the area and not get it all done.
That’s why, for the best trip, you need to narrow your focus. You can stick with a Universal themed experience or split your time between two of the big parks! Not only is this how you can see and do everything you want in each theme park, but it’s also how you can save time and money.
Choosing the right hotel means picking the one that is close to your chosen activities, one that can fit your whole family, and of course, one that has many things to do right on the property so you can spread out your budget without taking away from the overall experience.
1. Westgate Palace Resort
This fully renovated hotel and resort is just across the street from Universal Orlando and offers everything you need for a luxurious stay in the area.
Westgate Palace Resort is a fantastic hotel that is perfect for large families. Since you can get a two-bedroom suite that can sleep up to six, you can usually fit your whole family comfortably in one space. As a bonus, these rooms come with everything you need to enjoy your experience.
Read Alos Bellagio Pools: Soak the heat away!
The resort itself is located on International Drive and is just across the street from Universal Orlando. You’ll also be close to the Wheel at ICON Park, the premium outlet mall, and are just 14 miles from Orlando International Airport.
If you need a day to wind down or just want to spend some time relaxing, this resort also features an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, and marina.
To save, take advantage of promotions, like a $25 Uber credit, and join the World of Westgate Loyalty Program for free. This program will give you access to great online rates and discounts exclusive to loyalty members.
2. Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
Enjoy comfortable, affordable accommodation in the heart of Disney Springs.
Are you looking for something comfortable and close to Disney World without needing to splash the cash? This Holiday Inn can be found in Lake Buena Vista, just a short distance away from Disney Springs.
Disney Springs itself is a fast-growing shopping, entertainment, and dining area with so many exciting things to see and do. If you’re here for the Disney parks, don’t worry. There’s free transportation to all of the Disney parks, including Disney’s water parks, so you won’t need to rent a car or have to deal with parking.
3. Marriott’s Harbor Lake
Stay in large, vintage-inspired villa rooms at this hotel and get access to a pirate-themed pool and splash park.
This beautiful villa-themed hotel is designed for families. On-site, you’ll find a pirate-themed pool, complete with water cannons and slides. There’s also a mini golf course that’s fun for the whole family.
This resort feels quiet and relaxed, but don’t let that fool you. It is right around the corner from all the action.
4. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
This 50s Florida-themed hotel is a blast from the past and can be found inside Universal’s theme park.
When it comes to on-site hotels and resorts, none can beat the great price and amenities offered at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This hotel’s design was inspired by Florida in the 1950s, making it iconic and classic all at once. Don’t book here just for its fun, retro-themed design, however. There are so many great things to do, from an on-site bowling alley all the way to a lazy river. The best part of this hotel, however, is that guests get early-access admission to Universal Studios!
5. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort
Signia features a massive pool and water complex – including a lazy river – so guests and families can soak in that beautiful Florida weather.
Signia by Hilton Orlando in Bonnet Creek is where you can enjoy the ultimate pool complex. Here you’ll find a zero-entry lagoon pool and plenty of places to lounge in the sun. There are poolside activities for the kids and great connections to Walt Disney World. The best part is that, since you’re next door to Waldorf Astoria Orlando, you’ll share many amenities as standard, but at a fraction of the cost.
As a bonus, this hotel runs the Mermaid Academy, where guests can enjoy swimming with their own beautiful mermaid tails!
6. Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Choose from one of over 1000 rooms near Universal Studios when you stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Another great and affordable hotel in Universal Studios is Loews Royal Pacific Resort. This resort is a short distance away from Universal Studios and can be found in the Grande Lakes area. Not only can you get great rates on your rooms, but a large part of the property is also shared with the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes resort so that you can share facilities. One of the most notable benefits to staying here is, by far, the massive pool complex and character-themed buffets.
Though it’s closer to Universal Studios, it is still reasonably close to Disney World, so if you plan on splitting your trip, this can be a great home base for you.
7. The Grove Resort Orlando
Enjoy two great waterparks right on your front door when you book at The Grove Resort in Orlando.
If you are looking for something quiet and comfortable but still a reasonable distance away for your day trips to the theme parks, then choose The Grove Resort Orlando. This is an impressive resort for kids and comes with many great amenities so you can enjoy some time away from the crowds. Eat at one of the several on-site restaurants, or spend your day at the amazing Surfari Water Park and Spring Pools.
8. WorldQuest Orlando Resort
Get complimentary shuttle services, breakfast, and access to the beautiful swimming pool when you stay at WorldQuest Orlando Resort.
WorldQuest is a great resort option if you want something close to Disney World. It may not be one of the most glamorous options in the area, but it’s clean, comfortable, and designed to make you feel like you’re home. You’ll get complimentary access to the breakfast buffet and pool as well, giving you more reasons to book here.
Remember to take advantage of the free transportation services to the parks so that you can get to the heart of the action in less time and with less hassle.
9. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites
This Holiday Inn features a large outdoor water park, a 4D movie theatre, and an arcade, making it a top choice for families.
One of the main draws of this Holiday Inn is its large outdoor waterpark, which can keep the kids thrilled and entertained without needing to add the Disney or Universal water park entrance prices to your tickets.
For an extra-homey experience, book a suite. Each suite comes with a living room kitchenette, HDTV, and 485+ square feet of space so you and your family can stretch out and make it yours.
This hotel has a Kids Eat Free program, free shuttle services, a waterpark, live entertainment, an arcade, and a laser game challenge to keep everyone in the family thrilled throughout your trip.
10. Avanti International Resort
This comfortable resort is perfectly positioned between all the top attractions in Orlando and the airport, making it a great choice for travelers coming by plane.
Avanti is a great budget-friendly hotel that is stylish, comfortable, and perfectly located between the airport and all the big theme parks. The hotel has its own pool and hosts many poolside activities like volleyball for their guests.
You can even enjoy a free art show. Every Friday from 3pm to 6pm, you’ll be able to see a free exhibition put on by local artists in the lobby. Are you visiting for the theme parks? This hotel also offers free shuttle services to the top attractions in the area.
