Family Friendly Hotels in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is synonymous with family fun. With world-renowned theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, it’s no wonder that countless families flock to this magical destination every year. But finding the perfect accommodation for your family vacation can be a daunting task. You need a hotel that not only fits your budget but also offers amenities and services that cater to the needs of children of all ages. This article is your comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly hotels in Orlando, ensuring a memorable and stress-free vacation.
Why Choose Orlando for Your Family Vacation?
Orlando is more than just theme parks. While the parks are undoubtedly a major draw, the city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, beautiful natural attractions, and a wide range of entertainment options to suit every taste. For families, Orlando offers:
- World-Class Theme Parks: Experience the magic of Disney World, the thrills of Universal Studios, and the wonders of SeaWorld.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: From budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, Orlando offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Many hotels offer kid’s clubs, swimming pools, water parks, and other amenities designed to keep children entertained.
- Convenient Location: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is easily accessible, and the city is well-connected by highways, making it easy to get around.
- Year-Round Sunshine: Enjoy warm weather and sunshine throughout the year, making Orlando a perfect destination for a vacation any time of year.
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Hotel
When choosing a hotel for your family vacation in Orlando, consider the following factors:
- Location: Choose a hotel that is conveniently located near the theme parks and other attractions you plan to visit. Consider factors such as transportation options and traffic patterns.
- Room Size and Configuration: Ensure that the hotel rooms are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate your family. Consider options such as suites with separate living areas or connecting rooms.
- Amenities: Look for hotels with amenities such as swimming pools, water parks, kid’s clubs, game rooms, and on-site restaurants.
- Dining Options: Choose a hotel with a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Consider options such as buffets, casual restaurants, and fine dining establishments.
- Transportation: Check if the hotel offers complimentary transportation to the theme parks and other attractions. If not, consider renting a car or using ride-sharing services.
- Budget: Set a budget for your accommodation and look for hotels that offer good value for money. Consider factors such as included amenities and package deals.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from other families who have stayed at the hotel to get an idea of their experiences.
Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando: Near Disney World
If Disney World is your primary destination, consider these hotels located near the parks:
1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
This value resort is a popular choice for families with young children. The resort features colorful theming inspired by popular Disney and Pixar films, including “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” The resort offers family suites that can accommodate up to six guests, as well as standard rooms.
Key Features:
- Themed pools, including the Big Blue Pool (the largest pool at Walt Disney World Resort)
- Animation-themed play areas
- Landscape of Flavors food court with diverse dining options
- Complimentary transportation to all Disney theme parks and Disney Springs
- Family suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes
2. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
For a more luxurious experience, consider Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This deluxe resort features a tropical South Pacific theme with lush landscaping, white-sand beaches, and overwater bungalows. The resort offers standard rooms, suites, and villas that can accommodate families of various sizes.
Key Features:
- Themed pools, including the Lava Pool with a waterslide and zero-entry access
- White-sand beaches with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks
- Moana Mercantile gift shop
- Several on-site restaurants, including ‘Ohana (family-style dining) and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (themed bar)
- Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot
- Children’s Activity Center
3. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
This luxury resort offers a premium experience for families visiting Disney World. The resort features spacious rooms and suites, a five-acre water park, and several on-site restaurants. The Four Seasons Kids For All Seasons program offers complimentary activities for children ages 4-12.
Key Features:
- Explorer Island water park with a lazy river, splash pad, and waterslides
- Five swimming pools
- Kids For All Seasons program with supervised activities
- Several on-site restaurants, including Ravello (Italian cuisine) and PB&G (poolside dining)
- Complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks
- Golf course
- Spa
4. Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek
Located within the Bonnet Creek Resort area, this hotel provides a more relaxed atmosphere while still being very close to Disney World. It boasts multiple pools, a lazy river, and a splash pad, making it ideal for families looking for water-based fun. The spacious suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens offer added convenience for preparing meals and snacks.
Key Features:
- Five pools, including a lazy river and zero-entry pool
- Multiple dining options, from casual poolside fare to upscale dining
- Spacious suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens
- Bonnet Creek Resort amenities, including a playground and miniature golf
- Complimentary transportation to Disney World parks
5. Waldorf Astoria Orlando
For a luxurious and sophisticated family vacation, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an excellent choice. While known for its elegance, it also caters well to families. Children’s programs, a lazy river, and access to the adjacent golf course make it a well-rounded option. Guests also enjoy the benefits of Disney’s Extra Magic Hours and complimentary transportation to the parks.
Key Features:
- Elegant rooms and suites with luxurious amenities
- Multiple pools, including a zero-entry pool and a lazy river
- Kids’ Club and activities for children
- Access to the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
- Several on-site restaurants and lounges
- Complimentary transportation to Disney World parks and Disney Springs
Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando: Near Universal Studios
If Universal Studios is your primary focus, these hotels offer convenient access and family-friendly amenities:
1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
This deluxe resort transports guests to the Italian Riviera with its charming architecture, cobblestone streets, and picturesque harbor. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, three themed swimming pools, and several on-site restaurants. Guests enjoy early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Key Features:
- Three themed swimming pools, including the Beach Pool with a waterslide and the Villa Pool with cabanas
- Mandara Spa
- Several on-site restaurants, including Mama Della’s Ristorante (family-style Italian dining) and Trattoria del Porto (casual Italian dining)
- Early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk
- Kids’ Club
2. Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
This deluxe resort features a South Pacific theme with lush landscaping, tropical gardens, and a lagoon-style swimming pool. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, several on-site restaurants, and early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Key Features:
- Lagoon-style swimming pool with a beach area and a Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area
- Several on-site restaurants, including Emeril’s Tchoup Chop (Asian-Polynesian cuisine) and Jake’s American Bar (casual dining)
- Early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk
- Kids’ Club
3. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
This deluxe resort is perfect for music-loving families. The hotel features a rock ‘n’ roll theme with memorabilia from famous musicians, a guitar-shaped swimming pool, and several on-site restaurants. Guests enjoy early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Key Features:
- Guitar-shaped swimming pool with underwater speakers
- Memorabilia from famous musicians
- Several on-site restaurants, including The Kitchen (casual dining) and Palm Restaurant (steakhouse)
- Early park admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk
- Kids’ Club
4. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
This value resort offers a retro-themed experience with a focus on affordability and family fun. The resort features two massive pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and a food court. Family suites can accommodate up to six guests.
Key Features:
- Two massive pools, including a lazy river and a dive tower-themed waterslide
- Galaxy Bowl bowling alley
- Game-O-Rama arcade
- Bayliner Diner food court with diverse dining options
- Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk
- Retro-themed rooms and suites
5. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites & Surfside Inn and Suites
This value resort offers two distinct hotel sections, each with a unique beach-themed vibe. Both Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites provide affordable accommodations with family suites that can comfortably accommodate larger families. The resorts feature pools, food courts, and complimentary transportation to the parks.
Key Features (Both Resorts):
- Beach-themed pools
- Food courts with various dining options
- Family suites that can accommodate up to six guests
- Complimentary transportation to Universal’s theme parks and CityWalk
- Value-oriented pricing
Other Family-Friendly Hotel Options in Orlando
Beyond the hotels directly associated with Disney and Universal, Orlando offers a wealth of other family-friendly accommodations:
1. Nickelodeon Suites Resort (Now Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark)
While no longer officially a Nickelodeon-branded resort, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark retains many of the features that made it popular with families. The resort features a water park with slides, pools, and splash zones. The resort offers spacious suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes.
Key Features:
- Water park with slides, pools, and splash zones
- Game room
- Mini golf course
- Several on-site restaurants
- Spacious suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes
2. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
This sprawling resort offers a unique experience with its themed atriums, multiple pools, and a variety of on-site restaurants. The resort features a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. The Gaylord Palms offers spacious rooms and suites that can accommodate families of various sizes.
Key Features:
- Themed atriums, including the Everglades, St. Augustine, and Key West
- Cypress Springs Water Park with slides, pools, and a lazy river
- Several on-site restaurants, including Old Hickory Steakhouse and Villa de Flora (Mediterranean cuisine)
- Relâche Spa
- Shopping promenade
3. Reunion Resort
This resort offers a more residential feel with villas and vacation homes that are perfect for large families or groups. The resort features several swimming pools, a water park, golf courses, and tennis courts. Reunion Resort offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste.
Key Features:
- Multiple swimming pools, including a water park with slides and a lazy river
- Three championship golf courses
- Tennis complex
- Several on-site restaurants, including Eleven (rooftop restaurant) and Forte (Italian cuisine)
- Spacious villas and vacation homes
4. Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
This resort offers a variety of accommodations, from studios to spacious villas, making it a good option for families of all sizes. The resort features seven pools, seven hot tubs, a mini-golf course, and a lake with water sports. The Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa offers a variety of dining options, including a sports bar and a pizzeria.
Key Features:
- Seven pools and seven hot tubs
- Mini-golf course
- Lake with water sports
- Serenity Spa by Westgate
- Several on-site restaurants
- Spacious villas with full kitchens
5. Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
This resort offers a unique pirate-themed water park, making it a hit with kids. The resort features spacious suites with full kitchens, making it a convenient option for families who want to prepare their own meals. The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa offers several on-site restaurants and a spa.
Key Features:
- Pirate-themed water park with slides and a lazy river
- Spa
- Several on-site restaurants
- Spacious suites with full kitchens
- Convenient location near Disney Springs
Tips for Saving Money on Your Orlando Hotel
Orlando can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money on your hotel accommodation:
- Travel During the Off-Season: Avoid peak seasons such as summer and holidays, when hotel rates are highest. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for lower rates and fewer crowds.
- Book in Advance: Book your hotel well in advance of your travel dates to secure the best rates. Many hotels offer early booking discounts.
- Look for Package Deals: Consider booking a package deal that includes your hotel, theme park tickets, and transportation. These packages can often save you money compared to booking each item separately.
- Consider Off-Site Hotels: Hotels located off-site from the theme parks are often more affordable than hotels located on-site. However, factor in transportation costs when making your decision.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Check for discounts offered to AAA members, military personnel, students, and seniors.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Choose a hotel with a kitchenette or full kitchen to save money on dining out. Stock up on groceries and prepare some of your own meals and snacks.
- Join a Hotel Loyalty Program: Join the loyalty program of your preferred hotel chain to earn points and receive exclusive discounts.
- Use Reward Points: If you have credit card reward points or airline miles, consider using them to book your hotel accommodation.
Getting Around Orlando
Orlando is a large city, and getting around can be challenging without a car. Here are some transportation options to consider:
- Rental Car: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore Orlando and its surrounding areas. However, factor in the cost of parking, tolls, and gas.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in Orlando. This can be a convenient option for getting around without having to worry about parking.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer complimentary transportation to the theme parks and other attractions. Check with your hotel to see what shuttle services are available.
- Public Transportation: Orlando’s public transportation system, LYNX, offers bus service throughout the city. However, it can be time-consuming and may not be the most convenient option for families.
- I-Ride Trolley: The I-Ride Trolley is a tourist-oriented transportation system that operates along International Drive. It’s a convenient option for getting around the International Drive area.
- Walking: Walking is a great way to explore certain areas of Orlando, such as Disney Springs and CityWalk. However, be prepared for hot weather and long distances.
Planning Your Orlando Itinerary
With so much to see and do in Orlando, it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance. Here are some tips for planning your Orlando vacation:
- Determine Your Priorities: Decide which theme parks and attractions are most important to you and your family.
- Allocate Your Time: Allocate enough time for each activity, taking into account travel time, wait times, and meal breaks.
- Make Reservations: Make reservations for popular restaurants, shows, and attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Utilize Park Hopper Options: Consider purchasing park hopper tickets if you want to visit multiple theme parks in a single day.
- Download Theme Park Apps: Download the official apps of the theme parks you plan to visit. These apps provide real-time wait times, park maps, and show schedules.
- Take Advantage of Rider Switch: If you have young children who are not tall enough to ride certain attractions, take advantage of the rider switch program. This allows one parent to ride while the other parent waits with the child, and then they switch.
- Pack Appropriately: Pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Take Breaks: Don’t try to do too much in a single day. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Conclusion
Orlando offers a plethora of family-friendly hotels to suit every budget and preference. By considering factors such as location, amenities, dining options, and transportation, you can find the perfect accommodation for your family vacation. Whether you’re looking for a value resort with themed pools or a luxurious resort with a water park, Orlando has something to offer everyone. Remember to book in advance, take advantage of discounts, and plan your itinerary carefully to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation in the Theme Park Capital of the World.
