Discover the magic with the whole family when staying at a luxurious or family-friendly resort or Disney World hotel for your next trip to Disney World and Universal Studios!
In Central Florida, Orlando is the theme park capital of the world and is filled with adventure and memories to last a lifetime. Home to some of the best places including world-class resorts and theme parks, Orlando has something for all ages.
Some of the best hotels in Orlando are only a few minutes away from Rollins College and Magic Kingdom while providing easy access to other Disney theme parks through shuttle service or a short walk.
Make memories by taking advantage of the Disney hotels and the close proximity to the Disney parks with exclusive amenities like an outdoor pool, lazy river, water park, and golf course.
The best time to stay at these resorts without the extra cost is between January and February. You may also find cheaper prices around late August.
Here’s the scoop on the best place to stay in Orlando for your Disney or Universal vacation!
Resorts in Orlando
1. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Offering a modern retreat close to Magic Kingdom, guests can choose to walk to Magic Kingdom or take the Resort monorail to Epcot. Disney’s Contemporary Resort allows guests to experience world-class dining with traditional cuisine.
This luxurious resort offers flat-screen TVs, a pool that comes with a waterslide, a wide array of accommodations, and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Near the A-frame Contemporary Tower, there are a few restaurants that are sure to make your dining experience spectacular. Try out California Grill, and Chef Mickey’s to indulge yourself in the magic of Disney characters and views of the Magic Kingdom.
2. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
One of the best resorts in Orlando for families, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has plenty of opportunities for hotel guests to engage in a game of golf or relax in a full-service spa.
This resort also allows guests access through a complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
The bright and airy hotel rooms provide just enough space for a family to make the most out of their getaway. Make sure to try the pools and the onsite restaurants.
3. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Close to Orlando, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Kissimmee is a favorite among families who love African savannas.
The careful design of architecture inspired by the African kraal provides guests with amazing views of the lush savanna as well as exotic animals living in a place they call home.
The resort with room service also allows guests to soak in the largest collections of African art with a touch of Disney magic.
4. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Surround yourself in a tropical oasis at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! Many guests consider this resort to be the best place to stay in Orlando for Disney due to the tropical ambiance and the easy access to Epcot and Magic Kingdom through the resort monorail.
This resort is specifically great for families with family suites and standard rooms.
Take your tastebuds on an adventure through the tropics with savory island-inspired cuisine.
5. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Take your family on the trip of a lifetime by staying at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek just a short drive from theme parks and other entertainment.
Since this luxury hotel is under Signa Hilton, families are guaranteed to have a premium experience during their stay. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek stands out with their signature dishes ranging from Italian to Asian.
6. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Experience a relaxing retreat only steps away from Disney Springs. This Hilton hotel features a shuttle service to all Walt Disney World theme parks with casual dining options and outdoor pools. Guests can also receive early access to the Disney parks 30 minutes before the official opening.
7. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Let your family experience a little slice of Italy on their next Disney vacation! Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios adds small details like cobblestone streets and water to make guests feel like they’ve teleported to Italy.
The guests that choose to stay at this lovely resort can receive exclusive park benefits with some of the best gelatos to fill your tastebuds.
8. Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Elegance meets the waterfront at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on Disney property. Take a boat ride to Hollywood Studios or walk to Epcot.
When staying at this New England-style resort, guests will have access to Skyliner transportation, an outdoor water recreation area, and the health club. This resort also includes dog-friendly accommodations for your pooch to tag along.
9. Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Find your own slice of paradise at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando near International Drive. This Universal Orlando Resort features a South Pacific vacation with a lagoon and a sandy white beach.
Other than the exclusive park benefits, Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers a shimmering pool, gorgeous statues of imperial elephants, and Balinese-inspired umbrellas.
10. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Discover luxurious comfort in your hotel room at the magical Disney Beach Club Resort in southwest Orlando! Take advantage of this deluxe resort amenities like the mini-powerboat and the spas of Stormalong Bay.
The most notable parts of this resort owned by the Walt Disney Company are the water recreation area, the health club, and the Skyliner transportation with convenient access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios (Star Wars land).
11. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort
Some guests consider the Grand Floridian to be the best place to stay in Orlando for the Disney parks with the best areas for both relaxation and views. The Victorian-style resort features exquisite dining, massages, early theme park entry, and a spectacular view of the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.
12. Disney’s Coronado Springs
Even though this Disney resort gives off a romantic ambiance, especially at night, the resort offers plenty of activities for kids.
The unique aspects of this resort in the Orlando area are the club-access benefits, a fitness center, hot tubs, and a pool with a waterslide. The modern room designs make families feel like they're on a luxurious getaway.
13. Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Looking to experience a real Florida lifestyle? Book your stay at the Reunion Resort and Golf Club in Kissimmee. Featuring three golf courses, and a variety of dining options, Reunion Resort is the perfect place to stay while exploring the Disney theme parks with its own transportation.
14. Four Seasons Resort Orlando Disney World
Most Four Seasons Resorts offer top-notch resort experiences for guests of all ages and the Orlando resort is no different with early entry into the Walt Disney World parks, comfortable accommodations, a family-friendly water park, and a festive celebration during the holidays.
15. Disney’s Riviera Resort
Bring the magic to your family at the newest Disney World Resort. Disney’s Riviera is an enchanted European-style resort offering world-class dining, stunning room designs, and exciting activities.
When booking at the Riviera, try out Topolino’s Terrace for flavorful cuisine inspired by the Riviera. This resort also has access to the Skyliner for the Disney parks.
16. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Find the perfect secluded getaway inspired by the historic Saratoga Springs. The resort is tucked in between golf courses and Lake Buena Vista with charming bedrooms, tennis courts, and relaxing pools and spas. This is also a great place for business workers with a business center.
17. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Take your Disney vacation into the wilderness at The Cabins of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort! This campground provides guests with a secluded retreat with plenty of wildlife just outside their cabins.
Besides the scenic woodland trails, the resort delights guests with hearty country eats and exciting entertainment. This deluxe resort is in a convenient location that is within walking distance of Magic Kingdom.
18. Walt Disney World Swan
The sister of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, the Swan Resort is a great place that brings shimmering excitement to all guests with its Renaissance elegance blending with Florida’s subtropical style. This resort is also near the Orlando International Airport.
When booking your stay here at the Walt Disney World Swan, try out the tropical pool with the waterslide, the Mandara spa, and savory Italian cuisine.
19. Pop Century Resort
Pop Century is a resort that some families consider to be the best place when staying in Orlando for the Disney parks.
Experience the 1950s all the way to the 1990s with iconic toys and fashion that captivated the world. Take advantage of the Skyliner and the main pool with water jets. If you have kids, Pop Century Resort is a great option.
20. Disney’s Art of Animation
Step inside your favorite storybook at Disney’s Art of Animation. Home to the largest pool in Walt Disney World Resort, this resort is a great choice for all ages.
The rooms also come in a variety of themes inspired by Disney classics such as The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. Guests can also take the Skyliner transportation system to their favorite parks.
Best Place to Stay in Orlando for Disney Guide
Most of these Disney resorts feature uniquely designed guest rooms and suites to fit any size family or group.
Another resort you may want to consider is the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, or Disney's All-Star Resort with basketball courts. You can also visit Seaworld Orlando nearby.
When booking a stay at these classy resorts, be prepared to immerse yourself in a landscape of flavorful food, enriching outdoor activities like water slides, and exclusive benefits to nearby attractions.
Whether you’re visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Disney’s Hollywood Studios or wanting to experience extra magic hours at the Magic Kingdom, staying at any one of these resorts in or near Downtown Orlando will make your vacation both magical and memorable.
That's the scoop on the best place to stay in Orlando for Disney and Universal!
For more Disney magic, visit these:
- 30 Best Things to do at Disney Springs in Orlando
- 15 Best Disney Rides to Fastpass at Animal Kingdom
- 15 Best Quick Service Restaurants at Magic Kingdom
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