Disney World is unquestionably Orlando’s most famous attraction and most visitors to the iconic theme park tend to stay in the city during their time here. While Disney is invariably the main event, the city is also home to charming tree-lined neighbourhoods, a rich performing arts and museum scene, and several fantastic gardens and nature preserves, ensuring there’s plenty to see and do on days off too.
Needless to say, Orlando is suitably packed full of accommodation options, with a particularly large number of large resorts offering all-inclusive packages and family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools with waterslides. While this type of resort tends to be expensive, those on a budget can find plenty of affordable options too. We’ve picked out 10 of the best.
Festiva Orlando Resort
From $56/ night
An outdoor pool with a kids’ play area, a number of themed entertainment areas, and communal BBQ equipment are among the amenities that make this a popular Orlando resort with families. Located just 7 miles from Disney World, the resort’s guest units are kitted out with kitchens or kitchenettes, separate living and dining areas, and a balcony or patio. For sports enthusiasts, basketball courts, table tennis provide plenty of recreation and there’s also discounted access to a nearby spa and fitness centre. Orlando’s other famous parks, including Sea World and Universal Studios, are also within driving distance.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
From $75/ night
A few minutes by road from Disney World, this resort is part of the renowned Holiday Inn chain of affordable hotels and resorts around the world. For your money you’ll gain access to a water park, live entertainment, an arcade and an on-site café serving hearty breakfasts and dinner, as well as a dedicated food court where all-day snacks can be picked up. There’s also an on-site grill and bar where kids under 12 eat for free. Contemporary guest suites come with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and work desk. For those arriving by air, Orlando International Airport is just under 18 miles away.
Avanti Palms Resort And Conference Center
From $76/ night
Situated in international Drive, a busy commercial area in Orlando close to Disney World, Avanti Palms Resort has all the amenities of a swankier resort but without the expense. Two on-site restaurants provide plenty of culinary variety and a pool and hot tub offer respite from the Orlando heat. There are also two bars serving a range of beverages. Guest rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom, and some also have a separate seating area. As well as its proximity to Disney, this resort is also popular with business travellers owing to The Orange County Convention Center being under 3 miles away.
Liki Tiki Village by Diamond Resorts
From $63/ night
An on-site water park, a miniature golf course and an arcade room ensure that boredom is never a concern at Liki Tiki Village, even on days off from visiting Disney World. Just 3 miles from the theme park, it is also one of the resorts on this list that’s just about within walking distance of Disney, providing your kids are up to a brisk stroll. Sporting amenities include tennis and basketball courts, and a gym. As for food and beverages, there’s a bar and grill, while BBQ and picnic areas provide social outdoor spaces for eating. Spacious apartment-style accommodations come with a well-equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, and washing machine and dryer. Golf fans will enjoy the proximity of Orange Lake Resort Golf Course, which is 2 miles away.
Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration
From $40/ night
Positioned 5 minutes’ drive away from Disney World, this resort offers a free shuttle service to the park, making it ideal for those without their own transport. Amenities include an on-site restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, an outdoor pool complete with a large waterslide, a pool bar serving cocktails and pub grub, a fitness centre, a playground and a beach volleyball court. Guest rooms contain a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a coffee machine. For some retail therapy, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, a vast outdoor outlet mall, is 10 minute away by road.
Coco Key Hotel & Water Park Resort
From $55/ night
In keeping with its name, this resort’s flagship attraction is its huge 6,000 square metre outdoor water park that is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for hours, if not days. Just over 8 miles from Disney World and even closer to SeaWorld, the resort is also ideally located for trips to Orlando’s famous theme parks and offers shuttle services back and forth to many of them. Back at the resort, there’s also an arcade room, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a convenience store selling daily essentials. Guest rooms are designed in bright colours and feature a flat-screen TV, a coffee-maker, and a work desk. Orlando International Airport is just over 14 miles away.
Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
From $127/ night
Four miles from Disney World, this resort offers complimentary transfer services to the park and other Orlando attractions. For days spent at the resort, there’s plenty to keep you and your family occupied, including four separate outdoor pools, a miniature golf course, a fitness centre, a convenience store, and a games room, plus beach volleyball, tennis and basketball courts for sporty types. Tickets to local places of interest can be bought at the 24-hour front desk. Guest rooms and suites come with a kitchen, a patio area, and cable TV, and some also have a dining area. Orlando International Airport is 15 miles away.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
From 45/ night
For visitors to Orlando planning to spend time at both Universal Studios and Disney World, this resort is perfectly located between the two. Amenities include two swimming pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, a fitness centre, a games room, and access to a beach. There’s also a food court offering classic American fast food, a coffee shop, and pool bars. Guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and coffee-making facilities, and family suites come with their own kitchenettes that give you the option of preparing meals for yourselves. Disney World is a 10-minute drive away.
Blue Heron Beach Resort
From $66/ night
Just 1.2 miles from Disney World, this resort is the closest on our list to the legendary theme park, meaning you can comfortably get there on foot if you wish. The resort also caters to every transportation need, with a free shuttle service to local attraction (including Disney) for those requiring it and free private parking for guests travelling by car. Back at the resort, there’s an outdoor pool and hot tub, a pretty sun terrace, a fitness centre, and a bar serving a variety of drinks. Guest units come with a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living room with a TV, and a washer and dryer. Ample shopping opportunities are available at Prime Outlets Orlando, just under a mile-and-a-half away.
Maingate Lakeside Resort
From $34/ night
Located 2 miles from Disney World, Maingate Lakeside Resort is home to a wide array of amenities, including three outdoor pools, a miniature golf course, a restaurant serving daily buffet breakfasts, a café, a poolside bar, and a General Store. For children there’s also two playgrounds, an arcade room, and a dedicated kid’s club, while adults can make use of a well-equipped gymnasium. The modern guest rooms come with a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a work desk. Universal Studios entertainment complex is about 15 miles from the resort.