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With tens of thousands of lodging choices available in the Orlando area, from tents to deluxe villas, there is no lack of variety in price or amenities. Actually, narrowing down the possibilities is part of the fun.
More than 60 million visitors come to the Orlando area each year, making it the most popular tourism destination on the planet. More upscale hotels are opening as visitors demand more luxurious surroundings, such as luxe linens, tasteful and refined decor, organic toiletries, or ergonomic chairs and work desks. But no matter what your budget or desires, lodging comes in such a wide range of prices, themes, color schemes, brands, and guest-room amenities, you will have no problem finding something that fits.
Resorts on and off Disney property combine function with fantasy, as befits visitor expectations. Characters in costume perform for the kids, pools are pirates’ caves with waterfalls, and some, like the Gaylord Palms, go so far as to re-create Florida landmarks under a gargantuan glass roof, giving visitors the illusion of having visited more of the state than they expected.
International Drive’s expanding attractions, including the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds, and a widening array of eateries, are drawing more savvy conventioneers who bring their families along for the fun.
Many hotels have joined the trend toward green lodging, bringing recycling, water conservation, and other environmentally conscious practices to the table. Best of all, the sheer number and variety of hotel rooms means you can still find relative bargains throughout the Orlando area, even on Disney property, by researching your trip well, calling the lodgings directly, negotiating packages and prices, and shopping wisely.
So close to the Magic Kingdom you can see the colors change on the Cinderella Castle, this red-roofed, Victorian-style resort emulates the look of the great railroad resorts of the past with beautifully appointed rooms, rambling verandas, delicate, white-painted woodwork, and brick chimneys.
Entering the vast atrium lobby of this African-inspired lodge is like entering a cathedral with a roof formed of thatch instead of stone; giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife roam just outside the windows of the resort, designed to resemble an African kraal (animal enclosure). It is worth it to pay for the Safari view, which means your balcony will overlook the savanna where the animals roam.
Volleyball, bonfires, and movie nights are among the many activities offered at this resort on the Crescent Lake beach. One activity not on the list? Lake swimming—but not to worry. Stormalong Bay, with the longest waterslide at any Disney hotel, a kiddie play area, and sand banks makes up for this. Situated close to EPCOT and the Disney Skyliner, this is a good option for those with small kids who need a shorter walk at the end of the evening. Recently refurbished rooms give this hotel a touch more sophistication than before.
This South Pacific–theme resort lies directly across the lagoon from the Magic Kingdom; is on the monorail and water taxi routes; and has lots of kids' activities, making it a good family choice. An expansion happening here will increase the room count and the amenities.
The cabins in this 750-acre resort campground just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom don't exactly constitute roughing it, as they are compact, air-conditioned log homes that accommodate four grown-ups and two youngsters.
One of the cheapest ways to stay on WDW property is in your own tent or RV, which can be set up in one of four different areas, from bargain-priced tent sites with water and electricity to deluxe RV sites equipped with electric, cable TV, Internet access, water and sewage hookups, outdoor charcoal grills, and picnic tables.
Scenes and characters from favorite Disney movies dot the grounds of this large, value-priced, family resort—101 Dalmatians of all sizes scamper along railings, Mickey, in his Sorcerer's Apprentice robes commands the waters at the Fantasia pool, and a larger-than-life Woody cavorts with his Toy Story pals.
Music rules in this colorful, value-priced, family-centric resort that resembles a Florida beach hotel of the 1950s. Each section of the resort rocks to a different genre of popular music—country, jazz, rock and roll, calypso, and show tunes.
Stay here if you want the All-American, sports-mad, Disney-with-your-kids experience, or if you're a couple to whom all that pitter-pattering of little feet is a reasonable trade-off for a good deal on a room, albeit a small one.
Most of the suites here accommodate five people, though there are smaller options, too. Although it shares a bus route with the Animal Kingdom lodge and offers animal viewing (for an up charge), Kidani is a separate entity, with its own check-in, pool area, and fantastic restaurants.
This colorful, three-story resort is a kid's version of paradise as each of its four wings features images from Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, or The Little Mermaid, and linens and carpeting match the theme. Suites sleep up to six and have a separate bedroom and two baths.
Each villa in this pale-turquoise-and-white waterfront property next to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort has a separate living room, kitchen, and one or two bedrooms. It offers easy access to Disney's BoardWalk, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. Deluxe studios include a kitchenette and a sleeper sofa for a 5th guest for similar prices as a standard room.
Evoking Atlantic City in its heyday, this red-and-white hotel has a lobby filled with potted palms overlooking a classic waterfront promenade. Ferries and water taxis tootle about the bay on their way to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, hawkers beckon you to play arcade games, and the smell of pretzels and popcorn hangs in the air.
Consisting of five palm-studded island "villages," this charming resort with a 42-acre lake and white sand beaches is labeled with names straight from Pirates of the Caribbean. Nightly movies under the stars or bonfires on the shore can be a welcome break from the parks.
You're paying for location at this sleek, modern, luxury resort, which, despite having opened in 1971, still lives up to its name; park hopping is a breeze, as the monorail runs through the lobby. Dinner reservations at the rooftop California Grill come with 15th-floor views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Popular with convention goers and families, this colorful, Southwestern-style property has a lively food court, an elaborate swimming pool, and a moderate price for a Disney resort. For the best experiences, stay in the Grand Destino Tower, where rooms have great views and amenities are close at hand.
Disney is nothing if not a master of theming, and this collection of homestyle villas and studios reflective of vintage Key West homes is a shining (and pricey) example. A commonsense choice for families, the one- and two-bedroom pastel-hue rooms include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, full kitchens, and living areas with dining tables. A theme-park shuttle offers complimentary transportation, and three outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a sandy beach are other perks. Other amenities include a casual restaurant, a snack bar, an exercise room, and tennis courts. Boats ferry resort guests to landings along the Disney Springs waterfront, which is a free and convenient service—especially at the tail end of a theme-park day and nightclub evening.
Giant jukeboxes, 65-foot-tall bowling pins, an oversize Big Wheel and Rubik's Cube, and other pop-culture memorabilia dot the grounds of this value resort. Guest rooms have recently been renovated, and a big food court serves reasonably priced fare.
Cobblestone streets, gas lamps, wrought-iron balconies, and fragrant magnolia blossoms create a Disneyfied (i.e., clean) version of the French Quarter at this property. Kids can spend hours in the elaborate pool area with its sea serpent waterslide; other activities include nightly campfires as well as pirate cruises and horse-drawn carriage rides (each for an added fee). Although a Mardi Gras–theme food court and a Southern-style jazz and cocktail bar can keep you occupied in the evening, do make use of the free shuttles and water taxis that travel to other Disney resorts and Disney Springs, located a few miles away. Genteel rooms have dark wood furnishings, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and coffeemakers.
Considered an even more family-friendly choice than its neighbor (the French Quarter resort), this lodging on the man-made Sassagoula River immerses you in a Creole setting—from the white-column mansions of Magnolia Bend to Alligator Bayou’s backwoods cottages. Highlights include Boatwrights Dining Hall, which features hearty portions of southern Louisiana cooking. Some rooms have extra pull-down bunks and river views, others are princess-themed. The six pools, waterslide, and waterfall are sure hits with all kids. Nightly campfires are pleasant, and, for a fee, there's fishing at Ol' Man Fishing Hole and carriage rides. A free water taxi ferries guests to other Disney resorts on the river and to Disney Springs, and a free shuttle is available to all Disney parks and the airport.
Designed to evoke a resort along the European Riviera, this hotel offers options for every type of traveler in its array of room choices—from Tower Studios (small rooms designed for only two guests but with a kitchenette) to grand, three-bedroom villas. Although it appeals to families, its beautiful landscaping and quiet, sophisticated atmosphere also attract couples looking for a romantic spot. In addition, the property is connected to the Disney Skyliner, so you can ride over to Hollywood Studios or take a bus to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.
This sprawling property takes its inspiration from 19th-century Gilded Age spa resorts in upstate New York, where hot springs and lakes ruled the landscape. Although the rates might be steep, the advantages for families are one- and two-bedroom villas as well as three-bedroom treehouse villas equipped with kitchens, washers and dryers, dining rooms, and separate bedrooms that go beyond traditional hotel rooms. Although it's too far to walk to Disney Springs, a free water taxi can get you there.
The architects designed this luxury resort to mimic the majestic, turn-of-the-20th-century lodges of the American West. Set amid old Florida woods, the resort offers serenity, but it has a kid-friendly pool and good transportation links to the Magic Kingdom.
Recalling a New England Yacht Club, this property offers Crescent Lake boating options, a sweet gazebo that's often used for weddings, and one of Disney's best steak houses. Access to the popular Stormalong Bay water park–style pool makes this a favorite with kids who love, among other things, the large slide and the lazy river. There's walking access to the back entrance of EPCOT, and the Disney Skyliner also makes getting around a breeze.
The Four Seasons presides majestically over Disney's exclusive Golden Oak community, and its luxurious amenities and dedication to service are clear from the moment you step into the marble, flower-bedecked lobby and head for your room. In 2022, Capa, the Spanish-themed, 17th-floor restaurant, was awarded one of Orlando's four Michelin stars, while Ravello, the signature southern Italian restaurant, garnered a Michelin Plate designation. Families love the lazy river and on-site kids club.
Operated by the U.S. Armed Forces Recreation Center, this resort is open only to active-duty and retired personnel from the armed forces, reserves, and National Guard; their families; and others connected with the military. The resort offers standard rooms, family suites for up to eight adults, 23 ADA rooms, and a Wounded Warrior Suite.
A pair of 56-foot-tall sea creatures bookends a 25-story, glass, A-frame structure at this luxe resort designed, like the adjoining Swan (which is also on Disney property but not a Disney-owned resort), by world-renowned architect Michael Graves and set close enough to the parks that you can escape the midday heat for a dip in the pool. Guests get some (like transportation and Extra Magic Hours) but not all (in-park charging privileges) of the perks of staying on Disney property. The Swan Reserve, an annex opened in late 2021, has additional rooms and suites and its own pool, ballroom, and four unique restaurants; it's designed to keep some of the hustle and bustle of conferences and conventions away from the main hotels.
This luxurious hotel, like its sister hotel the Dolphin, is not owned by Disney but still receives many of the same Disney perks, including Extra Magic Hours but excluding the ability to charge park purchases to your room. Often used for conventions, both the Swan and Dolphin have a more grown-up feel than most of the hotels on Disney property and are good for those looking to get away from the Disney sensory overload.
