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You’ve listened to your kid’s pleas. You’ve measured them against your sanity. And yep, decided to take a family vacation to Orlando anyway!
Now that you’ve decided on this epic adventure, you have to choose where to stay. Resorts with on-site water parks are always a hit with kids, and Orlando has several. Orlando is a kid’s paradise, there are endless theme parks and outdoor experiences. From Disney to Universal Studios from the Kennedy Space Center to the Crayola Experience and every other attraction in between. Read on for some of our favorite Orlando hotels and resorts for families.
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Theme Park Resort Perks
It’s worth mentioning that family travelers visiting Orlando theme parks, specifically Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, should look into whether the hotel they’re scouting is considered an official resort hotel and will provide extra benefits for hotel guests.
For instance, Disney Resort Hotels and offsite Official Walt Disney World Hotels offer guests entry to parks one hour before the public. This is known as Magic Mornings. Guests can also add a FastPass for attractions up to 60 days in advance. Another bonus is getting to use MagicBands as key access to rooms and make room charges at Disney Resort Hotels. Universal Orlando Resort hotel benefits include complimentary water taxi service to their theme parks and early access to select attractions.
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Resort VIP Promotions and Packages
Be sure to look into VIP promotions for the hotel and theme parks you have your eye on. Almost every Orlando hotel has some sort of VIP tour or VIP package promotion that you can take advantage of and VIP programs are sometimes the best way to book Orlando luxury hotels that may say “sold out” for your dates. And, if you get to Orlando without a firm plan on what to do, be sure to make use of the hotel concierge services to help plan your family’s stay. After your hotel is booked, then you can look for discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount Walt Disney World tickets on your own. Lastly, if it’s all too much to plan and process, (hello, me!) Vacation packages are another way to plan your stay and give you access to great promotions as well.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
If Walt Disney World & the Magic Kingdom are on your list – and your kid’s wish list – which obviously they are, then staying at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a top resort choice. For families wanting the full Disney experience, this is a great escape. You are literally on Disney’s doorstep. You can opt for a park view room if you want to hear your kids squeal in delight! This luxury option is very convenient for families, especially if you have young kids, and lugging them and all their gear around a giant amusement park makes you tired just thinking about it.
There are a total of six on-site restaurants and bars, three cute boutiques, and outdoor basketball and tennis courts, in addition to a 5-acre water park with pools and a lazy river, as well as a kids club.
You can enjoy world-class dining at Capa Rooftop Steakhouse or be the ultimate hero and take your kids for “Breakfast with Goofy and Pals.” And even your most unimpressed child will like hanging out in the Hideout Game Room. The concierge can help plan dining reservations and any other activities your family wants to do, and there’s also a hotel shuttle to the parks.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is a great choice for being close to the action of Universal Studios. Experience fun rides, attractions, and plenty of entertainment venues at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay & the Universal Citywalk. With two incredible theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, three magnificently themed on-site hotels, and a nighttime show, Universal Studios is TV and Movie heaven.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
This upscale luxury hotel offers spacious resort-style guest rooms and suites with balconies, all overlooking its amazing grounds. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress puts families within a 5-minute walk (or a free shuttle ride) to Walt Disney World area, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress features a Jack Nicklaus golf course and a marina. Guests can get pampered and feel like a star at the Marilyn Monroe spa.
Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando
Located just six miles from Walt Disney World Theme Parks, The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando puts Orlando’s world-famous parks and attractions at your fingertips. The Grove Has Been Voted 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best Of The Best. Experience dueling water slides, a lazy river, the FlowRider, and a wave pool at the Grove’s own Surfari Water Park.
Coco Key Hotel and Water Park Resort.
The Coco Key Hotel and Water Park Resort is a family vacation destination unto its own, featuring a 54,000 square foot canopy-covered water park with 14 slides, three heated swimming pools, featuring “The Boomerango,” 60ft of thrill-seeking adventure offering twists and turns and ending in a splash into the heated outdoor pool. Coco Key offers a 6,000 sq. ft. arcade featuring over 50 of the newest and coolest video games, a mini bowling alley, and cool interactive gaming. Guests enjoy complimentary transportation to Universal, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Wet n’ Wild, a free shuttle to the local areas, kids club, and daily activities.
Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Just like a scene straight from a village in Italy. The Loews Portofino Bay Resort, hotel, and its surroundings are inspired by the beauty of the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. As a guest, enjoy exclusive Universal Orlando Resort benefits such as free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Be sure to book the Despicable Me Kids’ Suite for your minions while you enjoy a separate king bedroom.
Disney Art of Animation Resort
What’s better than character and movie-themed guest rooms like The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and other Disney favorites? I’ll tell you. The guest rooms at Disney Art of Animation Resort can accommodate up to five guests—one of only two Disney Value Resorts to offer this option.
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
Rock out! Vacation to your own beat at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, offering “electrified” glowing neon hotel rooms with music-inspired details minutes from your favorite theme parks. This 4-star family-friendly hotel presents luxurious hotel rooms and suites, backstage passes to Universal Studios, and a 12,000-square-foot pool with an underwater sound system. During your stay, you can rent a Fender guitar to rock out in your room or jam to an iconic collection of vinyl records on your own authentic Crosley turntable. This property is within a 15-minute walk of Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida. Additionally, it is also close to some of the best places in Orlando for kids!
Animal Kingdom Lodge — Walt Disney World Resort
Animal Kingdom Lodge features a wildlife preserve home to select species of exotic animals and indigenous African greenery, which families can learn about through the room’s complimentary Wildlife Field Guide.
Little ones can enjoy fun programs led by Animal Specialists, and all guests are welcome to partake in the Wanyama up-close safari and banquet. The Uwanja Camp water playground has a section with activities for kids ages four and under near the zero-entry Samawati Springs Pool. They’ll love the zebras, giraffes, and other animals on the property, in addition to being surrounded by Disney magic. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge also offers supervised playtime at Simba’s Clubhouse and in-room babysitters.
DON’T MISS! The Best Disney World Resorts For Families
B Resort & Spa Disney Springs Resort
The B Resort & Spa Disney Springs Resort hotel has a modern atmosphere with family-friendly fun, this resort features amenities like a massive zero-entry pool, the game-packed Kids Zone, and convenient valet and self-parking services.
Each room is furnished with a handcrafted Blissful Bed designed to help you relax and recover after a long day of adventure. In fact, the signature Blissful Bed is available for purchase and direct-to-home shipping if you fall in love with it during your stay. Transportation to the nearby Disney World parks is complimentary, and guests are never far from the best shopping and dining in Orlando.
LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel, Florida
LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel. Arrrg matey, this place is a mecca for kids. It is located just 130 kid steps from the LEGOLAND Park front gates! This hotel will transform a family vacation into a unique pirate adventure. Meet real-life LEGO pirates, splash into the heated resort pool, and enjoy nightly pirate entertainment in the lobby, plus creative workshops with a Master Builder! Kids enjoy treasure hunts, with LEGO loot in their rooms, bunk beds just like on a pirate ship, and all-you-can-eat family-style dining.
JW Marriot Orlando Grande Lake
If you’re hoping for an Orlando family vacation that isn’t centered on theme parks, get away to the JW Marriot Orlando Grande Lakes and experience a Florida vacation like no other. This resort covers a sweeping 500 acres and has recreational activities to keep everyone in the family entertained for hours. It’s the perfect place for large families, as there are adventures for everyone’s tastes. If you want to step away from the theme parks, there are tons of other activities to keep your day packed with Florida fun! Outdoor recreation includes an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, Sports-Mountain Bike Trail, eco-tours with a Florida Naturalist, falconry, fishing, guided canoe and kayaking thanks to its location on the Grande Lakes plus an AquaCourse 360 water obstacle course where families can test their teamwork tactics and work through obstacles together after floating along the lazy river and swimming in the outdoor pool. Resort guests also have access to the pool and spa at their sister property, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, right next door. Bonus, Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned and redeemed at this resort.
DON’T MISS! Why Universal Orlando Is Better For Families Than Disney World
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
For family travelers looking for luxury while visiting the sunshine state, a stay at Waldorf Astoria Orlando luxury hotel is just what they need. This iconic hotel offers impeccably appointed accommodations with unprecedented amenities and services that you come to expect from the Waldorf brand.— all ensconced in a level of luxury that’s world-renowned. This golf and spa resort sits on a 482-acre nature preserve in proximity to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. This property is literally surrounded by the Walt Disney World Resort and offers a free shuttle service to both parks.
Floridays Resort Orlando
More than just a Jimmy Buffet song, Floridays Resort Orlando is a great place to spend a family vacation. It is the ultimate vacation destination for luxury, relaxation, and of course, family fun! It is located in the heart of Orlando near the best theme parks and Lake Buena Vista. Floridays Resort Orlando sits on 20 acres of tropical-landscaped grounds and is an all-suite condominium style resort, offering spacious 3 Bedroom suites for guests, perfect for large families with an onsite restaurant. After a long day at the theme parks, spend time lounging poolside while the kids enjoy the children’s splash area and sandy beach.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is retro-cool and recalls nostalgic elements from the last century. Guests are surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. Enjoy vibrant, retro-style rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. Relax with a splash in the massive outdoor swimming pools while kids enjoy waterslides, a winding river, a game room, a bowling alley, and incredible eats at the food court – it’s nonstop fun for the whole family.
Plus, enjoy the exclusive benefits of staying in Universal, including Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry and a convenient walking path straight to Volcano Bay.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites
There is no shortage of fun at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites. This family-friendly hotel offers fresh, bright rooms, a lagoon pool and water park with waterslides, 9-hole miniature golf, an arcade, Bank Heist Laser Challenge, family movie night, fitness center, kids splash pad, basketball court, hot tubs, playground, a poolside bar perfect after a long day at Disney, plus multiple on-site dining options.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
The Disney All-Star Movies Resort is a unique hotel experience. Kids can expect to have Disney movie-themed rooms and encounter larger-than-life statues of their favorite Disney film characters, like the spotted pups of 101 Dalmatians and Toy Story characters. Swim in the Fantasia-themed pool, complete with spraying fountains, and enjoy complimentary screenings of all the best Disney films at the Reel Spot outdoor theater. The Disney Genie can help with planning all your family adventures, so that’s one less thing to handle. Yay! Plus, Disney hotel resort guests have early access to purchase individual Lightening Lane entry at two attractions. If you are traveling with a large family, this resort has family suite accommodations that sleep up to six people.
Fun Day Trips to Include
SeaWorld Orlando is one of the most popular marine parks in the world. It offers white-knuckle adventure courtesy of its famous roller coasters. SeaWorld is also an incredible place to get up close and personal with an ocean of aquatic creatures, including seals, dolphins, manta rays, and sharks.
Plan a day in paradise at Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort where families can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and unwind on pristine beaches. Freshly prepared meals and drinks are included during your day of discovery, as is swim gear. Reservations are limited and required in advance.
When You Go
Getting To Orlando From Los Angeles
Lucky for you and your sanity, there are several airlines, such as Spirit, JetBlue, United, American, and Delta, with direct flights from Los Angeles to Orlando. We can’t estimate how much time it will take to wrangle your herd, luggage, packaged snacks, and portable electronics through airport security and to your gate, but what we do know is once the window vs aisle dispute is settled among your kids and everyone is in their seat, you can expect about a 5-hour flight from wheels up to wheels down.
Welcome to the Sunshine State!
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