Family-Friendly Hotels Near Disney World in Orlando

Planning a family vacation to Disney World in Orlando? Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in creating a magical and memorable experience. With countless options available, it’s crucial to find accommodations that cater to the needs of families, offering amenities, convenience, and a touch of Disney magic. This comprehensive guide will explore some of the best family-friendly hotels near Disney World, covering various price points, themes, and perks to help you make the perfect choice for your family.

Why Choose a Hotel Near Disney World?

Staying near Disney World offers several advantages that can enhance your vacation. Proximity to the parks means less travel time, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the attractions. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to the parks, eliminating the need for parking fees and navigating the often-crowded roads. Additionally, hotels near Disney World often feature family-friendly amenities such as themed pools, kids’ clubs, and spacious suites, making your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hotel

Before diving into specific hotel recommendations, consider these key factors to ensure you select the best option for your family:

• Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation. Hotels near Disney World range from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts.
• Room Size and Configuration: Consider the number of people in your family and whether you need a suite with separate living areas or connecting rooms.
• Amenities: Identify the amenities that are most important to your family, such as pools, kids’ clubs, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi.
• Proximity to Parks: Decide how close you want to be to the Disney World parks and whether you prefer to walk, take a shuttle, or drive.
• Transportation: Check if the hotel offers free shuttle service to the parks and other nearby attractions.
• Dining Options: Explore the hotel’s dining options and whether they cater to families with children.
• Theming and Atmosphere: Consider the overall theme and atmosphere of the hotel and whether it aligns with your family’s preferences.

Budget-Friendly Family Hotels Near Disney World

If you’re looking for affordable options that don’t compromise on comfort and convenience, these hotels offer great value for families:

Clarion Suites Kissimmee

The Clarion Suites Kissimmee is a popular choice for families on a budget. It offers spacious suites with separate living areas, kitchenettes, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. The hotel features a large outdoor pool, a children’s pool, and a game room, providing plenty of entertainment for kids. A complimentary hot breakfast is included, saving you money on dining expenses. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service to Disney World parks.

Days Inn by Wyndham Celebration

Located in Celebration, a charming town developed by Disney, the Days Inn by Wyndham Celebration offers comfortable and affordable accommodations. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a playground, and a game room. A complimentary continental breakfast is included. The hotel is conveniently located near Disney World and offers a shuttle service to the parks for a fee.

Quality Inn & Suites Near Universal Studios Orlando

While the name suggests its proximity to Universal Studios, the Quality Inn & Suites Near Universal Studios Orlando is still a viable option for Disney-goers, especially if you plan to visit both theme park resorts. It offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a free breakfast. The price point is typically lower than hotels directly adjacent to Disney property, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families. Transportation to Disney can be arranged, although it may not be free.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando Theme Parks

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando Theme Parks is another good choice for families wanting to keep costs down. The hotel offers free breakfast, a pool, and clean, comfortable rooms. Many rooms are suites, providing extra space for families to spread out. While not directly on Disney property, it is close enough to be convenient, and transportation options are available.

Mid-Range Family Hotels Near Disney World

For families seeking a balance between affordability and enhanced amenities, these mid-range hotels offer excellent value and a more comfortable experience:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South is a fantastic option for families looking for spacious accommodations and plenty of amenities. All rooms are suites, featuring separate living areas with a sofa bed, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. The hotel offers a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly evening reception with free drinks and snacks. The hotel also features a large outdoor pool, a children’s pool, a fitness center, and a game room. A free shuttle service to Disney World parks is available.

SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village

Located in the Marriott Village, the SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista offers spacious suites with separate living areas, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. The hotel features three outdoor pools, a splash pad, a fitness center, and a game room. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included. The hotel offers a shuttle service to Disney World parks for a fee.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Theme Parks

Homewood Suites is designed for longer stays, offering all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens. This is a major plus for families who prefer to cook some of their own meals, saving money on dining. The hotel also offers a free hot breakfast and a complimentary evening social on select nights. There is an outdoor pool and other family-friendly amenities, and shuttle service to Disney World is usually available.

Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area

As the name implies, this hotel is close to Disney Springs, offering easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area provides comfortable rooms, a pool, and several on-site dining options. The location near Disney Springs makes it easy to spend evenings without needing to enter a park.

Luxury Family Hotels Near Disney World

If you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious and unforgettable vacation, these high-end hotels offer exceptional service, lavish amenities, and unparalleled access to Disney World:

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. This five-star resort offers spacious rooms and suites with stunning views, world-class dining options, and a wide range of amenities for families. The resort features a five-acre water park with a lazy river, water slides, and a splash zone. There’s also a kids’ club, a spa, and a golf course. Guests enjoy complimentary transportation to Disney World parks and access to exclusive Disney benefits.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a luxurious and refined experience for families. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with elegant décor, a championship golf course, a spa, and several dining options. The hotel shares amenities with the adjacent Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, including a lazy river and a variety of pools. Guests enjoy complimentary transportation to Disney World parks.

Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

While not directly on Disney property, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, offers a luxurious escape with easy access to the parks. This resort features a championship golf course, a spa, several dining options, and a wide range of activities for families, including kayaking and fishing on the lake. Shuttle service to Disney World can be arranged. The expansive grounds and high-end amenities make it a great option for a relaxing and memorable family vacation.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For the ultimate Disney immersion, consider staying at one of Disney’s deluxe resorts. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship resort, offering Victorian elegance, exceptional dining, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via transfer). The resort features multiple pools, including a themed water slide area, as well as character dining experiences and other Disney-exclusive perks.

Disney World Resort Hotels: On-Site Magic

Staying at a Disney World Resort hotel offers several unique advantages, including:

• Early Theme Park Entry: Guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels can enter the parks 30 minutes before the general public, giving them a head start on popular attractions.
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: On select nights, guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy extended hours at select parks.
• Complimentary Transportation: Disney World Resort hotels offer complimentary transportation to all Disney World parks and attractions via buses, monorails, and boats.
• Disney Magic and Theming: Disney World Resort hotels are known for their immersive theming, creating a magical and memorable experience for families.
• Package Delivery: Purchases made in the parks can be delivered directly to your hotel room, eliminating the need to carry them around all day.

Here’s a look at some popular Disney World Resort hotels:

Value Resorts

Disney’s Value Resorts are the most affordable options for staying on Disney property. They offer basic accommodations and amenities, but they still provide access to all the Disney World perks.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort celebrates classic Disney films with larger-than-life icons and themed pools. Rooms are relatively small, but they are clean and comfortable. The resort offers a food court with various dining options and bus transportation to all Disney World parks and attractions.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort celebrates different genres of music with colorful decorations and themed pools. Similar to the All-Star Movies Resort, rooms are basic but comfortable. The resort offers a food court and bus transportation.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort celebrates various sports with oversized sports equipment and themed pools. The rooms are similar to the other All-Star Resorts, and the resort offers a food court and bus transportation.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a step up from the All-Star Resorts, featuring more elaborate theming and family suites. The resort celebrates popular Disney and Pixar films such as “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” The family suites offer separate living areas, kitchenettes, and two bathrooms, making them ideal for larger families. The resort also features a large outdoor pool and bus transportation.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney’s Pop Century Resort celebrates different decades from the 1950s to the 1990s with nostalgic decorations and themed pools. The rooms have been recently renovated and offer a more modern feel. The resort features a food court and bus transportation, as well as access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system, providing easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Moderate Resorts

Disney’s Moderate Resorts offer a balance between affordability and enhanced amenities. They provide more comfortable accommodations and more themed experiences than the Value Resorts.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort transports guests to a tropical paradise with colorful buildings, sandy beaches, and themed pools. The resort features several villages, each representing a different Caribbean island. The rooms have been recently renovated and offer a more modern feel. The resort also features a large pirate-themed pool, a water playground, and several dining options. Transportation options include bus and Disney Skyliner.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort celebrates Spanish colonial Mexico with beautiful architecture, lush landscaping, and themed pools. The resort features a large convention center, making it popular with business travelers as well as families. The rooms have been recently renovated and offer a more modern feel. The resort also features a large Mayan pyramid-themed pool, a water playground, and several dining options. Transportation options include bus.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside evokes the charm of the Old South with graceful architecture, lush gardens, and themed pools. The resort features two distinct sections: Magnolia Bend, with elegant mansion-style buildings, and Alligator Bayou, with rustic cabins. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a comfortable stay. The resort also features several pools, including a themed water slide area, and several dining options. Transportation options include bus and boat to Disney Springs.

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter captures the spirit of New Orleans with wrought-iron balconies, cobblestone streets, and themed pools. The resort is smaller and more intimate than Riverside, making it a good choice for families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a comfortable stay. The resort also features a themed pool and several dining options. Transportation options include bus and boat to Disney Springs.

Deluxe Resorts

Disney’s Deluxe Resorts offer the highest level of luxury and theming, providing an unforgettable experience for families.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge immerses guests in the beauty and wonder of Africa with stunning architecture, authentic African artifacts, and over 200 animals roaming freely on the resort’s savannas. The resort features two sections: Jambo House and Kidani Village. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer views of the savannas. The resort also features several pools, including a themed water slide area, and several dining options, including award-winning African cuisine. Transportation options include bus.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Disney’s Beach Club Resort evokes the charm of a New England seaside resort with elegant architecture, sandy beaches, and a nautical theme. The resort is located within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a comfortable stay. The resort also features Stormalong Bay, a three-acre water park with a lazy river, water slides, and a sandy-bottomed pool, as well as several other pools and dining options. Transportation options include bus, boat, and walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn captures the nostalgia of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk with lively entertainment, charming shops, and themed pools. The resort is located within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a comfortable stay. The resort also features several pools, including a themed water slide area, and several dining options. Transportation options include bus, boat, and walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a modern marvel with a sleek design and a monorail that runs through the middle of the building. The resort is located within walking distance of Magic Kingdom. The rooms have been recently renovated and offer a modern feel. The resort also features several pools, including a themed water slide area, and several dining options, including character dining experiences. Transportation options include bus, monorail, and walking to Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

As mentioned earlier, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the flagship resort, offering Victorian elegance, exceptional dining, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via transfer). The resort features multiple pools, including a themed water slide area, as well as character dining experiences and other Disney-exclusive perks.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort transports guests to a tropical paradise with lush landscaping, thatched roofs, and themed pools. The resort is located on the monorail line, providing easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via transfer). The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a tropical feel. The resort also features several pools, including the Lava Pool with a volcano and a water slide, and several dining options, including the popular ‘Ohana restaurant. Transportation options include bus, monorail, and boat.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge evokes the beauty and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest with rustic architecture, towering totem poles, and a geyser that erupts every hour. The resort is located on Bay Lake and offers boat transportation to Magic Kingdom. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a cozy feel. The resort also features several pools, including a themed water slide area, and several dining options. Transportation options include bus and boat.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort complements the Beach Club Resort with a nautical theme, but with a more sophisticated and refined atmosphere. The resort is located within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride to Hollywood Studios. The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer a comfortable stay. The resort also features Stormalong Bay, shared with the Beach Club, as well as several other pools and dining options. Transportation options include bus, boat, and walking to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Beyond the Parks: Other Family Activities in Orlando

While Disney World is undoubtedly the main draw for many families visiting Orlando, there are plenty of other activities and attractions to explore:

• Universal Orlando Resort: Experience the thrills of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park.
• SeaWorld Orlando: Discover marine life and enjoy exciting rides and shows.
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort: A brick-tastic destination for LEGO lovers.
• Gatorland: Get up close and personal with alligators and other Florida wildlife.
• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Explore the history of space exploration and witness rocket launches.
• Orlando Science Center: A hands-on science museum for kids of all ages.
• I-Drive (International Drive): A bustling entertainment district with restaurants, shops, attractions, and entertainment.
• Mini-Golf: Orlando is home to numerous themed mini-golf courses, perfect for family fun.
• Dinner Shows: Enjoy a themed dinner show, such as the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure or Medieval Times.
• Shopping at Disney Springs or Outlet Malls: Indulge in some retail therapy at Disney Springs or one of Orlando’s many outlet malls.

Tips for Planning a Family Vacation to Disney World

Planning a Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you can ensure a magical and stress-free experience:

• Book your hotel and park tickets well in advance: Popular hotels and park tickets often sell out months in advance, especially during peak season.
• Make dining reservations 60 days in advance: Popular restaurants, especially those with character dining experiences, require reservations, which can be made 60 days in advance.
• Download the My Disney Experience app: This app is essential for managing your park tickets, dining reservations, FastPass+ selections (if still available), and more.
• Utilize Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane (if available): These paid services allow you to skip the regular lines at select attractions.
• Pack comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses: The Florida sun can be intense, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
• Take breaks: Don’t try to do everything in one day. Take breaks to relax and recharge.
• Be prepared for crowds: Disney World is a popular destination, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.
• Most importantly, have fun! Relax and enjoy the magic of Disney World with your family.

Making the Most of Your Family Hotel Stay

Once you’ve chosen your hotel, here are some tips to enhance your stay:

* **Take advantage of hotel amenities:** Explore the pools, kids’ clubs, and other recreational facilities.
* **Utilize concierge services:** The concierge can assist with dining reservations, transportation arrangements, and other travel needs.
* **Participate in hotel activities:** Many hotels offer daily activities, such as poolside games, arts and crafts, and movie nights.
* **Pack snacks and drinks:** Save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks to the hotel and the parks.
* **Request a crib or rollaway bed:** If needed, request a crib or rollaway bed in advance to ensure availability.
* **Unpack and organize your belongings:** Make your hotel room feel like home by unpacking and organizing your belongings.
* **Establish a routine:** Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time to help your kids adjust to the new environment.
* **Leave a tip for housekeeping:** Show your appreciation for the housekeeping staff by leaving a tip.
* **Provide feedback:** Share your feedback with the hotel management to help them improve their services.

Conclusion: Creating Magical Memories

Choosing the right hotel is an essential part of planning a memorable family vacation to Disney World in Orlando. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations or a luxurious resort experience, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and preferences. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and exploring the recommended hotels, you can find the perfect home base for your Disney adventure and create magical memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to book in advance, plan your itinerary, and embrace the Disney magic! And most importantly, enjoy the time spent with your family in the most magical place on earth.