Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Orlando Near Disney and Universal
When planning a family vacation to Orlando, we are aware the top priority is finding a resort that caters to both the young and young-at-heart. Luckily, the area is home to an impressive selection of family-friendly resorts that offer unparalleled amenities and experiences. From luxurious escapes to budget-friendly options, these resorts provide the perfect balance of relaxation and zeal, ensuring your family can immerse themselves in the magic of the theme parks with convenience and cost savings. But which resorts truly stand out as the best of the best? Let's take a closer look at the top contenders and uncover the hidden gems that will make your Orlando getaway unforgettable.
Luxurious Resorts for Family Fun
When it comes to family-friendly resorts in Orlando, there's no shortage of luxurious options that cater to every need. We've uncovered the perfect blend of comfort, amenities, and entertainment at resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. With its sprawling pool complex, lazy river, and on-site water park, this resort offers endless enjoyment for the whole family.
Similarly, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando boasts a championship golf course, full-service spa, and world-class dining, ensuring adults can indulge while the kids enjoy the resort's recreation activities.
For families seeking a more immersive Disney experience, the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa transports guests to an elegant Victorian-era escape, complete with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. These luxurious resorts prioritize family togetherness, providing the perfect balance of relaxation and zeal for an unforgettable Orlando getaway.
Budget-Friendly Resorts With Water Parks
While the luxurious resorts offer unparalleled amenities, they may not fit every family's budget. That's why we've rounded up the best budget-friendly resorts in Orlando with exciting water parks. These resorts provide endless fun without costing a fortune.
One standout option is the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort & Spa, which boasts a massive 12-acre water park complete with slides, splash pads, and a lazy river. Rates start at around $150 per night, making it an affordable choice for families.
Another great pick is Nickelodeon Suites Resort, where kids can splash around in the Lagoon Waterpark and meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters. Rates begin at approximately $200 per night.
For families seeking an all-inclusive experience, the Caribe Royale Orlando offers a water park, multiple pools, and on-site dining, with rates starting at roughly $300 per night. These budget-friendly resorts allow families to enjoy Orlando's magic without stretching their vacation budget.
Resorts With Shuttle Service to Parks
Families seeking the convenience of shuttle service to the nearby theme parks may want to investigate several Orlando resorts that offer this amenity. Many resorts in the area provide complimentary transportation to Disney World and Universal Studios, taking the hassle out of driving and parking. Some even offer shuttles to other popular destinations like SeaWorld and Icon Park.
We've found that resorts with shuttle service are particularly appealing for families with young children or those who prefer not to deal with the crowds and traffic around the theme parks. The shuttles run on a regular schedule, so you can plan your day without worrying about transportation. And you won't have to pay for expensive theme park parking fees.
Several well-known resorts, such as Marriott's Grande Vista and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, provide this service. Families can enjoy the resort amenities and then easily access the parks without the added stress of driving.
Resorts With Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
For families seeking to start their day with a hearty, complimentary breakfast, several Orlando resorts offer convenient on-site buffets. We've found the breakfast options at resorts like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and Rosen Shingle Creek to be impressive, with a wide variety of hot and cold items to fuel up before a day at the theme parks.
At Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, the breakfast buffet features made-to-order omelets, pastries, fruit, and breakfast meats. Families rave about the quality and quantity of the food.
Rosen Shingle Creek's breakfast boasts a carving station, Belgian waffles, and a selection of fresh juices. Both resorts receive high marks for their attentive service and well-stocked buffets.
Enjoying a complimentary breakfast saves time and money, allowing families to start their day energized and ready to tackle the theme park crowds. With these resort options, we can fuel up on a delicious breakfast without the hassle of finding and paying for a separate morning meal.
Resorts With On-Site Dining Options
Many Orlando resorts cater to families by offering a range of on-site dining options. This is a significant perk, as it allows families to enjoy meals without the hassle of leaving the resort.
At some properties, you'll find casual cafes serving up classic American fare, while others boast specialty restaurants featuring international cuisines. Several resorts even have grab-and-go markets, perfect for picking up snacks and quick bites.
Many of these dining venues provide kid-friendly menus, ensuring there's something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Additionally, some resorts offer all-inclusive dining packages, making mealtime a seamless and budget-friendly part of your vacation.
Whether you're craving a gourmet dinner or a quick poolside lunch, the convenience of on-site dining at these family-friendly Orlando resorts can't be overstated.
Resorts With Spacious Suites and Kitchenettes
Oftentimes, Orlando resorts boast spacious suites and kitchenettes, which prove invaluable for families. These accommodations allow us to spread out, making the most of our vacation time.
Many suites offer separate bedrooms and living areas, providing privacy and room to relax. The included kitchenettes, complete with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop, facilitate us to save money by preparing some meals in-room. This is especially helpful for families with picky eaters or dietary restrictions.
We appreciate being able to store snacks and drinks, reheat leftovers, and brew our morning coffee without leaving the resort. The extra space and amenities make it feel more like a home away from home, rather than a cramped hotel room.
Resorts with these family-friendly features allow us to enjoy the convenience of on-site dining and activities, while in addition having the flexibility and cost savings of preparing some meals ourselves.
Resorts With Character Dining Experiences
Beyond the convenience of spacious suites and kitchenettes, Orlando resorts enthrall families with their character dining experiences. We've uncovered that these immersive meals are a fantastic way to interact with our favorite Disney, Universal, and other beloved characters.
Imagine sharing breakfast with Mickey Mouse, or enjoying a delightful lunch with Cinderella and her charming friends. The attention to detail in these themed restaurants truly transports us into the worlds we love. From Chip and Dale's Campfire Dinner at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort to the Superhero Breakfast at Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort, the character experiences cater to all ages.
We find ourselves grinning ear-to-ear as our little ones light up with joy over meeting their idols in person. These memorable meals are the perfect complement to a day of theme park adventures, allowing us to create lasting family memories.
Resorts With Themed Family Pools
The themed family pools at Orlando resorts offer a delightful respite from the theme park crowds. Many resorts have designed their pools with whimsical touches that capture the imagination of kids and parents alike.
At Loews Royal Pacific Resort, we can plunge down a winding volcano water slide or relax in the sandy beach area. The pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort transports us to the tropics with its lush landscaping and pirate ship replica. For a unique underwater experience, the pool at Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites features a massive shark statue that appears to swim overhead.
These immersive pool areas provide an engaging retreat from the Orlando heat, allowing us to play and unwind as a family. Whether we're battling imaginary pirates or swimming alongside sharks, the themed pools enhance the resort experience and create lasting memories.
Wrapping It Up
With so many family-friendly resorts in Orlando, we can easily find one that fits our budget and needs. Whether we're looking for luxury, water parks, or convenience, there's an option that will make our Disney or Universal vacation truly magical. We can enjoy quality time with our loved ones while taking advantage of the endless amenities and attractions these resorts have to offer.
