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Choosing where to stay in Orlando is a big decision, and almost as important as choosing which theme parks to visit. With Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and hundreds of restaurants, shopping opportunities, and world-class entertainment spread throughout the city, there isn’t an overall ‘best’ place to stay.
The best area to stay in Orlando for tourists will depend on what you and your family want from your trip. Want to be close to the magic of Disney? Are Universal’s thrilling roller coasters calling you? Travelling with children and want plenty of family-friendly dining options nearby? Or are you looking for a quieter experience away from the hustle and bustle?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our favourite places to stay in Orlando, examining the benefits of each location, proximity to major attractions, and how easy they are to get around. Whether you’re in a large group, a couples’ getaway, or a fun family holiday, let us help you discover the area in Orlando that suits you!
Walt Disney World Resort is located southwest of Orlando in the Lake Buena Vista area in Central Florida. It’s a vast resort covering around 25,000 acres and is home to four theme parks, two water parks, the Disney Springs entertainment district, as well as a wide range of Disney Resort hotels.
Approximate distances:
Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors planning to spend most of their holiday exploring the Disney parks. With complimentary, resort-wide transportation, there’s no need to hire a car if you’re hopping between parks and hotels. From immersive theming to convenient park access, each Disney Resort hotel offers its own magical experience, with restaurants, entertainment and unforgettable Disney touches right on your doorstep!
Our top picks
Walt Disney World Resort hotels are split into Value, Moderate, or Deluxe categories. Budget-conscious families will love the whimsy of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a superb option for its Skyliner transportation hub, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers luxury plus the ability to walk to the Magic Kingdom in minutes!
International Drive (I-Drive) is an 11-mile-long stretch of road that’s packed with hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment situated in the heart of Orlando’s main tourist area. It links the Universal Orlando Resort area in the north to the SeaWorld Orlando area in the south, making it a great central location to stay when visiting the city.
Approximate distances:
Basing yourselves on I-Drive means that you’ll have good access to multiple parks, plus there’s a huge choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, with pools and family-friendly amenities. The area has plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions so you’ll never have to go far from your hotel or return to your resort every evening. The convenient I-Ride Trolley offers an inexpensive and relatively easy way to explore the area, too!
Our top picks
We love the Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort due to its proximity to the parks, free parking, and free shuttle transportation. Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando makes life super easy for families, while staySky Suites I-Drive offer more space to relax in their all-suite accommodation.
Although technically outside Orlando, Kissimmee sits just south of the city and is a popular base for theme park holidays. With Walt Disney World Resort just to the northwest, it offers a convenient alternative to staying on Disney property, offering plenty of hotels, resorts and spacious villas with pools, as well as restaurants, shops and attractions galore.
Approximate distances:
Kissimmee provides a great base for visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Old Town, plus it has quick access to major highways such as the US-192. Its vast array of villas and resort-style communities offers excellent value for money as you’ll have more space, more privacy, and a more peaceful stay with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Our top picks
Windsor Hills Resort offers gorgeous villas in a pretty community that is well-placed for visiting the Disney parks, while Solara Resort features modern homes and an abundance of on-site amenities to make your park-free days just as thrilling. For a little more luxury, check out Reunion Resort’s incredible villas and condos to stay in style.
Lake Buena Vista is right in the heart of the action in the southwest of Orlando and is where Walt Disney World Resort is based. Many hotels outside of the resort gates are in partnership with Disney, so you can experience the magic without the considerable price tag. Disney Springs is also close by, so you’ll have easy access to its dining, shopping and entertainment too.
Approximate distances:
Not only will you be a fairy sprinkle away from the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, but staying in selected Lake Buena Vista properties will often allow you to receive some benefits usually reserved for official Disney Hotels such as free shuttle transportation to and from the Disney parks, and early theme park entry.
Our top picks
Open since 2024, Evermore Orlando Resort has apartment-style accommodations as well as villas, a huge array of on-site facilities, and it’s close to Disney, what more could you want? If you’re travelling with kids, The Grove Resort & Water Park is a fabulous choice and has loads to keep everyone entertained on park-free days!
Universal Orlando Resort is set in the heart of Orlando’s main tourist area, just off the I-4 and close to International Drive. It’s a great base for visitors looking to make Universal the focus of their holiday, with several parks and resort hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and amazing entertainment at your fingertips.
Approximate distances:
Staying in a Universal Orlando Resort hotel offers a range of excellent benefits such as Early Park Admission, free shuttle transportation between parks, and easy access to the CityWalk entertainment area.
Our top picks
One of the biggest perks of staying at Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific or Hard Rock Hotel is getting complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes - skip the queues, maximise your park time and make every moment count!
The best area to stay in Orlando for tourists will depend on what you and your family want from your trip. Want to be close to the magic of Disney? Are Universal’s thrilling roller coasters calling you? Travelling with children and want plenty of family-friendly dining options nearby? Or are you looking for a quieter experience away from the hustle and bustle?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our favourite places to stay in Orlando, examining the benefits of each location, proximity to major attractions, and how easy they are to get around. Whether you’re in a large group, a couples’ getaway, or a fun family holiday, let us help you discover the area in Orlando that suits you!
Walt Disney World Resort
Best for:- Families with young children
- First-time Disney visitors
- Disney-focused parkgoers
- Guests looking for the full Disney experience
- Those without a car
Walt Disney World Resort is located southwest of Orlando in the Lake Buena Vista area in Central Florida. It’s a vast resort covering around 25,000 acres and is home to four theme parks, two water parks, the Disney Springs entertainment district, as well as a wide range of Disney Resort hotels.
Approximate distances:
- Universal Orlando Resort: 15 miles
- SeaWorld Orlando: 10 miles
- International Drive: 12-15 miles
- ICON Park: 13-15 miles
- Orlando International Premium Outlets: 16-18 miles
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): 20-25 miles
Its location makes it particularly convenient for visitors planning to spend most of their holiday exploring the Disney parks. With complimentary, resort-wide transportation, there’s no need to hire a car if you’re hopping between parks and hotels. From immersive theming to convenient park access, each Disney Resort hotel offers its own magical experience, with restaurants, entertainment and unforgettable Disney touches right on your doorstep!
Our top picks
Walt Disney World Resort hotels are split into Value, Moderate, or Deluxe categories. Budget-conscious families will love the whimsy of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a superb option for its Skyliner transportation hub, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers luxury plus the ability to walk to the Magic Kingdom in minutes!
International Drive
Best for:- Families looking for good-value accommodation
- Those wanting to visit multiple theme parks
- Universal visitors (particularly the north end of I-Drive)
- Couples and groups wanting lots of restaurants and entertainment nearby
- Visitors who don’t want to hire a car
International Drive (I-Drive) is an 11-mile-long stretch of road that’s packed with hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment situated in the heart of Orlando’s main tourist area. It links the Universal Orlando Resort area in the north to the SeaWorld Orlando area in the south, making it a great central location to stay when visiting the city.
Approximate distances:
- Magic Kingdom: 13 miles
- EPCOT: 8 miles
- Hollywood Studios: 9 miles
- Animal Kingdom: 11 miles
- Universal Orlando Resort: 2 miles
- SeaWorld Orlando: 2 miles
Basing yourselves on I-Drive means that you’ll have good access to multiple parks, plus there’s a huge choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, with pools and family-friendly amenities. The area has plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions so you’ll never have to go far from your hotel or return to your resort every evening. The convenient I-Ride Trolley offers an inexpensive and relatively easy way to explore the area, too!
Our top picks
We love the Drury Inn & Suites near Universal Orlando Resort due to its proximity to the parks, free parking, and free shuttle transportation. Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando makes life super easy for families, while staySky Suites I-Drive offer more space to relax in their all-suite accommodation.
Kissimmee Area
Best for:- Being close to Disney
- Larger families and groups preferring villa accommodation
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Those wanting a longer stay
- Visitors looking to hire a car and explore beyond the parks
Although technically outside Orlando, Kissimmee sits just south of the city and is a popular base for theme park holidays. With Walt Disney World Resort just to the northwest, it offers a convenient alternative to staying on Disney property, offering plenty of hotels, resorts and spacious villas with pools, as well as restaurants, shops and attractions galore.
Approximate distances:
- Magic Kingdom: 8 miles
- EPCOT: 9 miles
- Hollywood Studios: 7 miles
- Animal Kingdom: 7 miles
- Universal Orlando Resort: 18 miles
- SeaWorld Orlando: 12 miles
Kissimmee provides a great base for visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Old Town, plus it has quick access to major highways such as the US-192. Its vast array of villas and resort-style communities offers excellent value for money as you’ll have more space, more privacy, and a more peaceful stay with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Our top picks
Windsor Hills Resort offers gorgeous villas in a pretty community that is well-placed for visiting the Disney parks, while Solara Resort features modern homes and an abundance of on-site amenities to make your park-free days just as thrilling. For a little more luxury, check out Reunion Resort’s incredible villas and condos to stay in style.
Lake Buena Vista Area
Best for:- Disney fans and park-focused visitors
- Couples and groups who love Disney but also want to explore the wider area
- Visitors wanting convenience
- Those not relying on a car
Lake Buena Vista is right in the heart of the action in the southwest of Orlando and is where Walt Disney World Resort is based. Many hotels outside of the resort gates are in partnership with Disney, so you can experience the magic without the considerable price tag. Disney Springs is also close by, so you’ll have easy access to its dining, shopping and entertainment too.
Approximate distances:
- Magic Kingdom: 7 miles
- EPCOT: 3 miles
- Hollywood Studios: 4 miles
- Animal Kingdom: 6 miles
- Universal Orlando Resort: 15 miles
- SeaWorld Orlando: 8 miles
Not only will you be a fairy sprinkle away from the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’, but staying in selected Lake Buena Vista properties will often allow you to receive some benefits usually reserved for official Disney Hotels such as free shuttle transportation to and from the Disney parks, and early theme park entry.
Our top picks
Open since 2024, Evermore Orlando Resort has apartment-style accommodations as well as villas, a huge array of on-site facilities, and it’s close to Disney, what more could you want? If you’re travelling with kids, The Grove Resort & Water Park is a fabulous choice and has loads to keep everyone entertained on park-free days!
Universal Orlando Resort
Best for:- Universal film lovers
- Families with older children and teenagers
- Harry Potter fans
- Those who value theme park perks
- Visitors wanting minimal driving
- Roller coaster aficionados
Universal Orlando Resort is set in the heart of Orlando’s main tourist area, just off the I-4 and close to International Drive. It’s a great base for visitors looking to make Universal the focus of their holiday, with several parks and resort hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and amazing entertainment at your fingertips.
Approximate distances:
- Magic Kingdom: 15 miles
- EPCOT: 14 miles
- Hollywood Studios: 12 miles
- Animal Kingdom: 17 miles
- SeaWorld Orlando: 6 miles
Staying in a Universal Orlando Resort hotel offers a range of excellent benefits such as Early Park Admission, free shuttle transportation between parks, and easy access to the CityWalk entertainment area.
Our top picks
One of the biggest perks of staying at Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific or Hard Rock Hotel is getting complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes - skip the queues, maximise your park time and make every moment count!
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