You can pretty much count on any Orlando resort or hotel to be family-friendly. Below are some of the more prominent choices for families.
An over-view, at a glance, of some top resort choices in this family vacation mecca.
In addition to four theme parks and two waterparks, Disney World also has 14 resorts, from Value to Luxury with kids' club and spa. The resorts have giant grounds; activities can range from horseback rides to canoeing. All resorts -- even Fort Wilderness Campground-- enjoy perks such as free bus system, Magic Express shuttle from the airport, Extra Magic Hours in the parks.
The Portofino Bay Hotel is one of three resorts at Universal Orlando; guests get convenient access to the two theme parks (by free watertaxi shuttle or a garden walkway), and front-of-the-line access to popular rides. Portofino Bay has beautiful Italian-inspired architecture, large freeform lifeguarded pool with fun waterslide and sandy "beach", and kids club.
The Hard Rock Hotel is another of the Universal Orlando resorts, with convenient access to the two theme parks (by free watertaxi shuttle or a garden walkway), and front-of-the-line access for rides. The Hard Rock brand features rock memorabilia. This resort has a large freeform pool (lifeguarded) with sand beach and underwater stereo. Camp Li'l Rock has kids' activities.
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn has two terrific waterplay complexes, Nickelodeon theming and characters, and pool games and entertainment designed by "Nick". Sets a new level in on-property fun; free shuttles to theme parks, too.
This resort shares 500 acres with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes; a heated lazy river pool is a special draw for families. On-site activities iat Grande Lakes include golf (championship course), biking trail, fly-fishing, kayaking, eco-tours. Guests at this resort have access to the Ritz Kids Club, and the spa, at the Ritz-Carlton resort.
This luxury property shares 500 acres with the J.W. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, with grown-up pleasures (dining, golf, spa) plus Ritz Kids Club, kids menus, Family Packages. On-site activities iat Grande Lakes include golf (championship course), biking trail, fly-fishing, kayaking, eco-tours.
This hotel sits on 1500 acres: with nature trails, horse-riding, golf, lake watersports such as kayaking and paddleboats, half-acre pool with waterfalls and waterslies, Camp Hyatt kids' program and also a Child Care Center.
Over 1400 rooms, set on 63 acres close to Disney World; a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium has three themed sections on different regions of Florida. Also at Gaylord Palms: outdoor recreation park; large kids' club; and special events such as ICE!, a ticketed winter-time attraction with ice sculptures, ice slides, ice caves, and more.
About's guide for Florida for Visitors zeros in on affordable options in Orlando.
