Pretty much any Orlando resort or hotel will be family friendly; even the deluxe brands welcome families, and have features and programs with kid-appeal. Below are a number of stand-out choices.
Photo © Teresa Plowright.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.
Check prices at Kayak.com
Photo © Teresa PlowrightThe 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.
Check prices
Photo © Teresa PlowrightNickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn has two terrific waterplay complexes, Nickelodeon theming and characters, and pool games and entertainment designed by "Nick". All this sets a new level in on-property fun; free shuttles to theme parks, too.
Check prices
Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.This luxury property shares 500 acres with the J.W. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. On-site activities at Grande Lakes include golf (championship course), biking trail, fly-fishing, kayaking, eco-tours. The Ritz-Carlton has plenty of grown-up pleasures (dining, golf, spa), but is family-friendly also, with Ritz Kids Club, kids menus, Family Packages.
Check prices
Photo courtesy of Grande Lakes OrlandoThis resort shares 500 acres with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes; a heated lazy river pool is a special draw for families. Guests at this resort have access to the Ritz Kids Club, and the spa, at the Ritz-Carlton resort; guests at the Ritz-Carlton have access to the J.W.Marriott's pools.
Check prices
Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.This hotel sits on a gigantic 1500 acres: with nature trails, horse-riding, golf, lake watersports such as kayaking and paddleboats, half-acre pool with waterfalls and waterslides, Camp Hyatt kids' program and also a Child Care Center.
Check prices
Photo courtesy of Gaylord Palms Resort.Gaylord Palms is a giant Orlando resort, with over 1400 rooms and 2 million square feet, set on 63 acres just a few minutes from Disney World. Signature feature is a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium with 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.
Check prices, at Kayak.com
About's guide for Florida for Visitors zeros in on affordable options in Orlando.
