15 Best Family Resorts in Orlando FL Everyone Will Love
When visiting Orlando, families tend to spend their days running around from theme park to theme park, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want a fabulous resort to return to at the end of the day. I have lost track when it comes to the number of properties in the Orlando area we have visited, but these are some we would recommend for families based on their amenities, location, and, let’s be honest, cleanliness. It’s hard to narrow down the properties, but we think these are the best family resorts in Orlando FL.
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Where should I stay in Orlando with kids?
If you aren’t staying at the Orlando theme parks, you might wonder where to stay in Orlando with kids. These are some of our favorite resorts in Orlando Florida, and they all offer amazing accommodations for families as well as accessibility to the parks.
1. Marriott’s Grande Vista
Marriott’s Grande Vista might be the perfect place for a large family stay in Orlando. Not only does it offer luxury villas and a terrific location, but there are plenty of activities on-site to keep everyone busy.
The villas range from studios to two-bedroom units, and larger villas have more than one bathroom. All of them come with fully equipped kitchens. If you want to save money on eating out, this could be a great option.
The property boasts four swimming pools (including one for children), three restaurants, a multitude of children’s activities, a fitness center, and even paddle boat rentals. Golfers have access to the Grande Vista Golf Club, and if there is any downtime, parents can relax at The Spa at Grande Vista.
2. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
People will ask if it’s cheaper to stay within Walt Disney World Resort or outside. And the answer is: it depends.
We stayed off-property when our kids were younger, and we really should have stayed on-property at Disney World. There are many reasonable Value resorts (we like Pop Century) and Moderate resorts (we prefer Coronado Springs), but if you can splurge on Deluxe, head to Yacht Club resort.
This New England beach club-themed resort is one of our favorite Orlando family resorts. The resort has a three-acre water play area with a shipwreck, multiple pools, and a lazy river.
There are several restaurants on site, from casual poolside to the Yachtsman Steakhouse. And you can easily access the back entrance of Epcot and avoid the crowds. Click here for more Epcot tips!
The rooms at the Disney Yacht Club are extremely comfortable and feature garden or water views. Regular rooms sleep four comfortably, and there are suites for up to 6 people. There’s also mini golf and an arcade on the property to entertain families on-site.
Looking for fun after dark? Check out the illuminated pickleball court or the nightly campfire.
Other Disney resorts we recommend are the Disney Riviera Resort, Disney’s Beach Club (great pool and easy access to Epcot), and Disney’s Grand Floridian (easy monorail access).
3. Embassy Suites-Lake Buena Vista
Not far from the theme parks is one of the best Embassy Suites in Orlando. This is an all-suite resort that is perfect for families.
The spacious two-bedroom family suites have kitchenettes and pull-out sofas so your entire group can feel comfortable spending time in the room.
The complimentary breakfast is a perfect way to start the day (our kids loved the made-to-order omelet station), and many enjoy the complimentary evening reception with snacks and drinks.
The resort has a putting green, indoor and outdoor pools, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court, a kids splash pad, dive-in movies, and outdoor cabanas with TVs and refrigerators. Our kids enjoyed the live music and food and beverages that were available poolside.
This property is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor, which means they offer complimentary theme park shuttle service to Magic Kingdom, and guests can purchase Disney tickets at the guest services desk to save themselves time at the parks.
4. B Resort Lake Buena Vista
Located close to Disney Springs, B Resort & Spa attempts to set itself apart from other properties with its artistic decor and quirky touches. Rooms are spacious, and some of the family-friendly rooms offer bunk beds as a special treat.
A stay here is simple and comfortable. This is perfect if you plan to spend most of your time at the parks or other attractions. Relax in the zero-entry pool or check out their kids game room.
Photo credit: Kirsten Maxwell
There is 24-hour room service and a restaurant on the property, but with easy access to all the restaurants at Disney Springs, it is easy to satisfy everyone’s palates. The hotel also offers shuttle service to the Walt Disney World resorts and ticket sales for the Disney theme parks.
5. Marriott Royal Palms
Marriott’s Royal Palms and its luxurious 2 bedroom villas are perfect for families. One room is a master suite with a soaking tub, and the other is a spacious bedroom with its own bath. A full kitchen and table is the perfect setup for making meals before or after a day out.
The hotel shares amenities with the Orlando World Center Marriott. Hotel guests can enjoy the quieter outdoor pool at the Royal Palms or take the shuttle to the waterpark at World Center.
We enjoyed a nice stay with the grandparents overlooking the Royal Palms golf course. The property is equidistant from Sea World, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World, making it a solid choice in Orlando.
6. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is conveniently located to all Walt Disney World resorts and is situated on a 482-acre nature preserve.
Kids will love the lazy river and water park, and parents will love having access to the 12 restaurants shared by Hilton and its sister property, the Waldorf Astoria.
Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed. Some have views of the Disney World parks, and there is a suite option that sleeps six guests.
Families have access to the Waldorf Astoria kids club, and there are plenty of activities throughout the property to entertain children of all ages. The hotel also offers free transportation to Walt Disney World and the purchase of WDW tickets.
Golfers have privileges at the Waldorf course, and the Waldorf spa treatments are available to Hilton guests as well.
7. Four Seasons Orlando
If you want to splurge for your family vacation, Four Seasons in Orlando is the place to go. Located within the gates of Walt Disney World near Fort Wilderness, this luxury resort is a perfect mix of Four Seasons experiences and Disney. It’s also one of our favorite places in Orlando with a water park.
There are character breakfasts, Disney in-room celebrations for special occasions, and a Disney planning center on site. In addition to everything Disney, guests will enjoy the all-day complimentary kids’ camp, dive-in movies, splash zone, water slide, and lazy river.
Parents will love the spa, golf course, and tennis courts. Rooms are quite spacious, and many offer balcony rooms with spectacular views of Disney fireworks.
8. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Swan and Dolphin Resort is perfectly situated for accessing all of the Walt Disney World parks. The property is two separate hotels, The Swan and The Dolphin, connected by a walkway and sharing some amenities.
Guest rooms come in different sizes, from Standard to Grand Deluxe to Suites. They have an understated aesthetic, which is nice if you want a calming atmosphere after an overwhelming day in the parks.
The property has five heated pools, a game room, jogging trails, a spa, and a complimentary shuttle service to the Disney parks.
The properties offer 17 on-site restaurants and lounges with a large variety of cuisines. Young guests will love dining with Disney characters at Garden Grove, or even a casual meal poolside.
9. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
If you’re looking for a comfortable and low-key resort within Universal Orlando, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a great choice. This family-friendly hotel has an elevated vibe but is still perfect for the whole family – whether you have little ones splashing around the pool or older kids who want non-stop action at the Universal Parks.
At Loews Sapphire Falls, you are within walking distance of Volcano Bay water park, and the water taxi will take you straight from the hotel to the other Universal parks.
But you can also have a fantastic time at the hotel. There is a spacious pool area with a water slide and cabana rentals, four restaurants and lounges, and a fun Caribbean-inspired design that’s not over-the-top.
Room options will fit a range of family sizes. Have a little more space with a kids suite, which has twin beds in their own room. Or opt for the hospitality suite that has a dining area, kitchenette, and sitting area.
10. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
If you love a kitschy 1950s vibe, you have to check out Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
This is one of the Universal value resorts, and it puts you steps away from the action of the theme parks. Onsite amenities include two huge swimming pools with a waterslide and lazy river, a bowling alley, an arcade, a fitness center, a food court, multiple bars, and a Starbucks.
Many families choose the Cabana Bay Beach Resort because it’s so close to the Volcano Bay waterpark. Even though it is within walking distance of the Universal parks and the CityWalk entertainment area, there is also a shuttle to get you back and forth (perfect after a long day on your feet!).
Rooms are colorful and funky, and the 6-person family suites offer extra space plus a kitchenette. The entire hotel has such a fun vibe for a family vacation, and kids will feel completely at home.
11. Encore Resort at Reunion
Encore Resort at Reunion is a popular choice for large families, but it’s also perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a resort-style experience with all the comforts of home.
The resort is a collection of vacation homes, ranging from 3 – 13 bedrooms, so you won’t feel cramped as you try to relax between Orlando adventures.
Or, you can spend most of your vacation time right on the grounds of the resort! Each home has a private pool, and some also have hot tubs and game rooms.
The resort’s pool area here is impressive: a 60-foot tour with three thrilling slides, a large splash area for younger children, and a pool with cabana rentals. The property also has a basketball court, a playground, tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court.
There are some good dining options at Encore, but you can also take advantage of the full kitchen that’s right in your private home. There will also be a washer and dryer along with a private driveway.
Your stay includes free transportation to Disney World (just minutes away), Universal, and Seaworld Orlando.
12. Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
Ritz Carlton Orlando is a great option for families who want a luxury accommodation to go along with park convenience. The resort sits on over 500 acres with lakes and a farm, making it a true escape.
Within the resort there are suites and rooms, but there are also residences. The Residences offer up to 4800 square feet of space and include full kitchens and multiple bedrooms and baths.
Spend your days relaxing in one of the poolside cabanas, or explore the resort’s pools and access to Grande Lakes Waterpark. Other amenities include an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, a world-class spa, and 13 restaurants. There is no need to ever leave the property!
13. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Orlando’s JW Marriott is worlds away from the loud, kitschy excitement of theme park hotels. Yet it’s still decidedly family-friendly, and it’s close to all the area’s popular attractions. In fact, they even provide shuttle service to Walt Disney World.
But staying here still feels like an oasis as you settle into its quiet atmosphere. The resort is situated on a 500-acre expanse of land that includes lakes, a championship golf course, and a working farm.
Unwind in its world-class spa, or soak up the sun at the adults-only pool. Or, hang out with the kids. The property boasts a fun aquatic obstacle course, falconry experiences, kayak rentals, and fishing lessons.
Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with private balconies and chic bathrooms. We especially love their executive suites, which have two or three bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 guests. The bunk beds are a big plus for little ones!
The restaurants at JW Marriott are a welcome reprieve from theme park food. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, a chef-created burger menu, and a MICHELIN-recommended Italian restaurant.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT JW MARRIOTT ORLANDO GRANDE LAKES
14. Gaylord Palms Resort
The Gaylord Palms Resort is a really fun place for families, especially if you take advantage of their onsite waterpark. Older kids can go on the thrilling slides (including a free-fall water slide), while younger ones love the zero-entry pool and water playground.
But there’s more to Gaylord Palms than its waterpark. The interior is gorgeous: an atrium that captures the beauty and spirit of Florida all in one place. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and you can upgrade to suites that have kitchenettes.
Grown-ups can visit the Relâche Spa & Salon or escape to an onsite bar. Dining options for all ages include a breakfast buffet, Jamba Juice, and Old Hickory Steakhouse.
Stays here include a shuttle to all the Disney World Parks, and it’s close to hot spots like Universal and Seaworld, too.
15. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
The Hard Rock Hotel has a fun theming that perfectly complements your time at Universal Orlando. Everything revolves around music, glamor, and fame, helping each guest feel like a true rock star. This might be the perfect option if you are visiting Orlando with teens.
The massive pool has an underwater sound system. There is a giant waterslide for big kids, a fountain area for little ones, and a bar service for the grown-ups! The fitness center has steam and sauna rooms if you want to get in even more relaxation.
Club-level rooms include morning breakfast and evening beer and wine. Future Rock Star Suites have the ultimate theming. Kids can sleep amid memorabilia of today’s top stars. Or, they can hit the stage – the floor changes color beneath your feet, and the backdrop is a crowd of adoring fans.
There’s a casual all-day restaurant, a steakhouse, a grab-and-go spot, and room service at the Hard Rock Hotel. The property is within the Universal Resort and has a shuttle service to the various parks.
Stays at Hard Rock Hotel include Universal Express Unlimited, which allows you to skip the line at select rides within the parks.
These all sound like great resorts. We are headed there this fall and for the first time I am thinking we will try and book off property. So, pinned this to go over with my hubby 😉
With so many excellent resorts in the area, how difficult is it to leave and actually go to Disney World and the other theme parks?? So much fun to be had!
So true! My kids actually want to stay at the resorts instead of going to the parks sometimes!
This is a great list! I love how orlando resorts offer do much at every price point!
So true! There really is something for everyone!
We got a timeshare Grand vacations Hilton and we love their properties:) Great list by the way!
Thanks! There are some great properties in Orlando. That is for sure!