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 think 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 8 best family friendly resorts in Orlando.
8 Best Family Friendly Resorts in Orlando
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*This post was originally published in August 2016, but was updated in December 2019.
1. Marriott’s Grande Vista
Marriott’s Grande Vista might just be the perfect place for large families to stay in Orlando. Not only does it offer luxury villas and a terrific location, there are plenty of activities on site to keep everyone busy. The villas vary 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 will enjoy having access to the Grande Vista Golf Club and if there is any down time, parents can relax at The Spa at Grande Vista.
Photo credit: Vacatia
2. Embassy Suites-Lake Buena Vista
Not far from the theme parks is one of the best Embassy Suites in Orlando, an all suite resort that is perfect for families. The spacious two bedroom suites offer kitchenettes and pull out sofas so families 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 omelette 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, beach volleyball court, 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.
3. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Looking for the perfect Disney 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 ship wreck, multiple pools and a lazy river. There are several restaurants on site from casual pool side to the Yachtsman Steakhouse.
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.
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. There is 24 hour room service and a restaurant on 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 as well as ticket sales for the Disney theme parks.
Photo credit: Kirsten Maxwell
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 soaking tub, and the other is a spacious bedroom with its own bath. A fully equipped kitchen and table is the perfect set up for making meals before or after a day out.
The hotel shares amenities with the Orlando World Center Marriott and guests can enjoy the quieter, private pools 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. Hilton Bonnet Creek
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, 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.
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 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 really want to splurge, Four Seasons in Orlando is the place to go. Located within the gates of Walt Disney World near Fort Wilderness, this property is a perfect mix of Four Seasons experiences and Disney. It’s also one of the few Orlando resorts 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, and tennis facilities. Rooms are quite spacious and many offer balcony rooms with views of Disney fireworks.
8. Floridays
Conveniently located on International Drive, Floridays is an all suite property with a fun Mediterranean theme. Condos are two and three bedrooms with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, living room, and balcony or patio. The property has two large outdoor pools, a game room, free wi-fi, and complimentary shuttle service to the parks.
There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as grocery stores for those that prefer to cook in the unit. If the kids are looking for extra entertainment, there are weekly activities, crafts, and movies for their enjoyment.
Other kid friendly resorts in Florida we have stayed at and enjoyed include: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (great pool area and proximity to Universal), Universal’s Cabana Bay (kitschy 1950s fun and a good location for Universal), Disney’s Yacht Club (great pool and easy access to Epcot) and Disney’s Grand Floridian (easy monorail access). There’s also Encore Resort in Kissimmee which has a great restaurant and all the amenities of home and a resort in one place. It’s one of the best Orlando resorts for families. And if you are looking for activities outside the parks, don’t miss our favorite things to do in Kissimmee.
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