Are you planning a family trip to Orlando and trying to decide where to stay in Orlando with kids? It’s one of the biggest decisions when planning your Florida adventure, and it can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options, prices, and locations to consider.

After 24 years of planning Orlando trips with my family, we’ve stayed in a variety of places, from Disney resorts to Universal hotels and villas around Kissimmee. In this guide, I’ll break down your options, share practical tips, and help you decide where to stay in Orlando with your family so you can plan a trip that works for your needs, budget, and the ages of your kids.

Don’t forget, we’ve also created a FREE Disney and Universal Orlando planner to help you organise your notes and start planning your days. Also see how we did Disney and Universal in six days.

Where to Stay in Orlando with Kids: Best Areas, Hotels and Villas for Families

Think About Your Family’s Size and Needs

Before you even look at maps, consider your family’s size and needs. Travelling as a family of five is different to travelling as a family of four, and this will affect everything from hotel room configurations to whether a villa or apartment makes more sense for your trip.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a villa for extra space and somewhere for the kids to crash?
• Would you prefer a hotel with a pool and restaurants for easy evenings?
• Are you travelling with toddlers needing naps or teens who’ll be out late?
• Does your family like the convenience of on-site restaurants, or do you prefer your own kitchen?

Do You Want to Drive in Orlando?

Transport is a big factor. My husband commutes daily, so when we go to Orlando, he prefers not to drive, and I’m not driving on the wrong side of the road! Many people hire a car in Orlando, and it can be cost-effective for larger families visiting multiple parks, but don’t forget about car hire costs, fuel, and parking, which can be around $30–$32 a day at Disney and Universal.

We’ve often found that using Uber is easier and cheaper than parking fees, especially if you’re splitting the cost with another family. You can also combine this with free hotel shuttles to the parks to keep transport costs down. We also book Welcome Pickups for airport transfers to save any waiting around after a long flight.

Staying at Disney Resorts

Staying at a Disney Resort keeps you right in the Disney magic. Options range from luxury hotels like Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resort, to mid-range choices like Port Orleans and Caribbean Beach, and budget-friendly options like the All-Star Resorts.

Perks of staying on-site at Disney include:

• Free Disney transport: monorails, boats, Skyliner, and buses between parks and resorts.
• Early park entry.
• Being fully immersed in the Disney atmosphere.

We loved staying at Saratoga Springs, which is near Disney Springs for extra dining options while using Disney transport throughout our stay.

Staying at Universal Orlando

Universal offers a range of hotels that fit different budgets:

• Budget-friendly: Endless Summer Resort (Dockside and Surfside).
• Mid-range: Cabana Bay (with fun pools and a lazy river) and Aventura Hotel (with a rooftop bar and modern vibe).
• Higher-end: Sapphire Falls (boat transport to the parks), Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay, which include Express Passes for queue-skipping.

On our last trip, we stayed at Sapphire Falls and loved the boat ride straight into CityWalk and the parks each morning. It was the perfect balance of price, location, and comfort.

Staying on International Drive

If you want flexibility and a budget-friendly option, International Drive is a great choice, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions like ICON Park, plus shorter Uber rides to both Disney and Universal.

We stayed on International Drive on our first visit, hired a car, and it was a great base to explore Orlando at our own pace.

Staying in a Villa Near Disney or Universal

If you’re a larger family or want a slower pace with your own space, villas in Kissimmee, Windsor Hills, Celebration, or Four Corners can be ideal. You’ll get:

• Multiple bedrooms for privacy.
• Kitchens for self-catering.
• Often a private pool.

Just remember to factor in transport, as you may need a hire car or plan for Uber costs.

Choosing the Best Location for Your Family

The best place to stay in Orlando truly depends on your family’s needs and priorities:

• If your focus is Disney, staying in a Disney Resort or nearby hotel with shuttles will keep the trip simple.
• If Universal is your priority, staying on-site for early entry and Express Passes can save time.
• Villas offer flexibility and space, while International Drive offers affordability and access to everything.

There’s no right or wrong answer, only what’s right for your family’s trip.

What’s Best for Your Family?

There is so much to think about when deciding where to stay in Orlando with kids, and it will depend on which parks you plan to prioritise, your budget, your family’s size, and how you feel about transport. We found that staying at Universal gave us quality hotels and restaurants while allowing us to visit Disney easily, but when our kids were younger, staying at Disney worked perfectly for us.

I hope this guide has helped you get an overall picture of Orlando’s options and has made it easier to think about what will work for your family. Look at where you want to visit, think about what will make your trip enjoyable, and match your accommodation to your priorities for a magical Orlando family holiday.