Family Resorts In Orlando Florida: Your Ultimate Guide to Sunshine and Smiles
Orlando, Florida – the undisputed theme park capital of the world! But beyond the thrilling rides and captivating shows, Orlando offers a treasure trove of family-friendly resorts that transform a vacation into an unforgettable experience. Choosing the right resort can make all the difference, turning a potentially stressful trip into a seamless adventure filled with laughter, relaxation, and cherished memories. This comprehensive guide delves into the best family resorts Orlando has to offer, providing you with all the information you need to plan the perfect getaway. We’ll explore various options, catering to different budgets, interests, and family sizes. So, buckle up and prepare to discover the magic of Orlando’s family resorts!
Why Choose a Family Resort in Orlando?
Before we dive into specific recommendations, let’s understand why opting for a family resort is a smart choice for your Orlando vacation. While staying in a standard hotel might seem tempting, family resorts offer a multitude of advantages specifically designed to cater to the needs of families with children.
Convenience and Accessibility to Theme Parks
One of the biggest perks of staying at a family resort in Orlando is the proximity to the world-famous theme parks. Many resorts offer complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, eliminating the hassle of driving and parking. Some resorts are even within walking distance of certain parks, providing unparalleled convenience.
On-Site Activities and Entertainment
Family resorts are designed to keep everyone entertained, even when you’re not exploring the theme parks. Expect to find a wide array of on-site activities, including multiple swimming pools with water slides and splash pads, kids’ clubs with supervised activities, game rooms, arcades, miniature golf, and even movie nights under the stars. This means less pressure to constantly fill every moment with theme park adventures, allowing for downtime and relaxation.
Spacious Accommodations and Family Suites
Unlike standard hotel rooms, family resorts often offer spacious accommodations, including suites with separate living areas, bedrooms, and even kitchenettes or full kitchens. This provides ample room for families to spread out and relax, avoiding the cramped feeling of being cooped up in a single room. Having a kitchenette or kitchen allows you to prepare meals and snacks, saving money on dining expenses and catering to picky eaters.
Dedicated Kids’ Clubs and Childcare Services
Need a break to relax by the pool or enjoy a romantic dinner? Many family resorts offer dedicated kids’ clubs with supervised activities for children of various ages. These clubs provide a safe and engaging environment for kids to make new friends and participate in fun games and crafts, while parents can enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Themed Dining Experiences
Orlando’s family resorts often feature themed dining experiences that are sure to delight both kids and adults. From character breakfasts with Mickey Mouse and his friends to pirate-themed dinner shows, these dining experiences add an extra layer of magic to your vacation.
Top Family Resorts in Orlando: A Detailed Review
Now that you understand the benefits of staying at a family resort, let’s explore some of the best options Orlando has to offer. We’ll break down the resorts into different categories based on budget, theme, and amenities, providing you with a comprehensive overview to help you make the right choice.
Luxury Family Resorts: Indulge in Unparalleled Comfort and Service
If you’re looking to splurge on your Orlando vacation and experience the ultimate in luxury and comfort, these resorts are the perfect choice:
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Located within the gates of Walt Disney World, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers an unparalleled experience of luxury and sophistication. This resort boasts stunning accommodations, world-class dining options, a luxurious spa, and a dedicated kids’ club. The resort’s Explorer Island is a highlight, featuring a lazy river, water slides, and a family pool. Guests also enjoy exclusive Disney benefits, such as early access to the parks and complimentary transportation.
Key Features:
- Luxurious accommodations with spacious rooms and suites
- Multiple swimming pools, including a lazy river and water slides
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- World-class dining options
- Exclusive Disney benefits
- Full-service spa
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Situated on 500 acres of lush landscape, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. This resort features elegant accommodations, a championship golf course, a luxurious spa, and a variety of dining options. Families will appreciate the resort’s numerous activities, including swimming pools, a lazy river, and a kids’ club. The adjacent JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes offers even more amenities and dining options, providing guests with a wealth of choices.
Key Features:
- Elegant accommodations with spacious rooms and suites
- Championship golf course
- Luxurious spa
- Multiple swimming pools, including a lazy river
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- Variety of dining options
- Access to amenities at the adjacent JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Located near Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers a sophisticated and elegant experience. This resort features luxurious accommodations, a championship golf course, a luxurious spa, and a variety of dining options. Families will appreciate the resort’s numerous activities, including swimming pools, a lazy river, and a kids’ club. The resort’s proximity to Disney World makes it a convenient choice for families visiting the parks.
Key Features:
- Luxurious accommodations with spacious rooms and suites
- Championship golf course
- Luxurious spa
- Multiple swimming pools, including a lazy river
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- Variety of dining options
- Proximity to Walt Disney World
Mid-Range Family Resorts: Balancing Comfort and Affordability
If you’re looking for a comfortable and enjoyable stay without breaking the bank, these mid-range family resorts offer a great balance of quality and affordability:
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Step back in time to the retro era at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This vibrant and family-friendly resort features themed rooms and suites, two massive swimming pools with water slides, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and a variety of dining options. Guests enjoy early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. The resort’s retro theme and fun atmosphere make it a hit with families.
Key Features:
- Themed rooms and suites
- Two massive swimming pools with water slides
- Lazy river
- Bowling alley
- Variety of dining options
- Early park admission to select Universal Orlando Resort parks
- Retro theme
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Experience the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. This resort features beautiful accommodations, a massive zero-entry pool with a water slide, a sandy beach, and a variety of dining options. Guests enjoy early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. The resort’s stunning design and relaxing atmosphere make it a popular choice for families.
Key Features:
- Beautiful accommodations with spacious rooms and suites
- Massive zero-entry pool with a water slide
- Sandy beach
- Variety of dining options
- Early park admission to select Universal Orlando Resort parks
- Caribbean theme
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Immerse yourself in the world of Disney animation at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. This vibrant and colorful resort features themed suites based on popular Disney and Pixar films, including “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.” The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including the largest pool in Walt Disney World, as well as a food court and a variety of recreational activities. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on the Disney magic.
Key Features:
- Themed suites based on popular Disney and Pixar films
- Multiple swimming pools, including the largest pool in Walt Disney World
- Food court dining
- Complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks
- Value resort pricing
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark
Located close to Walt Disney World, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark offers spacious suites and a fun-filled waterpark. This resort features a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, water slides, a lazy river, and a kids’ club. The resort’s convenient location and affordable rates make it a popular choice for families visiting the Disney theme parks.
Key Features:
- Spacious suites with separate living areas
- Waterpark with swimming pool, water slides, and lazy river
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- On-site dining options
- Complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks
- Affordable rates
Budget-Friendly Family Resorts: Maximizing Value and Fun
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers plenty of fun and amenities for the whole family, these resorts are worth considering:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Celebrate the magic of Disney films at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. This value resort features themed accommodations based on classic Disney movies, including “101 Dalmatians,” “Toy Story,” “Fantasia,” “The Mighty Ducks,” and “The Love Bug.” The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, a food court, and complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort is a great option for families looking for an affordable Disney experience.
Key Features:
- Themed accommodations based on classic Disney movies
- Multiple swimming pools
- Food court dining
- Complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks
- Value resort pricing
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Celebrate the world of music at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. This value resort features themed accommodations based on various music genres, including country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway. The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, a food court, and complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort is a fun and affordable option for families who love music.
Key Features:
- Themed accommodations based on various music genres
- Multiple swimming pools
- Food court dining
- Complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks
- Value resort pricing
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Located on International Drive, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando offers affordable accommodations and a convenient location near many of Orlando’s attractions. This hotel features multiple swimming pools, a game room, and a variety of dining options. While not a resort in the traditional sense, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando provides a budget-friendly option for families who want to be close to the action.
Key Features:
- Affordable accommodations
- Multiple swimming pools
- Game room
- On-site dining options
- Convenient location on International Drive
Themed Family Resorts: Immerse Yourself in Adventure
For families seeking a truly immersive experience, these themed resorts offer unique and unforgettable adventures:
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Universal’s Aventura Hotel offers a modern and stylish experience with stunning views of Universal Orlando Resort. This hotel features sleek accommodations, a rooftop bar and grill, a virtual reality game room, and a variety of dining options. Guests enjoy early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. While not strictly themed like Cabana Bay, Aventura’s modern aesthetic and high-tech amenities provide a unique and immersive experience.
Key Features:
- Modern and stylish accommodations with stunning views
- Rooftop bar and grill
- Virtual reality game room
- Variety of dining options
- Early park admission to select Universal Orlando Resort parks
- Modern and high-tech atmosphere
Pirate’s Island Resort
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at Pirate’s Island Resort, a pirate-themed hotel near Walt Disney World. This resort features themed rooms and suites, a pirate-themed swimming pool, and a variety of activities for kids. Pirate’s Island Resort offers a unique and memorable experience for families who love pirates.
Key Features:
- Themed rooms and suites
- Pirate-themed swimming pool
- Kids’ activities
- Close proximity to Walt Disney World
Tips for Planning Your Family Resort Stay in Orlando
Now that you have a better understanding of the different family resorts available in Orlando, let’s discuss some tips for planning your stay:
Consider Your Budget
Orlando offers family resorts at a wide range of price points. Determine your budget before you start researching resorts to narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Remember to factor in the cost of park tickets, dining, transportation, and souvenirs when creating your budget.
Determine Your Priorities
What are the most important factors for your family when choosing a resort? Do you prioritize proximity to the theme parks, on-site activities, spacious accommodations, or specific amenities like a kids’ club or a water park? Identifying your priorities will help you find a resort that meets your family’s needs.
Read Reviews and Compare Prices
Before booking a resort, read reviews from other families to get a better understanding of their experiences. Compare prices from different travel websites and consider booking directly through the resort’s website to potentially save money or receive additional perks.
Book in Advance
Orlando is a popular destination, especially during peak season. To secure your preferred resort and room type, book your stay well in advance. This is particularly important if you’re traveling during holidays or school breaks.
Take Advantage of Resort Amenities
Make the most of your resort stay by taking advantage of the on-site amenities and activities. Spend time swimming in the pools, participating in kids’ club activities, and enjoying the resort’s dining options. Don’t forget to check the resort’s schedule for special events and activities.
Plan for Transportation
Determine how you will get around Orlando. Many resorts offer complimentary transportation to the theme parks, but you may need to rent a car or use ride-sharing services to explore other areas of the city. Consider the cost and convenience of each transportation option when planning your trip.
Pack Appropriately
Orlando’s weather can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the theme parks. Don’t forget to pack swimsuits for enjoying the resort’s pools and water parks.
Be Prepared for Crowds
Orlando’s theme parks can be crowded, especially during peak season. Be prepared for long lines and large crowds. Consider purchasing park hopper tickets or using ride reservation systems to maximize your time in the parks. Stay hydrated and take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.
Relax and Have Fun!
Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun! Orlando is a magical destination that offers something for everyone. Take the time to enjoy your vacation and create lasting memories with your family.
Beyond the Resorts: Exploring Orlando’s Family Attractions
While choosing the right family resort is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation, remember that Orlando offers a wealth of attractions beyond the theme parks. Consider exploring these family-friendly options:
Icon Park
Icon Park is a vibrant entertainment complex featuring the ICON Orlando observation wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando wax museum, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and a variety of restaurants and shops. This is a great place to spend an evening with the family.
Gatorland
Experience the “Alligator Capital of the World” at Gatorland. This wildlife park features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other animals, shows, and exhibits. It’s a unique and educational experience for the whole family.
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an interactive science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits. This is a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and explore the history of space exploration. See rockets, astronaut exhibits, and even witness a rocket launch (check the schedule for launch dates).
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a hands-on science museum with exhibits for all ages. Explore topics like dinosaurs, nature, and space.
Final Thoughts: Creating Unforgettable Family Memories in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is a dream destination for families, and choosing the right family resort is the key to unlocking an unforgettable vacation experience. By carefully considering your budget, priorities, and the various options available, you can find the perfect resort to meet your family’s needs and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking luxury and indulgence, affordable comfort, or a themed adventure, Orlando’s family resorts have something to offer everyone. So, start planning your Orlando family vacation today and get ready for sunshine, smiles, and endless fun!
