Orlando, Florida, the theme park capital of the world, is a dream destination for families. With world-renowned parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, planning a trip here promises unforgettable memories. Choosing the right accommodation is key to a stress-free and enjoyable family vacation. Luckily, Orlando boasts a fantastic range of family friendly hotels, designed to cater to every need and budget.
When planning your Orlando theme park adventure, it’s important to consider the benefits offered by different hotel categories, especially if you’re focusing on Disney or Universal parks. Understanding these designations can significantly enhance your vacation experience.
Disney Resort Hotels and Official Walt Disney World Hotels provide exclusive perks like early theme park entry (30 minutes before the public) and early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to 7 days in advance. Guests at Disney Resort hotels also benefit from complimentary transportation and immersive theming.
Official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels are vetted by Disney for quality and service, offering reliable and comfortable stays, although they don’t include the same perks as official Disney resorts.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels come with their own set of advantages, including complimentary water taxi service to the parks and early park admission. Guests at premium Universal hotels (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific) even receive the coveted Universal Express Unlimited pass, allowing you to skip regular lines at many attractions.
Universal Partner Hotels provide value-added benefits such as discounts at Universal CityWalk and select theme parks.
Booking Tip: To maximize your stay at some of the top family-friendly hotels listed below, consider booking through preferred partner programs. These can unlock VIP benefits such as complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and room upgrades, adding extra value to your family vacation.
Let’s explore some of the best family friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida, ensuring your trip is magical both inside and outside the theme parks.
Top Family Hotel Choices in Orlando
Here’s a curated list of outstanding hotels in Orlando that cater specifically to families, offering a blend of luxury, convenience, and fun for all ages.
1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort (Luxury & Disney Perks)
Image alt text: Family fun by the pool at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, a top-rated family-friendly hotel in Orlando.
Category: Deluxe – Luxury
Official Walt Disney World Hotel: Yes
Why it’s family-friendly: The Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers a unique blend of theme park access and luxurious relaxation. It stands out as a top family hotel because it allows you to enjoy an Orlando theme park vacation without feeling overwhelmed by the theme park atmosphere 24/7. The resort excels in providing exceptional food, top-notch service, stunning pool areas, and spacious rooms.
Key Features:
- Luxury Amenities: Six on-site restaurants and bars, three boutiques, and outdoor sports courts ensure there’s always something to do.
- Explorer Island Water Park: A 5-acre water park featuring pools, a lazy river, and water slides provides endless fun for kids.
- Character Dining: Enjoy Breakfast with Goofy and Pals on select mornings for a memorable character experience.
- Kids’ Activities: The Hideout Game Room and water slides are particularly popular with children.
- Disney Concierge: An on-site Disney concierge assists with park reservations and itinerary planning, leveraging official Walt Disney World hotel benefits.
- Shuttle Service: Complimentary shuttle service to Disney theme parks.
Exclusive Benefits: Booking through preferred partner programs can grant you access to perks like daily breakfast for two, hotel credits, room upgrades (subject to availability), and complimentary internet.
REQUEST A PREFERRED PARTNER RATE
2. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando (Italian Charm & Universal Access)
Image alt text: Charming Italian village atmosphere at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, a family-friendly Universal Orlando resort.
Category: Deluxe
Universal Orlando Hotel: Yes
Why it’s family-friendly: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel immerses you in the charm of an Italian seaside village right in the heart of Orlando. As Universal Orlando’s luxury resort, it’s a fantastic choice for families wanting to be close to the action while enjoying a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Universal Express Pass: A major perk is the free Universal Express Unlimited pass for every guest in your room, allowing you to skip lines at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
- Italian Theme: Experience the beauty of Portofino with outdoor cafes, shops, and a lively piazza harbor.
- Activities: Enjoy hula hoop contests by the Roman-style Beach Pool and complimentary live shows.
- Universal Benefits: Early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, and complimentary transportation to Universal CityWalk and theme parks.
- Club Level: Consider upgrading to the Club Level for enhanced amenities and services.
Exclusive Benefits: Booking through Virtuoso programs can offer benefits such as room upgrades upon arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast, food and beverage credits, early check-in/late check-out, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE*
3. JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes (Nature & Recreation Focused)
Image alt text: Relaxing lazy river at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, a family-friendly resort with extensive recreation options.
Category: Deluxe – Luxury
Theme Park Hotel Affiliation: No
Why it’s family-friendly: If your family enjoys outdoor activities and a break from the constant theme park buzz, the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is an excellent choice. Spanning 500 acres, it offers a resort experience focused on recreation and relaxation.
Key Features:
- Recreational Activities: An 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, mountain biking trails, fishing excursions, canoe, and kayak tours.
- Water Park: A recently added water park with three slides and the Aquaventure 360 obstacle course, in addition to a lazy river and outdoor pools.
- Access to Ritz-Carlton Amenities: Guests can also use the pools and spa at the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
- Farm-to-Table Experience: Onsite vegetable and fruit garden and nano-brewery, providing fresh ingredients for the hotel’s dining options.
- Theme Park Shuttle: Shuttle service to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando.
Exclusive Benefits: Marriott Luminous benefits can include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast for two, welcome amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in/late check-out, VIP status, and potential room upgrades.
REQUEST A MARRIOTT LUMINOUS RATE
4. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (Water Park Fun & Waldorf Astoria Access)
Image alt text: Family enjoying the lazy river at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, known for its excellent water park.
Category: Deluxe
Official Walt Disney World Hotel: Yes
Why it’s family-friendly: Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is renowned for its incredible 3-acre water park, making it a top pick for families. It offers a fantastic balance of fun water activities and access to the upscale amenities of the neighboring Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Key Features:
- Award-Winning Water Park: A 3-acre private water park featuring a lazy river, water slide, and poolside cabanas.
- Waldorf Astoria Access: Guests can enjoy dining at twelve restaurants shared with the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, as well as access to the WA Kids’ Club, spa, and golf course.
- Disney Perks: Shuttle service to all four Disney parks and Disney Springs, and select rooms offer views of Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Reservations: Take advantage of the Hilton Honors member rate (free to join) for potential discounts.
Hilton Honors member rate
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Safari Adventure & Disney Magic)
Image alt text: Child playing at the splash pad at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a unique family-friendly Disney resort.
Category: Deluxe
Disney Resort Hotel: Yes
Why it’s family-friendly: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge provides an immersive safari experience unlike any other hotel in Orlando. It’s perfect for families who love animals and want a unique Disney experience beyond the theme parks.
Key Features:
- Wildlife Viewing: Overlook a wildlife preserve with exotic animals and African greenery. Complimentary Wildlife Field Guide in each room.
- Animal Programs: Fun and educational programs led by Animal Specialists.
- Uzima Springs Pool: An 11,000-square-foot pool, poolside movies, and marshmallow roasting.
- Kids’ Club & Babysitting: Simba’s Clubhouse offers supervised playtime, and in-room babysitting services are available.
Reservations: Consider booking a Walt Disney World vacation package for potential deals and added benefits.
Book with a Walt Disney World vacation package.
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My Favorite Family & Kid-Friendly Hotels in Orlando for All Your Needs
Orlando offers a diverse range of family friendly hotels, each with unique features to cater to different preferences and needs. Here’s a recap highlighting some top picks based on specific family interests:
Kid-Friendly Hotels in Orlando With Water Slides
For families prioritizing water park fun right at their hotel, Orlando delivers! Many family friendly hotels in Orlando go above and beyond with impressive pool areas featuring exciting water slides.
Four Seasons Orlando remains a top luxury choice, balancing sophisticated comfort with incredible kid-friendly water features. Their pool area is expansive, offering multiple pools, a splash pad, lazy river, and thrilling water slides, ensuring it never feels overcrowded.
For dedicated water park experiences within your hotel, consider: The Grove Resort and Water Park, boasting dueling water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and zero-entry pool; Coco Key Hotel and Water Park, near Universal Orlando Resort, with a massive 54,000-square-foot water park featuring 14 water slides, mostly covered for sun protection; and Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark, offering a water jungle gym, water slides, and a wide array of family pool activities.
For a truly towering water slide experience within Walt Disney World, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort features one of the tallest water slides among Disney resorts in its impressive 3-acre water park.
A Note About Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts in Orlando, Florida
While searching for “all-inclusive family resorts Orlando,” be aware that true all-inclusive resorts, where most food, beverages, and activities are bundled into the room rate, are not common in Orlando itself. Some hotels may offer packages that include breakfast or other perks, but genuine all-inclusive experiences are rare.
What Are the Best Orlando Hotels for Toddlers?
Orlando is incredibly welcoming to families with toddlers! While many hotels on this list are toddler-friendly, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort stands out. Toddlers will adore the Breakfast with Goofy and Pals character dining and the engaging Hideout Game Room.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is another fantastic option that can truly captivate toddlers. The Uwanja Camp water playground has a dedicated section for children aged 4 and under, located near the zero-entry Samawati Springs Pool. The presence of zebras, giraffes, and other animals on the property, combined with Disney magic, will create an unforgettable experience for little ones. The resort also offers supervised playtime at Simba’s Clubhouse and in-room babysitting services for added convenience.
Best Kid-Themed Hotels in Orlando
For immersive, kid-themed accommodations, Orlando offers some incredible options. These hotels go beyond standard rooms, offering themed suites and decor that bring beloved characters to life.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel provides Despicable Me Kids’ Suites, featuring Minion-themed décor in a separate kids’ room connected to the parents’ king bedroom. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is entirely themed around Disney and Pixar movies, offering various themed room options, including Little Mermaid Standard rooms and family suites themed after Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo.
What Are the Best Orlando Hotels for Large Families?
Orlando is well-equipped to host large families. For hotels offering spacious accommodations and amenities ideal for bigger groups, consider: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, with extensive outdoor recreational activities to keep active families engaged; Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, featuring a 3-acre private water park perfect for entertaining kids of all ages; and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, which offers deluxe villas with fully equipped kitchens, laundry units, and spacious bedrooms, providing a home-away-from-home feel for larger families.
Choosing the best family friendly hotel in Orlando depends on your family’s priorities. Whether you seek luxurious relaxation, thrilling water parks, immersive themes, or proximity to specific theme parks, Orlando has the perfect hotel to make your family vacation truly magical.
What are your favorite family friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida?
