Yep, when we begin planning a trip to Orlando the first thing we check out (after locking down a date, of course!) are the resorts! While we want convenience and a close location to the theme parks, we also want comfort, and cost to be low. So, have we been able to get all four C’s when it comes to Orlando Resorts? You betcha! Here’s our eight favorite Orlando Resorts for Families.
B Resort and Spa
Man, am I a fan of this resort! The vibe is hip and cool, the decor super chic and the guest rooms? I’ve never spied a bad one. B Resort and Spa is on Disney Springs property (bonus for folks looking for a resort super close to Walt Disney World but with a lower budget in mind.). The property offers a shuttle to all four WDW theme parks and Disney Springs, and has plenty of onsite amenities including an Aveda Spa, outdoor pool with zero depth entry, and gorgeous views of the nighttime fireworks displays if you reserve a high enough floor on the theme park side of the resort.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
This resort tops our list for so many reasons! If I forgot to mention Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress‘s three pools, each with its own temperature, 12 waterfalls, or sandy beach, there’s no way I could forget to talk about the on-property amenities. A daily resort fee covers everything from bicycles to onsite golfing to water sports. My daughter loved the First Catch program- perfect for newbie fisherman- and the resort’s classy/casual restaurant LakeHouse is definitely worth a visit with it’s fun and creative menu.
Liki Tiki Village
I love saying the name of this resort- it just sounds so fun! Liki Tiki Village is filled with Polynesian-style touches and its main water feature, Liki Tiki Lagoon, has several water slides and a jungle gym- perfect for wearing the kiddos out. The resort has free wifi and parking, full kitchens (great for saving money by not eating every meal in the theme parks), and pretty balconies to watch the Florida sun rise and set. Don’t want to head home with dirty laundry? There’s a washer/dryer in each vacation rental.
Marriott’s Grand Vista
Ok, this one’s farther away from Walt Disney World than, say, a Disney Springs Resort, but Marriott’s Grand Vista makes up for the distance with amenities. There’s a water play area, jungle gym complete with ball pit, and a Kid’s Club with daily activities. If you dig water activities you can take out a kayak or paddleboat on its lake, enjoy a round of golf at the 9-hole Grand Vista Golf Club, or just hang out on the balcony- each guest room has one. A super cool feature? The property has its own petting zoo!
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
I had the chance to tour Wyndham Lake Buena Vista last spring and had to make a mental note to return. An outdoor pool area that kids beg to play at, a poolside bar for Mom and Dad, and two types of guest rooms (perfect for the family budget!) along with the boast that the property is THE closest to Disney Springs (highly walkable!), and you’ve got a great meld of amenities and low cost. The resort offers a shuttle to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, plenty of parking, and exterior guest room doors.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
A Monorail Resort (translation: super close to Magic Kingdom and sits on the Monorail path!), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the ultimate in luxury for on-property Walt Disney World Resorts. Victorian-style theming, outdoor patios (if you really want a great spot to people watch, request a guest room on floor level), live music from Grand Floridian Society Orchestra in the Main Lobby, swanky Signature Restaurants, and one of the most popular on-property pools with a splash pad makes this resort perfect for families that love luxury. Another great perk? Extra Magic Hours: early or after hours admission to all for WDW theme parks!
Lowes Portofino Bay Resort
Another luxury resort, Lowes Portofino Bay Resort sits Universal Orlando Resort land. With the coolest Italian theme, we could literally spend an entire day moseying around and checking out the attention to detail. Guest rooms are pristine and their muted coloring is perfect for relaxing after a full day in the theme parks which is only a leisurely boat ride away. As for its pool options, well, they’ve got them on lock down: there’s three including a Beach Pool, Villa Pool, and Hillside Pool. If you really want an exceptional visit, Club Level Rooms offer access to Portofino’s Club Lounge- complimentary snacks and drinks! Early entrance to Wizarding World of Harry Potter with paid Universal Orlando Resort guarantees is another great reason to stay on site.
Caribe Royale Orlando
One of the very first Orlando resorts we had the pleasure of staying at, Caribe Royale Orlando a definite standout with its pink exterior! The suites have plenty of space for larger families, its outdoor pool area is so gorgeous and includes a fun waterfall and 75-foot waterslide, and parents with aching backs from all of the theme park walking will appreciate the two whirlpools- I know Mr. Locke sure did. If you want to make a day at the pool you can rent a poolside cabana for only $25 per day. For the wee ones, there’s an exclusive Water Play Area with a wading pool and interactive water toys.
Did I miss one of your favorite Orlando Resorts? Please let me know in the comment section below!
