Top Disney and Universal Hotels in Orlando

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge — Walt Disney World Resort

Why we love it: Exotic animals, massive pool, lobby filled with African artifacts

Guests at this one-of-a-kind "deluxe" Disney Orlando resort feel like they're immersed in an African safari, surrounded by four savannas housing more than 200 exotic animals and birds. Some rooms even have balconies overlooking the savanna, from which guests can spot zebras, giraffes, gazelles, flamingos, and more.

Resort amenities include an 11,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool with a water slide and children’s wading pool, plus another pool with water slides and an animal-themed water playground. The resort offers nightly campfire activities and Disney movies under the stars. Kids are sure to love the "Hakuna Matata"-themed playground and Pumbaa’s arcade, too.

2. Caribbean Beach Resort — Walt Disney World Resort

Why we love it: Spanish fort-themed pool, Disney Skyliner access

This island-themed resort ranks at the top of the "moderate" Disney resorts. There are five villages within the resort area named after Caribbean islands, each with its own pool and several with playgrounds. The main pool mimics a Spanish fort and has two large water slides, water cannons, and a shipwreck-themed splash area. Other activities include sand volleyball, fishing excursions, Disney movies under the stars, and nightly campfires. This resort is on the path of the Disney Skyliner, which can transport guests to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

3. Pop Century Resort — Walt Disney World Resort

Why we love it: Kitschy theme, ample activities

This "value-level" resort (among the most economical resorts on the property) showcases fads from the 50s-90s. Three themed pool areas include a 1960s Hippy Dippy pool with a nearby kiddie pool, a 1950s pool shaped like a bowling pin, and a 90s-themed, computer-shaped pool with a large floppy disk and keyboard. Kids can enjoy an arcade, a playground, crafts, poolside challenges, and Disney movies under the stars. Guests receive free transportation to Disney parks, including Skyliner access.

An added bonus is the short walking distance to Disney’s Art of Animation resort, where guests can enjoy this neighbor resort’s highly-rated Landscape of Flavors dining area. Hourglass Lake is adjacent to these Orlando hotels and provides a one-mile loop for taking a stroll with beautiful views.

RELATED: Universal's Epic Universe: Epic Fun at Orlando's Newest Theme Park

Enjoy the pool and pre-opening hours at certain Universal theme parks with a stay at Hard Rock Orlando.

4. Hard Rock Hotel Orlando — Universal Orlando Hotel

Why we love it: Huge pool with underwater sound system, Universal perks

Families will feel like rock stars at this Universal Orlando on-site premier resort. Amenities include a 12,000-square-foot pool with an underwater sound system, a water slide, a beach area with sand volleyball, and a game room. Guests can rock out in their room with a selection of more than 20 Fender guitars that can be rented out and delivered straight to them. Perks include free transportation, early theme park admission, and free Universal Express Unlimited, which allows you to skip the regular lines at some Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure attractions.

5. Cabana Bay Beach Resort — Universal Orlando Hotel

Why we love it: Retro theme, bowling alley, Universal perks

Another Universal Orlando hotel that we like is this retro-themed resort with two huge pools, a water slide, a lazy river, beautifully landscaped walking paths, an arcade, and a 10-lane bowling alley. As with the Hard Rock, guests staying on site enjoy free transportation to the parks, early theme park admission, free Universal Express Unlimited, and other benefits. Family suites with kitchenettes sleep up to six.

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We loved the condo-style resort rooms at the Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Photo by Anna Fader

Best Orlando Hotels for Families Not at Theme Parks

6. Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek

Why we love it: Tons of water and other activities

This luxurious resort is adjacent to Walt Disney World and minutes from Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. It features amazing water amenities, including five pools, two lazy rivers, water slides, and splash zones, including a pirate ship play structure. Other resort activities include miniature golf, game rooms, a playground, weekly organized activities such as face painting, and outdoor movie nights, and more. Check out our full review of Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

7. Caribe Royale Orlando

Why we love it: Tween and teen appeal, sports simulators

This tropical resort is perfect for families—especially those with tweens and teens—who want to visit Disney, but don't want all Disney all the time. The main pool has a 75-foot water slide and refreshing waterfalls. The sports courts include padel and pickleball courts and a basketball half-court. There's also a small arcade, a fishing pier, a two-story fitness center, and movies under the stars. Suites and villas accommodate families of varying sizes, and a free shuttle takes families to the Disney parks (less than a 15-minute drive).

Tweens and teens will love the on-site Stadium Club, a sports-themed restaurant with tons of screens playing sporting events of all kinds. Families can reserve a state-of-the-art sports simulator to try over a dozen sports and games like golf, basketball, baseball, and even zombie dodgeball. And the littlest guests aren't forgotten at Caribe Royale: They can complete a flamingo scavenger hunt to receive a prize, splash in the kiddie splash pool, and play on the small playground.

8. Orlando World Center Marriott

Why we love it: Fantastic water park, nightly laser light show

Our writer and her family had a blast at this resort—just check out her review of Orlando World Center Marriott—and that was before its water park opened in 2022! The water park features seven thrilling water slides, a lazy river, a kids' splash zone, and more. Guests can also enjoy crafts, hula hoop competitions, a nightly laser light show, and many more activities. Orlando World Center Marriott is close to all major Orlando theme parks, and shuttle service to the Disney parks is included in the resort fee.

9. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites & Water Park by IHG

Why we love it: Massive water park, close to Disney

This all-suites hotel is just a five-minute drive to Walt Disney World and complimentary shuttle service is available. The highlight is the 20,000-square-foot water park with multiple kid-friendly water slides and flumes, as well as two pools and a toddler splash area. The resort also features basketball, an arcade, a playground, miniature golf, family movie nights, a food court, and more.

RELATED: 100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids (Other Than the Theme Parks)

All the rooms are suites at Floridays, making it easier for families to get some sleep!

10. Floridays Resort Orlando

Why we love it: Spacious suites, fun weekly activities

This tropical-themed resort is located just three miles from Disney and SeaWorld and seven miles from Universal Orlando. Families flock here for the spacious two- or three-bedroom suites. All come with kitchens, washer/dryers, living rooms, and dining rooms. The resort features a large, zero-entry pool with a kids' water playscape and splash pad, a separate beach area, and a game room. Weekly activities include dive-in movie nights and DJ pool parties. Shuttle service to the main theme parks is included in the resort fee.

11. JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

Why we love it: Great pool complex, Ritz Kids drop-off program

Among the hotels near Orlando airport, this 500-acre grand hotel is a great choice. It's also located near all local major theme parks. Guests enjoy a large outdoor pool complex with a lazy river, three large water slides, and an aqua-adventure obstacle course. Other activities include an award-winning golf course, guided kayak eco-tours on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, mountain biking, and more. For an additional fee, kids ages 4-12 enjoy the Ritz Kids full-day, half-day, or evening drop-off program, with activities such as animal care, cooking classes, crafts, and games.

12. Villatel Orlando Resort

Why we love it: Large, incredible villas with pools and themed kids' rooms

Open only since March 2025, this gorgeous Marriott resort next to Universal is perfect for multigenerational family travel. It features modern villas with four to nine bedrooms, sleeping 10 to a whopping 26 people. Each villa has its own screened-in pool. Larger villas have additional features including arcades, game lofts, theaters, and patio games. Kids will love the themed bedrooms in each villa that range from tree houses and pirate ships to castles and Super Mario World. The rooms have fun features like foam pits and bunk beds with slides.

Sounds like you'll never want to leave your villa, right? Well, you should. Villatel is home to Aqua Bay water park with four slides, a splash park, a lazy river, and a luxurious pool. There's also a covered playground, basketball and pickleball courts, and other activities. And when it's time to head to the parks, ride the free shuttle bus to Disney and Universal.

RELATED: The Best Playgrounds Around Orlando for Kids

The free on-site water park at the Grove makes it an economical and amenity-laden pick.

Best Suburban Orlando Hotels for Families

13. The Grove Resort & Water Park — Winter Garden

Why we love it: Surfari Water Park, huge family fun center

This serene resort with spacious, multi-bedroom suites is among our favorite Orlando hotels. The on-site water park, free for guests, features a surf simulator, a lazy river, water slides, a two-story water playground, and a zero-entry pool. There's also a separate pool complex, a kids' activity center. water sports, and more. The 6,600-square-foot family fun center has a large arcade and glow-in-the-dark mini golf. The Grove provides free shuttle service to Disney, only six miles away.

The Terraces, added to the Grove in 2024, include 160 modern studios and one-bedroom condos. Like the resort's existing two- and three-bedroom units, they are fully furnished and full of amenities, accommodating families of all sizes. Read our full review of The Grove Resort Orlando.

14. Margaritaville Resort Orlando — Kissimmee

Why we love it: Island H2O Water Park, tropical vibes

Guests staying at Margaritaville feel like they're on island time from the minute they enter the tropical-themed lobby overlooking the lagoon-pool area, complete with a make-your-own cotton candy machine. The resort has an on-site water park that typically costs a separate fee but is sometimes free for guests. Multi-room cottages are available for large and multi-generational families. Guests can enjoy foam parties, karaoke nights, water balloon challenges, and other regular activities. Shuttle service to all Orlando theme parks is included in the resort fee.

RELATED: 3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom

Multiple pool areas keep everyone cool at Omni Orlando Resort.

15. Omni Orlando Resort — ChampionsGate

Why we love it: Kids' welcome bag, Camp Omni Kids drop-off program

Located about 30 minutes from Disney and 40 minutes from Legoland, this secluded retreat is a great halfway option for families wanting to experience both. Water amenities include two pools with water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. There's also basketball, tennis, pickleball, an arcade, and more. Golfers will love the mini golf course, par-3 course, and state-of-the-art golf simulators. Enjoy fireworks on select evenings and free transportation to Disney parks.

Kids are the VIPs at Omni Orlando. Upon check-in, they receive a welcome tote containing healthy snacks and juice, an activity book and crayons, and more. Those ages 5-10 are sure to love the Camp Omni Kids Escape drop-off program from 5-10pm (for an extra fee), complete with movies, video games, board games, and planned activities.

16. FantasyWorld Resort — Kissimmee

Why we love it: Loads of activities, large villas and townhomes

This family-friendly resort south of Orlando offers activities for everyone. Water amenities include two large pools, a lazy river, water slides, and a kids' splash pad.  Guests can also enjoy on-site mini golf, tennis, pickleball, basketball, batting cages, sand volleyball, a covered playground, a rock-climbing wall, and various other activities. Accommodations include two-bedroom villas and townhomes that sleep up to six with full kitchens, washers, and dryers.

Photos courtesy of the Orlando hotels except where noted

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