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Top 10 family-friendly hotels in Orlando for summer 2024

Our top picks for family-friendly resorts in Orlando, including themed rooms, on-site waterparks, and proximity to major attractions!

April 26, 2024
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5
 min read
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Last updated:
Apr 26
A couple watching the fireworks in Orlando

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Ready to make some unforgettable memories in Orlando? If you’re hunting for a vacation spot that will light up everyone's eyes—kids and adults alike—you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to walk you through some of the most family-friendly resorts in the heart of the action. From splashing around in enormous pools to dining under the stars, these resorts are crafted to make every moment of your stay magical. Whether you're a Disney devotee or a Universal enthusiast, or even if you just love soaking up the sunny vibes by a lazy river, you’ll be able to find the perfect hotel to suit your crew’s style and budget. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive into a world of fun!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Need some magic in your life? Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the perfect place to bring the family to experience the wonders of Disney while on vacation in Orlando. The rooms are creatively themed around Disney animated movies like “Finding Nemo,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid,” providing an immersive experience where you’ll feel like you’re in the movie. The hotel features three themed pools, including the largest resort pool in Walt Disney World Resort, as well as a variety of dining options which has something for everyone. Not only that, but your booking includes benefits like early theme park entry and free transportation across Disney properties! Book it, baby!

1850 Animation Way

Lake Buena Vista, FL

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

For a retro vibe, book your next Orlando vacation at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! This hotel has a 1950s and 60s theme that offers a unique vibe that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. It features spacious family suites with kitchenettes and extra sleeping areas, perfect for families of all sizes to sleep comfortably. With an on-site bowling alley and two massive pools, including a lazy river, kids of all ages will have the time of their lives playing all day. And with its close proximity to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you’ll be able to start the fun earlier than ever. Book it, baby!

6550 Adventure Way

Orlando, FL

Floridays Resort

Floridays Resort offers the comforts of home while on vacation. Offering two and three bedroom suites with full kitchens, large families will have room to roam without feeling cramped. Its amenities include a large pool with a water play area for younger children to enjoy some fun in the sun. Floridays Resort is also located near popular attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, allowing families to experience the magic of Orlando’s theme parks without paying the high price tag of staying on site. The best part? This resort is pet-friendly, so the whole family, including furry friends, can stay and play together. Book it, baby!

12562 International Drive

Orlando, FL

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark

Want to cool off from the Orlando heat? Stay at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark! Boasting a massive on-site waterpark complete with waterslides and a toddler-safe splashing area, this hotel is a haven for family fun without even leaving the hotel. It offers a range of scheduled activities and live entertainment suited for children and parents alike, including Family Movie Nights and a 9-hole mini-golf course. Their dining options cater to children, and include a marketplace for quick bites and essentials for families on the go. However, if you’re itching to venture out to Orlando’s other attractions, you’ll be able to catch the complimentary shuttle that will take you right to Walt Disney World! Book it, baby!

14500 Continental Gateway

Orlando, FL

Caribe Royale Orlando

At Caribe Royale Orlando, the Caribbean experience is closer than ever. This hotel offers spacious one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, ideal for families wanting some room to roam. Its dining options cater to all tastes, from quick snacks and fine dining that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Take a dip in the large pool or zip down the waterslide with the kiddos, or if you’re vacationing with little ones, check out the water play area that is designed just for them to have fun too. And if you need a bit of time away from the noise, don’t miss the full-service spa where you can take the opportunity to relax and unwind. Book it, baby!

8101 World Center Dr

Orlando, FL

Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Bring the Caribbean to Orlando at Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort! With its Caribbean-inspired theme and tropical decor, this hotel provides a relaxing atmosphere for families. Play all day in the large pool complete with a sand beach and a water slide, or take some time to relax in the spacious and comfortable rooms. Family suites are even available for larger groups staying at the resort. And if the kids (and, let’s be honest, you!) are looking to experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you can start your time at the park as soon as possible with early admission included in your booking. Book it, baby!

6601 Adventure Way

Orlando, FL

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the perfect place to experience the wonder of the South Pacific in Florida. Enjoy tropical delicacies from the South Pacific at ‘Ohana, try Asian-inspired cuisine at Kona CafĂ©, and roast some marshmallows around the campfire at sundown. Swim in the iconic Lava and Oasis pools, which feature a waterslide and a zero-depth entry point, or relax on the newly renovated Oasis patio, where you can rent your own private lounge area. For families looking to explore the rest of Walt Disney World, you’re in luck! Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers direct monorail service to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Book it, baby!

1600 West Seven Seas Drive

Lake Buena Vista, FL

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

For a high-end vacation experience in Orlando, look no further than JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes! This hotel offers luxurious accommodations with exceptional service, boasting high-quality restaurants and gorgeous rooms. Children of all ages will love the lazy river pool that wraps around the resort, perfect for playing in the sun and relaxing with the family. This hotel is a great pick for outdoorsy families, offering various outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and eco-tours. For indoor fun, check out the Ritz Kids program, which is sure to keep kids entertained all day while parents enjoy some deserved R & R. Book it, baby!

4040 Central Florida Pkwy

Orlando, FL

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

If you’re an active family, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is the place for you. With an 800,000 gallon pool with waterfalls, slides, and a suspension bridge, you’ll feel like you’re in a jungle paradise. Its outdoor activities include rock climbing, bike rentals, and watersports on the private Lake Windsong. Kids will have a blast at Camp Hyatt, a kids program that entertains with games, crafts, and educational activities about Florida wildlife. For adults and older kids, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress features a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and tennis courts to play on. Who says vacation is just for relaxing? Book it, baby!

One Grand Cypress Blvd

Orlando, FL

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

To finish off this list, we’re bringing you the magic of the ocean confined within an Orlando hotel! Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld, located directly across the street from SeaWorld, allows you to access underwater fun and animal encounters steps from your accommodation. Your booking also includes special SeaWorld perks, such as quick queue passes that will make your adventures even better. Within the hotel, kids can play at AquaZone Water Park, which hosts a splash pad, water slides, and outdoor games fit for the whole family to enjoy. And if you’re feeling peckish, you’ll be able to indulge in various cultural delicacies from sea to sea. Book it, baby!

6677 Sea Harbor Dr

Orlando, FL

These resorts are more than just places to stay; they're gateways to experiences that your family will talk about for years to come. Remember, the perfect vacation is about more than just escaping the daily grind; it’s about creating joyous moments that knit us closer together. So why wait? Choose the resort that speaks to your heart, book that trip, and get ready to collect a treasure trove of giggles and wide-eyed wows. With all these fantastic options, the hardest part will be leaving!

*Prices fluctuate based on season and day of the week.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley McCrea

With over ten years of writing experience, Ashley explores a variety of lifestyle topics in her written pieces including travel, finance, health, beauty, cooking, and entrepreneurship. She is currently pursuing degrees in History and English Rhetoric, Media, and Professional Communications with specializations in Technical Writing and Creative Writing at the University of Waterloo. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ashley is an avid reader and passionate about writing poetry and short stories, aiming to inform, entertain, and inspire with every piece she creates.