ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Where to Stay in Orlando

From budget-friendly hotels on International Drive to luxury Disney resorts and spacious private villas with pools, find the perfect accommodation for your Florida holiday. We've compiled the best options and booking sites to help you choose.

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Which Accommodation Type is Right for You?

Each option has its own advantages. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.

Regular Hotels

Best for flexibility and budget control

  • Most affordable option
  • Central locations (I-Drive)
  • Easy to book/cancel
Typical price per night
£70 - £290

Disney Resorts

Best for the full Disney experience

  • Early Entry to parks
  • Free transport to parks
  • Magical theming
Typical price per night
£150 - £860

Universal Hotels

Best for Universal & Epic Universe fans

  • Early Park Admission
  • Free Express Pass (select)
  • Walk to CityWalk
Typical price per night
£100 - £540

Private Villas

Best for families & longer stays

  • Private pool & space
  • Full kitchen facilities
  • Great value for groups
Typical price per night
£120 - £320
HOTELS & MOTELS

Regular Hotels in Orlando

International Drive (I-Drive) is the heart of Orlando's tourist district, offering hundreds of hotels at every price point. From budget-friendly motels to upscale chain hotels, you'll find excellent options within easy reach of all the major theme parks.

Why Choose a Regular Hotel?

  • Budget-friendly: Often 50-70% cheaper than on-site resort hotels
  • Flexibility: Usually easier cancellation policies and last-minute availability
  • Location variety: Choose to be near Universal, Disney, or central I-Drive
  • Dining options: Easy access to restaurants, shops, and supermarkets

Popular Hotel Areas

International Drive

Central location with restaurants, attractions, and I-Ride Trolley access to SeaWorld and Universal.

Kissimmee / US-192

Budget-friendly area near Disney World's main entrance. Great for Disney-focused trips.

Lake Buena Vista

Close to Disney Springs with upscale options. Some hotels offer Disney shuttle services.

Universal Boulevard

Walking distance or short drive to Universal parks. Convenient for Universal-focused trips.

Where to Book Hotels

Tip: Compare prices across multiple sites - the same hotel can vary by £20-50 per night depending on where you book!

Popular Hotel Chains in Orlando

Rosen

Great I-Drive locations

Hilton

Multiple tiers available

Marriott

Bonvoy rewards

Hyatt

Quality guaranteed

Holiday Inn

Family-friendly

Best Western

Budget-friendly

Disney Resort Categories

VALUE From £150/night

All-Star Resorts & Pop Century

Basic but themed rooms, food courts, pools. Perfect for families on a budget who want Disney perks.

All-Star Movies All-Star Music All-Star Sports Pop Century Art of Animation
MODERATE From £215/night

Caribbean Beach, Coronado & More

Larger rooms, better theming, table service restaurants. Great middle ground.

Caribbean Beach Coronado Springs Port Orleans French Quarter Port Orleans Riverside Fort Wilderness Cabins
DELUXE From £410/night

Grand Floridian, Contemporary & More

Premium locations, finest dining, exceptional theming. The ultimate Disney experience.

Grand Floridian Contemporary Polynesian Animal Kingdom Lodge Boardwalk Beach/Yacht Club Wilderness Lodge Riviera Resort
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS

Disney Resort Hotels

Staying on Disney property means you're never far from the magic. With over 25 themed resorts ranging from budget-friendly Value to ultra-luxurious Deluxe, there's a Disney resort for every budget.

Benefits of Staying On-Site

  • Early Entry: Enter parks 30 minutes before general guests - crucial for popular rides!
  • Free Transportation: Buses, monorail, boats, and Skyliner to all parks
  • Extended Evening Hours: Deluxe resorts get extra park time on select nights
  • MagicBand+: Complimentary for room entry, park tickets, and purchases
  • Immersive Theming: The Disney experience continues at your hotel

Where to Book Disney Hotels

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Universal Resort Hotels

Universal's on-site hotels offer incredible perks including Early Park Admission and, at Premier hotels, complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes worth hundreds of pounds per person!

Universal Hotel Benefits

  • Early Park Admission: Enter parks 1 hour early - ALL Universal hotels!
  • Free Express Pass: Premier hotels include unlimited Express (worth £80+/day!)
  • Walking Distance: Stroll to CityWalk and the parks
  • Free Water Taxis: Scenic boat rides to the parks
  • Charge to Room: Use your room key throughout the resort

Where to Book Universal Hotels

Universal Hotel Tiers

PREMIER FREE EXPRESS UNLIMITED!
Portofino Bay Hotel Italian luxury
Hard Rock Hotel Rock and roll themed
Royal Pacific Resort South Pacific paradise
Express Pass valid at USF and IOA only, not Epic Universe
SIGNATURE No Express Pass
Helios Grand Hotel In-park at Epic Universe
Sapphire Falls Resort Caribbean elegance
Aventura Hotel Modern and sleek
From £180/night
PRIME VALUE Early Park Admission
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Retro 1950s-60s
Endless Summer Resort Dockside and Surfside
Stella Nova Resort Near Epic Universe
Terra Luna Resort Near Epic Universe
From £107/night

Where to Find Villas

Book Direct with Villa Owners

Booking directly with villa owners can often get you better rates and more personal service. Many UK families have had great experiences dealing directly.

VACATION HOMES

Private Villas with Pools

For families and groups, renting a private villa near Disney can offer incredible value. Enjoy your own private pool, multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, and the freedom to spread out - often at a lower per-person cost than hotels.

Why Choose a Villa?

  • Private Pool: Relax after park days - heated pools available
  • Space: Multiple bedrooms, living areas, and often a games room
  • Kitchen: Save money by cooking some meals at home
  • Laundry: Most villas have washing machines - pack light!
  • Great for Groups: Perfect when travelling with extended family

Kissimmee

Most popular villa area. 10-20 mins to Disney. Huge selection of communities.

Champions Gate

Upscale resort community with golf. About 25 mins to Disney.

Davenport

Budget-friendly villas. 20-30 mins to Disney & Universal.

Windsor Hills

Closest community to Disney (2 miles!). Resort-style amenities.

Important: You'll Need a Car!

Unlike hotels with shuttle services, villas require you to drive everywhere. Factor in car hire costs when comparing prices. Use our Package Calculator to estimate total costs.

What to Look for in a Villa

Pool Heating

Essential Oct-Apr

Games Room

Pool table, arcade

Free WiFi

Stay connected

BBQ Grill

Outdoor cooking

Smart TV

Netflix, streaming

Gated Community

Added security

Ready to Calculate Your Holiday Cost?

Use our free Package Calculator to estimate the total cost of your Florida holiday, including flights, accommodation, tickets, and car hire.

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