Where to Stay on your Orlando Vacation
Orlando has 7 distinct areas that vacationers can use as a home base for visiting the many theme parks and recreational spots in the county. Making a choice of where to stay can be quite a daunting task, so here are some tips that may help you choose the optimum lodging that will suit your vacation needs (and budget) during your stay in the world’s family entertainment capital.
South of Disney World (Kissimmee area – Highway 192)
The historic town of Kissimmee has been a well-known destination for many tourists visiting Orlando. With its numerous restaurants, bed & breakfasts, vacation condos, golf courses, and family attractions, many vacationers consider this area an excellent one for finding lodging. Hotel prices here are less expensive when compared to hotels in the other areas. However, many of the structures are aging as most were built in the late 70’s. Few of the hotels here are connected with national chains.
North of Disney World
Also known as the Lake Buena Vista area, this is the newest location for places to stay in Orlando County and is managed by the Walt Disney Corporation. The hotels here were built starting in the early 1990’s to the present and are mostly associated with the national hotel chains. The Lake Buena Vista area hosts great shopping and dining within a few miles radius.
Disney World Resort Properties
For a Disney enthusiast, the resort itself is the best option to scout for a good hotel. Obviously, it will be the closest to Disney World and free shuttle services to the parks run every thirty minutes. Disney World hotels are run at the highest standards so there is a high probability for an excellent stay. However, these hotel rooms only allow up to four people in a single room and as compared to similar quality hotels outside the Disney World property, the prices can be almost double. There is a lot of value, however, in not having to make the daily car trips back and forth to Disney World.
Universal Studios Florida Area
There are also some good options that can be considered in this area, but not as much as there is in other areas of Orlando County. Only a few hotels can be found in this area and there is not much competition going on between them, so the prices are really not that attractive.
Downtown Orlando
Visiting Orlando means spending time at the theme parks and beautiful attractions that this region offers. Therefore, you probably do not want the hassle of long trips from your hotel to these theme parks – not to mention the time that you will be wasting while traveling thirty minutes to and from Disney World. There are too many good alternatives to staying downtown.
Convention Center Area
The convention center area is just a few minutes away from SeaWorld so it can be a good choice for those who will be going primarily to that park. However, the prices here are a little more expensive while the amenities offered by the hotels are mostly geared for business travelers than for families.
SeaWorld / International Drive Area
The International Drive area is our favorite area to stay in when vacationing with young children. The number of quality “villa resorts” in the area is the reason. For the same price as a decent hotel room, you can be in a two bedroom villa with full kitchen, living room, whirlpool bath and screened-in veranda. These resorts have lakes, pools, activity centers and other amenities that children (and adults) love. You will be especially appreciative of these resorts if you have some non-park days on your itinerary.
The Greater Orlando area offers a large variety of hotel and lodging options. By reviewing the different choices described in this article, you will be well on your way to making the right decision for a great Orlando vacation!
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