Where to Stay in Orlando Florida for your 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)
Over the years, highway 192 has been a well-known destination for many of the tourists visiting Orlando. With its many restaurants, good golf courses, and family attractions, many visitors consider this area an excellent one for finding hotel accommodations. Hotel prices are less expensive here compared to hotels in other areas. However, many of the structures are aging as most were built in the late 1970′s. Many of these hotels are not connected with national brands.
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 Theme Park Area
While there are also some good options for lodging in the Universal Studios area, there are not nearly as many choices as other areas of Orlando County. The lack of competition results in prices that are not really that attractive.
Downtown Orlando
An Orlando vacation means visiting the theme parks and beautiful attractions that this region has to offer. Most likely, you will not enjoy the traffic hassles of long trips from downtown to the theme parks – not to mention the time that you will be wasting traveling thirty minutes or more to and from Disney World each day. There are just too many good alternatives to staying downtown.
Orlando County Convention Center Area
This area is just a few minutes away from SeaWorld so it can be a good choice for those who will be going to that park. However, the prices are a little more expensive here while the amenities that the hotels offer are mostly geared for business travelers than for families.
International Drive / SeaWorld Area
This is our favorite area to stay when vacationing with children. The reason is due to the number of villa resorts in the area. For the same price as a nice hotel room, you can have a two bedroom villa with full kitchen, whirlpool bath, living room and screened veranda. These resorts have lakes, pools, activity centers and other amenities that children (and adults) love. You will especially appreciate these resorts if you have some planned non-park days.
Orlando offers a large variety of different options for lodging. 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.