The 10 best family-friendly hotels in Orlando for the perfect theme-park vacation

The headline here is obvious: the Surfari Water Park with its Flowrider double surf simulator, dual water slides, extra-long lazy river and pools suitable for literally any ages is unlikely to leave anyone bored for long. But if you do need more, there’s a kids’ club, a games room, mini golf, movie nights, canoeing, fishing and an indoor games room. Another reason to love this place is the option to book a condo instead of just a room, and make use of the full-size kitchen and a multi-room format perfect for staggered bedtimes. If you’re looking for a more adult activity, consider renting a boat and taking some time out on Lake Austin. 

Mood? You brought a swimming costume, right?
Location perks? Transport provided to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld.
Budget range? There’s some pretty great deals to be had on the condos.

Combining the best of natural and man-made water features, this resort has a stunning lagoon pool with water slide, plus access to a private lake. You can enjoy water sports, mini golf, table tennis, movie nights, indoor and outdoor play areas and some great family-friendly restaurants. There’s also the Marylin Monroe spa to leave you feeling like a film star, which we’re only mentioning because - oh look! - the hotel also has a babysitting service. Just saying.

Mood? A classy take on the family friendly vibe.
Location perks? The supercool Boneyard playground is less than a mile away.
Budget range? Getting quite pricey.

It seems pretty remiss to compile a list of family-friendly hotels in Orlando and not mention the big ‘D’. The Disney Art of Animation Resort is a particularly cute edition to the range on offer, with themed rooms based around wholesome classics like The Lion King, Finding Nemo and Cars. There’s a HUGE pool, plus a smaller one with an ‘Under the Sea’ orchestra conducted by Sebastian from the Little Mermaid (adorable, right?). There’s also a Righteous Reef playground, an arcade with video games and outdoor movie nights on big screens by the pool. And for adults? Frozen cocktails, my friend. Frozen cocktails. 

Mood? Disney to the max.
Location perks? Soar across the blue expanse in a Skyliner to Epcot.
Budget range? Look out for lots of money-saving deals and add-ons.

The big hitter of the big hitters, the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World is an exemplary 26-acre lakeside retreat that caters expertly to kids and adults alike. There’s a five-acre private water park with all the squeal-inducing accoutrements, a kids’ club, a playground, a games room and an endless list of sports and activities including tennis, cycling and movies. Not forgetting all the thoughtful and practical additions the Four Seasons is known for, such as baby safety equipment, strollers and babysitting services. And to help the older guests recharge, there’s an adults-only infinity pool, yoga classes, massages in the spa and a Michelin Star restaurant. Truly what they call ‘something for everyone’. 

Mood? Elegance personified.
Location perks? Luxury shuttles to all four Disney parks.
Budget range? It’s got a price tag.

All things bright and bountiful characterise this resort from Holiday Inn. The bonuses for families advertise themselves pretty heavily - it’s a huge waterpark with colourful slides, lagoon pools and a kids’ splash pad. There’s also a wealth of other keep-them-entertained activities including mini golf, basketball courts, a playground, an arcade and movie nights. But the other major attraction is that the hotel offers 1-,2- and 3-bedroom suites, offering so much more space and flexibility than the usual hotel room. Microwaves and fridges are standard, but there are also six very family-friendly restaurants onsite. The only (slightly confusing) downside is they don’t offer cots or extra beds.

Mood? Like the world has been made from Duplo blocks.
Location perks? Extremely close to Disney World.
Budget range? Much cheaper than others on this list.

The Evermore Orlando Resort saw every resort on this list and said: hold my beer. Set around Evermore Bay, this resort offers 20 acres of white sand beaches, endless expanses of blue water and a menu of child-friendly activities so extensive you’ll be hard pressed to have ticked everything off your list before you leave. In short, it combines the best bits of a luxe beach holiday with the whole Orlando theme park experience (a shuttle service is available). They offer not just suites but full-on houses (up to eleven bedrooms!), some of which come with media theaters. There’s paddleboarding, kayaking, high jumps, a rope swing, water slides, an infinity pool, golf, sandcarving sessions and so on and so forth. And for the adults? A sumptuous spa on top of a water garden and lovely, relaxing stretching classes. Breathe deep…

Mood? The family holiday 2.0.
Location perks? A white sand beach literally on your doorstep.
Budget range? Pricy but seriously great.

This superb and extremely beautiful resort - where you can now book a whole 3 or 4 bedroom home - has an eye-watering variety of child-friendly activities on offer but, unlike some others on this list, it positions them as a classy, friendly addition, rather than the main event. This means you can genuinely feel like you’re getting a huge amount to attract the adults (world-class dining, golf and spa) while also knowing the kids are thoroughly entertained. The main event is the Grande Lakes Waterpark (including the Splash Cove for little ones), but there’s also cycling, kayaking, mountain biking, falconry (!), fishing and safari excursions. Come the holidays, they host super cute events like the Gingerbread School, a Winter Wonderland Market and a Santa Teddy Bear Tea. 

Mood? Keeping it (very) classy.
Location perks? Quite possibly the only Florida resort with its own farm.
Budget range? Nope, it’s not cheap.

Orlando is so famous for a certain little mouse and his pals that it’s easy to forget there’s also a LEGOLAND here. It’s safe to say that the joys of this hotel are pretty squarely aimed at the children who stay here. But it’s all so super adorable, you’ll get a kick out of seeing your LEGO-obsessed kid having such a fun time. The LEGOLAND hotel rooms are pirate, kingdom or adventure themed (there are also separate Pirate Island and Beach Retreat hotels) and all who stay here get access to a Master Model Builder Workshop. There’s also a LEGO-themed pool, a LEGO-filled moat around the LEGO castle play area and even a LEGO skyline with over 20 LEGO scenes. Cool off with a drink at the Bricks beach bar while dreaming of more LEGO.

Mood? LEGO!
Location perks? You are right next to… LEGOLAND!
Budget range? Your LEGO bankmanger will approve.

The sister of the Swan hotel, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel features - amongst other childcentric entertainments - a Supervised Children’s Activity Center, where four to 12-year-olds will be safely looked after while their parents grab a moment at the Mandara Spa or devour a meal at Shula’s Steak House (for example). There are four outdoor pools, with one dedicated solely to kids, plus water slides, pool toys, outdoor play equipment, bikes, table tennis, karaoke, movie nights and mini golf (plus the off-site options of horseriding and bowling). It’s a nice ‘middle ground’ option that will also attract slightly older kids.

Mood? Disney glitz. 
Location perks? Take a simple stroll to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.
Budget range? Some good prices to be had!

The idea behind this resort is to make you feel like you’re on a tropical island, while actually being super close to all the famous Orlando action. Its beautifully landscaped pool has free-flowing waterfalls and a water slide - which gives a nice indication of how family fun sits alongside calming natural beauty here. There’s also a sand beach area and a dedicated kids play area with water jets, plus a lending library of toys and the useful offer of a childproofing kit. Extra points for activities such as poolside hula hooping contests. The whole family dining options include slightly more adventurous ones like Caribbean cuisine and seafood. 

Mood? Tropical-themed fun. 
Location perks? Free transport to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Budget range? Upper end of ‘middle’.