13 of the Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids

If you travel with kids, chances are, you’ll be planning a trip to Orlando, Florida at some point. Orlando offers so many things for the entire family, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Universal Studios.

Regardless of your budget, there are so many great options for kid-friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida. Here are some of our favorites among the best Orlando resorts. We’ve only included hotels that we’ve actually stayed in on this list, so there are many other hotels in Orlando that could absolutely be appropriate for your vacation.

Disclosure: Over the years, I’ve been hosted at some, but not all, of these best family hotels. This post contains affiliate links and a click-through/purchase from one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. I used to be a member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, but all opinions are my own.

The Best Hotels in Orlando for Kids

Hyatt Orlando International Airport

I’d always wanted to stay in a hotel in an airport, and have enjoyed several stays at the Hyatt Orlando International Airport. This hotel, which is located right in the airport terminal, is perfect for a pre-or post-cruise stay. It’s so convenient and offers an outdoor pool and several restaurants.

You’ll also have access to the restaurants in the pre-security area of the airport. Despite the location in the airport, the rooms are actually very comfortable and quiet. I always enjoy my stay there.

In addition to regular stays, the Hyatt Orlando International Airport also offers day stays. If you arrive early at the airport, or have a delayed flight, you’ll be able to pay a day rate to get access to a room for a day. In addition to the room, you’ll also have access to all of the amenities of the hotel. It’s a great way to relax.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Orlando Airport

If you’d like to stay by the airport but don’t want to stay IN the airport, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Orlando Airport is a great option. This hotel offers the great DoubleTree benefits (like complimentary chocolate chip cookies!), in a convenient location at a great price.

It’s located about 10 minutes from Orlando International Airport and 20 minutes from the Orlando theme parks. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and has a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle.

I wouldn’t necessarily stay at the DoubleTree for a full vacation (although you definitely could). It is a great spot if you want to be near the airport, however.

Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts

Located on Disney property, but not owned by Disney, these sister resorts have many of the same benefits that on-property Disney resorts off. These resorts can often have better prices than similar-rated Disney properties, although they do have more of a business-hotel feel.

You’ll have complimentary access to transportation to all of the Disney theme parks. From this resort, you can walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the Boardwalk.

You could definitely spend an entire vacation at these hotels. There’s so much to do and there are some great amenities, including a gorgeous pool area.

Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club

If you are looking for an on-property Disney resort that’s conveniently located, you may want to look at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club. These sister resorts are located near Epcot’s World Showcase entrance and are a quick walk or boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Boardwalk.

There’s also a three-acre pool area called Stormalong Bay, which offers a water slide, lazy river, and sandy bottom pool. It’s definitely one of the best hotel pools in Orlando. These two resorts are considered deluxe Disney resorts and are among some of the most expensive resorts on property.

Other amenities include a fitness center, and arcade, tennis courts, and a salon. There are also several restaurants. Walt Disney World resort hotels also offer free parking at the hotels.

I find the Beach and Yacht Club to be one of the most convenient hotels, because of the walking access to two separate theme parks. But you may also want to plan a free day just to spend some time at the resort because the pool is so fantastic.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This recently renovated resort is one of the best Disney properties for young families. It’s located on the monorail loop, so you can take a monorail to the Magic Kingdom right from the resort. The adjacent Ticket and Transportation Center offers a monorail to EPCOT and a bus service to the Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Polynesian has multiple swimming pools, several delicious restaurants, and so much more. It’s a big resort, so definitely call to make a request if you have a specific building in mind. Like some of the other Disney Resorts, you could easily spend a full day just at the resort enjoying the pool area.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

This Disney Value resort is one of the newest hotels on the property. The theme at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is so kid-friendly, with areas themed after the Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and the Lion King.

Although it’s a value resort, only one of the sections, the Little Mermaid, has standard hotel rooms. The rest of the resort has some really nice family suites, with a living area, a master bedroom, and a small kitchenette. They offer a lot more space for a family.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

In my opinion, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most kid-friendly hotels in Orlando. If you stay here, I’d definitely recommend getting a Savannah-view room, which is a bit more expensive. However, you’ll be able to see animals right from your hotel room’s balcony.

We first stayed there when my kids were little, and they absolutely loved all of the animals. It’s definitely one of my favorite hotels. 

Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have to take bus transportation to the four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the two water parks. However, it’s worth it because it’s such a unique, beautiful resort.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Another incredibly convenient hotel for a Walt Disney World vacation is Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This modern resort, located on the monorail loop, is adjacent to the Magic Kingdom, making it a great place to stay if you are planning on spending a lot of time at that park.

The Contemporary has several buildings, including the main tower, the garden wing, and Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property. There are loads of amenities on the property for guests, including pools, an arcade, and multiple restaurants.

Guests are able to take a short walk from the resort right to the Magic Kingdom. This is especially helpful at the end of the night when you’ll be able to go right to your hotel after a long day at the park.

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

This beautiful property is perfect for a luxury Orlando vacation. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes are sister resorts that share amenities, which include a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, a Ritz-Carlton spa, a Lazy River, and many fabulous restaurants.

The property sits at the foot of the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, and guests can book a kayaking eco-tour through these tranquil and beautiful waters. My favorite amenity is the lazy river – it’s both peaceful and fun.

Because of the location on the headwaters of the Everglades, it really doesn’t feel like an Orlando hotel. Instead, it feels much more remote. Definitely plan to spend some time relaxing there.

Gaylord Palms

I’m a big fan of the Gaylord resort chain and have stayed at four of their current properties. The Gaylord Palms is a beautiful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the Orlando theme parks.

It’s got a small family water park, a space, several restaurants, and a game room, in a family-friendly, relaxing environment. Like the other Gaylord properties, everything is located in a gorgeous atrium, filled with plants.

Orlando World Center Marriott

This resort is the largest Marriott-branded hotel in the world and one of the busiest hotels that I’ve ever stayed in. However, it doesn’t seem too overwhelming or crowded.

There’s a gorgeous pool area that you could spend a whole day at, with an outdoor swimming pool, water slides, and more. In addition, there are 11 different on-site restaurants including a grab-and-go market, an arcade, a spa, and much, much more. It feels like a small city and is a fun place to stay.

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

If your travel plans include Discovery Cove and/or SeaWorld, this resort is extremely convenient. SeaWorld is located right across the street, so you don’t need to drive or take a shuttle. The resort is very comfortable and offers nice-sized rooms (some with views of SeaWorld). There is also a pool area/water park for kids, an arcade, several restaurants, and a spa.

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

We stayed at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort over Thanksgiving and absolutely loved our stay. I opted to upgrade to a Walt Disney World fireworks view room, so we were able to see the fireworks right from our room. The resort is convenient for a Disney stay.

Although it isn’t a Disney property, it’s located within the gates of Walt Disney World. Amenities include a shuttle right to the Walt Disney World theme parks, as well as a beautiful pool area with a lazy river. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.