Friday, July 22, 2011

Luxury Hotels in Orlando, Florida

Your choices for Orlando hotels are many, and there are accommodation options in this popular Florida vacation destination to fit every budget and taste. For those interested in Orlando luxury hotels, the list is a healthy one, and since most days spent in Orlando are busy ones, you’ll definitely appreciate returning to the comfort of your luxurious room after heading out and about. Many luxury hotels in Orlando offer alluring spas, top-notch fitness centers, and excellent dining choices, and all of them provide above-average rooms. Whether you’re headed here with the kids to enjoy the Orlando amusement parks, or you are on a business trip, or perhaps a romantic getaway, the Orlando luxury hotels can help make your stay a most comfortable one. It just comes down to whether or not you’ll be able to choose one over the other, as all are quite tempting indeed.

Orlando is certainly known for its amusement parks, the most popular of which is Walt Disney World. Of all the Disney hotels in Orlando, the Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the most luxurious. Inspired by the golden era of Florida, this Disney offering is housed in a large Victorian-style building that is surely impressive, and the Victorian theme extends into the charming guest rooms and suites. Spacious bathrooms, 24-hour room service, and an evening turndown service are just some of the things that guests at Orlando luxury hotels can typically expect, and Disney’s Grand Floridian is no different. The dining choices here range from fine to casual, and you can even enjoy a meal with Disney characters at one of the eateries. The Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club is Walt Disney World’s best spa. Parents with younger children will definitely appreciate the Mouseketeer Club, which keeps the little ones entertained while the adults enjoy a night out. If you want to stay in the Magic Kingdom area and are looking for an Orlando luxury accommodation, then you simply can’t beat the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The recreational possibilities here are numerous, with things like watercraft rentals, tennis courts, a video arcade, pools, and even a white-sand beach to enjoy. Guests can also take advantage of a few different transportation options if they want to access Downtown Disney and the Disney theme and water parks. These options include hopping on the monorail, catching a water launch (boat), or taking a bus.

Universal Studios is another top Orlando theme park that draws in scores of tourists every year, and it’s here that you’ll find one of the top luxury hotels in Orlando. The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Florida, and the spacious guest rooms and suites here have an upgraded feel to them. Whether you opt for a standard room or the Presidente Suite, you’ll enjoy a list of amenities, including custom bedding, Italian marble accents, and complimentary cotton robes. Should you be traveling with kids, you might stay in one of the kids suites, which feature a separate king bedroom for the adults. Since you’ll be staying in the heart of Universal Studios Resort when you book a room, suite, or villa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, there will be plenty of dining and entertainment choices at hand, and the hotel’s three pools are ideal for those relaxing moments of down time when you’re not out enjoying all of the fun things to do in Orlando. The Portofino Bay Hotel has an excellent spa and fitness center, and if it’s Florida golf you’re here for, then you’ll enjoy complimentary transportation to a number of area golf courses. There certainly are many reasons to move the Portofino to the top of your Orlando luxury accommodation list.

While staying at one of the theme park resort hotels is ideal for some, others might be looking for luxury hotels in Orlando. In downtown Orlando, the landmark Grand Bohemian Hotel is worthy of consideration for anyone looking for 5 star hotels in Orlando. It features its own art gallery, which is home to more than 100 rare works, and though there isn’t a spa here, guests can enjoy in-room spa services, including relaxing massages. The Grand Bohemian guest rooms and suites are quite opulent. Velvet drapes and dark wood tones help create a comfortable and elegant ambience, and the pillow-top beds certainly encourage a good night’s rest. Like many other top luxury hotels in Orlando, the Grand Bohemian offers concierge-level rooms and suites, which are intended for those looking for the best in service. Room service is available around the clock for all guests, and the AAA Four Diamond Boheme Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy a savory Orlando dining experience. Trendy, posh, and artsy, the Grand Bohemian is definitely an Orlando luxury accommodation that exudes character.

Whichever Orlando luxury accommodation you choose to go with, you’re guaranteed an amazing stay. These are just a few of the luxury hotels available in Orlando, and Orlando’s prowess as a vacation destination has only led to a growing number of luxurious accommodations. In addition to the luxury hotels in Orlando, you might also consider the Orlando vacation rentals or the Orlando bed and breakfasts, which have among them some upscale options.

Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida

When it comes to finding a Disney World resort, you will be presented with a healthy range of choices. For those on a budget, the value-priced Orlando Disney resorts will prove most ideal, while those with more to spend might look to the deluxe resorts, many of which offer spacious villas as lodging options. If you can't quite swing the rates at the more expensive Disney resorts in Orlando, there are a handful of mid-priced choices to select from as well. Whether you are coming with kids, are going it alone, or find yourself traveling with that special someone, there's a Disney World resort that's ideal for you, so find yours today and treat yourself to that Orlando getaway that you've been thinking about.
Disney Resorts


Pretty much all of the hotels in Disney World are resorts, so those who want the Disney resort experience won't want for lodging options. As mentioned, the Orlando Disney resorts vary when it comes to rates, so you can choose accordingly depending on your budget. For those who are tight on travel funds or who just want to save their money for other things like tours or shopping, the value-priced Disney resorts are a wonderful way to go. Among the discount Disney World accommodation choices are the Pop Century Resort, the All-Star Movies Resort, the All-Star Music Resort, and the All-Star Sports Resort. These resorts all revolve around a main theme, so you can pick according to your personal tastes and preferences. At the Pop Century Resort, twentieth-century pop culture is the theme, while Disney movie characters are the main source of inspiration for the All-Star Movies Resort. Musical icons and top songs of decades past are the focus at the All-Star Music Resort, while sports fans will feel more at home at the All-Star Sports Resort. As if there wasn't already a ton of fun things to do in Orlando, and Disney World for that matter, these value-priced resorts do well to provide a nice list of activities for their guests. Each boasts more than one pool, an arcade, a playground or two, and more. In addition to offering in-room pizza delivery, these discount Disney resorts also feature quick-service eateries, so you can dine onsite to meet your needs.

While a fair amount of amenities can be found in the clean and comfortable guest rooms at the value-priced Orlando Disney Resorts, those looking for a step up can always book a stay at one of the mid-priced resorts. If a mid-priced Disney World accommodation is your aim, you can start by looking at the Disney Port Orleans Resorts, one of which is in Walt Disney World's French Quarter, the other of which is found in the Riverside area. You'll enjoy a New Orleans-related experience at both of these resorts, but if it's something more natural that you're after, you might prefer Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Not only do the cabins at the Fort Wilderness Resort feature full kitchens and plenty of other amenities, but they also have you close to walking and horseback riding trails. At Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, the theme is related to the American Southwest and Mexico , while Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is more akin to something that you might expect to find in the Caribbean. The rooms, the services, and the overall amenities at the mid-priced Orlando Disney resorts are more impressive than they are at the lower-priced options, and among the extras that you'll enjoy are limited room service, Wi-Fi internet access, and increased dining choices. Guests at both the value-priced and the mid-priced Disney Resorts in Orlando can use complimentary busses to get around the Walt Disney World area.

When it's top-of-the-line comfort and service that you are looking for when it comes time to choose a Disney World resort, you will again be presented with a number of options. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, which is located in the Magic Kingdom area, is the most luxurious Disney World accommodation offering, and not far behind it in price and amenities are Disney's Boardwalk Inn, which carries an Atlantic City theme, and Disney's Beach Club Resort, which aims to mimic a beachfront resort in New England. Nature-lover's will probably opt for a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which sits on 33 acres of wildlife preserve, or they might take to Disney's Wilderness Lodge, where the theme revolves around the great National Parks of the American West. Other deluxe Disney resorts include Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. In addition to upscale rooms, a full range of facilities, and excellent service, those staying at a luxury Disney World Resort will also enjoy increased transportation options and added dining establishments. For those who want added space when it comes to booking a stay at one of the Disney deluxe resorts, those that feature villas include the Animal Kingdom Resort, the Beach Club Resort, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Boardwalk Inn. You can also find villas for rent at the Old Key West Resort and the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, which are the remaining choices for deluxe Disney World resorts. Other resorts in Orlando are available as well if you want the resort experience during your Orlando vacation, and it never hurts to check them out as well.

Disney World Hotels in Orlando, Florida

If you are going to Orlando, Florida for the Disney experience, then you will probably be looking to stay at a Disney World hotel. There are numerous Orlando Disney hotels to choose from, so finding the right one to fit your wants and needs shouldn't be an issue. You can also find a lot of hotels near Disney World if you are looking for even more lodging choices in the area, though true Disney fans will likely want to stay within the resort's expansive boundaries. Speaking of resorts, the Orlando Disney hotels are mostly resort properties, so if it's added facilities that you seek, you will do well to stay at one. Regardless of whether you choose a hotel or a resort, those looking to secure Disney World lodging will want to look into the various vacation package options. More often than not, you will be better off combining at least your lodging with your theme park admission tickets, and you might get additional savings by including other things in your package deal, such as your flight and your ground transportation.
Disney Resorts



The Orlando Disney hotels present a nice mix of budget choices, mid-priced options, and luxury establishments, so you can choose accordingly depending on the range of your travel budget. For those seeking a luxury Disney World lodging experience, resorts like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney's Contemporary Resort are excellent choices, as are more hotel-oriented properties, such as Disney's BoardWalk Inn and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Like its sister property, which is the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, the Dolphin Hotel is an architectural gem that impresses guests as much with its design as it does with its well-appointed rooms. Should you stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort, you might book one of the new Bay Lake Tower guest units, which are among the freshest rooms in the land. Other upscale Disney World lodging choices include Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which features exotic animals on its grounds, and Disney's Beach Club Resort, which aims to create an ambience that is akin to an old New England beachfront resort. While many a deluxe Disney World hotel offers spacious villas among its guest units, those seeking a luxury villa experience here can also consider renting one of the 2- or 3-bedroom villas at the Disney Vacation Club. Regardless of which upscale Disney World hotel that you choose, you will enjoy a long list of amenities, great service, and proximity to all that Disney World has to offer.

While the upscale Orlando Disney hotels are great, not every travel budget will be able to afford them. Thankfully, there are plenty of mid-priced Disney World lodging options to select from as well. Among them are the Disney Port Orleans Resorts, one of which is in Riverside , the other of which is found in the French Quarter area. It's pretty much all about the New Orleans experience when you stay at one of these two resorts. Should your tastes be more attached to the great American Southwest and Mexico, you might prefer a stay at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, while beach lovers will feel more at home at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. If you can't make it to Barbados, Aruba, or Jamaica this year, staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort is the next best thing, as the overall ambience of the resort is inspired by the tropics. Not all of the mid-priced Disney World hotels are Disney owned, however, and you might also look to the Doubletree Guest Suites or the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel. Both offer clean and comfortable rooms that can compete with the Disney-owned properties, so they are always worth looking into.

Saving money on Disney World lodging will be the aim of some visitors, and if you find yourself in that group, then you can always opt for a lesser-priced accommodation. Among the top discount Disney World hotel choices are Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort. As you will likely notice, these resorts carry a specific theme just like the other Disney resort properties, so you can choose accordingly based on your preferences. While the rooms and the overall service at these resorts are not as impressive as they are at the aforementioned Orlando Disney hotels, you will still enjoy a considerable amount of comfort and a nice range of services. In addition to staying at one of the discount Disney hotels, those seeking low rates can also look to the hotels near Disney World. In general, lodging costs at the hotels near Disney World will be lower than those at the hotels that are actually found within the resort's boundaries. Since dining in Disney World is also relatively costly, staying at a nearby hotel that is closer to discount eateries can help you keep your overall costs down.

While saving money at one of the hotels near Disney World is a good way to go, there are certain benefits that you will enjoy when staying at a Disney-owned hotel. For starters, all guests at the Disney hotels are guaranteed admission to all the top theme parks, even on the busiest of days. You can also enjoy extended hours at the theme parks, which is always a plus. One of the biggest perks to staying at a Disney-owned hotel involves transportation. All Disney hotel guests can access the free Disney World transportation system, which includes busses, water taxis, and a monorail, so getting around is a breeze. In addition to transportation around the resort property, guests at the Disney-owned hotels will also enjoy complimentary airport shuttle service and free parking, which are just two more reasons to go the Disney route.

Cheap Hotels in Orlando, Florida

While the Orlando area is home to quite a few upscale hotels and resorts, those who are looking to save some money on accommodations can opt instead for a stay at one of the cheap hotels in Orlando. Finding Orlando cheap accommodation is made easy by the fact that there are tons of options. Regardless of where you want to be in the Orlando area, budget hotels abound, so you won't have to stay in the middle of nowhere and make long commutes to get where you want to go. In addition to a long list of cheap hotels, Orlando also boasts plenty of discount motels, which are essentially akin to discount hotels. You might be surprised at how attractive and comfortable some of these discount lodging establishments can be, which gives testament to the competition that hotels face here. With so many accommodation options in Orlando , hotels need to keep up with certain standards if they wish to remain competitive. That's good news for the traveler! In the following paragraphs, you'll find some recommendations for some of the best cheap hotels in Orlando to help you plan your upcoming trip.

The northern end of famed International Drive is a great place to find a budget hotel in Orlando, and among the best choices is the Fairfield Inn International Drive. Often times, this Fairfield Inn gets lumped into the Orlando motels category, and one could argue that no other discount motel in central Florida can beat this one when it comes to overall value. As is the case at many an Orlando cheap accommodation, the Fairfield Inn includes a complimentary continental breakfast and free high-speed internet access in its low rates. While some of the rooms here have a refrigerator and a microwave, all units offer air conditioning, cable TV, a clock radio, plush bedding, a work desk, free high-speed internet access, complimentary bath products, a coffee maker, a telephone, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board, so you might find yourself wondering if the front desk somehow misquoted the price in your favor. The Hampton Inn and Suites International Drive is another excellent budget hotel in Orlando where you will hardly sacrifice comfort and amenities for a great price. The amenities in the rooms at the Hampton Inn are akin to those at the Fairfield Inn, and you really can't go wrong between the two.


While staying on International Drive is great for those who want to do some shopping at the outlet malls, those who want to check out what downtown Orlando has to offer might want to look into a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown. Because of the quality of the rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, its rates are a bit on the high side for those who are looking to go extra low. Should you be looking for an even bigger discount, the Budget Inn Motel might be a better fit. You'll pay about half of what you will at the Courtyard by Marriott when you choose the Budget Inn Motel, so if you don't mind sacrificing a little in the way of amenities and hotel facilities, then it's an excellent way to go. The rooms at the Budget Inn Motel are still more than clean and comfortable enough for most travelers, and among the amenities you'll find in each unit include cable TV and air conditioning. Don't forget to make it a point to pass by Lake Eola Park at least once during your stay at one of the downtown Orlando hotels.

In addition to looking along International Drive and searching downtown, those who are looking for an ideal budget hotel in Orlando can also consider nearby Kissimmee , which offers proximity to some of the best Orlando area theme parks. There are a slew of great choices when it comes to the discount Kissimmee hotels, and you'll be close to some of the best Orlando theme parks when you stay at one. You'll also be close to some of the top theme parks when you book a stay at one of the discount Orlando Airport hotels. There are a bunch of good discount hotels within easy reach of the Orlando Airport, and when you choose to stay at one, you'll also be relatively close to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. You can also consider the Sea World hotels if you want to be in the same general area.

For Disney fans, staying at one of the Disney hotels is often part of the plan. While some of the Disney resorts are quite upscale, there are also a few that are surprisingly cheap. The cheap Disney resorts include the All Star brand of resorts and the Pop Century Resort. There are three All Star Disney resorts, and their respective themes revolve around music, the movies, and sports, so you can choose accordingly. Pop culture is the focus at the Pop Century Resort. If the rates are still a bit too high or the rooms are booked to capacity at one of the discount Disney resorts, you can always look to the Best Western Lakeside, which is under two miles from Walt Disney World's entrance. In addition to some straightforward, comfortable rooms, the Best Western Lakeside also boasts three swimming pools, a number of eateries, a miniature golf course, and an arcade among its facilities. The Comfort Suites Maingate Resort is another Orlando cheap accommodation that offers a lot in the way of facilities, and it's just 1.5 miles from Disney.

The hotels mentioned thus far are just some of the options that will be available to you if it's a budget hotel in Orlando that you're after. In addition to great locations, all offer plenty of bang for your buck, making them popular lodging choices. With all the money that you'll save on rates at the cheap hotels in Orlando, you'll have more left over for shopping, area tours, perhaps a round of golf, and so much more. There's definitely no shortage of things to do in Orlando, so book your budget hotel today and start applying those savings to the many wonderful Orlando attractions.

Bed and Breakfasts in Orlando, FL

Sometimes couples and business travelers look for the charming settings and top notch service that comes with staying at a bed and breakfast. Antique settings and unique rooms typify the best bed and breakfasts and next time you are in Orlando, you might consider staying in an Orlando bed and breakfast as an alternative to the hotels and resorts. Take advantage of morning breakfasts to start your day off right before heading out to the Orlando theme parks, top Orlando Florida golf courses, or to explore town. And all the while, you’ll know that you are coming back to the comfortable and relaxing settings at your Orlando bed and breakfast. The list below offers ideas for an Orlando bed and breakfast, and for the best option for a bed and breakfast Universal Studios Orlando.

The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, found at 211 North Lucerne Circle East, has your best interests in mind. This is a unique bed and breakfast in Orlando offering thirty different rooms set in 4 beautiful homes, and there are spacious wedding and event facilities for guests to use. The accommodations at The Courtyard provide great options for both the romantic couple, and the discerning business traveler looking for extra comfort and added space. Once check-in is finished, during which the staff provides you with complimentary wine, you can make plans to head back to the parlor for the daily cocktail hour. For those planning weddings in Florida, The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne has an able staff to help make your ceremony and reception extra special. There are two different wedding venues for couples to choose from, both offering beautiful settings for that special day. The location of The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne in downtown Orlando has guests close to all the action, and it makes for an ideal spot to hold your next special event, from business to pleasure. Rates at The Courtyard range from $99-$225 a night depending on the room you select. The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Veranda Bed and Breakfast is a European-style bed and breakfast in Orlando located in charming Thornton Park at 115 N. Summerlin Avenue. Staying in Thornton Park has you nearby a fine selection of restaurants and wonderful shopping opportunities, and The Veranda is also an ideal place for your next special event. Family gatherings, business meetings and especially weddings find the grounds at The Veranda to offer the perfect backdrop for a truly charming southern affair. Enjoy the style and taste of the five completely renovated historic buildings featuring a nice array of accommodations from rooms to cottages. The accommodations vary in theme, size and price, and wedding couples will enjoy the lovely honeymoon suite. The grounds at The Veranda are laid in a beautiful garden setting, and the courtyard serves as an excellent meeting place. When it’s time to relax, get rid of some stress at the swimming pool and spa area, although with all the room and property amenities offered here, stress usually isn’t part of the equation. Thornton park offers quaint and historic settings, and Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are just 20 minutes away. Expect to pay from $109-$189 per night at this quaint bed and breakfast in Orlando and around $249 to combine the cottage and junior suite.

The Perri House Bed and Breakfast Inn is your best bet for a bed and breakfast Universal Studios Orlando experience. It is located just 10 minutes from Universal Studios at 10417 Vista Oaks Court, and its sprawling fifteen-plus acres provide nature lovers with a welcome retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. The Perri House prides itself as a unique Orlando bed and breakfast option that mixes the pleasures of life with the joy of nature. The property’s bird sanctuary offers an array of birdwatching opportunities, and the Perri House even provides binoculars for guests to use out in the fields. Accommodations at the Perri House are comprised of 8 beautifully decorated rooms, and a new villa addition, each with private entrances and access to the common library and kitchen. The pool is circled by a generous patio with a spa overlooking it, and comfortable seating areas are found throughout in cabana-style settings complete with umbrellas and soft-flowing curtains. The Perri House is adjacent to the Grand Cypress Resort and Spa and guests can enjoy discounts at either the Grand Cypress golf course, or at the resort’s equestrian center. It is worth noting that Jack Nicholas designed the Grand Cypress Resort course, and it is both beautiful and challenging. Rates at the Perri House start at $99 per night for this bed and breakfast Universal Studios Orlando area inn, and it is an ideal spot to call home during your stay in Orlando. Like the aforementioned inns, the Perri House has ample facilities for your upcoming special event, and can help make your wedding a special one

Beach Hotels in Orlando, FL

Although Orlando isn’t located on the ocean, it has several different lakes that make for the perfect setting for Florida beach vacations. Orlando beachfront resorts are just miles away from Disneyworld, SeaWorld, and other Orlando attractions and offer many different options for recreation, such as swimming, fishing, or sailing.

Many Orlando beachfront resorts are next to Disneyworld theme parks. These beach hotels in Orlando provide complimentary transportation to and from the Disney theme parks and some provide discounts to the parks. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropically-themed family friendly resort in Florida that is located on a lake near Epcot Center. Guests can choose between rooms decorated in a pirate theme, a tropical theme, or various other island themes. Each room has standard amenities such as two double beds or one king-sized bed, a cable TV, and an in-room safe. Laundry services and internet service are available for an additional charge. The hotel also has a beachfront volleyball court, a playground, and complimentary sailboat and paddleboat rentals. For dining, the hotel has a food court and a kid-friendly restaurant that has something for everyone.

Another choice for Orlando beach hotels is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The resort has more amenities and recreational opportunities than most Orlando beach hotels and comes at an affordable price. Located near Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Epcot Center, the hotel features five pools, a beach on an artificial lake, several tennis courts, two health clubs, a full-service spa, and seventeen restaurants and lounges. Like other beach hotels in Orlando, the Swan and Dolphin Resort offers complimentary transportation to Disneyworld theme parks. The hotel has enough space for large Florida beach weddings and any other meeting or special event. There is also a jogging trail that winds around the lake. Guests at the Swan and Dolphin Resort can choose between standard rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Each room is large enough to accommodate a family of four and some rooms have pull out sofas to accommodate extra guests. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request.

If you're looking for beach hotels in Orlando near SeaWorld, the Grand Beach Resort is an excellent option. Located on Lake Bryan, the Orlando hotel provides guests with the opportunity to go fishing, sailing, or canoeing. There are also several outdoor pools and whirlpools, a concierge service, and an activities department that coordinates fun guest activities such as movie and game nights. Each air conditioned room is complete with a whirlpool and a full kitchen, allowing guests to save money by doing their own cooking. The hotel also has tennis courts, playgrounds, a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a game room.

Orlando beach hotels are the perfect option for visitors who want to stay on the beach yet be close to the most popular attractions of Orlando. Beach hotels in Orlando frequently offer deals for last minute vacations, especially during the summer off season. No matter which one of the Orlando beachfront resorts you choose, make sure that you reserve your room well in advance.

Hotels in Orlando

When deciding on hotels in Orlando Disney takes center stage, especially for families. But there are many other Orlando vacation rental options in every price range, from posh luxury resorts to intimate Art Deco suites.

The House of Mouse

For families, you can't go wrong at a Disney resort. Their special family-friendly amenities include character meals, kids menus, video arcades, free park transportation, and recreational facilities. For direct monorail connection to Walt Disney World, you'll want to consider Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, and Disney's Contemporary Resort.

For a natural touch, families will feel at home with the laid-back Florida Keys charm of Disney's Old Key West Resort. Come face-to-face with nature at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where African savannah animals come up to the balcony for feedings. If your family loves to get wet, you may want to explore the shipwreck-themed Storm Along Bay water park, set between Disney's Beach Club Resort (tel. 407/934-7639 or 407/934-8000) and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. If the outdoors is your family's preferred place for bonding, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers secluded camping in the woods.

Kids and parents who are used to the lap of luxury flock to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a Gilded Age Victorian resort. The five-story lobby features a Chinese Chippendale aviary. Victoria & Albert's, the resort's five-star restaurant, features live big-band music. For a good value, enjoy the French Quarter charm of Disney's Port Orleans Resort, with its unique dragon-mouth waterslide. Prices can't be beat at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, and Disney's Pop Century Resort.

Universal Strikes Back

If your kids are crazy for SpongeBob, they'll love the décor of Universal's new $20 million Nickelodeon Family Suites, featuring two lagoons with waterslides, and live theater. Kids get bunk beds with television and videogames, while parents get their own closeable-doored bedroom.

The Portofino Bay Hotel simulates the experience of the Italian coastal village with a private harbor, murals, and musicians, and also provides shuttles and express queues for Universal, SeaWorld, and Wet ‘n Wild. Simulating the opulence of the Memphis original down to the mascot ducks, the Peabody Orlando has impeccable service, orchid and palm gardens, and a near-Olympic sized pool.

The Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort offers the Disney's Extra Magic Hour option and a great location. La Quinta Inn Lakeside is a good non-Disney budget option, with pool, playground, and free park shuttle.

Luxurious Options

Leave the world behind at the Emerald Bay rooms of the Gaylord Palms, featuring a glass atrium and a Canyon Ranch spa. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has a grottoed lagoon with a dozen waterfalls, Jack Nicklaus golf courses, and a 45-acre nature walk. Not to be outdone, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando has a 40,000-square-foot spa, and a 24,000-square-foot lazy river pool.

For a romantic getaway, try the boutique rental residences at Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, which includes Art Deco kitchen suites and an 1883 house.
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