Orlando is the destination of dreams. It is where the biggest and best theme parks in the world can be found, all in one place. You have Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, and more, all within a short drive of one another. There are more things to do than you can get up to in a week or even in a month.
It’s a hot ticket destination for families, and for great reasons. It is one of the family friendliest destinations in the United States. The theme parks have something for everyone and all ages, though those with kids tall enough to go on all the thrill rides will certainly have the best time since there won’t be any restrictions on what they can do.
There are rides, attractions, characters, events, great eats, and so much more. No matter what your family is interested in or how old everyone is, there is something that will capture your imagination here.
It can, however, get pricey. If you want to enjoy a thrilling time on a budget, you can, just use these money-saving tips and book your stay at one of Orlando’s affordable, family-friendly hotels:
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Money Saving Tips to Know Before You Book
There are a few big money-saving tips that you should know before you book your trip. These will help you lower the overall price and, of course, help you spread out the cost of your trip.
· Book during low season
Booking during the low season is one of the smartest ways that you can save. While the cheapest prices are definitely when kids are out of school, the second-best time to book is in the winter. Winter holidays are less popular since Christmas is just around the corner, but if you can take off the first week of January, for example, you can typically save. If your kids do miss a few days of school with this method, chances are they won’t miss out on much since it is the very start of the semester, and you can usually overlap at least a few of the days with the weekend or the rest of the winter break.
· Look for packages and special discounts
There are always special promotions going on around the year. Sometimes these promotions will come in the form of vouchers. In other cases, it’s a discount. Not only can these promotions help you save on your hotel, but they may also even help you save on your trip. Many hotels in the area partner with the big theme parks to help you save and keep you in one park over the other. Stay up-to-date with these promotions by subscribing to your top choice hotels’ newsletters. Some hotel chains even have loyalty programs that will give you discounts simply for being a member.
· Choose one-room options
If your family is large, look at what a suite would cost instead of several rooms. Most often, getting one two-bedroom suite, for example, will cost less overall than booking two or three rooms for the same period. This is because two-bedroom suites can not only sleep six but also have living amenities like a kitchen.There may also be group discount offers, depending on the hotel, that can help you save if you do need to book more than one room. Always check in advance and sign up for special discounts to help you save when booking for a large family getaway.
· Save on meals
Eating out every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can get tiring, and it can also be expensive. If you want to save, aim to eat the majority of your meals in your suite. With a full kitchen, you can make classic favorites and prepare lunches and snacks to bring with you into the theme parks, so your family eats healthier and saves. Don’t completely avoid eating out, but save the experience for a special night.
Top Five Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando
With these money-saving tips in mind, it’s now time to go through the top family-friendly hotels in Orlando. Choose the option with the amenities you want and the location you need to have a thrilling time in Orlando.
Source: Facebook, posted on March 15, 2020, Westgate Palace Resort’s Official profile
1. Westgate Palace Resort
This newly renovated resort features top-to-bottom luxury and can be found across the street from Universal Orlando Resort.
When it comes to family-friendly hotels and resorts, Westgate is a great choice. They have several hotels in the area for those visiting Orlando for the theme parks as well, and each has its own draws. If you have older children and are looking for a more luxurious stay, however, then your best choice from the Westgate line is the Westgate Palace Resort.
This resort has been recently renovated and now has a brand new lobby and refreshed suites throughout. Here you can book a two-bedroom suite that can house up to six people comfortably and comes complete with creature comforts like a kitchenette.
You’ll be able to find this hotel on International Drive, right across from Universal Orlando Resort. Take advantage of the special promotions as well, like the $25 Uber credit, and sign up for more discounts and deals for free by joining the World of Westgate Loyalty Program,
Source: Instagram, posted on July 20, 2022, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Official profile
2. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Enjoy clear views of the fireworks at Epcot at this great family-friendly hotel, located less than 10 minutes from Disney World.
This is a great option for fans of the Hilton line of hotels. You’ll be able to get free brunch and complimentary shuttle services to the Disney parks as part of your room price. The theme parks themselves are just 10 minutes away, so you can get right to the heart of the action sooner.
At night make sure you come back in time to catch the spectacular fireworks show held at Epcot. You won’t need to go anywhere else or buy a ticket – the best views are actually from the hotel itself.
For families, however, the biggest draw to this resort is the on-site waterpark. For adults, you can unwind at the golf course or at the spa.
Source: Facebook, posted on August 20, 2019, WorldQuest Orlando Resort’s Official profile
3. WorldQuest Orlando Resort
Enjoy complimentary breakfast and access to the swimming pool with the price of your room at this homey resort.
This homey resort lets you enjoy many of the creature comforts of home, all within easy distance to some of the top attractions in the area. It may not be the most glamorous option in the area, but it is certainly one of the family friendliest and won’t be beaten on comfort.
Not only will you be able to get free transportation services to Disney World, but you’ll also get free access to the breakfast and swimming pool. If you’re in a large group, look for the special group discounts the hotel offers to help you save even more on this trip.
Source: Instagram, posted on July 27, 2022, JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes’ Official profile
4. JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
This massive resort has close to 1000 rooms of various sizes to fit all families from small to large.
With over 1000 rooms of various sizes, there is something for every family at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. This resort shares space with the Ritz Carlton next door, meaning you’ll actually share many of the same facilities at a lower price.
Enjoy complimentary transportation to the big theme parks in the area as well, so you can skip the parking nightmare and enjoy faster access to all the thrilling action. When it’s time to relax, head back and enjoy spending time at the massive pool complex the resort has to offer.
Source: Instagram, posted on April 21, 2022, The Grove Resort Orlando’s Official profile
5. The Grove Resort Orlando
This resort is home to the famed Surfari Water Park and The Spring Pools, giving you many ways to keep cool and active on your vacation in Orlando.
Not every family wants to be in the thick of the action, even if they’re in town to visit the theme parks. If your goal is to find something a little more quiet and comfortable, then stay at The Grove Resort. While not as close to the theme parks as some of the other options on this list, it does offer many great things for kids to do.
Here you’ll find many great restaurants. If you want to save even further, however, book a suite that comes with a kitchen and make and prepare meals there. You can make some great food and bring lunch with you to save on your daily costs!
As for the on-site facilities that kids will love, look no further than the Surfari Water Park and The Spring Pools, which are famed in the area for how fun they are for the whole family.
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