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Where to stay in Orlando depends on your parks. For Disney, stay in Lake Buena Vista‘s Disney Springs Resort Area or Bonnet Creek. For Universal and Epic Universe, stay on Universal property or central International Drive. For low rates and vacation homes, choose Kissimmee along US-192. For both resorts, pick south I-Drive near SeaWorld.
Orlando’s tourist areas are strung along Interstate 4, and Walt Disney World and Universal sit roughly 10 to 15 miles apart. A base far from your main parks can add half an hour or more to every park day once traffic, parking and security are counted.
This guide compares eight areas with approximate drive times, the park perks each area’s hotels actually get, and hotel picks chosen for location, verified amenities and transport, and value. Perks, fees and transport were checked in September 2026, mostly against official hotel, Disney and Universal pages; where a detail comes from another source, we say so.
Quick answer: Disney-focused first-timers: the Disney Springs Resort Area (Drury Plaza or Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista). Universal and Epic Universe: Cabana Bay for value, or Stella Nova to walk to Epic. Both resorts: south I-Drive, such as Floridays Resort Orlando. Big families on a budget: Magic Village Views villas in Kissimmee or The Grove’s 2- and 3-bedroom suites. No car: Universal property or the Disney Springs Resort Area. Nightlife and culture: Downtown Orlando or Winter Park. Early flight: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, inside the terminal.
Compare hotel prices across Orlando
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Where to stay in Orlando: the best areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Price level | Car needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Buena Vista & Disney Springs | Disney trips, Early Entry off Disney property | $$–$$$$ | Optional |
| Bonnet Creek | Full resorts next to Disney | $$$–$$$$ | Optional |
| Flamingo Crossings | Mid-priced chains west of Disney | $$ | Helpful |
| Kissimmee & Celebration | Budget hotels, villas, vacation homes | $–$$$ | Usually yes |
| International Drive | Universal, SeaWorld, dining, one central base | $–$$$ | Optional |
| Universal & Epic Universe | Universal trips, walking to the parks | $$–$$$$ | No |
| Downtown & Winter Park | Nightlife, culture, events | $$–$$$ | Yes, or rideshare |
| MCO & Lake Nona | Late arrivals, early flights | $$–$$$ | Yes, for park days |
Price level is a relative guide ($ = budget, $$$$ = luxury), not a quote.
| Area | Disney (MK / EPCOT) | Universal (USF/IOA) | Epic Universe | SeaWorld |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Springs area | 13–16 min | 18 min | 20 min | 15 min |
| Bonnet Creek | 14–17 min | 22 min | 24 min | 19 min |
| Flamingo Crossings | 14–18 min | 29 min | 31 min | 25 min |
| Kissimmee (US-192) & Celebration | 13–20 min | 19–22 min | 21–24 min | 16–18 min |
| I-Drive north and central | 24–27 min | 6 min | 7–9 min | 9–14 min |
| I-Drive south (near SeaWorld) | 18–21 min | 11 min | 9 min | 3 min |
| Universal on-site | 26–29 min | Walk or shuttle | About 12 min (walk from Epic hotels) | 16 min |
| Downtown & Winter Park | 33–44 min | 16–24 min | 18–26 min | 23–31 min |
| MCO & Lake Nona | 35–40 min | 27–33 min | 24–31 min | 25–28 min |
Drive times are approximate, without traffic, from OpenStreetMap routing in September 2026. Allow 15–30+ extra minutes for I-4 traffic, park parking and security.
How Orlando’s tourist areas are laid out
Interstate 4 is the spine of tourist Orlando, and Walt Disney World sits at its southwest end. “Lake Buena Vista” is the mailing address used across much of the resort, but the four theme parks are technically in the neighboring city of Bay Lake. Many local services, such as roads, utilities and fire protection, are provided by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. It replaced Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District in 2023, and its board is now appointed by Florida’s governor rather than effectively chosen by Disney.
- South of Disney: Kissimmee and US-192, with Celebration nearby.
- West of Disney: Flamingo Crossings and The Grove (Winter Garden addresses).
- Northeast: International Drive, Universal and, a few miles south of Universal’s original parks, Epic Universe.
- North: Downtown Orlando and Winter Park.
- Southeast: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Lake Nona.
1. Lake Buena Vista and the Disney Springs Resort Area
Lake Buena Vista is home to Disney Springs, Disney’s free-to-enter shopping and dining district. Many hotels here are either on Disney property or are Official Walt Disney World Hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area. It suits Disney-focused trips, first-timers and families without a car.
The area’s eight Official Walt Disney World hotels are not owned by Disney. Their guests get Early Theme Park Entry (30 minutes before opening at all four parks, with valid admission) and scheduled park transportation that varies by hotel. They do not get Extended Evening Hours or the 7-day Lightning Lane window (they buy 3 days ahead like everyone else). They also pay for park parking ($35 a day for standard parking at the time of writing).
Disney-owned resort hotels are booked directly with Disney, not on Booking.com. Their guests also get Early Entry, and they can buy Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days before arrival and park free at the theme parks. See our list of non-Disney hotels with Early Theme Park Entry and our Disney Springs Resort Area hotels comparison.
- Pros: Some of the shortest drives to the Disney parks, Early Entry at the official hotels, and several hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs.
- Watch-outs: Rates are higher than in Kissimmee, Universal is about 18–20 minutes away, and shuttles run on fixed schedules.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area
At the time of writing, Drury Plaza includes a free hot breakfast (6 to 10 am) and the 5:30 Kickback evening reception, with up to three alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and over. There is no resort fee. Its free shuttle serves the four parks, Disney Springs and the water parks with no reservations needed, and guests get Early Entry. Disney Springs is about a 15-minute walk away, and self-parking is about $28 a night plus tax.
Check Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando prices on Booking.com
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area
This 814-room hotel on Hotel Plaza Boulevard has a pedestrian skybridge into Disney Springs, two heated pools, a shuttle to all four Disney parks and Early Theme Park Entry. Resort fee and parking amounts could not be confirmed, so check the total at booking.
Check Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista prices on Booking.com
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
The Wyndham Garden has 394 rooms in two five-story courtyard buildings. It shares the Oasis pool area with the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista tower (a heated main pool, a cool-down pool and a zero-entry kids’ pool). Disney Springs is a 5- to 7-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge.
Complimentary hourly shuttles serve the four parks (reserve seats; no water park service), and guests get Early Entry. At the time of writing, there is a daily resort fee (check the amount), and gated self-parking is $30 plus tax. See our Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista guide.
Check Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista prices on Booking.com
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
This luxury resort sits on Walt Disney World property. It features Explorer Island, a five-acre family recreation area with a large pool, waterslides and a lazy river, and Capa, a Spanish steakhouse recognized by the Michelin Guide. It also runs the Kids for All Seasons program (ages 4 to 12). Transportation to the four Disney parks is complimentary. It is on Disney’s Early Entry list, but not the Extended Evening Hours list.
Check Four Seasons Resort Orlando prices on Booking.com
For more options, see our best hotels near Disney World, or check Lake Buena Vista hotel prices on Booking.com.
2. Bonnet Creek
Bonnet Creek is a 482-acre resort enclave next to Disney Springs and EPCOT. Disney-owned land borders it on three sides and I-4 on the fourth, but it is not Disney property. Its five resorts are Signia by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Wyndham Grand, JW Marriott and Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. It suits travelers who want a full resort with big pools, about 14–17 minutes by car from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT without traffic.
Two things catch people out. First, there is no walking path to Disney Springs, so you depend on shuttles or a car. Second, perks differ by resort: Signia and Waldorf Astoria get Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry, but Wyndham Grand, JW Marriott and Club Wyndham do not. Expect daily resort fees and separate parking charges.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Signia opened in 2009 as Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and has about 1,000 rooms and a 3-acre lazy river pool area. It runs continuous motorcoach transportation to all four Disney parks, with Early Theme Park Entry every day. Rates exclude a daily resort charge and parking, so check the current amounts.
Check Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek prices on Booking.com
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The 497-room Waldorf Astoria has its own public 18-hole golf course, designed by Rees Jones. At the time of writing, its $50-plus-tax nightly resort charge covers shuttles to the Disney parks and Disney Springs, Wi-Fi for two devices, daily water, the fitness center and golf practice facilities. Guests get Early Entry, and the WA Kids Club (ages 5 to 12) runs fee-based sessions.
Check Waldorf Astoria Orlando prices on Booking.com
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
The 400-room Wyndham Grand is set on 62 acres beside a 10-acre lake ringed by the Bonnet Creek wetlands, about 1.5 miles from Disney Springs. It is not on the Early Entry list. At the time of writing, its $42-a-day resort fee covers shuttles to the four parks and Disney Springs, with first departures as early as 7:45 am. Self-parking is $36 a day plus tax.
Check Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek prices on Booking.com
All five resorts are compared in our Bonnet Creek hotels guide.
3. Flamingo Crossings and the west side of Disney
Flamingo Crossings is a Disney-developed hotel district with Winter Garden addresses. It sits outside Walt Disney World’s Western Entrance behind Animal Kingdom, off SR 429 at exit 8. Its six mid-priced chain hotels are designated Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels, with shuttles to the four parks, but they do not get Early Theme Park Entry. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are about 14–18 minutes away without traffic, while Universal is about 30. A car helps.
SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
This 248-room hotel is less than a mile from the Western Entrance. It has a free breakfast buffet, a poolside bar and a grocery/convenience store. A July 2024 local guide described the Disney shuttle as a once-daily round trip to each park, so confirm the current schedule and any fees with the hotel.
Check SpringHill Suites at Flamingo Crossings prices on Booking.com
Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center
Home2 Suites opened in December 2020 with 272 rooms. Hilton lists hot breakfast and scheduled shuttles to the Disney parks, and a local guide mentions a saline pool with a water slide. Guest reports conflict on whether the shuttle is free, so ask before you count on it. The other Gateway hotels are TownePlace Suites (with kitchens), Homewood Suites, Fairfield and Residence Inn.
Check Home2 Suites at Flamingo Crossings prices on Booking.com
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
Nearby, The Grove is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel with a “home-away-from-home” concept in Winter Garden (not Kissimmee itself). It has 2- and 3-bedroom suites, full kitchens and an on-site water park (Surfari Water Park). At the time of writing, the $49-plus-tax daily resort fee includes transportation to Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld (reserve 48 to 2 hours ahead), and parking is $35 plus tax a night.
See our The Grove Resort guide and our list of 2- and 3-bedroom suites near Disney World.
Check The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando prices on Booking.com
4. Kissimmee and Celebration (US-192)
Kissimmee, in Osceola County south of Disney, is the budget and big-group base. US-192 is lined with budget hotels, chain restaurants and villa resorts, and the nearby communities are full of vacation homes. From the Maingate area, Magic Kingdom is about 13–14 minutes away without traffic, about the same as from Lake Buena Vista. Universal and Epic Universe are 19–24 minutes away. Celebration, a quieter planned community, is a few minutes farther from the parks.
- Pros: Low hotel rates, and vacation homes for groups of 6 to 8 can cost less per person than hotel rooms (check current rates). US-192 has affordable chains (IHOP, Denny’s, Golden Corral) and local eateries, including several Brazilian restaurants.
- Watch-outs: You usually need a car, US-192 gets congested near the Disney entrances, and there is no Disney Early Entry here.
Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway
The Ramada runs a complimentary scheduled shuttle to the Disney parks, Universal, Epic Universe, SeaWorld and shopping (reserve park seats with the hotel). It has two outdoor pools and Standard Inn or Deluxe Tower rooms and suites. Breakfast is included with Tower rooms booked on the official site, and a Walmart Supercenter is next door. The site lists no resort or parking fee, so check the total at booking. See our Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway guide.
Check Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway prices on Booking.com
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Despite the name, this resort has a Kissimmee address. It mixes hotel rooms with cottages and villas, and it has several tropical pools. At the time of writing, the $48-plus-tax nightly resort fee includes transportation to the major attractions, Wi-Fi, the fitness center and entertainment. Hotel self-parking is $20 plus tax. Island H2O Water Park next door is operated separately. For its 2026 season (through October 31, 2026), the resort includes free admission for hotel, cottage and villa guests who pay the full resort fee; others buy tickets. Confirm eligibility if you book through a third party.
Check Margaritaville Resort Orlando prices on Booking.com
Magic Village Views
Magic Village Views offers three- and four-bedroom villas that combine the privacy of a vacation home with boutique-hotel-style services, including an on-site concierge (some services carry a fee). The villas sleep up to 6 or 8 and have full kitchens, and guests share a heated pool and hot tub (private pools are at sister property Magic Village Yards). There is a one-time cleaning fee of $240 per stay at the time of writing, and parking is free.
Check Magic Village Views prices on Booking.com
Also in Kissimmee: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is built around a glass atrium of more than four acres and has the Cypress Springs Water Park on site. Check its fees and transport terms directly.
Orlando vs Kissimmee: which is better?
| Factor | Orlando / Orange County | Kissimmee / Osceola County |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel tax | 12.5% | 13.5% |
| Typical lodging | Hotels, Universal resorts, suite hotels | Budget hotels, villa resorts, vacation homes |
| Drive to Magic Kingdom | 13 min (Disney Springs area) to 24–26 min (I-Drive, Universal) | 13–14 min (US-192 Maingate) |
| Drive to Universal / Epic | 6–12 min (I-Drive, Universal) | 19–24 min |
| Car needed? | Optional in Lake Buena Vista, Universal and I-Drive | Usually yes |
Drive times assume no traffic. Tax rates were current as of January 2025, per a local source, and most of Disney’s Lake Buena Vista area is in Orange County. Check the address, not just the name: Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Gaylord Palms are in Kissimmee, and The Grove is in Winter Garden. For more options, see our guides to cheap hotels in Orlando and value hotels near Disney World.
5. International Drive (north, central and south near SeaWorld)
International Drive is an 11-mile tourist corridor close to Universal Orlando Resort and home to ICON Park and countless restaurants, bars and shops. Universal itself sits next door, not on I-Drive. The corridor has three distinct stretches:
- North end: outlets and budget hotels.
- Center: ICON Park and Sand Lake Road.
- South end: the Convention Center and SeaWorld, the stretch closest to Disney.
Hotels are often cheaper than comparable options in Lake Buena Vista, and many fund park shuttles through a mandatory resort fee. The I-RIDE Trolley runs daily from 8 am to 10:30 pm (with a reduced fleet at the time of writing). A single ride costs $2, and passes run from $8 a day.
Avanti International Resort
Avanti is a Universal Partner Hotel near ICON Park, less than a mile from the Convention Center. Its complimentary shuttle to Universal and Epic Universe is booked in person up to 24 hours ahead, and scheduled Disney and SeaWorld shuttles are booked 3 hours ahead. At the time of writing, the $18-plus-tax daily resort fee covers Wi-Fi, the shuttles and self-parking. See our Avanti International Resort guide.
Check Avanti International Resort prices on Booking.com
Rosen Inn International
Rosen Inn International is a budget-friendly Universal Partner Hotel with a free scheduled shuttle to Universal Orlando, no resort fee, an on-site buffet (breakfast is not included in standard rates) and a central location. There is no free SeaWorld shuttle, and Disney transport is a separate service.
Check Rosen Inn International prices on Booking.com
Hyatt Regency Orlando
This large upscale convention hotel next to the Convention Center has a spa, pools and several restaurants. Pedestrian bridges connect it to the center’s main buildings, a plus for convention trips. Check its fees and parking at booking. See our guide to hotels near the Orange County Convention Center.
Check Hyatt Regency Orlando prices on Booking.com
Floridays Resort Orlando
Floridays sits on south I-Drive near Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Its 2-bedroom suites (about 1,011–1,017 sq ft) sleep up to 6. At the time of writing, the mandatory $35 daily resort fee (plus 12.5% tax) covers self-parking, Wi-Fi and the scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World, Universal (including Epic Universe) and SeaWorld; reserve at least 3 hours ahead. See our Floridays Resort Orlando guide.
Check Floridays Resort Orlando prices on Booking.com
Also on I-Drive: CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort has a 54,000 sq ft water park. At the time of writing, its $45-plus-tax resort fee covers water park passes and a Universal shuttle. See our CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort guide. If SeaWorld is a priority, see our hotels near SeaWorld Orlando.
6. Universal Orlando and the Epic Universe area
Stay on Universal property if Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe are the core of your trip. The hotels and the original parks are largely linked by walking paths, with CityWalk for dining. Epic Universe opened on May 22, 2025, a few miles south. Guests of the original hotels reach it by shuttle, while Stella Nova, Terra Luna and Helios Grand sit next to it.
- Early Park Admission: Guests of all 11 Universal hotels get up to an hour early at select attractions, including at Epic Universe (valid admission required).
- Express: Only Hard Rock, Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific include Universal Express Unlimited. It is valid at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only, not at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay. Helios Grand does not include Express. Check current terms.
- Parking: Overnight self-parking is $26–$36 plus tax at the time of writing.
Volcano Bay closes for the season from October 26, 2026, and is expected to reopen on or before April 1, 2027. The trade-off is Disney, about 26–29 minutes away.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
This good-value, retro-themed hotel on Universal property has 1,280 standard rooms that sleep 4 and 920 family suites with kitchenettes that sleep up to 6. It has two oversized pools with a lazy river, plus a 10-lane bowling alley. The original parks are a walk away, and there are free shuttles too. You get Early Park Admission but no Express. See our guide to the cheapest Universal Orlando hotels.
Check Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort prices on Booking.com
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
The 650-room Hard Rock is within walking distance of the original parks. It includes Express Unlimited at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure only. Its 12,000 sq ft pool has a giant waterslide and a sand beach area. Loews Portofino Bay and Royal Pacific also include Express; see our Loews Portofino Bay Hotel guide and Universal hotels with Express Pass.
Check Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando prices on Booking.com
Universal Stella Nova Resort
The 750-room Stella Nova sits next to Epic Universe, which you reach by walking path or free shuttle. Other parks are a shuttle ride away. All rooms have two queen beds and sleep up to 4 (there are no suites), and Express is not included. Its sister hotel, Terra Luna, is shuttle-only in practice; see Stella Nova vs Terra Luna.
Check Universal Stella Nova Resort prices on Booking.com
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Helios Grand opened with Epic Universe. It has 500 rooms, including 35 suites, and sits at the end of Celestial Park with its own entrance into the park. It has a resort-style pool and a rooftop bar, but it does not include Universal Express.
Check Universal Helios Grand Hotel prices on Booking.com
See our full guides to hotels near Universal Orlando and hotels near Epic Universe.
7. Downtown Orlando and Winter Park
Downtown is the base for restaurants, bars and events rather than theme parks. Its highlights are Lake Eola Park, Church Street, Thornton Park, the Kia Center (Orlando Magic; formerly the Amway Center) and the Dr. Phillips Center for Broadway shows. Winter Park, just north, is quieter and more upscale, with Park Avenue’s boutiques, Rollins College and the Morse Museum.
Without traffic, Universal is about 16–24 minutes away and Disney about 33–44 minutes, depending on where you stay. You need a car or rideshare for park days.
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown
Beside I-4 at Lake Ivanhoe, the DoubleTree has a heated outdoor rooftop pool, and Ivanhoe Village is about a 15-minute walk. Breakfast is included only with certain rates. Universal is roughly 20 minutes away without traffic and Walt Disney World about 35. See our DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown guide.
Check DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown prices on Booking.com
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
An all-suite hotel a short walk from Lake Eola, with easy access to the Kia Center. Confirm current breakfast and reception inclusions and fees before booking.
Check Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown prices on Booking.com
The Alfond Inn (Winter Park)
Near Park Avenue and the Morse Museum, The Alfond Inn displays the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art from Rollins College throughout the hotel. It has an elevated pool and a courtyard conservatory. Disney is 40–45 minutes away, so it suits a Winter Park or downtown-focused stay.
Check The Alfond Inn prices on Booking.com
More downtown options:
- Hotel Beauden (formerly Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando): an art-focused Autograph Collection hotel on South Orange Avenue, a short walk from the Dr. Phillips Center. It took its new name in September 2026.
- Aloft Orlando Downtown: a trendy, youthful vibe, ideal for nightlife seekers near Church Street.
- The Eo Inn: a boutique hotel in Thornton Park with historic charm, close to Lake Eola.
- Marriott Orlando Downtown: a comfortable choice with a pool, gym and central location.
- AC Hotel Orlando Downtown: a convenient base for downtown dining and nightlife.
8. Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Lake Nona
Stay here for a late arrival, an early flight, a cruise add-on or a medical or business visit, not for park days. The parks are about 25–40 minutes away without traffic.
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
The Hyatt Regency is inside the main Terminal A/B building, pre-security. It has 445 rooms, a rooftop pool and the Hemisphere restaurant with runway views. Terminal C is a separate building, so allow extra time if you fly from there.
Check Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport prices on Booking.com
Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Lake Nona Wave Hotel is a design-forward hotel that bills itself as the place “where art meets smart.” It has smart guest rooms, an outdoor pool and MICHELIN-recommended dining. MCO is about 20 minutes away without traffic.
Check Lake Nona Wave Hotel prices on Booking.com
Brightline trains from MCO run to Miami, not to the parks. For more options, see our guide to Orlando airport hotels.
Doing Disney and Universal on one trip?
A split stay (a few nights near each resort) cuts daily driving and gives you each resort’s perks. One central base saves repacking: south International Drive is roughly 18–21 minutes from Magic Kingdom and EPCOT and 9–11 minutes from Universal and Epic Universe without traffic.
Either way, Disney buses do not go to Universal, and Universal’s buses serve only its own parks, hotels and Universal Partner Hotels, not Disney. You need a car, rideshare or a hotel shuttle that serves both, such as Floridays, Avanti or the Ramada Gateway. See where to stay for Disney and Universal and hotels with shuttles to Disney and Universal.
Getting around: shuttles, resort fees, parking and the I-RIDE Trolley
Hotel shuttles run on fixed schedules, usually need a reservation, and are often paid for through a mandatory resort fee. Compare total prices, not base rates. Examples at the time of writing (plus tax; check current terms):
| Hotel | Area | Daily resort fee | Park shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando | Disney Springs area | None | Free, 4 Disney parks |
| Rosen Inn International | I-Drive | None | Free to Universal |
| Avanti International Resort | I-Drive | $18 | Universal, Epic, Disney, SeaWorld |
| Floridays Resort Orlando | South I-Drive | $35 | Disney, Universal, Epic, SeaWorld |
| Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek | Bonnet Creek | $42 | Disney parks, Disney Springs |
| Margaritaville Resort Orlando | Kissimmee | $48 | Major attractions |
| The Grove Resort & Water Park | Winter Garden | $49 | Disney, Universal, SeaWorld |
To skip resort fees, see Orlando hotels with no resort fees.
- Disney parking: $35 a day for standard parking, free for Disney Resort hotel guests.
- Universal parking: $26–$36 plus tax a night at Universal hotels.
- Public transport: LYNX buses cost $2 a ride, and the I-RIDE Trolley covers I-Drive.
- Airport transfers: the Mears Connect Standard shuttle to Disney-area resorts costs $16 one way for ages 10+ ($13 for ages 3–9), plus a privilege fee recovery charge ($1.60 for adults) and a 3% fuel surcharge at the time of writing.
For how fees, taxes and parking fit your budget, read how to choose a hotel in Orlando. For Disney transport without a car, see hotels with free Disney World shuttles.
Groceries and shopping by area
- Lake Buena Vista: Disney Springs, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores.
- International Drive: Orlando International Premium Outlets and Pointe Orlando, an open-air dining and entertainment center.
- Malls: The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall, the largest mall in Central Florida.
- Kissimmee: a Walmart Supercenter next to the Ramada Gateway and a Publix on US-192.
- Winter Park: Park Avenue’s boutiques.
Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday (July 20–August 20 in 2026) makes qualifying clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less per item tax-free; check current dates and rules.
How to choose your area
- Parks: Mostly Disney points to Lake Buena Vista, Bonnet Creek or Kissimmee. Mostly Universal points to Universal property or I-Drive. For both, split your stay or use south I-Drive.
- Car: Without one, stay where walking paths or reliable shuttles cover your parks.
- Party size: For 5 or more, look at family suites, 2- to 3-bedroom suites or villas.
- Perks: Decide whether Disney’s Early Entry or Universal Express matters to you.
- Total cost: Add the resort fee, parking and tax (12.5% or 13.5%) to the nightly rate.
- Dates: Check the best time to visit Orlando.
- Flights: Book the first or last night near MCO if timing is tight.
Heading beyond the theme parks? Compare hotels near Kennedy Space Center, the best hotels in Cocoa Beach for a beach stay, hotels near LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven and hotels near Orlando Sanford Airport if you fly into SFB.
Sailing from Port Canaveral or adding a beach stay? See our guides to hotels near Port Canaveral, the best hotels in Daytona Beach and hotels in New Smyrna Beach. For a quieter base southwest of Disney, compare hotels in Davenport.
Other bases worth a look: hotels in Clermont west of Disney, hotels near UCF on the east side, and, for a coastal add-on, the best hotels in Clearwater Beach or the best hotels in St. Augustine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Orlando for first-timers?
For a Disney-focused first trip, the Disney Springs Resort Area is the easiest choice: its hotels get Early Theme Park Entry, run park shuttles and are near Disney Springs dining. If Universal and Epic Universe are the main draw, stay on Universal property, where hotels are a walk or a short shuttle ride from the parks.
Is it better to stay in Orlando or Kissimmee?
Kissimmee is usually better for space and value, and US-192’s Maingate area is about as close to Magic Kingdom as Lake Buena Vista. Orlando’s Orange County side is better for Universal, Epic Universe, SeaWorld and walkable dining. Kissimmee’s hotel tax is about 13.5%, versus 12.5% in Orange County, and you usually need a car there.
Where should I stay in Orlando without a car?
Stay where your main parks are a walk or a free shuttle away. For Universal, that means Universal property. For Disney, choose a Disney-owned resort or a Disney Springs Resort Area hotel, such as Drury Plaza, whose shuttle needs no reservation. On International Drive, the I-RIDE Trolley and hotel shuttles fill most gaps.
What is the cheapest area to stay near the Orlando theme parks?
Kissimmee’s US-192 corridor and the north end of International Drive usually have the lowest rates, and Kissimmee vacation homes can cost less per person for groups. Resort fees, parking and tax can erase a low base rate, so compare total prices. Hotels with no resort fee, such as Rosen Inn International, are worth a look.
How far is Epic Universe from Disney World and International Drive?
Without traffic, Epic Universe is about 20–24 minutes by car from the Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek areas, and about 7–9 minutes from central and south International Drive. It sits south of Sand Lake Road near the Convention Center. Add time for I-4 traffic and parking.
What is the safest area to stay in Orlando for families?
We don’t rank areas by crime. Many families prefer managed resort areas, such as Disney property, the Disney Springs Resort Area, Bonnet Creek and Universal property, where transport is organized. Wherever you stay, take standard precautions: use the room safe, lock your car and read recent guest reviews of your hotel.
Sources checked in September 2026: Disney Early Theme Park Entry, Universal Orlando hotel benefits, Disney Springs Resort Area hotel benefits, I-RIDE Trolley, Margaritaville Resort Orlando Island H2O access.