Where to Stay in Orlando for UK Families
Choosing where to stay in Orlando is one of the biggest decisions for a UK family holiday. The best area depends on which parks you plan to visit most, whether you want a hotel or villa, and how much driving you are happy to do.
For most families, International Drive is best for value and restaurants, Lake Buena Vista is best for Disney-focused holidays, Universal Orlando Resort is best for Universal-heavy trips, and Kissimmee is best for villas, space and longer stays.
Use this guide to compare the main Orlando accommodation areas before booking.
Best Orlando areas
| Area | Best for | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Drive |
Budget hotels, restaurants and mixed park holidays |
Lots nearby and usually good value |
Can feel busy and touristy |
|
Lake Buena Vista |
Disney-focused holidays |
Close to Walt Disney World |
Usually more expensive |
|
Universal Orlando Resort |
Universal, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay trips |
Best location for Universal parks |
Higher hotel prices |
|
Kissimmee |
Villas, space and larger families |
More room and often better value |
A car is usually needed |
|
Disney Resort Hotels |
First-time Disney holidays and convenience |
Disney transport and resort convenience |
Premium price |
Which Orlando area should you choose?
The easiest way to choose is to start with your park plans.
Stay closer to Disney if Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are the main focus of your trip.
Stay closer to Universal or International Drive if Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, restaurants and nightlife are more important.
Choose Kissimmee if you want a villa, private pool, more bedrooms and better value for a longer family holiday.
For many UK families, the best option is not always the cheapest hotel. A slightly better location can save time, reduce transport costs and make the holiday feel much easier.
Orlando Planning Guide for UK Families
Best area by holiday type
| Holiday type | Best area to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
|
First Orlando holiday |
Lake Buena Vista or International Drive |
Easy bases with good access to the main tourist areas |
|
Disney-heavy holiday |
Disney Resort Hotel or Lake Buena Vista |
Better for Walt Disney World days |
|
Universal-heavy holiday |
Universal Orlando Resort or International Drive |
Better for Universal, Epic Universe and CityWalk |
|
Budget family holiday |
International Drive or Kissimmee |
Usually better value than official resort hotels |
|
Larger family group |
Kissimmee villa |
More bedrooms, space, kitchen facilities and private pool options |
|
No-car holiday |
Disney Resort, Universal Resort or central International Drive |
Better transport options and less driving |
|
Two-week UK holiday |
Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee or split stay |
Better balance of space, cost and location |
International Drive
International Drive is one of the easiest areas for UK families who want lots of hotels, restaurants and attractions nearby. It works especially well if you are visiting Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, ICON Park or want a flexible base outside Disney.
It is usually better value than staying inside Disney or Universal, but exact hotel location matters. Some parts of International Drive are more walkable than others.
Best for: budget hotels, restaurants, Universal access and mixed park holidays.
Main downside: it can feel busy, and not every hotel is equally well located.
Universal Orlando accommodation
Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista is one of the best areas for UK families planning a Disney-focused Orlando holiday. It keeps you close to Walt Disney World while still giving you a wide choice of hotels outside the main Disney Resort hotel prices.
This area works well if Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are the main focus of your trip.
Best for: Disney-focused holidays, family hotels and shorter Disney journeys.
Main downside: prices can be higher than International Drive or Kissimmee.
Kissimmee
Kissimmee is often the best choice for larger UK families, longer stays and anyone who wants more space than a standard hotel room. Villas and townhouses can offer private pools, kitchens, laundry facilities and separate bedrooms.
The trade-off is transport. Most Kissimmee stays work best with a hire car, especially if you plan to visit Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, supermarkets, restaurants and shopping areas.
Best for: villas, private pools, larger families and longer holidays.
Main downside: driving times vary, and location matters a lot.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Universal Orlando Resort hotels are best for families who plan to spend several days at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay and CityWalk.
They are usually more expensive than many off-site hotels, but the location can make Universal days much easier. Some hotels are walkable to the parks, while others offer resort transport.
Best for: Universal-focused holidays, short stays and families who want convenience.
Main downside: prices can be high, especially at more premium hotels.
Hotel vs villa
| Accommodation type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel |
First-timers, shorter stays and no-car holidays |
Easier check-in, restaurants nearby, less responsibility |
Less space and fewer cooking facilities |
|
Villa |
Larger families and longer trips |
More bedrooms, kitchen, laundry and private pool options |
Usually needs a car and location varies |
|
Resort apartment |
Families wanting space without a full villa |
Kitchen facilities and separate living space |
Can cost more than a basic hotel |
|
Official Disney hotel |
Disney-focused trips |
Strong convenience for Disney days |
Higher price |
|
Official Universal hotel |
Universal-focused trips |
Best access to Universal parks |
Can be expensive in peak periods |
Should you choose a hotel or villa?
Choose a hotel if this is your first Orlando holiday, you want less driving, or you prefer being close to restaurants and transport.
Choose a villa if you want more space, a private pool, a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Villas are especially useful for two-week holidays or larger family groups.
Choose a resort apartment if you want more space than a hotel room but do not want the full responsibility of a villa.
Disney hotels vs Universal hotels
| Feature | Disney Resort Hotel | Universal Orlando Hotel |
|---|---|---|
|
Best for |
Disney-heavy holidays |
Universal-heavy holidays |
|
Closest parks |
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom |
Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe and Volcano Bay |
|
Best age group |
Younger children and Disney-focused families |
Older children, teens and thrill ride fans |
|
Transport |
Better for Disney transport |
Better for Universal transport |
|
Main benefit |
Disney convenience |
Universal convenience |
|
Main drawback |
Usually expensive |
Premium hotels can be expensive |
What to check before booking Orlando accommodation
Before booking, check the total cost, not just the nightly price.
Look carefully at parking charges, resort fees, breakfast, shuttle times, room size, cancellation policy and distance to the parks you will visit most.
A cheap hotel is not always the best value if you spend more every day on transport, parking or food.
Compare Orlando accommodation
Ready to choose where to stay?
Compare a few different areas before booking. For many UK families, the best choice is the accommodation that gives the right balance of location, space, transport and total cost.
Best Hotels in Orlando by Category
Best Budget Hotels
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Best Family Resorts
Check family packages with Virgin Holidays
Best Luxury Hotels
View luxury hotel deals on Expedia
Best Hotels Near Universal
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FAQs about where to stay in Orlando
What is the best area to stay in Orlando for UK families?
For most UK families, Lake Buena Vista is best for Disney-focused holidays, International Drive is best for value and restaurants, Universal Orlando Resort is best for Universal-heavy trips, and Kissimmee is best for villas and larger family groups.
Is International Drive a good place to stay in Orlando?
Yes. International Drive is a good choice if you want hotels, restaurants, attractions and easier access to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Check the exact hotel location before booking.
Is Kissimmee a good place to stay for Disney World?
Kissimmee can be a good choice for Disney if you want a villa, more space and better value. However, a car is usually recommended.
Is it better to stay near Disney or Universal?
Stay near Disney if Walt Disney World is your main focus. Stay near Universal or International Drive if Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, City Walk and thrill rides are more important.
Do you need a car in Orlando?
Not always. A car is less important if you stay at Disney, Universal or central International Drive. It is much more useful if you stay in Kissimmee or plan to visit many different areas.
Are Orlando villas better than hotels?
Villas are better for space, private pools, kitchens and larger families. Hotels are usually better for first-time visitors, shorter stays and easier transport.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Orlando?
First-time UK visitors should usually consider Lake Buena Vista, International Drive or an official resort hotel, depending on which parks they plan to visit most.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Orlando?
International Drive and Kissimmee are often better value than Disney or Universal resort hotels, but always check parking, resort fees, breakfast and transport costs.
Why UK Families Trust Our Orlando Accommodation Advice
Planning where to stay in Orlando can feel overwhelming — Disney, Universal, International Drive, villas, resorts, hotels… each area has its own pros, cons and hidden costs. That’s why every recommendation on this page is based on real research, verified information, and UK‑focused experience.
Here’s what you can rely on:
✔ Independent, honest recommendations: Affiliate partnerships do not determine our area recommendations; we prioritise location, value, transport and suitability for UK families.
✔ Verified information from trusted sources All details — transport times, resort benefits, room types, fees, parking, and amenities — are checked against official Disney, Universal, and hotel provider information.
✔ Tailored for UK travellers We focus on what matters most to UK visitors:
Easy transport to parks
Value across longer stays
Family‑friendly room layouts
✔ Clear comparisons with no jargon We break down the real differences between Disney, Universal, International Drive, and villa communities so you can choose the right area without confusion.
Ready to book?
- Compare hotel prices on Expedia
- Check availability on Booking.com
- Explore package deals with Virgin Holidays
Written by Darren Conway
Last reviewed: July 2026
Methodology: We check official theme park, hotel, ticket provider and travel websites before updating this guide.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only feature providers we would consider using ourselves.