Unlike other destinations, where you have to decide between staying in a hotel or airbnb, Choosing your accommodation in Orlando can be a little more complicated.
This is because the city offers several options, such as hotels, houses, resorts inside the Disney and Universal complexes and so on.
At first glance, you may be in doubt about which is the best alternative..
I'm going to say that there is no correct answer, and that the ideal solution will depend on your group and the type of trip you are going to take. I've stayed in both houses and hotels on International Dr., and had great experiences in both cases.
To help you decide, I wrote this post talking about the types of accommodation in Orlando, and what their advantages and disadvantages are. I took advantage and also gave some suggestions of places that I already know, or that were highly recommended by close friends.
If you still have questions about this trip, there are posts on the blog about How to plan a trip to Disney e Tips for itineraries for 7, 10 and 15 days in Orlando.
Types of Accommodation in Orlando
HOUSES
Homes in Orlando have two great advantages: are bigger and cheaper than hotels, in addition to staying in gated communities with a guardhouse, reception and even a gym or games room.
Many of them have three to four bedrooms, ideal for groups of up to eight people or families. Some even have private pools, great for those who are going to visit the city of magic in spring or summer.
In addition to the lower price, staying in a house also helps you save in another way: because they have full kitchens, you can cook dinner instead of eating out, and even make lunch and take it to the parks in a lunch box. thermal like the famous Built.
The biggest disadvantage, besides the lack of daily cleaning, is the more remote location. Most Brazilians like to stay close to International Drive, where one of the best outlets of Orlando, as well as restaurants, shopping remembrances and attractions such as the Orlando Eye and the WonderWorks.
The houses, however, tend to be in regions like Kissimmee or Davenport, neighborhoods further away from the famous street or parks. If you have rented a car, this point is easily overcome, and the areas close to the condominiums have stores like Walmart, gas stations, restaurants and everything you need to make you comfortable without having to go far.
If you haven't rented your vehicle yet, I recommend getting a quote from Rentcars. The site compares prices between the main rental companies in the world, and you can pay in reais, without IOF and in up to 12 installments on your credit card!
Some of Brazilians' favorite house complexes are:
I have already stayed at Royal Palms, in Davenport, and I really liked it. The place had a gym, swimming pool and even a barbecue area, as well as an artificial lake.
It is worth remembering that, as it is not the condominium that manages each house, but rather its owners or contracted companies, it is not possible to guarantee that you will have the same experience than someone who has already stayed there. The ones I mentioned, however, have good reviews in general and on TripAdvisor, and I consider them to be safe options!
HOTELS ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE, CELEBRATION AND SURROUNDINGS
As I mentioned, there are two categories of hotels when choosing your accommodation in Orlando: the “normal” and those located within the Disney and Universal complexes.
The first type, which are those available on Booking or other reservation sites, are more popular for those who want to stay close to International Drive or Celebration. With their numerous attractions, these areas are popular for those looking to enjoy the city beyond the parks.
They tend to be more expensive and smaller than houses, but have the benefit of being close to parks, shopping malls and outlets. For larger families or small groups, many of them also offer “apartment” style rooms, with two rooms and a semi-complete kitchen. They also include daily or weekly cleaning, so if your vacation is going to last several days you don't have to worry about cleaning or tidying the house.
Those who are not renting a car can take advantage of the savings by choosing a hotel with free transportation to the parks, thus eliminating the use of transfers, taxis or ubers.
The most popular are:
- blog post talking about the subject and telling you about my experience using some of the most popular insurance companies!
DISNEY HOTELS
Grand Floridian Spa & Resort, one of Disney's five-star hotels. With several properties within the complex, Disney offers everything from budget to five-star hotels, with rooms ranging from standard size, larger for families or even bungalows.
I can tell you that I can only see two disadvantages in staying in one of them: tend to be more expensive than other hotels, and overnight parking is charged separately. You can avoid this cost by not renting a car on the days you are staying at the complex, as there is Free transportation for guests to all parks and Disney Springs.
Speaking of parks, those who want to make the most of them have great advantages when staying within the complex: the possibility of mark the fast passes 60 days in advance of the trip, while other visitors can only use the service 30 days in advance. On selected days, it is also possible take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, specific periods during which attractions are open only for guests.
Additionally, parking in the parks is free for anyone staying at the property, as is the magicband – bracelet that contains room key, tickets, fast passes and credit card information. With one of these on your wrist, you can enter the park, go to your favorite attractions at the reserved time, shop, pay for meals and even check into your room at the end of the day.
Another benefit offered in some months is the meal plan (dining plan) free. This plan is nothing more than a package of “credits” that are used in the complex's restaurants, and payment is made with them instead of cash. Normally this package is paid separately, but depending on the season there is a promotion to book one of the Disney hotels and win this eating plan.
The best-known Disney hotels in each category are:
Economic:
Moderates:
Luxurious:
HOTELS AT UNIVERSAL
Hard Rock Hotel. Photo taken from the Booking ad. In addition to being more expensive than hotels located on International Drive, choosing the Universal complex as your accommodation in Orlando also has the disadvantage that an overnight stay in the parking lot costs US$14, and parking in the parks is not free, even for guests.
Other than that, all customers are entitled to enter Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures and Volcano Bay one hour before opening, to ride some selected attractions, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Transportation between hotels and parks is free, and can be done through shuttlecocks or boats depending on the property.
Another benefit, offered exclusively to those who stay in category hotels premium liquors or in the most expensive of the moderate ones, is the Free Express Pass Unlimited. Unlike Disney, Universal charges extra for the transportation service. sticks row, and the unlimited package starts at US$89 per day.
The most famous are the Did you like this post? Save to Pinterest to read later!
Some links in this post are affiliate links.
