Where to Stay in Orlando Florida for your Vacation

by: OliviaHoladay
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Orlando has 7 distinct areas that vacationers can use as a home base for visiting the many theme parks and recreational spots in the county. Making a choice of where to stay can be quite a daunting task, so here are some tips that may help you choose the optimum lodging that will suit your vacation needs (and budget) during your stay in the world's family entertainment capital.

South of Disney World (Highway 192 - Kissimmee)

The historic town of Kissimmee has been a well-known destination for many tourists visiting Orlando. With its numerous restaurants, bed & breakfasts, vacation condos, golf courses, and family attractions, many vacationers consider this area an excellent one for finding lodging. Hotel prices here are less expensive when compared to hotels in the other areas. However, many of the structures are aging as most were built in the late 70's. Few of the hotels here are connected with national chains.

North of Disney World

Also called the Lake Buena Vista area, this is the newest venue for places to stay in Orlando County. The hotels here were built starting in the early 1990's to the present and are mostly associated with the national hotel chains. The Lake Buena Vista area managed by the Walt Disney Corporation and hosts great shopping and dining within a few miles radius.

Inside Disney World Resort

For the Disney connoisseur, the resort itself would be the best option to search for a good hotel. By definition, it will be the closest to Disney World attractions and a free shuttle service to all the parks runs at least every half hour. All Disney World hotels are managed to the highest standards, so there is a high probability for an excellent stay. However, these hotel rooms only allow up to four people in a single room and can cost almost double compared to hotels outside the Disney World confines. There is a lot to be said, however, for not having to make the daily car rides back and forth to Disney World.

Universal Studios Theme Park Area

There are also some good options that can be considered in this area, but not as much as there is in other areas of Orlando County. Only a few hotels can be found in this area and there is not much competition going on between them, so the prices are really not that attractive.

Downtown Orlando

An Orlando vacation means visiting the theme parks and beautiful attractions that this region has to offer. Most likely, you will not enjoy the traffic hassles of long trips from downtown to the theme parks - not to mention the time that you will be wasting traveling thirty minutes or more to and from Disney World each day. There are just too many good alternatives to staying downtown.

Convention Center Area

The convention center area is just a few minutes away from SeaWorld so it can be a good choice for those who will be going primarily to that park. However, the prices here are a little more expensive while the amenities offered by the hotels are mostly geared for business travelers than for families.

SeaWorld / International Drive Area

The SeaWorld area is our favorite area to stay in when vacationing with young children. The reason is due to the number of "villa resorts" in the area. For the same price as a decent hotel room, you can be in a two bedroom villa with full kitchen, living room, whirlpool bath and screened-in veranda. These resorts have lakes, pools, activity centers and other amenities that children as well as adults love. You will be especially appreciative of these resorts if you have some non-park days on your schedule.

Orlando County offers a large variety of options for hotels and lodging. By reviewing the various choices described in this article, you will be well on your way to making the right decision for a great Orlando vacation.