Where to stay in Orlando depends on which parks you’re visiting. For a Disney trip, stay in the Disney World area; for Universal, stay at or near Universal; and for both, International Drive sits in the middle. Families who want space and a private pool often rent a vacation home in Kissimmee.
Orlando hotels are cheaper than many big US cities. The cheapest rooms average about $124 a night, and the average room actually booked cost about $203 in 2025, before the 12.5% hotel tax.
Where is the best area to stay in Orlando?
| Area | Best for | Price level | Getting to the parks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney World area | Disney-focused trips, young kids | Medium to very high | Free Disney transport from Disney hotels |
| Universal area | Universal and Epic Universe, teens | Medium to high | Walk, shuttle or water taxi |
| International Drive | Doing both Disney and Universal, restaurants | Low to medium | 10 to 20 minutes by car to either |
| Lake Buena Vista | Disney trips at lower prices | Low to medium | Short drive or hotel shuttle to Disney |
| Kissimmee | Big families, vacation homes with pools | Low to medium | Car needed, 15 to 30 minutes to Disney |
| Downtown Orlando and Winter Park | Trips beyond the theme parks | Medium | About 30 minutes to the parks by car |
Best areas to stay in Orlando
Disney World area
Stay here if your trip is mostly Disney. Disney’s own hotels come with free buses, boats, the monorail or the Skyliner gondola to the parks, so you can skip the rental car. Prices range from budget-friendly to some of the most expensive rooms in Orlando.
Universal area
Stay here if you’re spending 2 or 3 days at Universal. Several Universal hotels are a walk or a short water taxi from Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and all of them run free shuttles, including to Epic Universe.
International Drive
International Drive, or I-Drive, is the best area to stay in Orlando for a trip to both Disney and Universal. It sits between the 2 resorts, with the most restaurants, attractions like the big observation wheel at ICON Park, and many good-value hotels. Our Universal Studios vs Disney World comparison helps you decide how to split your days.
Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista is right next to Disney World, near Disney Springs, with many chain hotels that cost less than Disney’s own. Some run shuttles to the parks, and a few are official Disney Springs Resort Area hotels with Disney perks.
Kissimmee
Kissimmee, just south of Disney, is where most vacation homes are. For big families, a home with several bedrooms, a kitchen and a private pool can cost less than 2 hotel rooms. You’ll need a car.
Downtown Orlando and Winter Park
For a trip that’s more about the city than the parks, stay downtown near Lake Eola or in Winter Park, with its tree-lined streets, shops and lake boat tours. Both are about 30 minutes from the theme parks by car.
New to Orlando? Our Orlando travel guide covers the airport, getting around and the best time to go.
Disney resorts: are they worth it?
Walt Disney World Resort runs more than 20 hotels in 4 price levels: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas. Staying at 1 of the Disney resorts costs more than a similar hotel outside, but it comes with real perks:
- Early Theme Park Entry: 30 minutes early at every Disney park, every day
- Extended Evening Hours on select nights for Deluxe and Deluxe Villa guests
- Free buses, boats, monorail and Skyliner gondola between the hotels and parks
The Value resorts are the best deal for families. A few hotels in the Disney Springs area also get Early Theme Park Entry, at lower prices.
Universal hotels
Universal Orlando has 11 hotels in 4 price levels: Value, Prime Value, Preferred and Premier. All guests get early park admission on select days and free shuttles to the parks.
The 3 Premier hotels include free Express Unlimited at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, which skips most regular lines and can save more than the extra room cost. 3 newer hotels opened next to Epic Universe in 2025, and 1 of them, Helios Grand, has its own entrance into the park.
Where to stay in Orlando with kids
- Young kids at Disney: a Disney Value resort with family suites, so everyone has space and you can take a midday nap break by bus
- Teens at Universal: a Universal Premier hotel, so Express Unlimited cuts the waits on big rides
- Big families: a vacation home in Kissimmee with a kitchen and private pool
- Disney and Universal on 1 trip: a suite hotel on International Drive, between the 2 resorts
How much hotels in Orlando cost
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cheapest rooms, yearly average | About $124 a night |
| Cheapest month | August, about $101 a night |
| Most expensive month | February, about $150 a night |
| Average room actually booked, 2025 | About $203 a night |
Hotels in Orange County, which includes Orlando, Universal and most of the Disney area, add 12.5% in taxes to every hotel bill: 6.5% sales tax and a 6% tourist tax. Kissimmee, in Osceola County, also charges a 6% tourist tax. Many hotels outside Disney also add a daily resort fee, so compare the total price.
Tips for booking where to stay in Orlando
- Book for late August or September for the lowest rates, and avoid spring break and Christmas week
- Pick your area by your park days first, then compare hotels inside that area
- Count the total cost: taxes, resort fees, parking at the parks and your hotel, and a rental car if you’ll need 1
- For a Christmas trip, book early; see Disney World Christmas 2026 for the busiest weeks
- Check in with our hotel safety tips; they take 5 minutes
FAQ
The Disney World area for a Disney trip, the Universal area for Universal, and International Drive for a trip to both.
A Disney Value resort with family suites for young kids, or a vacation home with a pool in Kissimmee for big families.
For a Disney-only trip, usually yes: Early Theme Park Entry and free transport save time and the cost of a rental car.
At a Disney resort for Disney, or a Universal hotel for Universal. Both run free transport to their parks.
The cheapest rooms average about $124 a night, and the average booked room cost about $203 in 2025, plus 12.5% tax.
Sources: Engine: Orlando hotel rates by month · Roommaster: Orlando hotel tax 2026 · Orange County Comptroller: June 2026 tourist tax report
