Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [32]
+ Sophisticated dining options include Hemingway’s, dramatically perched atop one of the pool waterfalls, and La Coquina’s Chef’s Table which offers a seven-course tasting menu served in a luxurious nook tucked back in the restaurant kitchen. (Yes, it’s actually in the kitchen.)
+ The Hyatt basically backs up to Disney World grounds and offers an easy commute to any Disney theme park.
Minuses
− Price: both the rooms and restaurants can be expensive, especially during the on-season or if you upgrade to suite-style accommodations.
− The Hyatt frequently hosts conventions and attracts a more adult crowd than other area hotels.
Residence Inn SeaWorld International Center
www.residenceinn.com 407/313–3611
Map location 28
The suites at the Residence Inn are especially homelike and you can choose among one- to three-room units, all with separate areas for eating and relaxing. Plus the hotel is practically at the back door of SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Disney World and Universal Studios are each about 5 miles away. Prices begin at $110 for a studio, $149 for a one-room suite with sofa bed and go up to $229 for a three-room (two bedrooms and a living room with sofa bed) suite. During peak times the prices rise about $20 a night. The property features a heated outdoor pool, a games room, a sports court with basketball and tennis, a health club, and a children’s playground. “My husband hates crowds and noise and was very skeptical about taking a vacation in Orlando,” a woman from Michigan wrote to us. “But even he had to admit that the Residence Inn was very relaxing and that SeaWorld was a wonderful theme park.”
Proximity to Disney World:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Proximity to Universal:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Proximity to SeaWorld:
Excellent, via a 5-minute drive or shuttle ride
Pluses
+ Suites are spacious and the kitchens are well equipped.
+ Complimentary hot breakfast buffet.
+ Packages including SeaWorld tickets are available.
+ Complimentary theme-park transportation.
Minuses
− The bigger the suite, the higher the price.
− The hotel is a bit off the main drag of International Drive. For families seeking peace and privacy, that actually may be a plus, but you’ll have to drive for every meal unless you’re eating in your own kitchen.
Off-Site Mid-Price Hotels
Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista 407/239–1144
www.embassysuites.com Map location 27
The Embassy Suites chain is very popular with our readers, especially this location. The suites include kitchenettes, the hotels are generally exceptionally well maintained, and a bountiful breakfast is included in the price. There are four Embassy Suites in Orlando; rates at the Lake Buena Vista location, which is the closest to Disney World, range from $113-$143 during the off-season and $147-$177 during the on-season. (The two International Drive locations—Embassy Suites International Drive South and Embassy Suites International Drive Jamaican Court—are also convenient to area theme parks, being reasonably close to Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld.)
Proximity to Disney World:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Proximity to Universal:
Fair, via a 15-minute drive
Proximity to SeaWorld:
Good, via a 10-minute drive
Pluses
+ There are many all-suites hotels in Orlando but this is one of the closest to Disney (without being on-site, that is). You can access Disney property through the Downtown Disney gate without the hassle of getting on I-4.
+ Complimentary breakfast buffet with made-to-order pancakes and an omelet station.
+ Kitchenettes make it easy to keep snacks and sandwich supplies on hand.
+ A shopping center with a grocery and fast-food