Destinations,  Florida,  Hotels & Airbnb Stays

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando

A look at the most family-friendly hotels in Orlando
Image from expedia.com

A Look at the Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando

Planning a family trip to Orlando? You’re in for a treat. This city isn’t just about theme parks (though Disney and Universal are pretty amazing!)—it’s also home to some of the most family-friendly resorts in the country. It’s no wonder Orlando is consistently voted as one of the best family travel destinations year after year.

Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off after a day of rides, spread out in a spacious villa, or keep the kids entertained without even leaving the property, there are plenty of family friendly hotels in Orlando to choose from. And from lazy rivers and waterslides to character breakfasts and themed suites, these resorts go above and beyond to make family vacations not only easy but unforgettable.

Here are some of the best family-friendly hotels in Orlando:

1. The Grove Resort & Water Park

The pools at one of the most family-friendly hotels in Orlando
Image from expedia.com

Located just west of Disney, The Grove Resort is a self-contained family paradise. It features the Surfari Water Park, home to a FlowRider surfing simulator, dual water slides, a 700-ft lazy river, a family pool, and a kids’ activity center. There’s also an arcade, spa, and multiple dining options to satisfy every taste.

Families especially love the spacious condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, washer/dryer units, and separate bedrooms—perfect for longer stays. Grocery delivery and an on-site market make it easy to stock up on essentials.

2. JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes – One of the best family-friendly hotels in Orlando with a lazy river

Waterslides and a lazy river at one of the most family-friendly hotels in Orlando
Image from Expedia.com

This upscale property is both luxurious and family friendly. The JW Marriott offers a lagoon-style pool, Splash Cove playground, AquaVenture water course, and a relaxing lazy river. Kids can join in supervised activities while parents unwind at the spa or golf course.

Family amenities include nature trails for biking or hiking, lawn games, fishing excursions, and a variety of dining options. Families appreciate the large guest rooms and suites that accommodate multiple generations under one roof.

3. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Image from Expedia.com

This luxury resort is a fantastic option for families seeking a mix of elegance and kid-friendly amenities. Guests enjoy access to the Grande Lakes Waterpark with a lazy river, three heated water slides, splash zones, and zero-entry pools.

Families also love the Ritz Kids Club (ages 4–12), which includes crafts, games, animal encounters, and evening programs. The resort offers expansive nature activities like kayaking, fishing, falconry, and eco-tours, plus a championship golf course. Dining ranges from casual poolside eats to Michelin-recommended fine dining. Spacious suites and residences make it especially appealing for multigenerational stays.

4. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate – One of the best family-friendly hotels in Orlando with full kitchens

A look at one of the most family-friendly hotels in Orlando
Image from Expedia.com

This sprawling property is one of the most popular family-friendly hotels in Orlando, thanks to its wave pool, lazy river, zero-entry family pool, and waterslides. Little ones can splash safely while teens tackle the bigger slides.

Other family amenities include mini golf, an arcade, basketball courts, and the Omni Kids Crew program with welcome backpacks and kid-centered activities. Families staying in the villas enjoy multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and private outdoor spaces—great for longer vacations.

5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando – Lake Buena Vista

Image from expedia.com

Embassy Suites offers excellent value for families. Each stay includes two-room suites with kitchenettes, free cooked-to-order breakfast, and a nightly manager’s reception with snacks.

On-site family-friendly amenities include a splash pad, indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, mini-golf, and an arcade. Shuttle service to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld makes it extra convenient for theme park days.

6. Villatel Orlando Resort

A lazy river hotel for families in Orlando
Image from expedia.com

Perfect for big groups, Villatel offers private vacation homes designed with families in mind. Villas accommodate large groups and feature private pools, arcades, and movie theaters.

Themed bedrooms bring Disney and Universal favorites to life. And earlier in 2025, the resort added a giant communal pool complex with waterslides, a lazy river, and sports courts. It’s a great choice for multigenerational trips or families traveling together.

7. Disney’s Riviera Resort (Walt Disney World) – One of the best family-friendly hotels in Orlando for families going to Disney World

Image from disneyworld.disney.go.com

Going to Disney World is a bucket list travel destination for families. And when you stay at one of the resorts on the property, it’s even more magical. This deluxe Disney resort is both elegant and kid-friendly. Families love the quick Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. On-site, there are two pools—a quiet leisure pool and a lively family pool with a waterslide and splash play area.

Evenings bring Disney movies under the stars and marshmallow roasting by the fire. Accommodations include everything from studios to multi-bedroom villas. Dining highlights include Topolino’s Terrace, famous for its character breakfasts with Mickey and friends.

8. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Image from booking.com

For families who love immersive theming, this resort is unbeatable. Sections inspired by Cars, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid delight kids of all ages.

The resort features family suites for up to six guests, three themed pools (including The Big Blue Pool, the largest at Walt Disney World), an arcade, and outdoor movie nights. This is one of the best budget-friendly options for families who want that signature Disney magic.

9. Disney All-Star Movies & Pop Century Resorts

Image from disneyworld.disney.go.com

These value Disney resorts deliver fun at affordable rates. All-Star Movies boasts oversized Disney icons and themed pools like Fantasia and Toy Story, while Pop Century celebrates decades past with bold, colorful decor and multiple pools.

Both resorts feature food courts, arcades, playgrounds, and access to the Disney Skyliner, making them some of the most convenient and family-friendly hotels in Orlando for budget-conscious travelers.

What Makes These Resorts Family Friendly?

Key FeatureWhy It Matters for Families
Water AttractionsPools, lazy rivers, and slides offer endless fun for kids and adults alike.
Spacious Suites & VillasFull kitchens and multiple bedrooms offer flexibility and comfort, especially for longer stays.
Entertainment & ExtrasOn-site arcades, themed play areas, movies, and evening events keep everyone engaged.
Convenience & TransportationShuttles and proximity to major theme parks reduce travel stress and allow mid-day breaks.
Themed ExperiencesImmersive decor and character elements bring joy and excitement to guests of all ages.

Final Thoughts on the Best Family Friendly Hotels in Orlando

  • For water park adventures and space to spread out: The Grove Resort, JW Marriott Grande Lakes, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
  • For suite comfort and amenities: Embassy Suites, Hilton Grande Villas
  • For top-tier Disney access and experiences: Riviera Resort, Value resorts like Art of Animation or Pop Century
  • For massive family stays: Villatel Orlando Resort

Whichever you pick, Orlando’s family‑friendly resorts are designed to deliver relief from the theme‑park hustle—or amplify it!

Looking for more resources for your family vacation in Florida? Check out my other popular posts:

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Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.

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