There is so much to see and do in Orlando, Florida! Theme Parks – Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and Legoland to name just a few. Days spent with your family at a theme park making core memories are days filled with literal magic. But if you’re anything like me, you need some rest days to balance them out and keep everyone’s (my… cough, cough) cup full. We love to stay at a relaxing resort with great resort pools, water slides, and a lazy river so we can have a fun-filled day off between theme park days on our family vacations in Orlando, Florida!
This is a list of our favorite Orlando area resort hotels – check it out and get ready to check in!
Top 13 Best Orlando Area Resorts for Families
1. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando, FL
The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes resort in Orlando, Florida boasts a lazy river over 1300 feet long! Float past cascading waterfalls, bridges, and lush tropical landscaping while you soak up the sun on this lazy river. Other features at the resort water park, which is also shared with the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes Resort, include 3 water slides, multiple pools, a splash pad, and a water obstacle course. When you’re done exploring the water park, don’t forget to explore Grande Lake. With guided kayak tours, fishing, sunrise safaris, and falconry experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lake resort!
What We Love:
- 1300-Foot Long Lazy River
- AquaVenture Water Obstacle Course
- Sunrise Safari on Grande Lake
Read our full resort review: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
📍JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – 4040 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
2. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center – Kissimmee, FL
The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in the greater Orlando area of Central Florida has a fantastic lazy river in the recently updated pool complex. The lazy river is a perfect mix between relaxing with a nice current and comfortable tubes and exciting with fountains and waterfalls. Other features of the water park that is heated and open year-round include multiple pools, 3 speed water slides (including one free fall drop slide!), and a 3-story tall tree house-themed water fort. When you’re tired of the pool (like that could happen) there are a ton of the family-friendly activities in the climate-controlled Atriums inside the resort to keep you and your family entertained during your stay. The Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center is especially spectacular during Christmas time with the ICE! exhibit that you have to see to believe. Another perk of the resort is a complimentary shuttle to the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs!
What we Love:
- Lazy River with cascading waterfalls and fountains
- 3-story tall tree house water playground with slides, water cannons, and fountains
- Racing slides and the Florida free fall drop slide
Read our full resort review: Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center
📍 Gaylord Palms Resort and Convestion Center – 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746
3. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – Orlando, Florida
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a luxurious family-friendly resort located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. Known for its elegant Victorian-style architecture, the resort offers a timeless and sophisticated ambiance. Families can indulge in spacious and well-appointed rooms, enjoy breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon or lush gardens, and experience world-class dining options. The resort boasts a variety of amenities, including pools, a white-sand beach, water sports, a children’s play area, and even a full-service spa. With its convenient proximity to the Magic Kingdom and Disney transportation options, the Grand Floridian Resort is the perfect destination for families seeking a combination of luxury, convenience, and a touch of Disney magic!
What We Love:
- White sand beach pool – bringing the beauty of the beach to Central Florida!
- Magic Hours at Walt Disney World theme park
- World-class dining options
Read our full resort review: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
📍Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
4. Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – Orlando, FL
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a newly renovated resort located in Orlando, Florida. Along with a temperature-controlled lazy river with lush landscaping, guests can enjoy multiple pools, water slides, and poolside dining. As an official Walt Disney World Hotel, the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort provides daily shuttle service and early entry to all the Disney World theme parks.
What we Love:
- Water Slides
- Temperature Controlled Pools
- Shuttle Service and early entry to Disney World theme parks
Read our full resort review: Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
📍 Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek – 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
5. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate– Orlando, FL
The Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate is located in Orlando, Florida. The resort water park has an impressive 850-foot long lazy river, multiple water slides, a wave pool, a kids pool, and and adults-only pool. Another fun family activity to do at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate is to rent a surrey bicycle! The resort also offers complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park and Disney’s Epcot theme park with multiple departure and arrival times daily.
What we Love:
- Wave Pool
- Surrey Bike Rental for the Family
- Complimentary Shuttle to Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Read our full resort review: Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate
📍Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate – 1500 Masters Blvd, ChampionsGate, FL 33896-5312
6. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs – Orlando, FL
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located on Lake Buenva Vista just south of Orlando, Florida. It is accessible via pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs with a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences for the whole family to enjoy. The Resort has a pool and a lazy river with zero-grade entry for guests to enjoy. Other perks to staying at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace include early entry (30 minutes) and complimentary shuttle service to the 4 Disney theme parks nearby!
What we Love:
- Zero-entry lazy river
- Early entry and complimentary shuttle to Disney Theme Parks nearby
- Pedestrian Skybridge to dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs
Read our full resort review: Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
7. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes – Orlando, FL
The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes resort in Orlando, Florida shares the Grande Lakes Water Park with JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. Guests can enjoy floating in the lazy river, 3 water slides, multiple pools, a splash pad, and the AquaVenture obstacle course. The resort also has the Ritz Kids program providing childcare for kids ages 4-12 for either half-day, full-day, or evening sessions.
What we Love:
- 1300-foot long lazy river
- AquaVenture Obstacle Course
- Ritz Kids childcare program with half-day, full-day and kids night out options
Read our full resort review: The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
📍The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes – 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837
8. The Grove Resort & Water Park – Orlando, FL
The Grove Resort and Water Park is located in Orlando, Florida about 6 miles from the Disney World theme parks. The water park at The Grove Resort provides guests with ample opportunity for fun in the sun on the lazy river (695′ long), the FlowRider surfing simulator, two water slides, a zero-grade entry pool, and a kids’ activity pool. There is a complimentary shuttle from the resort to Walt Disney World parks, Universal, and SeaWorld daily.
What we Love:
- 695-foot Lazy River
- Water Slides
- Shuttle to nearby theme parks
Read our full resort review: Grove Resort and Water Park
📍The Grove Resort and Water Park – 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Orlando, FL 34787-9475
9. Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge – Orlando, FL
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a unique place to stay during a trip to Walt Disney World theme park. Inspired by an African safari, the resort and rooms overlook expanses with over 200 hoofed animals and birds. Keep your eyes peeled for zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and flamingos during your stay at this resort. There is a relaxing resort pool with a water slide for a nice rejuvenating time during your down time between trips to theme park resorts in Florida.
What we Love:
- Wild Animals roaming 4 Savannahs around the resort
- Resort pool with a water slide
- Animal encounter programming
📍Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747
10. Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort – Orlando, FL
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is located in Orlando, FL. The sprawling resort features seven pools, a lazy river, water slides, splash pads, and a sandy beach area – just to name a few amenities (yes, seriously)! When you’re ready to get out of the pool, enjoy family time playing mini golf, sand volleyball, in one of the arcades, or enjoying water sports on the lake. There are also 4 gold courses to choose from, including a lighted course in the evening. With spacious accommodations up to a 4-bedroom villa and a complimentary shuttle around the resort, we think it’s a perfect place for a family reunion vacation!
What we Love:
- Lazy River, Water Slide, Splash Pad, and Sandy Beach area
- Multiple restaurants within the sprawling resort
- Complimentary shuttle around the resort grounds to take advantage of all the amenities
Read our full resort review: Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
11. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, FL
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida. The Explorer Island water park on the property offers guests a choice between a relaxing lazy river, exhilarating water slides, splashy kids’ pools, or tranquil adult-only pools. The resort offers a complimentary kids club for children aged 4-12-years old, a perfect chance for adults to check out the spa! As an official Walt Disney World hotel, guests enjoy early entry to the parks, complimentary transportation, and a view of the Disney theme park fireworks!
What we Love:
- Complimentary Kids Club
- View of the Disney Fireworks show from Dinner
- Early entry and transportation to Disney World theme parks
Read our full resort review: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
📍 Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World Resort – 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
12. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Orlando, FL
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in Orlando, Florida will transport you back in time with it’s retro-inspired 1950’s beach resort vibe. Along with the lazy river, there are 2 large pools with graded entry and a water slide. The resort offers family suites that can accommodate up to 6 people and include a kitchenette. Guests of the resort enjoy early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay (with valid admission ticket). The Universal theme parks are within walking distance or accessible by a complimentary shuttle.
What we Love:
- Early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay
- Complimentary Shuttle to Universal theme parks
- Retro beach resort vibes
Read our full resort review: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
📍Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
13. Legoland Hotel, Legoland Pirate Island Hotel, Legoland Beach Retreat – Winter Haven, FL
Legoland Florida Water Park in Winter Haven, Florida in Central Florida has so many great attractions for your lego-loving kids (and parents too)! There is a lazy river with build-your-own floats made out of legos, water slides, a splash fort play structure, a Duplo splash pad, and a wave pool. The Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Pirate Island Hotel are located just steps from the Legoland Water Park and Legoland Theme Park. Legoland Beach Retreat is just across the way and offers a complimentary shuttle to the theme parks. The three hotels all offer fun lego-themed rooms with separate sleeping areas for the kids so the adults can… sleep!
What we Love:
- Build-Your-Own Lego Floats in the Lazy River
- Splash Pad Play Structure
- Lego-themed hotels with a separate kids sleeping area
Read our full resort review: Legoland Florida Water Park
📍Legoland Florida Water Park – 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Check out more of the Best Resorts in Florida
- Best Family Resorts in Florida
- Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida
- Best Lazy Rivers in Florida
- Best Disney Resorts
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