Best Areas to Stay in Orlando, Florida

Celebration is a lively area originally designed by the Walt Disney Company and it’s located 17 miles southwest of Downtown Orlando.

Although technically Celebration is not in the city per se, it is considered the absolute best area to stay in Orlando thanks to it being home to the city’s top attraction: the Walt Disney World Resort.

Also known by the names Walt Disney World and Disney World, this urban complex and tourist attraction opened in 1971 and it’s basically a city within a city.

Since its inauguration, Disney World has grown to include four different theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, 27 themed resorts, 9 independent hotels, numerous golf courses, a camping resort, and other leisure installations, including Disney Springs open-air mall.

To make things more magical during your stay, frequent events, parades, festivals, and nightly firework shows are held in the parks.

This area is great for families, and even better if you’re traveling by car, especially if you wish to visit other theme parks in Orlando.

That said, most chain hotels in the immediate area of the park either belong to Disney World or offer transfer services to the complex and beyond and taxis are widely available.

Universal Studios Florida is another famous theme park located in Orlando. Opened on June 7, 1990, the park’s theme is the entertainment industry, in particular movies and television. It includes a production studio and is part of the Universal Orlando Resort complex.

It is located southwest of Downtown Orlando along Universal Blvd and really close to International Drive.

This huge complex is home to two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida (Home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, as well as the Volcano Bay water park.

For accommodation, the resort hosts eight Loews Hotels: Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Endless Summer Dockside Inn and Suites, and Surfside Inn and Suites.

All of the hotels located within the park and mentioned above offer Early Park Admission to the rides at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay and some of them even have free unlimited Universal Express Pass for staying customers.

Universal Resort is also home to a night entertainment area called Universal CityWalk Orlando.

If you are not planning to stay in an “official” resort, you’ll be happy to know that this area still offers some great independent hotels and a few budget motels.

Not only in the area around Universal much more central than Celebration, but it is also a livelier area. Many shopping centers and Outlet Malls are located on International Drive, and smaller-scale theme park Fun Spot America is also nearby.

SeaWorld is located around International Drive, not too far from Universal Studios.

SeaWorld is the third one of the main theme parks in Florida, known, mainly, for its orca and dolphin live shows.

Near SeaWorld, you’ll find the Aquatica park and the Discovery Cove that will give you a glimpse of life in the oceans through entertainment and games.

SeaWorld is one of the most visited attractions by families during the summer. In this area, you will find comfortable hotels close to the attractions.

Those staying near SeaWorld can attend the live shows, visit attractions and enjoy the local food and souvenir shops.

Other than SeaWorld, this area is home to ICON Park. With dozens of shops, world-class restaurants and a 400-ft-tall giant observation wheel.

The area near SeaWorld is recommended among the best areas to stay in Orlando, thanks, of course, to its parks, but also to its restaurants and luxury hotels.

Kissimmee is one of the cheapest areas to stay in Orlando.

This area is a less than a half-hour-drive from Downtown Orlando, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. So we could say it’s pretty well-located.

A great asset when staying in Kissimmee is that is well-connected by public transport, including buses and trains.

In addition, this area is close to the airport, so it’s great if you’re in town for a short time.

In addition to being close to Orlando’s theme parks, Kissimmee offers places to connect with nature, from hiking trails to hot air balloon rides with breathtaking views.

For those who love shopping, there are also malls and trendy shops in Kissimmee, as well as restaurants and bars.

Kissimmee is one of the best areas to stay in Orlando, offering affordable accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown and easy access to major attractions.

Downtown Orlando is mostly a business-oriented district

It’s one of the busiest areas in town, with plenty of places to see.

Downtown Orlando offers fun and varied accommodations, as well as luxury restaurants.

Things to do in Downtown Orlando range from attending the theater and visiting the parks and cultural centers.

The Amway Center, for example, has live shows, family events and more. In addition, for basketball fans, this area is home the Orlando Magic of the NBA.

Downtown Orlando also has Church Street, a place full of restaurants and bars that are especially lively at night.

Most LGBT-oriented businesses, bars and clubs are located in this district, considered Orlando’s gay area.

In addition, Downtown is known as a business center, thanks to its offices and large companies that make it one of the best areas to stay in Orlando for business.

Staying in Downtown allows travelers to access the attractions of the city by public transport or car, so it is recommended as one of the best areas to stay in Orlando.

Another recommended area to stay in Orlando is near Orlando International Airport, located southeast of the city.

Staying in this area allows the transfer to other neighborhoods of Orlando through its good public transport connections and car rental places.

Orlando International Airport offers flights to national and international destinations and the surrounding area is ideal for short stays in the city.

It is possible to reach Orlando attractions and theme parks from here via highways, shuttle, bus or taxi.

Near the airport, you will find restaurants, fashion boutiques and souvenir shops, fast food outlets and some bars.

The surroundings of the airport are among the best areas to stay in Orlando and there are some budget hotels here.