The best Orlando hotels and resorts for big families

I grew up in a family of six that made frequent trips to Walt Disney World Resort. Finding hotel rooms in the Orlando area that could accommodate all six of us, especially as us kids got older, was no easy task.

But that was many years ago, and as the Orlando hotel scene has expanded over the years, so has its lodging options for big families. Now there’s everything from budget-friendly family suites to resorts offering fun-filled vacation rental homes with space for all the grandparents and cousins, too. Here are my picks for the best Orlando hotels and resorts for big families.

(Note: I’m focusing on hotels located outside of the theme parks for this story, but if you want recommendations for Walt Disney World Resort hotels you can find our top WDW hotels for big families, our WDW hotel recs organized by style and budget, and our expert picks of where to stay at Universal Orlando.

1. Evermore Orlando Resort

Opened in 2024, Evermore Orlando Resort is not your typical Orlando hotel. Case in point: the 20 acres of white-sand beaches surrounding an eight-acre crystal-clear lagoon for swimming and paddling, which definitely rates as a unique resort amenity in the landlocked theme park capital of the world. Big families have lots of options here, from rental homes with five to 11 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 32 guests, to four-bedroom flats and two- and four-bedroom villas.

Fully equipped kitchens make it easy to feed your crew, but the property’s many dining options can also easily accommodate big groups. Evermore Orlando Resort is located adjacent to Walt Disney World Resort and is also an easy drive to the other theme parks.

2. Villatel Orlando Resort

If visiting Universal Epic Universe is on your Orlando must-do list, Villatel Orlando Resort offers both excellent proximity to the new theme park and plenty of space for big families. The new property features four- to nine-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 26 guests in style. All include full kitchens, private spa pools, at least one themed bedroom for the kiddos, and game rooms or other in-home entertainment options that my family fully enjoyed when we stayed here.

There are also two- and three-bedroom Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort units if you don’t need something quite so large. The resort’s amenity center is an all-ages playground with waterslides, a lazy river, sports courts, and other fun, and there’s complimentary shuttle service to and from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

You can walk over to the Universal theme parks if you stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. But as a Universal Partner Hotel, it also offers scheduled shuttle service to the parks along with an on-site Universal Vacation Desk.

Suites give everyone in the family a little space, and a resort-style pool and five on-site dining spots provide options when you’re not at the parks. And of course your stay starts with DoubleTree’s signature warm chocolate chip cookie (which is also available in an allergy-friendly version).

4. Orlando World Center Marriott

Big is the name of the game at Orlando World Center Marriott, the world’s largest Marriott resort. The property already had a lot to offer families, with amenities like the on-site River Falls Water Park with several waterslides and a lazy river and the Falls Pool Oasis area, with a massive zero-entry, lagoon-style pool and even more waterslides.

But the sprawling resort’s new Family Bunk Bed Suites make it even more appealing for big families. The 1,200-square-foot suites include a bedroom with a king bed and twin bunk beds and a family parlor space with a pull-out sofa, kitchenette, table with seating for six, and an oversized balcony (perfect for watching theme park fireworks in the distance). For even more space, the suites can be connected to a king or queen/queen connecting room.

5. Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Margaritaville Resort Orlando brings a touch of the tropics to Central Florida. Book one of the one- to eight-bedroom cottages or two- to four-bedroom villas at the resort, and you’ll have plenty of room to spread out in beachy style. All units come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and a “Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker” for whipping up fun cocktails and mocktails for your crew.

Some cottages and villas also have private pools, and all guests have access to the resort’s pools and fitness center. The property (which also offers traditional hotel rooms and suites) sits within walking distance of Island H20 Water Park and Promenade at Sunset Walk, where you’ll find an array of shops and restaurants. I’ve stayed here many times with family friends, and it’s a great option for a getaway where everyone can have their own space when needed.

6. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

Golf draws some guests to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, but it’s also a great choice for an Orlando family vacation. The resort offers villas with kitchens and private balconies that can sleep up to 10 people. Or if you’d rather go with standard guest rooms, Omni Hotels & Resorts guarantees connecting rooms if you book directly on OmniHotels.com or through the Omni Call Center.

The kids will love all the ways to make a splash here, which include waterslides, a lazy river, and Orlando’s only wave pool. There’s also par-three and miniature golf courses, an arcade, sports courts, and Eagles Edge at ChampionsGate with state-of-the-art golf bays to keep the whole family entertained.

7. The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

Located just six miles from Walt Disney World Resort, The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando offers a home away from home for big families. Two- and three-bedroom vacation residences include fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, and multiple bathrooms for a stress-free family getaway. The resort also recently launched a new wing with studios and one-bedroom condos for smaller groups.

No matter where you stay, you’ll have access to resort amenities like Surfari Water Park, with a FlowRider Double surf simulator, waterslides, and lazy river, and Flip Flop’s Family Fun Center, with arcade games and a glow-in-the-dark indoor mini-golf course. The Grove also offers complimentary daily transportation to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.

8. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South

Good proximity to Walt Disney World Resort isn’t the only thing Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South has going for it. Its spacious two-room premium suites are ideal for family theme park trips and can sleep six comfortably.

The daily free breakfast (including made-to-order omelets) and complimentary evening reception should keep everyone in your crew happy and well fed. The outdoor pool will be much appreciated after a day in the Florida sun, and if you book a fireworks-view room, you can take in the show in your pajamas.

9. Encore Resort at Reunion

Located just south of Walt Disney World Resort, Encore Resort at Reunion keeps big families coming back for its convenient location and fun amenities. The resort’s four- to 13-bedroom homes all have private pools, full kitchens, and themed spaces to get everyone in a playful state of mind.

There’s an onsite water park for staying cool in the Florida heat, plus a playground, sports courts, and all kinds of activities to keep the whole family busy. Complimentary shuttle service takes guests to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, and several on-site dining options are at the ready if you don’t feel like cooking after a day at the parks.

10. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Is it a major splurge? Most definitely. But if you want to go all out for your Orlando family vacation, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort has Park View Suites that can be configured as a two- or three-bedroom suite, and Park View Deluxe Suites that can be expanded with a second bedroom. And as the name suggests, you can catch Walt Disney World fireworks from the privacy of your balcony.

Kid-favorite amenities at the luxe resort include waterslides, a lazy river, and the complimentary Kids For All Seasons kids camp with indoor and outdoor play areas and games and activities. Teens have their own hangout space, and the whole family can take advantage of complimentary transportation to the four Walt Disney World theme parks and the resort’s twice-weekly Disney character breakfast with Goofy and pals.

11. Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center

Book at Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, and you’ll be in the midst of a new mixed-use development with lots of shopping and dining options at the western gateway to Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel offers suites that can sleep up to six and include full kitchens for must-have foods and beverages.

Amenities include an outdoor pool with a waterslide, sports courts, and free shuttle service to the Disney theme parks. A free hot breakfast is served daily with fun options like make-your-own breakfast tacos.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• Here are this year’s top family beach resorts in the U.S.
• Orlando’s wildest hotel pools and water parks are so cool that your kids will never want to leave
• I spent a day at Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. Here’s what it’s like inside.

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