Best Orlando Resorts and Hotels for Families

Looking for ways to cut back the cost of a Disney World vacation? Consider choosing one of the seven best-value hotels in Disney's moderate and value categories or staying at Disney's campground. No matter which property you choose, you'll get the same resort benefits as you would at the pricier hotels at Disney World, but at a fraction of the cost.

If your family loves to float along a lazy river, you'll be spoiled for choice in Orlando. Of course, you'll find fabulous lazy rivers at many of the area theme parks and waterparks. Or you can up the ante by staying at one these resorts where you can relax in an inner tube and let your cares drift away.

For families with three or more kids, the typical standard room just isn't big enough yet ponying up for two rooms is pricey and inconvenient. Luckily, larger families have plenty of options at Disney World. Here's a range of solutions for families of five or more, and for every budget.

Open since 2014 at Universal Orlando Resort, the retro-kitsch Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers value-priced rooms and moderate-priced family suites with separate sleeping areas and mini kitchenettes.

There are several Embassy Suites properties in Orlando, but this is the closest to Disney World. Along with free breakfast, wi-fi, and transportation to Disney World, this all-suite resort features spacious digs with full kitchens, which is super handy for families with little kids who want to save money on meals. There are several outdoor pools, a splash pad, and drive-in movies in the evenings.

Open since 2014 inside Disney World, the Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World offers 444 rooms and suites, many of which deliver spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks display. The lakeside resort is located inside the gates of Disney World in a residential setting just minutes from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Many in-the-know families love this resort because of its wonderful location. Part of Westin Hotels & Resorts, which in turn is owned by the Starwood Group, the Swan and Dolphin sister properties are situated inside Disney World between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Guests can take advantage of Disney World's complimentary water taxi service to nearby Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and bus shuttles to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, as well as to Downtown Disney and the water parks.

The most luxurious of the four on-site hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, Portofino Bay Hotel is a very plush slice of Italy, complete with cobblestone streets, Cypress trees, a charming piazza, authentic Italian restaurants, and three spectacular pools, including one that looks like a Roman aqueduct.

Another great choice at Universal Orlando, the Hard Rock Hotel has a large freeform lifeguarded pool with sand beach, "Camp Li'l Rock" with kids' activities, and convenient access to the two theme parks by a free water-taxi shuttle or a garden walkway. Guest get front-of-the-line access to popular rides.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort sits on a gigantic 1500 acres where features include nature trails, horseback riding, golf, lake watersports such as kayaking and paddleboats, and a half-acre pool with waterfalls and waterslides. This property also has a Camp Hyatt kids' program and a child care center.

Gaylord Palms is a giant property with over 1400 rooms and 2 million square feet, set on 63 acres just a few minutes from Disney World. A signature feature is a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium with three themed sections on different regions of Florida. Guests at Gaylord Palms will also find an outdoor recreation park., a large kids' club, and more.

- Edited by Suzanne Rowan Kelleher