Orlando is famous for some of the top theme parks in the world.  With warm weather year round,  Orlando is also home to some of the most fanciful hotels that make families feel like they’re in paradise.  With so many great hotels to choose from in Orlando, which ones do Trekaroo families truly love?  Here’s the our verdict for 2010.

#1 Kid-friendly Hotel Orlando and Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

Although this Disney hotel is the farthest from the theme parks, it’s seems that being able to wake up to giraffes and zebras at your window is an experience so unique and wonderful that it’s worth every penny.  Dancing Queen declares that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are “Beyond Fantastic…Nature hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, night vision goggle observation of the animals, fireside storytelling, it goes on and on.”  AuntieMie recommends getting a room with a balcony because “the animals, food, and surroundings are amazing” and kids will simply love gazing out their window.  Restaurant Bomo also gets a big thumbs up from families.

Parent Review of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

Rates begin at $237/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Really Near Magic Kingdom:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Located just a mile from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge got a raving review from HTanner who says it’s the “Best on-site hotel for families”.  Why?  Maybe it’s the beautiful architecture, or the two amazing pools complete with water slide and waterfall.  Perhaps it’s the more affordable prices and close proximity to Magic Kingdom.  That’s not even mentioning the funny waiters at the Whispering Canyon Cafe.  Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also has a kids club and myrid of fun activities for the whole family.  Amanda Lisk says, “This resort was less expensive than the Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary – but just as nice and convenient!”

Parent Reviews of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Rates begin at $219/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Epcot:
Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel – Riverside

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with it’s old southern charm received top votes by Trekaroo families.  Families on Trekaroo love what they get at this moderately priced hotel.  Metro927 summed it up by saying that they “LOVE this hotel.  Definitely going back”.  Their sentiment was shared by several other families.  Leigh’s “children LOVED the pool area, huge slide and kiddie pool area.”  Hope says this is their favorite moderately priced hotel because “the rooms are spacious and (they) loved the view in Alligator Bayou”.  Families also loved the large pool with a water slide and the shuttle to the theme parks as well as the excellent service and chocolate milk on tap.  A big bonus – many rooms accommodate a family of 5 in one room.

Parent Reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Rates begin at $136/night.  Check Availability

Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Universal Studios:
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Located just minutes from Universal Studios, Trekaroo families love Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  It’s no surprise, because this hotel has a fantastic pool designed to look like a South Seas Lagoon. This is not just a pool.  The landscape transports you to a tropical paradise complete with water cannons, fake beach, and water polo equipment.  You even get free use of the cool water taxi to Universal Studios, as well as no wait access to Universal’s parks and rides.  PaulaKaronline sums up her impressions, “The hotel was breakthtaking, the food was excellent and the pool area was fantastic…the staff was super-friendly and eager to please.”

Parent Reviews of Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Rates begin at $161/night.  Check Availability

Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Activities for Kids in Orlando?
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents

More Resources for Orlando

• All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
• Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida

• More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
• 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
• Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
• Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
• Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
• Water Parks in Florida

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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA