Where to stay in Orlando
"Orlando" covers a wide sweep of Central Florida — the Disney bubble, the Universal side, a long tourist strip, budget-friendly vacation-home country and a couple of quieter small towns. Choosing the right base is the single biggest decision for your trip. Here's how the main areas compare.
Lake Buena Vista
The Disney bubble itself, with Disney-owned resorts, Disney Springs and the shortest possible commute to the Walt Disney World parks. Best if you want to be fully immersed in Disney and use its free transportation.
International Drive
Orlando's main tourist corridor, with ICON Park, outlet malls and dense dining, close to both Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Best all-around base if your trip mixes multiple parks.
Kissimmee
A budget-friendly corridor south of Disney with vacation homes, hotels and the retro Old Town district. Best for families wanting more space for the money, close to Disney's south entrances.
Universal Orlando / CityWalk
Centered on Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe, with CityWalk's dining and nightlife. Best if Universal is the priority of your trip, especially for on-site perks like early park admission.
Winter Garden, Celebration and ChampionsGate/Davenport
Winter Garden is a walkable historic small town with a quieter, local feel. Celebration is a picturesque planned town minutes from Disney's main entrance. ChampionsGate and Davenport suit golfers and larger groups via gated vacation-home communities, a bit further from the parks.
Compare each area
Browse our zone guides under Destinations to see the hotels in each area and pick the base that fits your trip, then book direct at member prices.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best area to stay in Orlando for first-time visitors?
Lake Buena Vista if Disney is your main focus, or International Drive if you're splitting time between Disney, Universal and SeaWorld — both put you close to the action with plenty of hotel choice.
Is it cheaper to stay in Kissimmee than near Disney?
Generally yes — Kissimmee's hotels and vacation homes tend to offer more space for the money than staying directly on Disney or Universal property, at the cost of a short drive rather than a walk to the parks.