Planning a Florida holiday is exciting — but choosing where to stay in Orlando can quickly become overwhelming.
There are hundreds of hotels around Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, all promising convenience, value or luxury.
For UK visitors — especially those staying 10–14 nights — the choice matters far more than many expect.
Your hotel shapes your daily travel time, food costs, rest days and even how tired you feel by the end of the holiday.
This guide explains the main areas and which suits different trip styles best.
The First Decision: What Type of Trip Are You Planning?
Before looking at specific hotels, decide how you want the holiday to feel:
| Trip Style | Best Area |
|---|---|
| First once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip | On-site Disney |
| Split Disney & Universal | Lake Buena Vista or I-Drive |
| Universal-focused | Universal on-site |
| Relaxed two-week holiday | Suites / villas |
| Budget-focused | Off-site Kissimmee |
| Adults / teens | BoardWalk / modern hotels |
Getting this right matters more than the individual hotel.
Option 1 — Staying Inside Disney World
Best for first-time visitors who want simplicity and immersion.
Advantages
- Early park entry
- Disney transport
- No car required
- Fully themed experience
Disadvantages
- Smaller rooms
- Higher prices
- Less food flexibility
Typical good choices:
- Value convenience: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Balanced moderate: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Walkable luxury: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
👉 Best for: First Disney holiday or no-car trips
Option 2 — Disney Area (Lake Buena Vista)
Best balance for most UK families.
You’re very close to Disney — but gain larger rooms and better pricing.
Advantages
- Larger rooms
- Easy supermarkets & restaurants
- Lower prices than Disney hotels
- Works well for 14 nights
Disadvantages
- Car recommended
- No Disney perks
Typical examples:
- Good all-rounder: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area
- Calm modern stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- Suite comfort: Caribe Royale Orlando
👉 Best for: Most returning UK visitors
Option 3 — International Drive
More entertainment outside the parks and easier Universal access.
Advantages
- Walkable restaurants
- Evening activities
- Good for teens/adults
- Central location
Disadvantages
- Longer Disney travel
- Less relaxing atmosphere
Typical examples:
- Lively value: Avanti International Resort
- Modern simple: Aloft Orlando International Drive
- Budget family: CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort
👉 Best for: Mixed park trips or older kids
Option 4 — Universal On-Site
Often used as part of a split stay.
Advantages
- Walk to parks
- Early entry
- Express Pass (Premier hotels)
- Saves huge queue time
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for full 14 nights
- Higher nightly cost
Typical strategy:
Stay most nights near Disney, then move to
Loews Royal Pacific Resort for 2–4 nights to maximise rides.
👉 Best for: Efficient park touring
Option 5 — Suites & Villas (Best for Two Weeks)
Very popular with experienced UK visitors.
Advantages
- Space to relax
- Kitchen facilities
- Lower food costs
- Better for rest days
Disadvantages
- Car required
- Less immersive
Typical choices:
- Apartment-style: Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc Suites
- Resort villas: Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas
- Family value: Calypso Cay Vacation Villas
👉 Best for: Longer relaxed holidays
So… Where Should Most UK Visitors Stay?
For a typical 14-night first or second Orlando trip:
Best overall strategy
- 9–11 nights near Disney (Lake Buena Vista)
- 3–4 nights Universal on-site
This balances cost, comfort and convenience better than staying in one place.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t one perfect area — only the one that matches your holiday style.
Choosing the right location can:
- Reduce travel fatigue
- Lower food spending
- Improve park time
- Make the holiday feel easier
Get this decision right, and almost any hotel in that category will work well.
If you want help narrowing it down further, the next step is choosing the best hotel for your specific trip type — family, couples, budget or split stay. For informal, unbiased advice, look at our listings, or email us at hotels@mousetowand.com – we’ll be happy to help you out as best we can.
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