Best Family Hotels in Orlando: Near Disney vs Universal Compared

Planning a family trip to Orlando? The best family hotels near Disney and Universal hinge on what your crew values most: Disney-area stays deliver unmatched theming and character magic, while Universal-area hotels win on walkability, value, and time-saving perks. Universal’s compact footprint puts many hotels within an easy stroll of the parks and CityWalk, whereas Disney’s larger resort often means buses between hotels and at least two parks, impacting stroller naps and mid-day breaks, as detailed in MouseHacking’s comparison of the two resort areas (MouseHacking). In this guide, Travel Beyond Boundaries compares both zones head-to-head and curates our top hotel picks for young families, larger groups, and thrill-focused trips—so you can book confidently and spend more time making memories than waiting in lines.