Orlando may be home to Mickey ears and roller coasters, but there’s way more to this city than meets the eye. Beyond the parks, you’ll find cozy coffee shops, local art, hidden lakes, and vibrant neighborhoods. So, where should you stay? Close to Disney? Somewhere walkable? Or maybe a spot that feels more local than touristy? Let’s break it down so you can find your perfect Orlando stay.
When to Visit Orlando
With sunshine year-round, Orlando’s always a good idea, but timing can make or break your trip.
- Best Months: Late February through May and late September through early November offer warm weather, smaller crowds, and cheaper flights. Spring brings flower festivals, and fall adds Halloween magic to the parks.
- Less Ideal Months to Visit: Summer (June through August) brings serious humidity and daily afternoon storms, and mid-December through early January means long lines and high prices thanks to the holiday season. If you can, plan a visit just after school breaks or during weekdays.
- Off-Peak Travel: Mid-January through early February, late April through early May, late August through September, and mid-November before Thanksgiving offer lower rates, shorter lines, and more relaxed park experiences.
Best Orlando Neighborhoods to Stay In
Orlando’s neighborhoods each have their own vibe, whether you’re here for the theme parks, nightlife, or a slower local pace.
- Lake Buena Vista: You’re minutes from Disney and Disney Springs, and many resorts offer free shuttles.
- International Drive (I-Drive): Close to Universal and packed with restaurants, shows, and attractions. It’s busy, but you’ll never be bored.
- Downtown Orlando: Artsy, walkable, and full of great restaurants and nightlife. Perfect for those who want to mix city life with a few park days.
- Winter Park: Charming and upscale, with boutique shopping, scenic streets, and lakeside strolls. Feels like a getaway within the city.
- Lake Nona & Baldwin Park: Family-friendly, modern, and peaceful. Ideal if you want a little more space without being far from the action.
Types of Accommodations in Orlando
Hotels & Resorts
Ideal for all-in-one convenience, especially if you want easy access to the theme parks. Downtown’s boutique hotels cater more to those craving nightlife or culture. The trade-off is that hotel rooms can feel small, and family trips often mean booking multiple rooms, which can get pricey fast.
Vacation Rentals
Great for families or groups. Kissimmee and Davenport offer spacious homes, while Celebration brings that small-town charm. And as a bonus, you can cook meals and save big. However, quality can vary, and sometimes you risk last-minute surprises. Always read reviews before booking.
Short-Term Stays
If you’re in town for a few nights or a few weeks, Landing’s furnished apartments give you the best of both worlds. Enjoy full kitchens, in-unit laundry, fast WiFi, luxury amenities, consistency of a hotel but better, 24/7 local support, and a stress-free check-in.
Where to Stay in Orlando Based on Your Vacation Plans
For Disney World
If you came for the magic, Lake Buena Vista is the place to stay. You’ll be minutes from the gates of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, and close to Disney Springs, where you can shop, eat, and unwind under twinkle lights after a long day. Looking for something a little quieter but still close to the action? You can stay in Kissimmee or Davenport.
Where to Stay Near Disney World: Florence Villa, located in Four Corners, offers spacious, resort-style apartments just a short drive from Disney. Enjoy a pool with semi-private cabanas, a playground for the kids, and pickleball courts.
For Universal Studios
Staying along I-Drive means you’re minutes from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk. If you’d rather skip the tourist crowds, stay just a few blocks west in Dr. Phillips. This upscale neighborhood is calm and residential, but still a short Uber away from the parks. It’s also one of Orlando’s top foodie areas with tons of local gems.
Where to Stay Near Universal Orlando: Deseo Grande, located in Southwest Orlando, offers a prime I-Drive location less than 3 miles from Universal. Guests can enjoy a resort-inspired pool, fire pit lounge, and modern fitness center.
For Families
There are plenty of safe and ideal neighborhoods for families visiting Orlando. Celebration, a picturesque town originally developed by Disney, looks like it’s straight out of a storybook with pastel homes, quiet parks, and ice cream by the lake. You can walk everywhere, and it’s just a short drive to the parks. Baldwin Park, closer to downtown, offers that same safe, family feel with trails, playgrounds, and community spaces. Parents can enjoy coffee at local favorites, while kids burn energy lakeside. For a more modern experience, Lake Nona has everything from splash pads and playgrounds to family-friendly dining and outdoor movie nights.
Where to Stay in Orlando with Kids: Florence Villa townhomes in Davenport are perfect for families, including a resort-style pool, playground, pet-friendly spaces, and plenty of lounge areas for adults. For a more modern, amenity-rich stay, Livano Wildwood offers fenced pet parks, entertainment lawns, and walking paths, great for group trips.
For a Local Feel
Winter Park is Orlando’s most picturesque pocket, with cobblestone streets, oak canopies, and boutique-lined Park Avenue. Hop on the scenic boat tour through the lakes, explore the Rollins Museum of Art, and grab a glass of wine at The Wine Room. Thornton Park, just east of downtown, mixes historic homes with trendy spots for brunch and craft cocktails. Spend your afternoon browsing indie boutiques or people-watching at Lake Eola Park. And if you want that small-town vibe, College Park is full of family-owned shops, cozy cafés, and community charm. Locals grab their morning coffee from Credo Coffee Roasters and end their day with a stroll down Edgewater Drive.
Where to Stay Like a Local in Orlando: Estates at Park Avenue, located in Southwest Orlando, gives you access to a quiet, residential feel while still being close to downtown. With two pools, a movie theater, and fitness spaces, you can unwind after exploring Winter Park or Thornton Park.
For Adults & Nightlife
Downtown Orlando and the Mills 50 District are where the locals come to play once the sun sets. Downtown’s Church Street and Wall Street Plaza buzz with energy, sports bars, cocktail lounges, rooftop views, and live music almost every night. Meanwhile, Mills 50 is Orlando’s creative heartbeat, full of murals, speakeasies, and Asian fusion restaurants. You can grab bao buns, catch a DJ set, and end your night with late-night ramen, all within a few blocks. If you want nightlife with a view, ICON Park on I-Drive offers restaurants, bars, and the 400-foot Wheel overlooking the city skyline.
Where to Stay in Orlando for Nightlife: Central Station on Orange in the Central Business District is perfect for adults. Enjoy a rooftop deck with downtown views, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center, all within easy reach of Church Street, Wall Street Plaza, and the city’s hottest bars.
For Couples
Orlando has way more romance than the theme parks let on. Winter Park is the classic choice with leafy streets, lakeside strolls, and candlelit dinners. Start your morning with brunch at Briarpatch on Park Ave, wander the museums and boutiques, then cuddle up on the scenic boat tour through charming canals. If your love language is wellness, Lake Nona is the perfect pick with paddleboarding at sunrise, sleek cafés, and rooftop drinks or a couples’ spa treatment. For a quieter coastal escape just a short drive from Orlando, Melbourne offers romantic beachside walks, waterfront dining, and cozy cafés, perfect for couples who want sun, sand, and a slower pace.
Where to Stay for a Romantic Orlando Getaway: Marisol at Viera, located in Melbourne, is a short drive from Orlando and nearby beaches. Complete with a modern pool and cabanas, meditation gardens, and state-of-the-art fitness, it’s perfect for a couples getaway.
Budget-Friendly Orlando Tips
How much is Disney World for a Family?
From tickets to Mickey-shaped snacks and every parade in between, costs add up fast, especially for families. Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
Theme Park Tickets
One-day tickets run around $120-$150 per adult and $115-$140 per child, while three-day tickets can reach $350-$400 per adult and $330-$370 per child. Five-day tickets push the cost even higher, with park hopper options adding about $65 per ticket.
Food and Beverages
On top of admission, you’ll want to budget for food and drinks. About $50-$75 per person per day if you’re eating in the parks.
Souvenirs and Parking
Souvenirs and extras can add $20-$50 per person. If you’re driving, parking can add up to another $25-$30 per day. Multi-day tickets and kids under three help ease the cost a bit, but Disney is always a big investment.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Disney & Orlando
There’s no sugarcoating it, Orlando can get pricey fast. But with a few smart moves, you can make the most of your stay without breaking the bank.
- Travel Off-Peak: Aim for January–February, April–May, or late August–September. You’ll get smaller crowds, lower prices, and a calmer park experience.
- Stay Off-Property: Disney resorts can easily top $800 a night. Staying in Kissimmee, Davenport, or Lake Buena Vista often cuts that in half and gives you more space.
- Buy Multi-Day Tickets: The longer you stay, the cheaper the per-day cost. It’s worth it if you’re doing both Disney and Universal.
- Pack Snacks: Disney lets you bring your own food and drinks. Save $50+ a day, and keep hangry moments to a minimum.
- Book a Rental: Vacation homes and short-term rentals mean you get a kitchen, laundry, and extra bedrooms.
What to Do Beyond the Parks
Once you’ve had your fill of rides and roller coasters, explore the other side of Orlando, and it’s just as magical.
Start your morning at Lake Eola Park in downtown, where locals jog around the lake and feed swans under the skyline. If you stay on a Sunday, the farmers’ market is full of food trucks, handmade goods, and live music.
Spend the afternoon in Winter Park, strolling along Park Avenue’s boutiques or cruising the canals on the scenic boat tour. If you’re craving nature, head to Wekiwa Springs or Rock Springs Run for clear waters perfect for swimming or tubing.
For family-friendly fun, Gatorland serves up classic Florida charm, and a lot of alligators, while ICON Park offers restaurants, a giant Ferris wheel, and great people-watching. Feeling adventurous? Take an airboat ride through the wetlands or drive east to the Kennedy Space Center to catch a rocket launch off the ground.
How to Spend 3 Days in Orlando
Day 1: Theme Parks
Go full-throttle with theme park fun. Hit Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios, catch the afternoon parade, and stay for the fireworks.
Day 2: Recharge and Explore
Start your day at the springs or Lake Eola Park, then spend the afternoon in Winter Park, maybe a little shopping and a canal boat ride. Cap it off with dinner at Prato or Hillstone by the water.
Day 3: Local Gems
Brunch in College Park, stroll through the Orlando Museum of Art, and end the night downtown with cocktails and live music.
Finding Your Perfect Orlando Stay
Orlando is full of charm, from scenic neighborhoods and local coffee shops to hidden parks and lakeside strolls. Whether you’re chasing Disney magic, going to Universal Studios, planning a family vacation, or just exploring the city like a local, the right stay can make all the difference. Off-peak travel, multi-day tickets, and short-term rentals help stretch your budget, while areas like Lake Buena Vista, Winter Park, or Downtown give you convenience, vibe, and safety all in one.
For families, couples, or anyone craving flexibility, Landing apartments offer stylish, fully-furnished spaces with kitchens, in-unit laundry, fast WiFi, and premium amenities. With easy booking and 24/7 support, you can enjoy Orlando and have a home base that feels just right for your next adventure.
Find your Orlando stay
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