A destination like no other, Orlando holidays are made for families, with world-famous theme parks, family-friendly resorts and plenty to do between park days. Walt Disney World Resort® and Universal Orlando Resort® are the big names, but holidays here offer much more than rides and characters.
It’s our best seller in Florida, with over half of families heading to The Sunshine State choosing Orlando**. Plus, it’s easy to reach, with direct flights from the UK taking around nine hours.
And you can shape your trip around the way your family likes to travel, too. Stay among the restaurants and attractions of International Drive, choose a quieter base near Disney in Lake Buena Vista, or go for extra space in Kissimmee. Discover more Florida holidays.
Why choose Orlando for your holiday?
Make magical memories at Walt Disney World Resort®, where classic characters, enchanting lands and exciting attractions bring favourite Disney stories to life. From meeting beloved characters at Magic Kingdom Park to exploring the worlds of EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s something for every age. Add Disney’s water parks and a choice of on-site hotels, and you’ve got everything you’ll need.
Then turn up the excitement at Universal Orlando Resort®, home to thrilling rides, immersive worlds and plenty of big-screen action. Discover the movies and stories you love across Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or cool off at Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.
With restaurants, shops and attractions outside the parks too, Orlando holidays 2026/2027 gives little ones and adults who don’t want to grow up plenty of ways to fill their 7 to 14-night holiday.
Best areas to stay in Orlando
International Drive (I-Drive)
International Drive is a lively base with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and family attractions. It works well if you want to extend your holiday beyond the theme parks and prefer to have restaurants and entertainment nearby. The I-Ride Trolley also makes getting around the area easier. It runs 8am-10.30pm daily with a $2 fare.** International Drive is 14 miles from Orlando International Airport, a 15-20 minute drive, and 65 miles from Melbourne Orlando Airport, which takes around 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 25 minutes by road.
Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista is the ideal choice if you want to be on the doorstep of Walt Disney World. It has a quieter feel than International Drive, while still putting hotels, restaurants and shopping within easy reach. It’s especially handy if meeting Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck is high on your little one’s to-do list. Orlando International is 18 miles away, which is around 20 minutes by road, while Lake Buena Vista is 65 miles from Melbourne Orlando Airport, typically a 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 25 minutes drive.
Kissimmee
If you’re looking for more space you should consider Kissimmee, especially if you’re looking to book a villa or holiday home. There’s a wide choice of resorts and accommodation close to Orlando's main theme-park areas, often with separate bedrooms and living areas. Walt Disney World is just over 10 miles away, which is around a 20-25 minute drive. Orlando International is 14 miles away, around 25 minutes driving time, while Kissimmee is 54 miles from Melbourne Orlando Airport, taking anywhere from an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by road.
Best time to visit Orlando
Orlando has hot, humid summers and milder winters and spring months. Summer can be a busy time at the theme parks, especially during school holidays, while the cooler months can be more comfortable for long days outdoors. Hurricane season runs from June to November. That doesn’t mean there will be hurricanes, it means there’s a risk during these months. Stays during this time are normally cheaper, but there’s a risk your trip may need to be postponed. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance for a USA holiday, especially one between June and November.
Booking your stay in Orlando
Family theme-park breaks are the main reason Brits head to Orlando, making up more than half of holiday bookings. Almost all our customers opt to spend at least 7 nights in Florida. Remember that in most cases you’ll have a night flight when returning to the UK, so if you book 14 nights at the hotel, you’ll normally be away for 15 nights.
A stay of between one and two weeks allows plenty of time to visit several theme parks while leaving some days free for shopping, swimming or relaxing. You’re not confined to the resort area either! Orlando is just an hours’ drive from Cape Canaveral where you can explore the Kennedy Space Center, and go on dolphin watching cruises.
Room Only is the standard board basis, which suits Orlando because there are plenty of restaurants and food choices around the main resort areas.
Best hotels in Orlando
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - Disney Springs Area - A 3 star hotel, with a 4.8/5 TripAdvisor rating near Disney Springs. It provides a cost-effective and convenient base for families visiting Walt Disney World.
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center - A basic, but popular, budget resort in the middle of International Drive, with a large pool area and attractions nearby.
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando - A 3 star International Drive hotel close to dining, entertainment and attractions, making it handy for families.
Floridays Resort Orlando - Apartment-style accommodation with extra space, making it a good option for families planning a longer Orlando stay.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - Lake Buena Vista by IHG - A 3 star resort near Walt Disney World with family-friendly facilities and space to relax after busy park days.
Explore more of Florida…
Florida - Discover more of Florida beyond Orlando, including beaches, cities and other popular holiday destinations across the state. Explore Florida holidays.
Miami - Miami combines a city break with a beach holiday, with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and long stretches of sand. Discover Miami holidays.
Universal Orlando Resort - Choose Universal for big rides, themed attractions, entertainment and a holiday centered around the Universal parks. Find Universal Orlando Resort holidays.
Our Orlando holidays guide was last updated October 2026.
** Information correct as of 8 October 2026
