Sometimes it’s best to hire a car when you go on vacation. It gives you freedom and means you can do what you want when you want. Sometimes, however, this extra expense just isn’t worth it. It costs a lot, it means you have to drive in unfamiliar places, and if you’re close to the Disney and Universal theme parks as you will be in many Orlando hotels, it can just seem like a bad idea for the environment too. Is there another way? The good news is there is certainly another way. You can choose a hotel that offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the parks. Here are some of the best.
- Westgate Lakes
Book a single room in a large villa.
If you’re looking for an Orlando resort that has absolutely everything you could need, Westgate Lakes is the right choice; just visit wglakes.com to see what we mean – it’s incredible just how much this hotel offers its guests. The hotel is, as the name suggests, a lakeside one, and it offers the fantastic shuttles every day. As well as this, there are many different types of rooms to choose from, including suites, meaning that no matter what size your party might be, this is still the right choice of hotel. You can also indulge in some me-time in the onsite spa, plus you can’t miss out on Treasure Cove Water Park, which has a lazy river, 41,000-gallon wave pool, and plenty of flumes and slides. There are seven pools in today at Westgate Lakes, so there is fun for everyone.
- Little Tiki Village
Home to a swimming pool volcano.
There is a lot to say about Little Tiki Village because it gives so much to its guests. Themed in a Polynesian style, the customer service at this resort is second to none and is often cited as some of the best in the Orlando area, which has to be a good start. More than this, there is a two-acre water playground as well as two heated outdoor pools, a slide, and even a volcano in the swimming pool. When you need a day off from the parks, you can still have plenty of fun at Little Tiki Village. Of course, if you do want to visit the parks – and of course you do – there is the free shuttle bus to take advantage of. As long as you book first, you know you’ll get to and from the parks with ease, whether you want Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld.
- Avanti International Resort
Choose from a variety of rooms.
Avanti International Resort is a three-star hotel and is one of the official Universal Resort partners. So not only do you have access to shuttles to and from Universal (and SeaWorld and the Disney World parks, too), but you can also get into the park earlier than everyone else, giving you more time to play. There are three types of rooms to pick from, but whether you opt for the deluxe, superior, or premium, the same high standard can be found throughout, although the larger rooms have kitchens and a little more space to spread out in. The hotel is modern and perfectly styled, meaning your vacation is sure to be a great one. Avanti International has plenty of onsite dining facilities – which includes a breakfast buffet – and of course, there is a huge swimming pool to play in too.
- Cypress Pointe Resort
Located right in the middle of all the action.
Cypress Pointe Resort can be found right in the middle of all the fun, in the heart of Orlando. That means it’s in the ideal location for everything you could ever want to do while you’re on vacation, from visiting the Disney theme parks to having fun on International Drive to exploring the area to its fullest. These are exactly the things you should be doing to make it a great trip. The fact that there is a shuttle service just makes it all that much better because you won’t have to worry about transport at all. The Cypress Pointe Resort is a fantastic one for families thanks to its spacious accommodation, some of which have their own fully-equipped kitchens. There are many great amenities on-site, too, such as a basketball court, volleyball, tennis courts, shuffleboard, a picnic area, and a playground. You can go offsite, too, if you choose to take the time to go fishing, sailing, or jet skiing. Plus, guests can make use of one of the many nearby golf courses.
- Floridian Hotel & Suites
Close to the fun of International Drive.
Although the Floridan Hotel & Suites might have fewer stars than some others on this list (it’s rated as two-star accommodation), that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to stay, and in fact, when it comes to value for money, it’s definitely up there at the top of the list. Not only do you get a complimentary shuttle service to and from the theme parks – bookable in advance, of course – but you also get free wifi and a continental breakfast every day. Plus, you’re so close to International Drive that you essentially get to experience an entirely additional theme park right on your doorstep – this area of Orlando shouldn’t be underestimated and is easily ideal for an entire day and evening (or more) out having fun.
- The Grand Orlando Resort At Celebration
A four-star hotel that will suit your budget.
The Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration is a four-star hotel, and it does show. It’s a magnificent place to stay with everything you might need for a fantastic vacation – it’s a home from home in the best possible way. You’re so close to the Disney parks that you might even feel as though you could walk, but why do that when you can enjoy a free shuttle with air conditioning? That’s by far the better option. Or what if you prefer to get to the parks in a different way? You can from this hotel because it offers a fun water taxi that you just have to try. After all, isn’t that what vacations are all about? The hotel itself is lovely, with three large swimming pools that include slides and even a waterfall. Plus, there is a great fitness center, hot tubs, and plenty of sports facilities.
- Melia Orlando Celebration
Try the fantastic American bistro-style restaurant.
The Melia Orlando Celebration is located so close to the Disney World parks that it is a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor hotel, meaning that you get all the perks of a Disney hotel combined with the perks of staying (just) offsite. It’s the best of both worlds, and the shuttle ride may only be a short one, but it’s one you’ll be glad of since it means you can get to the parks hassle-free whenever you want to. To make things even better, once you return home after having a day of fun, you won’t have to leave again because the fantastic onsite American bistro is there for you, serving the most delicious food; the menu is a unique one, and it changes on a regular basis, so it’s well worth booking a table while you’re there. The zero-entry beach-style pool is a lot of fun, and if you want to keep your fitness levels up, try the onsite gym. If you prefer to relax, there’s the spa to enjoy.
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando
A dog-friendly place to stay in Orlando.
The free shuttle from the Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando, situated just by Disney Springs and close to the parks, is the icing on the cake when you choose to stay at this wonderful hotel. You can use the shuttle to reach all the parks, including Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld, and you’re walking distance from Disney Springs, so there is a lot you can enjoy, and you won’t miss having a car in the least. The hotel is dog-friendly, so every member of the family can come along on this epic vacation, and since there is a large outdoor pool, continental breakfast, and free wifi, you can certainly make the most of your time here. There are different rooms to choose from depending on the type of vacation you want and how big your party is – will you opt for a suite with its own kitchen, or do you prefer hotel living? The choice is yours.
