Villas in Orlando

Orlando is the jackpot when it comes to all things kid-friendly. Most restaurants offer kids menus and tourist attractions are centred around children, many at children’s prices and with targeted tours and activities.

With plenty of interactive attractions, museums and outdoor adventures to choose from, it's basically a playground for little ones. We'd recommend The Chocolate Kingdom Tour for a day filled with chocolately goodness. Take the journey from Cacao Tree Greenhouse to the one-of-a-kind Chocolate Museum, and watch the kids go speechless at the Mystical River of Chocolate! I mean, come on, it's a sure winner!

For older kids, Orlando is only an hour's drive from many dazzling beaches with watersports at the forefront of the culture. Let them have a go at windsurfing, parasailing or surfing for a guaranteed happy teenager (it's not impossible, we promise).

We recommend hiring a car so you can easily travel around the city's parks, beaches and attractions. We have plenty of family-friendly villas in Orlando, which offer more space and flexibility for families with kids, allow home cooking for fussy eaters and the resorts have amenities that will keep a smile on their faces.

Plus, all of our villas in Orlando have pools so the kids can make a splash while you sit back and enjoy a glass of white. Blissful.

Giraffe Ranch, Orlando

If you're worried Orlando only has theme parks to offer, you're seriously mistaken. Jam-packed with attractions, incredible restaurants, beaches and sports venues, a villa holiday in Orlando will never be a boring one. Of course, the theme parks are utterly mind-blowing but we've found some other things to do in Orlando so you can experience this wonderful city at its best.

Top activities in Orlando

• If you're seeking thrills but theme parks aren't your thing, Orlando Balloon Rides will take you on an adventure you'll certainly never forget. Soak up the sunrise on an early morning hot air baloon ride and enjoy the birds'-eye view over Orlando's beautiful scenery and attractions. It's one for the bucket-list for sure.

• If you're a fan of escape rooms or have been itching to try one, the Orlando Escape Game is a premier provider for the most exciting challenges. Based around Hollywood blockbusters, you'll need to work together to solve the clues - and the jaw-dropping twists will keep your adrenaline pumping!

• Meet your favourite superstars at Madame Tussauds Orlando and take the ultimate selfie. You'll see the waxwork likes of Taylor Swift, Batman, ET and Aquaman.

• One for the art lovers of the group, the Orlando Museum of Art is a true feast for the eyes. Ranging from American Art, African Art and contemporary styles, this bright and exciting museum will keep you occupied on a rainy afternoon.

• If you're looking for a day away from the hype, Orlando is famous for its golf culture. There's plenty of golf courses to choose from and the rates are very reasonable so you can immerse yourself on the green and enjoy a day outdoors.

• If you're hoping for a beach day, there's plenty of dazzling Orlando beaches just over an hour's drive away. We'd recommend Cocoa Beach, famous for its 800m pier straight into the ocean. Home to the world's largest surf shop, you'll want to try your hand at some watersports. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops around when you've had enough of the waves.

Cocoa Beach, near Orlando

Airport

The easiest way to get to Orlando is to fly into Orlando International Airport, which has direct flights from most UK airports and airlines, and is only 6 miles from the centre. You can also fly with some airlines to Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is 27 miles from the city centre.

Buses

Public LYNX buses run from Orlando International to various areas of Orlando, Florida – Downtown, Florida Mall, and International Drive. However, you won’t find public buses from Orlando Sanford.

Car rental or taxi

You’ll find plenty of car rental companies at both airports if you’re looking to do a self-drive holiday, or alternatively, you can hop in a taxi.

Because there’s so much to do in Orlando, particularly if you’re visiting the theme parks, we recommend hiring a car. Our concierge team can help you organise this.

This means that you’re not restricted to the areas immediately surrounding your resort, and you can easily travel to the parks or nearby beaches. This will also help you get from the airport to your resort easily.

If you’re visiting the theme parks, you’re able to park in one of the designated car parks. Note that once you’ve paid to park in one of the car parks, you don’t need to pay in any of the other car parks – although it’s recommended to use the in-park transportation instead of hopping in and out of your cars (this will also save a lot of time.) The parks have a variety of options to get from park to park, including buses, water taxis, ferries and a monorail service.