Where to Stay in Orlando (Best Areas and Places)

Orlando is a world-famous city with endless things to see and do. Home of Mickey Mouse, rollercoasters aplenty, and extreme amounts of fun in the sun, but when choosing to stay here, you need to think carefully. Knowing where to stay in Orlando is a must for a stress-free trip.

It’s impossible not to love Orlando, it’s one of my favorite places in the USA, and is one of the most popular places to visit in Florida. You can’t help but spend your time smiling simply because of the magic in the air.

I’ve visited the area many times; both for theme parks and for life beyond them, and I know for sure that it’s somewhere I’ll return to again and again. This is a place where it’s impossible to be bored for a second.

The best place to stay in Orlando really depends on what you want to get out of your time. Maybe you don’t want to be near Disney, or perhaps you’re more about history. Whatever your preferences, let’s take a look at the best spots in Orlando to help you grab the most fun out of every single second:

Best Areas to Stay in Orlando

Lake Buena Vista: Best Place To Stay in Orlando for Your First Time

I personally think that Lake Buena Vista is one of the best places to stay in Orlando if you’ve never been before. Many people say International Drive is better, but I don’t agree. The beauty of Lake Buena Vista is that you avoid all the crazy traffic and confusion, meaning you can relax, enjoy yourself, and plan your time so much better.

This is one of the best Orlando neighborhoods to stay in if you want to spend a good portion of time in Disney World, but it’s still only a 15-minute drive to Universal too. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and those who aren’t so comfortable in extremely large and busy areas.

Pros of Staying in Lake Buena Vista

• Close to both Disney and Universal
• A large number of high-quality hotels are available
• A quieter area, making it perfect for first-timers
• Many hotels in this area offer direct shuttles to Disney

Cons of Staying in Lake Buena Vista

• Close proximity to Disney means higher prices for hotels
• You might feel a bit too Disney-fied from time to time
• Nightlife in this area isn’t the greatest

Best Places to Stay in Lake Buena Vista

Lake Buena Vista is home to both Disney hotels and regular hotels. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Orlando without a car thanks to regular shuttle services.

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