Best Areas to Stay in Orlando for UK Travellers
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Choosing where to stay in Orlando is one of the biggest decisions you will make when planning your trip.
It is also one of the easiest places to get wrong.
Orlando is not one central location. It is made up of several different areas, each with its own pros and cons depending on how you plan to spend your time.
Understanding the best areas to stay in Orlando can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable trip and one that feels like hard work.
Orlando Is More Spread Out Than You Think
Before choosing an area, it helps to understand how Orlando is laid out.
The main places most UK travellers stay are:
Walt Disney World area
Universal Orlando Resort and International Drive
Villa areas such as Kissimmee and Davenport
These are not next door to each other.
If you have not already read it, understanding how far everything in Orlando really is helps put these locations into context when choosing where to stay.
Staying in the Disney Area
Staying near Walt Disney World is the most popular choice for first-time visitors.
Why people choose this area
Close to the Disney parks
Access to Disney transport
Immersive experience if you stay on-site
Things to consider
Further from Universal and other areas
Can be more expensive depending on hotel choice
This works best if Disney is the main focus of your trip.
Staying Near Universal and International Drive
The area around Universal Orlando Resort and International Drive offers a different feel.
Why people choose this area
Close to Universal parks
Lots of restaurants, shops and attractions
Generally good hotel value
Things to consider
Further from Disney
Travel required if you plan to visit multiple parks
This is a great option if you are planning a Universal-focused trip or prefer having everything around you outside the parks.
Staying in a Villa (Kissimmee and Davenport)
Villa stays are a popular choice for UK families.
Why people choose villas
More space and privacy
Better value for larger groups
Ideal for longer stays
Things to consider
20 to 40 minute drive to parks is normal
Car hire is usually essential
Less of a “holiday atmosphere” compared to hotels
This works best if you want a more relaxed base and do not mind travelling to the parks.
Which Area Is Best for Your Trip?
There is no single “best” area. It depends on how you plan your holiday.
First-time visitors
Staying near Disney or on-site keeps things simple and reduces travel stress.
Universal-focused trips
Staying near Universal or International Drive makes the most sense and keeps everything close.
Families and longer stays
Villas offer space and flexibility, especially if you are mixing park days with rest days.
Mixed trips (Disney and Universal)
This is where it gets interesting.
Some people:
Choose one base and accept the travel
Split their stay between areas
Both approaches work. It comes down to your preference.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Where to Stay
A few things regularly catch people out:
Booking based on price without checking location
Assuming everything is close together
Trying to find a “middle point” that works for everything
Underestimating travel time
This is where understanding Orlando distances really helps before booking.
Final Thoughts on the Best Areas to Stay in Orlando
The best areas to stay in Orlando are not about finding the perfect location.
They are about finding the right fit for your trip.
If your focus is Disney, stay close to Disney.
If your focus is Universal, stay near Universal.
If your priority is space and flexibility, a villa may suit you better.
If you are still deciding whether you need a car based on where you stay, our Do You Need a Car in Orlando? article helps you weigh that up properly.
And if you are planning your trip around Universal, this naturally ties into how you structure your days, which we’ve covered in Planning a Universal Orlando Trip.
🧡 Brought to you by Tips and Tricks for Brits helping UK travellers make informed, confident decisions when planning Orlando, Florida and beyond.
