Where To Stay In Florida With Your Family

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Private Villas vs. Theme Park

Hotels

Which Florida Stay is Perfect For Your Family?

Florida is a dream holiday destination for families, and for good reason. Think year-round sunshine, world-class theme parks, and endless golden beaches, all wrapped up in that signature laid-back American atmosphere. It’s a place where your little ones can meet their favourite characters before lunch, race down epic water slides in the afternoon, and round off the day with a sunset barbecue by your own private pool. Whether you’re here for the thrill of Orlando’s theme parks, the charm of Florida’s Gulf Coast, or something in between, there’s no shortage of ways to make incredible family memories.

But when it comes to where to stay in Florida, the real question is: do you choose a villa or a hotel? Should you stay on-site at Walt Disney World to soak up every ounce of Disney magic, or opt for the exclusivity and space of a private villa? Both options offer unique benefits, and it all comes down to what kind of family holiday you’re after—or maybe you’ll mix things up and do both for the best of both worlds.

Staying on-site at Disney means total immersion in the magic—early access to the parks, seamless transport, and those little Disney touches that make every moment feel special. But for families craving a bit more space to spread out, some privacy, and the freedom to do things on their own schedule, a luxury villa offers a totally different kind of escape. Think private pools, multiple bedrooms, and the ability to toss the itinerary out the window when you fancy a lazy morning.

In this guide, we’ll share our favourite bits of both options and introduce you to two incredible stays—a stunning private villa for families who want all the bells and whistles without the crowds, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you’ll wake up to giraffes and zebras roaming the savanna, just outside your window. Whether you’re after the theme park hustle or laid-back luxury, we’ll help you choose the Florida stay that suits your family to a T.

The Ultimate Private

Villa

Booking a private villa for your family holiday offers a whole new level of luxury, comfort, and flexibility. It’s the ultimate home-away-from-home experience where you can enjoy all the space you need, tailor your schedule, and relax in complete privacy.

Think about the freedom to start your days with a leisurely breakfast by the pool, no queues to worry about, and the ability to organise things like private character breakfasts or even book a personal chef to cook up a storm. The beauty of villa life is that it’s yours to design—whether that means private cinema nights, indulging in your own games room, or stepping straight into an outdoor oasis with a pool, spa, and BBQ area.

If you’re wondering which villa should be at the top of your list, let us introduce you to the Ocean Reunion Villa No. 916. This isn’t just a place to crash after a day at the parks—this is the place to have an unforgettable family holiday. Nestled just six miles from the Disney gates, this 5-bedroom gem offers the perfect mix of privacy, luxury, and convenience. With 9 bathrooms and enough space to comfortably sleep 10, it’s big enough to stretch out, but still cozy enough for family bonding (or just a bit of solitude when you need it).

The open-plan design is ideal for keeping everyone together, whether you’re huddled around the 75-inch LED TV or lounging by the private pool. Oh, and the games room? It’s not just a couple of consoles thrown together. We’re talking arcade-style games to keep the kids busy (or the adults, let’s be real). Step outside to your private slice of paradise—think southeast-facing pool, spa, BBQ, hammock, and a fire pit for when the sun goes down. Plus, with access to the Reunion Resort’s insane amenities, like the 5-acre water park and lazy river, you’ll have plenty of options for family fun.

And with a shuttle straight to Walt Disney World Resort, you’ve got theme park convenience at your feet.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Lodge

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Florida, staying on-site at a hotel is the ultimate way to fully immerse yourself in the magic. From the moment you arrive, it’s all about convenience and those little extra touches that make Disney trips so special. Think early park access, complimentary shuttles, and seamless transport to every corner of the Walt Disney universe.

But with so many Disney resorts to choose from, it can be hard to pick the one that’s right for your family. Do you go for the classic Disney charm, or is something a little more adventurous on the cards? For those who want to stay close to the action, soak in the atmosphere, and wake up to views of giraffes and zebras (yep, you read that right), we recommend Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

This deluxe resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience, giving you the chance to wake up to an authentic safari vibe, right from the comfort of your room. Set within a 43-acre wildlife reserve, Animal Kingdom Lodge brings the magic of the wild to your doorstep, with over 30 species of animals roaming freely just outside. Imagine sipping your morning coffee as giraffes and zebras graze in the distance—it’s a truly unforgettable way to start your day.

Not only is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just a stone’s throw from the Disney Animal Kingdom Park, but it also offers all the perks you’d expect—complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttles to every park, and family-friendly dining options. The resort’s vibrant, African-inspired design offers a stay that feels like a mini escape without ever leaving the magic behind. Add to that resort-style pools with a 67ft waterslide, fun campfire nights, and wildlife tours, and you’ve got a recipe for non-stop family fun. And for the ultimate Disney experience, enjoy early park entry and skip the hassle of parking—because who needs a car when you’re this close to the action?

If you’re craving more than just park-hopping, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge delivers the best of both worlds—adventure by day and a serene, nature-inspired retreat by night.

Want to learn more about

Florida?

At the end of the day, Florida is all about balance (especially if the kids have planned for 14 days of back-to-back theme parks)—whether it’s finding your slice of peace in a private villa or jumping headfirst into the Disney magic. With so much to choose from, the hardest part might just be deciding between waking up to giraffes or lounging by your own pool (or maybe both?). But one thing’s for sure: it’s all about crafting the perfect experience for your family…And Swords Travel can do just that.

To enquire about Florida or Disney, give our team a call
today on 0203 907 1100, or fill out the form below.

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0203 1891381

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Asia

Australasia & Oceania

Caribbean, Mexico & Bermuda

Europe

Indian Ocean

Middle East

South America

UK & Ireland

USA & Canada

0203 1891381

0203 1891381

Africa

Asia

Australasia & Oceania

Caribbean, Mexico & Bermuda

Europe

Indian Ocean

Middle East

South America

UK & Ireland

USA & Canada

0203 1891381

Africa

Asia

Australasia & Oceania

Caribbean, Mexico & Bermuda

Europe

Indian Ocean

Middle East

South America

UK & Ireland

USA & Canada

Private Villas vs. Theme Park

Hotels

Which Florida Stay is Perfect For Your Family?

The Ultimate Private

Villa

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Lodge

Want to learn more about

Florida?

To enquire about Florida or Disney, give our team a calltoday on 0203 907 1100, or fill out the form below.

Plan your trip

When would you like to go?

Where would you like to go?

Guests

Select your budget per person

Contact details

Tell us about your trip

Read more from

Swords Travel

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Private Villas vs. Disney Hotels: Which Florida Stay is Perfect for Your Family?

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To enquire about Florida or Disney, give our team a call
today on 0203 907 1100, or fill out the form below.