Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort is less than two miles from the Magic Kingdom parking lot. The resort features two buildings -- the Swan building and the Dolphin building -- with a lake nestled between. More than a dozen restaurants occupy the two buildings, including upscale fare such as Shula's Steakhouse and character dining restaurants such as the Grove. Two swimming pools, a grotto, a children's pool and multiple Jacuzzis encompass the hotel's pool area. A full-service spa is available as well as several clothing boutiques and gift shops.
The Disney Boardwalk is adjacent to the hotel, and you can walk from your room to the dozens of restaurants and shops on the Boardwalk in less than five minutes. Complimentary shuttle service is featured right outside of valet, taking you to and from all four Disney theme parks and the Disney water parks all day long.
The Gaylord Palms Resort is located 1 1/2 miles from the gates of Walt Disney World and features shuttle service to and from all Disney theme parks and water parks seven days a week. The Gaylord has an atrium that showcases three different Florida areas: the Everglades, the Keys and St. Augustine.
Walking into each atrium is like walking into a different area of the state. The Keys features a "beach" where you can dine or grab a quick drink on a boat in the middle of the ocean where fish swim freely underneath you. In the Everglades you can watch as the alligators feed or dine atop a tree in a shack that serves award-winning steaks. In St. Augustine, walk through a replica of the oldest city. When you've finished sightseeing in the atrium you can enjoy the sun by the adult pool or the family pool. Dozens of shops, restaurants and bars are located throughout the hotel. Beginning in November and lasting through the first week of January, the Gaylord Convention Center is home to the "Ice" exhibit, which is millions of pounds of ice carved into an entire Christmas story, kept cool in constant 9-degree temperatures for you and your family to enjoy.
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is a resort located just a few miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. Shuttle service is provided from the hotel to the theme parks. The hotel features two swimming pools: one adults-only pool with cabanas and a hot tub, and a family-friendly zero-entry pool with a water slide, basketball hoop and fountain for kids. A family hot tub is available, and flowing around both pools is an 850-foot lazy river.
Located at the Omni are two golf courses: an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole lighted course open to children and adults until 10 p.m. every night. Croc's pool bar and grille serves cocktails, lunch, dinner and snacks all day. Other restaurants include David's Sports Bar, a sushi restaurant called Zen and Trevi's, which serves three meals a day. Rooms at the Omni feature marble baths with the Omni Spa's special bath products and a mini-bar; many offer balconies over the pools. Sit around the fire each night outside of the lobby bar with a cocktail and your family and enjoy the warmth emanating from the built in rock and stone fire pits in one of many Adirondack chairs. Rates and availability vary.
For a change of pace, the Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort is located a little farther from the Disney theme parks than the other hotels, but is within walking distance of Downtown Disney, which features restaurants such as the Rainforest Cafe and the biggest Disney Store in Orlando. Complimentary shuttle service is available for Hyatt guests to and from each Disney theme park and water park.
The resort sits on a 21-acre lake where you can rent boats, canoes and participate in other water sports. A lagoon style swimming pool features slides, waterfalls and a zero entry entrance even the littlest of your children will enjoy. Also part of the Hyatt Grand Cypress is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. A luxury spa, 24-hour fitness center and children's programs make your stay at the Hyatt even more enjoyable. Nearly 10 restaurants and lounges are located throughout the Hyatt and each features a child's menu as well as a full wine list and cocktail menu.
