Family Vacation GuideOrlando

Home to dozens of shops, restaurants, Cirque du Soleil, and more, it's a nice way to spend an afternoon or evening. You get a taste of Disney without the price of park admission.

Sit outside at long tables for authentic German sausage and a stein, filled to the brim with crisp German beer.

Caramel treats of every kind imaginable line the glass displays of this German bakery and candy store.

This storybook dining hall resembles the inside of a medieval castle. Five different princesses, and the delightful Mary Poppins come by to meet the little ones.

Try to snag a seat near the large glass windows and you can watch people boarding It's a Small World. This charming restaurant serves flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads.

It's all about BBQ chicken and pork here. With indoor and outdoor seating, this Hollywood Studios restaurant is also a great spot to get giant turkey legs.

You'd expect to find a bakery this good on the streets of Paris. Their open faced sandwiches and pesto chicken are also quite satisfying.

Docked on the manmade Echo Lake, you're in the center of everything. They're known for their mac 'n cheese, pulled pork, and Buffalo chicken.

Try the decadent fried fish sandwich and lobster roll, or the healthy grilled salmon with couscous and steamed broccoli.

The best place to cool down and recharge in Epcot. Grab a sushi snack, or a beer, sake, or plum wine, and the legendary Kakigori shave ice.

A place for health conscious Hollywood types, they serve salads with salmon, couscous, quinoa, and arugula. They also have hot dogs and burgers just in case.

You'll find all the usual burgers, fries, and chicken strips, but the gem here is the Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad, maybe one of the best things on a hot day.

Wraps and sandwiches, including their famous Brisket Sandwich and Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sandwich, is what you might imagine actors would nosh on between scenes.

People line up here for breakfast in Hollywood Studios. They've got pastries, bagels, and fruit in the morning, and sandwiches and sushi for lunch.

This isn't your county fair's funnel cake, it's a high-class funnel cake experience. If you go for funnel cake anywhere at Disney World, come here.

They have your regular burger and fries, but the real star of the show here is their perfectly cooked rotisserie chicken and healthy Greek salad.

Probably the best sandwich in Magic Kingdom, this restaurant serves hand-carved pork, turkey, and brisket that's been slow-roasted for hours.

Out in Adventureland, this is the spot to go when you need a simple, yet satisfying burrito, taco, or quesadilla.

This Magic Kingdom restaurant specializes in waffle fries. They've got BBQ Pork Waffle Fries, BLT Waffle Fries, and even Tex-Mex Waffle Fries.

You might not think that the Ham, Prosciutto, and Cheese Waffle Sandwich would be good. But it is! They also have classic chicken and waffles and plenty of sweet choices too.

Come for breakfast, pastries, and unusual ice cream flavors.

Enjoy a delicious Hawaiian banquet with storytelling at dinner time and character brunches with Stitch.

Fireworks light up Cinderella's Castle, while you finish off the night with a dessert party over the lake in Tomorrowland.

Stop for lunch or dinner on their gorgeous lakeside patio and admire the reflection of skyscrapers on the water.

It's a hipster's sports bar with creative burgers, big screen TVs, and an eclectic mix of graffiti art.

Artists paint, musicians play, and you eat, very well that is, at this Florida-inspired, tapas restaurant.

Chicago-style deep dish is a great way to satisfy your hunger after a day at the parks.

Chicago-style deep dish is a great way to satisfy your hunger after a day at the parks.

Pancakes are the size of your dinner plate, which makes it easy for more than one kid to split an order. You can even grab breakfast to-go on your way to the parks.

Gather for great food, local art vendors, and family activities in this quaint historic town near Orlando.

You can buy crafts by local artisans and fresh produce in a shaded grove by Lake Eola.

Head south to downtown Kissimmee for their summer farmers market, held every Tuesday.

Thought Astro Pops were as good as it gets? Think again. These handcrafted popsicles come in fruity, creamy, and boozy varieties.

With homemade guac and gooey quesadillas, it's a delicious Mexican grill that the whole family will love.

They're known for their wood-fired preparations of fish from rainbow trout to Chilean sea bass. This is a fish lover's happy place.

For something a little adventurous, but equally accessible to kids, try this Turkish restaurant on Orlando's Restaurant Row.

They put on quite a show with belly dancers and cool decorations at this delicious Lebanese restaurant.

It's prime time at your family's house in the 1950's. Watch old sitcoms as you nosh on delicious fried chicken and meatloaf. Just keep your elbows off the table!

Kids will love the concept of the breakfast pizza, which comes topped with eggs, bacon, and cheese. Open for lunch and dinner too, it's pizza any time!

With a variety of different Asian cuisine, this Animal Kingdom Restaurant serves many types of rice and noodle bowls.

You'll get stares of longing as you walk around with one of these family-sized cinnamon rolls.

Their tacos are actually pretty darn good, and you can't beat the lakeside view in the shade.

The winners here are the pretzels drizzled in icing and some seriously tasty Norwegian pastries. Their smoked salmon sandwich is quite delicious too.

This is your spot for sesame chicken, spring rolls, and other sweet and sour comforts. On cold winter days, the Beef Noodle Soup really hits the spot.

Ah, the air-conditioning can make a big difference come lunch time. This casual SeaWorld restaurant has a little something for all ages and tastes.

It's SeaWorld's go-to spot of BBQ. There are also great options for the little ones of course, with mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, and fries.

How often can you say you've dined with a whale? This unique dinner show offers a buffet of organic food hosted by the orcas and their trainers.

Dine in a restaurant surrounded by wrap-around shark tanks. It's a memorable dining experience, to say the least, and the food is delicious too.

Their mango fruit salad and cold sandwiches are perfect for when the weather outside is hot and humid.

Earning the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, this is probably one of the best outlet shops in the US. You'll find tons of deals and a large food court.

It might not be as big as Vineland, but this sister property has great savings from designer labels such Coach, Cole Haan, and Michael Kors.

Though smaller than the other outlets, it's home to Calvin Klein, American Eagle, Reebok, and Skechers. Sometimes fewer options can make shopping easier.

It's geared towards value-minded shoppers and features top brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Guess,

Located on Lake Bryan, you have access to jet skiing and other watersports. Or, hang back by the pool and admire the lilly pads.

The resort is tucked away in a calm forest near Disney World's Animal Kingdom. When not at the theme parks, treat yourself to a massage, or head to the sauna.

True to its safari theme, there's a nature path that snakes past chameleons, butterflies, and frogs.

The massive Wakoola Springs water park will keep the kids entertained while you relax on a plush lounge chair.

Located in ChampionsGate, this luxurious family resort is home to three golf course, several delicious restaurants, rooftop pools, and more.

Set on lake Cecile, you can take out a paddle boat and enjoy the water. There's also a spa onsite for a little pampering. You're close to Disney World and the Florida Everglades

The towering 3-story waterslide is the centerpiece of the main pool area. There's also an 18-hole mini golf course and tons of activities like Karaoke Night.

This Polynesian-themed resort features a fun water park – Liki Tiki Lagoon. It's just a quick 7-minute drive to Disney World.

Stop by for a quick meal of burgers and fries in the Jurassic Park section of Universal Studios.

The food is different from your normal burger and fries, and it's not as crowded as other spots. Thunder Falls Terrace is one of your best quick lunch options.

Stalactites hang from the ceiling in this gourmet restaurant that resembles a cave out of Greek Mythology.

One of the best fine dining options in Universal, this place features comforting Italian cuisine with one recipe from the chef's Italian grandmother.

With inventive creations like a pork belly flash-seared at 1,000 degrees, and baby back ribs cooked over kiawe coals, this place will treat your palate to something special.

This is the best spot for a grab-and-go breakfast with pastries and coffee.

Cool down and delight your tongue with a refreshing slushie, soda, or beer.

Surrounded by woodlands, you can go boating, fish, or lounge on the lakeside beach. Kids can play at the kids club while you relax with a massage at the full-service spa or by the pool.

This brand new resort has some real state-of-the-art amenities. There's a gorgeous pool, fine wines at the market, and a hi-tech fitness center.

At this intimate resort, it feels like you have a private pool in your backyard. At the same time, you have access to amenities at four other resorts and a great golf course.

It has a family community vibe. Kids can make new friends at the pool and beach volleyball courts, while you relax in the cabanas or play a round of golf.

There's tons to do here, betweeen several pools, mini golf, a clubhouse stocked with games, and a huge lake where you can take out kayaks or zip around on a speed boat.

There are plenty of pools, one with a rock waterfall and another with a pirate ship playground. This fun family resort is styled like an Italian villa and close to Disney World.

You have the best of both worlds: a calm family retreat and access to great dining and a huge pool complex at one of Marriott’s biggest resorts next door.

This low-key resort has a calm, friendly pool and poolside bar, a nice place to hang out when not exploring nearby Universal Studios.

Lounge by the pool, play volleyball on the sandy courts, or challenge your kids to a round of mini golf.

Italian cypress line the gorgeous pool and Jacuzzi. Grab a drink at the Tiki Bar and relax after a long day at Disney, while the kids play.

It's right across the street from the most exciting new attractions in Orlando. The brand new Orlando Eye gives you a stunning view of the entire area.

You can kayak on the lake, play a round of golf, watch the little ones climb on the indoor jungle gym, and even see baby chics at the petting zoo.

Set in the exclusive golfing community of ChampionsGate, this resort is home to two-world class courses and the David Leadbetter Academy. You also have a spa and a great pool for the kids.

There's lots of dining, a day spa, and elegant pools with rock waterfalls. This luxury resort is also super close to Disney.

It’s one of the highest rated resorts in Orlando. Entering the gates, feels like you’ve stepped onto Southern estate, with Spanish moss and ponds, surrounded by a world-class golf course.

This action-packed resort features a deluxe waterpark with a long lazy river that twists through a tropical jungle, a 20-foot slide, and main pool with water volleyball.

You get your own calm pool, volleyball, and tennis, nestled within the larger Westgate Town Center – a mini-city unto itself.

Kids can play on the mini golf course or splash around in the calm winding pools. You can even lay back in the hammock for some much deserved rest.

You can walk across the street to SeaWorld. The resort is designed like an island village out of Bermuda, with gorgeous pools, restaurants, and a calming lake.

An enormous fountain pours out into the stunning main pool. This resort is designed like a village out of the famous lake region of Italy. Except you're in Orlando with Disney down the road.

This Kissimmee resort is great for golfers, couples and families looking for a great place to stay. Take advantage of the Kid’s Club, onsite golf course, 4 pools and distance to the major th...

Situated in one of the best locations in all of Orlando, this resort is a great home base to explore the large (and small) theme parks in the area.

Set along Lake Bryan, Grand Beach is just three miles from Disney World. There are plenty of kids pools, a mini golf course, volleyball, and gorgeous nature trails.

This hidden gem is located on the calmer west side of Disney World. You have a gorgeous family pool, fun pool bar, clubhouse, and movie theater screening family films every night.

With a huge pirate ship waterslide and fun pools for kids and adults, this resort makes for a nice family getaway near Disney World and a world-class outlet mall.

Enjoy two amazing pools, one with lots of action, and another, with a much quieter vibe. Grab a drink at the pool bar while kids make sand castles and play in the water.

You're right next door to Wet n' Wild Water Park. This resort has a lake with swan boats, beach volleyball, and dozens of daily activities.

Tranquil gardens and a nice family pool make for a relaxing resort, just two miles from Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You feel like you're in a peaceful forested retreat, away from the hustle, bustle of the theme parks. There’s a nice pool, lakeside lounge, and a golf course surrounding the property.

Steel pan drums play while you watch the little ones climb on the pirate ship pool. There's also a waterslide, fun splash buckets, and a mini golf course at this Key West-themed retreat.

This Orlando resort is basically a mini city unto itself. Plenty of restaurants, several pools, a mini golf course, and tennis courts are all built around a gorgeous lake.

This caribbean-themed boutique resort is one of the few non-Disney resorts located within the gates of the Disney World parks. You’re less than a mile from Animal Kingdom Park.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is one of the few non-Disney resorts located inside the gates of Disney World. It’s an action-packed vacation palace that surrounds a gorgeous lake in the middle.

Surrounded by the emerald green fairways of Grande Pines Golf Club, Parc Corniche is a peaceful family resort right next to SeaWorld.

The Mediterranean architecture of this low-key resort graces the edge of a beautiful lake. Its townhome-style residences are much more mellow than the other larger resorts in the area. SeaWo...

Located just south of Disney World, this New Orleans-style resort evokes the architecture and festive atmosphere of the French Quarter. Lounge by the pool amid the lush palm gardens and head...