6 areas Updated September 23, 2026

Where to base yourself in Orlando

Six bases, and which parks each one suits

International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, the Universal area, Kissimmee, downtown and Winter Park, compared on drive times, transport and price.

WHERE TO START

Which base fits your parks?

Pick by the parks you will spend most days in, not by the nightly rate.

Mostly Disney

Disney days

Closest to the four parks, with Disney Springs on the doorstep.

Read the guide

Mostly Universal

Universal days

Walk to the gates from the on-site hotels.

Read the guide

A bit of both

Split trips

Between the two resorts, with the most hotels at every price.

Read the guide
Traffic light trails on International Drive at dusk with the purple-lit Orlando Eye wheel behindIt depends

International Drive

Orlando's hotel and attraction strip. Best as a base for Universal, SeaWorld and conventions on a budget. The trolley is cheap; it does not take you to Disney.

Between Universal and SeaWorld I-Ride Trolley from $2 a ride Universal 7–16 min at 8 a.m.
AreasExplore

Pairs well with

Universal Orlando Resort areaLake Buena Vista and Disney SpringsRosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Clear spring-fed pools and boardwalks at the heart of Disney Springs in Lake Buena VistaWorth it

Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs

The hotels around Disney Springs share Disney's early entry without Disney's prices. You give up Disney's buses and free park parking, and Universal is a real drive.

Next to Disney Springs 30-min early entry at many hotels Magic Kingdom 7–14 min at 8 a.m.
AreasExplore

Pairs well with

Disney SpringsFour Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World ResortDisney's Pop Century Resort
VelociCoaster loops rising over the lagoon at Universal Islands of Adventure on a sunny dayWorth it

Universal Orlando Resort area

Stay on site if Universal is the point of the trip. The cheap hotels walk you to the gates; the three dearest add Express, which skips Epic Universe entirely.

Walking paths to the parks Early admission, select parks $179–$695 a night, Nov–Dec
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Pairs well with

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach ResortUniversal's Loews Portofino Bay HotelUniversal Helios Grand Hotel
The brick Kissimmee Lighthouse glowing at dusk beside Lake Tohopekaliga in Lakefront ParkIt depends

Kissimmee and US-192

The Disney side's budget and vacation-home belt. Quick to Magic Kingdom, slow to Universal, and you will drive everywhere. Old Town's weekend car cruise is the evening.

Magic Kingdom 12–20 min at 8 a.m. Universal 22–40 min via I-4 Vacation homes and resorts
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Pairs well with

Old Town KissimmeeGaylord Palms ResortMedieval Times Orlando
Church Street in downtown Orlando with its ornate iron footbridge and high-rises behindIt depends

Downtown Orlando and Thornton Park

Stay here for the city, not the parks. Lake Eola, Thornton Park and Mills 50 give you walkable evenings; every park day starts with I-4.

Lake Eola loop, 0.9 miles Magic Kingdom 26–40 min at 8 a.m. The city's best bar streets
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Pairs well with

Lake Eola ParkLake Eola and Thornton ParkHanson's Shoe Repair
Central Park's lawn and oak trees in Winter Park with Park Avenue shops beyondIt depends

Winter Park

Orlando's prettiest small town, with a walkable main street, a Tiffany museum and lake boat tours. The right base for a trip that is not about the parks.

Walkable Park Avenue Scenic Boat Tour $20 Magic Kingdom 30–45 min at 8 a.m.
AreasExplore

Pairs well with

Winter Park and Park AvenueCharles Hosmer Morse Museum of American ArtThe Alfond Inn

Build the rest of the trip

Everything else on the site, with what is in it.

Theme parks 14 Attractions 10 Experiences 9 Events 9 Day trips 6 Walks 4 Hotels 14 Restaurants 16 Local food 8 Bars 5 Plan 11 Itineraries 6 Worth it? 8 Guides 5 Articles 3