Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Orlando: From Theme Park Access to City Vibes

Find the perfect base for your Epic Universe vacation (and beyond!) So you’re heading to Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025 — but now comes the big question: Where should you stay? Orlando is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different experience. Some are made for families looking for easy theme park…


Last updated on April 19, 2025 By Katiria Torres Luna
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Orlando: From Theme Park Access to City Vibes

Published date on April 19, 2025

Find the perfect base for your Epic Universe vacation (and beyond!)
So you’re heading to Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025 — but now comes the big question: Where should you stay?
Orlando is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different experience. Some are made for families looking for easy theme park access. Others are packed with restaurants, nightlife, or boutique hotels. Whether you’re traveling on a budget, going luxury, or bringing the whole crew, there’s a neighborhood here with your name on it.
Let’s break down the best neighborhoods to stay in Orlando — and how each one can elevate your trip.
1️⃣ ️ Universal Orlando Area – Best for Epic Universe Access
Why stay here? You’ll be as close as possible to the action. Universal’s on-site hotels are practically inside the parks, and the newest addition, Helios Grand Hotel, will be inside Celestial Park at Epic Universe!
Perfect for: Theme park fans, families, short-stay guests, and those using Early Park Admission or Express Pass.
Perks:
  • Walk or shuttle to Epic Universe and other Universal parks
  • Early park entry + free Express Pass (Premier Hotels only)
  • Full immersion in the Universal experience
  • Easy access to CityWalk’s restaurants and nightlife
Top Hotel Picks:
  • Helios Grand Hotel (inside Epic Universe!)
  • Hard Rock Hotel (closest to Universal Studios)
  • Cabana Bay Beach Resort (budget-friendly, retro-themed)
  • Endless Summer Resorts (great for large families)
If you want to skip rental cars and stay fully immersed in Universal magic, this is your spot.
2️⃣ International Drive (I-Drive) – Best for Dining, Shopping & Budget Hotels
Why stay here? I-Drive is Orlando’s tourism corridor — walkable, lively, and packed with affordable hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
Perfect for: Budget travelers, first-timers, big families, and foodies.
Perks:
  • Close to Universal + Epic Universe (10–15 min drive)
  • ICON Park, iFLY, Fun Spot, and more are within walking distance
  • Endless restaurants, from quick bites to upscale eats
  • Tons of hotel choices, from budget to moderate
Top Hotel Picks:
  • Rosen Inn – Clean, cheap, and well-reviewed
  • Hyatt Place I-Drive – Solid comfort + breakfast
  • Avanti International Resort – Family favorite with pool
If you want walkability and savings, I-Drive gives you a lot of bang for your buck.
3️⃣ Lake Buena Vista – Best for Mixing Disney & Universal Trips
Why stay here? It’s the home base for Walt Disney World, but many visitors use Lake Buena Vista as a central location to explore both Disney and Universal parks, including Epic Universe.
Perfect for: Park-hoppers, families with Disney fans, and older guests.
Perks:
  • 25–30 mins from Epic Universe
  • Close to Disney Springs shopping and dining
  • Lots of timeshare and condo-style options
  • More space for families (think suites and villas)
Top Hotel Picks:
  • Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista
  • Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
  • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Ideal if your vacation includes multiple parks or you want resort-style stays with extra space.
4️⃣ Downtown Orlando – Best for City Vibes & Nightlife
Why stay here? Want a taste of local life beyond the theme parks? Downtown Orlando is hip, walkable, and cultural — full of art, bars, parks, and rooftop restaurants.
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, business + leisure (bleisure!) trips.
Perks:
  • Great food scene and nightlife
  • Lake Eola Park for scenic walks, swan boats, and farmers’ markets
  • Short drive (~25 mins) to Epic Universe
  • Stylish boutique hotels and condos
Top Hotel Picks:
  • Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando – Luxury with a downtown vibe
  • AC Hotel by Marriott – Sleek, modern, rooftop bar included
  • Aloft Downtown – Fun, affordable, and trendy
Stay here if you want to see another side of Orlando and don’t mind a short drive to the parks.
5️⃣ Vacation Home Communities (Kissimmee, Davenport, and Beyond)
Why stay here? For longer trips, big families, or multigenerational vacations, renting a vacation home or villa is often cheaper and more comfortable than hotel hopping.
Perfect for: Large groups, family reunions, or travelers who love a kitchen + private pool.
Perks:
  • Lots of space (3–7 bedrooms available!)
  • Full kitchens, laundry, and private pools
  • Often includes game rooms or home theaters
  • Great value for long stays
Popular Communities:
  • Encore Resort at Reunion
  • ChampionsGate
  • Storey Lake Resort
If you’re traveling with a group and want to feel “at home,” this is the most relaxing option.
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood for YOU
  • Want to walk to Epic Universe? → Stay on-site at Universal
  • Want to save money + explore dining? → Choose International Drive
  • Planning Disney + Universal? → Stay in Lake Buena Vista
  • Like city life + local food? → Go Downtown Orlando
  • Traveling with a big group? → Book a vacation home near Kissimmee
Let’s Help Each Other Find the Best Place to Stay in Orlando!
Have YOU stayed near Universal before? Got a hotel you love — or a hidden gem vacation rental? ️
Let’s help each other discover the best neighborhoods and accommodations around Epic Universe!
✅ Which neighborhood sounds like the best fit for your next trip?
✅ Any off-site hotels or vacation homes you recommend?
✅ What matters most to you — price, proximity, space, or vibes?
️ Whether you’re booking a quick weekend or a full-blown family escape, this community has your back. We’re here to make every night of your Orlando trip as epic as the days.
Drop your lodging tips below — and tag someone planning their trip to Epic Universe!

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