Orlando really is the best place ever .....
There really is no need in my opinion now to have car hire unless you choose to stay in a villa. I much prefer personally to stay on International Drive as you can walk out and about to some attractions but definitely to bars and restaurants. There are a selection of I Drive Hotels which offer complimentary transfers to all theme parks and these are definitely worth considering.
We had a three hotel trip firstly staying at Doubletree by Hilton which is literally within walking distance of some of the parks. This hotel has many facilities such as restaurants, bars, three pools, spa and gym. The atmosphere here was always vibrant the pools are open quite late until around 10pm and the bar around the pool also stays open so it is lovely to head there after a day on your feet to ease the pain with the pool water and have a drink to relax. The hotel lobby is quite grand, giving a great first impression, the rooms have everything you could possibly require and were clean and comfortable and of a good size.
We than headed to Royal Pacific Resort in Universal which as on site Universal means you can fast pass all rides in Universal and Islands of Adventure with your room key - major plus. Be aware that the Universal Hotels are far higher priced than the I Drive Hotels but certainly worth it, and to be within the City Walk area on an evening is my favourite thing ever. City Walk has bars, restaurants and quite often outdoor entertainment and is the best atmosphere ever by night, I love this area. This hotel is being refurbished at present we stayed in a executive lounge access room which though dated still had everything required and lounge access is fabulous. The pool areas are large and exceptional here with movies on an evening and games during the day again a vibrant atmosphere most of the time. There are also various restaurants within the hotel and always exceptionally good service. You can fast pass from check in until close on your last day so even if you only stayed for three nights you would receive three days access to fast pass.
Lastly we stayed as Sonesta Es Suites on I Drive which is in an area which is being completely overhauled at present to much improvement, straight opposite you have I360 which is home to the Orlando Eye and also various stunning restaurants for all tastes as well as some bars and lovely shops. You are in a prime location here overall. The Sonesta Suites is a small and friendly place home from home, they offer daily complimentary breakfast which is handy, they have a small shop, a pool area, gym and a bar which opened late afternoon for a few hours so not for those looking for large with lots of facilities on site. The suites are huge with amazing facilities and are spotlessly clean and well managed, we had a two bedroom with two bathrooms, living area and kitchen. It really does have everything you could possibly need in the suite itself and makes for a relaxing stay for sure in comparison to the other two hotels, but with the convenience for sure on location. This was refurbished just a couple of years ago so rooms are fresh and modern.
Orlando really has so much to offer you could visit 20 times and still not cover everything. The atmosphere is so pleasant and friendly it does make you want to stay. I am always glad I have been here before as makes getting out and about so much easier, some of the theme parks are huge.
It seems to have changed slightly in that there is more nightlife here now so I think attracts more couples than ever. The shopping is the best you will ever experience with designer shops at amazing prices - addictive!
I could talk about Orlando forever and ever as there is so much to tell, it has to be top of my list and my family agree!