What are the Best Hotels in the Middle of Universal and Disney?

What are the Best Hotels in the Middle of Universal and Disney?

What are the Best Hotels in the Middle of Universal and Disney?

This article is your guide to the best hotels in the middle of Universal and Disney. We have a list of the best hotels in the middle of Disney and Universal, making your vacation as seamless as possible. Whether you’re looking for something grand like Marriott Grande Vista or a budget hotel like Residence Inn by Marriott, Orlando has a hotel for you! These hotels offer great amenities, as well as great distance to both theme parks.

So if you want to learn more about the best hotels in the middle of Universal and Disney, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful, and if you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Universal Orlando tickets and Walt Disney World tickets! 

So if you’re ready to learn the best hotels between Disney and Universal read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Orlando for your next vacation be sure to check out our Orlando crowd calendar!

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What are the Best Hotels in the Middle of Disney and Universal?

There are more than a handful of hotels between Disney and Universal, but we have a preferred list of hotels that are perfectly placed with average reviews that are over 4 stars. The hotels in this guide are going to be physically located between the two theme parks, with ease of distance and travel in mind. Most of these hotels are going to be in the Lake Buena Vista area, which is the sweet spot between the two resorts!

We would typically stay in a Disney or Universal hotel to enjoy all of the benefits of an onsite hotel. Which, is still totally possible if you are planning a split-stay vacation. If you prefer things like Early Park entry or free reliable transportation, we would suggest the on-site theme park hotels over these off-site hotels. If you have your own transportation or don’t mind less reliable transportation, off-site hotels will be cheaper and save you money over a theme park hotel!

Expert Tip: Don’t stay in Kissimmee for a vacation to both parks. While you might find great deals on hotels, Kissimmee is very far from Universal, and traffic on the I-4 is heavy at all times. Take it from a former local! You’ll be stuck in traffic longer than you’ll be in the parks.

Theme Park Resort hotels best for a split stay vacation:

• Port Orleans Riverside Resort or Riviera Resort
• Endless Summer Resorts (Surfside and Dockside Resorts)

These hotels would technically be the closest distance to each other if you wanted to split your stay between the two theme parks. The only downside is that Endless Summer Resorts does not offer a free Express pass for every guest in the room. Only guests who book Premier Hotels receive that Universal Orlando hotel perk.

The brand new Epic Universe hotels are going to be situated in a great spot to be hotels for both Disney and Universal guests. The Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel are all debuting with Epic Universe and will be located by the Orange County Convention Center. This is more centrally located and could set these up to be the best hotels in the middle of Disney and Universal!

The Best Hotels Between Universal and Disney

• Marriott Grande Vista
• Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
• Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
• Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Intl Dr. N
• Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive
• Marriott’s Harbour Lake
• Courtyard by Marriott Orlando International Drive/Convention

Related post: Planning a Disney World and Universal Split Stay Vacation

Marriott’s Grande Vista

Distance to Universal: 8.3 miles

Distance to Disney: 5.6 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $90 per night

Important to know: The Marriott is a massive resort that is perfect for those who like to also relax at their hotel and have plenty of amenities to enjoy. There is a golf course, 4 swimming pools, a children’s pool, two whirlpools, tennis courts, and more at Grande Vista. This resort is clean and packed with activities for a decent price, hence why it made our list!

Many families recommended this hotel with multiple kids, and even loved that you have your kitchen in the room if you decide you’d like to cook meals.

Related post: The Best Universal Orlando Resort Hotel: Complete Pros and Cons Guide

Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld

Distance to Universal: 7.9 miles

Distance to Disney: 4.2 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $74

Important to know: If it wasn’t already implied in the name, the Residence Inn we’re recommending is a hotel very close to SeaWorld, but still close enough to the highway to make it an easy place to get to. SeaWorld is perfectly between Disney and Universal, and if you’re looking for a third park to visit, you’re basically in the parking lot! The Residence Inn is more of a “run-of-the-mill” type of hotel with only one basic pool and one whirlpool. Guests do report how clean it is and that is it worth the money you pay for it!

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Hotels Near Epcot Orlando

Vista Cay Resort by Orlando Resorts Rental

Distance to Universal: 5.2 miles

Distance to Disney: 8.0 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $98 per night

Important to know: The Vista Cay Resort will offer more of a home feel with condos and townhomes for people to rent for their Orlando stay. Especially if you’re a bigger family there are 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 3 level townhomes with full kitchens and plenty of space. This is a sprawling property, with plenty of walking space for people who like to take a stroll in the morning or evening. It’s also located in beautiful Windermere, which from personal experience, I can tell you is a beautiful town!

Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Disney Springs Hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Intl Dr. N

Distance to Universal: 2.9 miles

Distance to Disney: 7.7 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $78 per night

Important to know: This is one of the number one hotels recommended by guests for longer stays when going to both theme parks. It is one of the best hotels in the middle of Disney and Universal because it is cheap, breakfast is included and it is clean! The Hampton is on the more basic side, with a pool that won’t dazzle you, but is perfect for people who like to swim and relax in the Florida sun. This hotel is also super close to Universal and on International Drive which is full of dining and other entertainment options.

Related post: What are the 10 Best Hotels Around Disney World?

Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

Distance to Universal: 2.4 miles

Distance to Disney: 9.0 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $119 per night

Important to know: The Westgate is among our more expensive on the list, but guests have raved about how kind the staff are. The Westgate Palace hotel aims to make guests feel like they’re at home, with kitchens and plenty of space for larger parties. The Westgate Tower views are unmatched, with beautiful sights of the city and surrounding parks. There is also a heated pool, hot tub, playground, basketball and volleyball court and more!

Related post: Complete Guide Inside Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Marriott’s Harbour Lake

Distance to Universal: 7.9 miles

Distance to Disney: 4.3 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $124 per night

Important to know: Marriott’s Harbour Lake is the nicest hotel on our list, and across the board has the highest reviews out of all of them! There is mini golf, two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a waterslide, a hot tub, and plenty of activities for the family to do throughout the day. Marriott Harbour Lake reminds us of Caribbean Beach Resort at Disney, with some pirate themed water features and colorful theming throughout the resort. It is bright, clean and huge for guests looking for a lot to do during their vacation.

Related post: Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle

Courtyard by Marriott Orlando International Drive/Convention

Distance to Universal: 3.7 miles

Distance to Disney: 7.9 miles

Starting Rates: Starting at $119 per night

Important to know: The Courtyard by Marriott is a basic hotel that is near the Orange County Convention Center which is the premier location between both Orlando parks. The Bistro at the Courtyard offers breakfast and dinner, which guests have said is really good and recommend for meals when staying. The pool isn’t the greatest, and is probably better for adult travelers, or those with kids who aren’t picky about their aquatic activities. The Courtyard by Marriott is also within walking distance to Icon Park which is another must-do attraction in Orlando!

Related post: What are the Best Hotels Near Volcano Bay?

Best Hotels in the Middle of Disney and Universal FAQ

Q: Can I stay at a Disney hotel and go to Universal?

A: Yes, you can absolutely stay in a Disney hotel and still go to Universal. Disney does not provide any transportation to Universal Orlando, but if you have transportation yourself, you’re welcome to go to Universal. The perks of the Disney resort only count for Disney parks, so keep that in mind.

Q: Do Universal hotels shuttle to Disney?

A: Unfortunately, Universal hotels will only shuttle to the parks and Universal hotels. Disney World has it’s own set of transportation to get around the resorts and hotels like busses, the skyliner and monorail.

Q: How far apart are Disney and Universal?

A: Disney and Universal Orlando are about 15 minutes from each other by car. The resorts are 9 miles apart mainly connected by the I-4, which can have a lot of traffic making that drive more like 20 – 25 minutes.