Orlando is unmatched when it comes to magical vacations, with warm weather, abundant activities, and Disney and Universal theme parks just a stone’s throw away. It’s also home to an abundance of great places to stay, with nearly 60 resorts bookable on the KOALA platform alone. Staying at a timeshare resort in Orlando is an ideal way to make a vacation there more affordable, since you can rent direct from the owner and usually get more space to spread out than a typical hotel room. But the profusion of choices begs the question: Which resort is right for my family? 

KOALA Content Contributors Naomi and Vadim Matatov, the dynamo bloggers behind Timeshare Explorers, have vacationed with their family in Orlando many times over the years and have tested out quite a few different resorts in the area. They compared six top Orlando timeshare resorts — all of which they visited in 2021 — so you can decide what’s best for your next Orlando vacation.

Best for Multigenerational Families

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas

Traveling with grandparents and grandkids in tow? Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas and Marriott’s Grande Vista are two great options: Both offer activities all day that will appeal to kids and older folks alike: watercraft rentals, water aerobics, activity centers with crafts and games, basketball, pickleball, tennis, playgrounds, soccer fields, volleyball courts, campfires, foosball, fishing, pool tables, shuffleboards, corn hole and more (phew)!

View Stays at Marriott’s Grande Vista

Cypress Harbour Villas even has its own nature trail. And of course, both sport multiple pools and beautiful grounds. You could spend your entire vacation at either resort and never have to leave… though of course the kids won’t let you get away without one theme park visit! Just be sure to get back in time to catch the sunset at Cypress Harbour.

View Stays at Marriott’s Cypress Harbour

Best for Families with Small Children

Marriott’s Harbour Lake

Marriott’s Harbour Lake has a Key West feel without the adult Key West vibe. Younger children have a huge choice of wet-and-wild activities, with two amazing splash pads, a giant water slide, and a pool with a huge pirate ship. Whatever ages in your brood, there’s something to keep the kids busy and happy, from pool tables and basketball to hair braiding, movie rentals, and counselor-led activities. The property also features a fun and challenging mini-golf course that will delight the whole family. 

View Stays at Marriott’s Harbour Lake

Best for Families with Teenagers 

HGV Tuscany Village, Photo by Naomi and Vadim Matatov

Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village is an architectural marvel that transports you to Italy, with every building conveying a Mediterranean feel while featuring villas with all the modern amenities you need. But the resort is particularly appealing to older kids. Instead of activities for young kids, the pool area is geared to teens and adults, featuring a daily DJ and live entertainment throughout the week, plus a terrific poolside bar and grill (the pizza is a must). The many walkways — including a boardwalk circling the huge on-property lake — will keep everyone active The onsite cafe even serves Starbucks, so no one has to leave for their soy latte fix! The best part for your budding fashionistas: The resort has a private entrance to Orlando Premium Outlets, one of the best malls in the area. 

View Stays at Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

Best for Staying on Disney Property 

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

If your Orlando trip revolves around mouse ears and princess dresses, Disney’s Beach Club Villas is the place to stay. It’s conveniently located directly on Disney grounds, between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, both of which have boat and bus transportation and plenty of parking. You can also catch the monorail at Epcot The colonial beach feel will transport you back in time — but the recently remodeled rooms are the height of modern luxury, with huge TVs and super comfortable beds and pillows. Suites at Disney’s Beach Club Villas also have full kitchens, perfect for preparing quick meals between park visits. Stormalong Bay Pool is arguably the best pool on Disney property, with a humongous water slide, lazy river, and sand bottom pool.

View Stays at Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, also Epcot-adjacent, is a great second choice in our opinion; both resorts have great restaurants, but Beach Club Villas gets the edge for that awesome pool.

View Stays at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Best for Visiting SeaWorld or Discovery Cove 

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld is a gorgeous property featuring two large pools overlooking a beautiful lake, all manner of outdoor sports activities, and a movie theater in the main lobby.

View Stays at Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

But the real draw is that it’s located within walking distance to both SeaWorld and Discovery Cove and their fun mix of wildlife viewing and thrill rides. Seriously — just 15 minutes by foot, or a five-minute car ride. The rooms are being renovated with a modern Bahamian-style feel that’s bright and luxurious (renovations are scheduled for completion by the end of 2022). 

See More Timeshare Rentals in Orlando

For room and resort tours of many of the resorts above — and plenty more — check out TimeShare Explorers on YouTube.