6 Orlando resorts that are almost as fun as Disney parks

You promised the kids a trip to Disney, and then you checked the price. And nearly fell off your chair. Disney and Universal have become even more expensive than ever before: Universal raised many of its price tiers last year, while Disney increased prices for peak times and annual passes. Rather than selling a kidney or taking out a second mortgage to finance your trip, try staying at one of these Orlando resorts. They’re so much fun that the kids won’t even want to spend every single day in the parks.

The Grove Resort Orlando

Photo courtesy of The Grove Resort Orlando

It’s got an on-site waterpark that’s totally legit. Spend your days on the 695-foot lazy river, on two twisty water slides, the slow rider and a kids’ pool. As long as you’re staying at this resort, your entry to the waterpark is totally free, and it’s way better than any ordinary resort pool. The Grove is located just off Lake Austin, so you can also do on-site lake activities, like kayaking ($25 per hour), fishing ($24 for the day), a pontoon tour ($30 per family) and more.

Floridays Resort Orlando

Created with families in mind, this resort lets you choose between a two- or three-bedroom suite (they all come with a full kitchen and washer/dryer) at just over $100 for most nights. But this definitely doesn’t feel like a budget hotel. It’s got a massive pool with plenty of amenities: a beach area, a splash area, a splash pad, a zero-entry spot and a hot tub. And of course, there’s the swim-up bar. This resort is pet-friendly, so you don’t even need to board Fido.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Photo courtesy of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Boasting the largest resort pool at a Disney resort, this one is sure to please. It was inspired by Finding Nemo, so there’s an interactive water play area, and you can totally pretend you’re Nemo. (Just don’t wander too far!) While the pool is closed for refurbishment until fall 2020, you can check out the Cozy Cone Pool, inspired by Cars and Flippin’ Fins Pool, inspired by The Little Mermaid. In the evenings, gather in the grassy area between the Lion King and the Finding Nemo buildings to watch Disney films. And if you need a little room to run and play, you can do it at the resort’s playground. Rainy day? Go indoors to the arcade.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Okay, so this hotel isn’t a budget buy, but you’ll be saving money by chopping a few days off your park bill because there’s no way your kids will want to leave this lodge. More than 200 animals live here including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, flamingos and kudu. Take a safari to see the animals up close. Also visit the 11,000-square-foot pool that has zero-depth entry and a thrilling waterslide. In the evenings, roast marshmallows by the fire and watch Disney movies under the stars by the pool.

Hyatt Regency Orlando

It’s a massive hotel that’s also got resort-level pools, with a waterslide, a splash pad, a separate kiddie pool, a rooftop tennis court and golf concierge service—so parents and teens will be happy, too. Choose from seven dining options, so you’ll never need to leave the hotel if you aren’t inclined. This is the place to stay if you’ve got mixed ages, as there’s something for everyone.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

This new pet-friendly resort is filled with waterfalls, lush greenery and a vibe that will totally transport you to another world. You’ll get exclusive theme park benefits at Universal Orlando Resort, meaning you’ll have early access to the rides, and you’ll get to skip some of the lines. On days you skip the parks, you can lounge on the white-sand resort beaches or spend the day at the pool on the waterslide. This hotel has the largest pool across the Universal resorts, and the staff offers kids activities throughout the day, including poolside movies, splash contests, hula-hoop contest and more.