Family-Friendly Condo Resort 5 Miles from Disney World

Walt Disney World—home to Cinderella’s castle, Tinker Bell’s electrical parade, and Sleeping Beauty’s ambien stash—is widely acknowledged as the most magical place on earth. Each year, it draws millions of families, thrill-seekers, and princess enthusiasts from all over the world. Located fewer than 10 miles away, Tuscana Resort keeps the family fun going with a sprawling pool complex, a 30-seat movie theater, and kid-friendly dining venues. The hotel's spacious condos give groups plenty of space to relax and spread out in two or three-bedroom units, each of which boasts a private screened-in porch.

An oversize pool is located at the center of the Mediterranean-style resort. Grab a lounge chair early in the morning and soak up the sun or take a dip in the hot tub. Little ones can splash around in a shallow kiddie pool. Right off the pool deck, Tavern Restaurant serves hearty pub fare such as USDA Choice beef burgers and English-style fish ‘n’ chips. Guests can order their included welcome drinks at Tuscana's Tavern Bar, which hosts karaoke nights on Thursday and Saturday.

Two- and three-bedroom condos range in size from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet, giving families plenty of space and privacy. You can whip up meals in the fully equipped kitchen and watch several movies at once on the multiple TVs. At the screened-in porch, enjoy the fresh air and look out for local wildlife, such as undomesticated Mouseketeers.

Champions Gate, Florida: Sun-Drenched Community near Orlando’s Many Amusement Parks

Champions Gate is a 1,500-acre luxury golf community in central Florida. Known for its Greg Norman–designed golf courses, the locale is also a convenient gateway to Orlando's most popular attractions. Five miles away, Walt Disney World encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Downtown Disney marketplace. In the course of a single day, you can ride Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom in the morning, sample Moroccan cuisine at Epcot’s World Pavilion in the afternoon, and take in the IllumiNations light show at night. Disney World’s success has spawned a host of other theme parks in the area, including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gatorland.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head to downtown Orlando's vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as the CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which holds improv shows five nights a week. The city's restaurant scene is also starting to garner attention. You can check out eateries helmed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and James Beard Award–winner Norman Van Aken.