Family-Friendly Hotel Within Walking Distance of Universal Studios

The Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City hotel is a Universal Partner hotel, situated within walking distance of the Universal Studios theme park—home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Islands of Adventures, and several popular attractions, including "E.T. Adventure,” the “Revenge of the Mummy” roller coaster, and “The Simpsons Ride.” Additionally, the hotel offers guests discounts on Universal Studio admission tickets, food, beverages, and merchandise. A complimentary shuttle drops you at the park’s doorstep. The Wet n' Wild water park is right across the street, and most of the Orlando area’s other major theme parks are within a half-hour drive.

Traditional king and two-queen guest rooms offer pool or city views, and each comes with a wet bar, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Elsewhere at the hotel, you can take a swim in the outdoor pool or head up to the Tropical Breezes Pool Bar for a cocktail or snack. There are also two onsite restaurants: Tropical Palms offers three daily meals, and the Oasis Lounge does casual lunch and dinner. At each spot, you'll be able to grab a beer from Four Points's Best Brews program, which offers seasonal ales, stouts, and lagers from around the world.

Orlando, Florida: World-Famous Theme Parks and Cultural Surprises

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando may be forever associated with the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, which now are part of the world’s most-visited entertainment resort. It spans roughly 30,000 acres, encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and the Downtown Disney® Marketplace. There’s no shortage of things to do here: begin your day by boarding a rocket-shaped three-seater that climbs to 180 feet before entering a deep black tunnel and racing past stars, satellites, and constellations. Walk across the park to sample Moroccan cuisine for lunch, or ride a dune buggy through a haunted 18th-century mansion. Before heading back to the hotel, take in the nightly fireworks, laser, and water show. As one of the most popular family destinations in the world, sunny Orlando is home to other theme parks including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Gatorland.

Those hoping to shake up the typical theme-park-dominated itinerary can head into downtown Orlando's vibrant arts district. The neighborhood boasts venues such as CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which hosts family-friendly improv shows five nights a week.

About a 10-minute drive north, you’ll find eight cultural institutions at Loch Haven Park, including the Orlando Museum of Art, which houses pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert Rauschenberg, Ansel Adams, and Andy Warhol. The park is also home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orlando Science Center. Visit the science center to take a rover across a simulation of Mars’s red surface, or race on a 70-foot pinewood derby track.

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