Hotel at a Glance: Oak Plantation Resort

Tucked away in the relative seclusion of Kissimmee (Orlando's foremost suburb), Oak Plantation Resort offers the convenience of a theme-park hotel with an added dose of privacy. Elegant villas charm kids and adults in equal measure, and a free shuttle whisks families off to Orlando's biggest attractions—including Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.

• Start the day right: The resort provides a full breakfast buffet each morning for $7.95 ($4.50 for kids aged 4–9).
• Take a dip: There are two lagoon-style pools and a whirlpool spa.
• Poolside tiki bar: Here you can sip tropical cocktails and smoothies or order burgers or pizza.
• Room for the family: One- and two-bedroom villas comfortably accommodate up to four or six guests, respectively.
Game on: Guests can play on lighted tennis and basketball courts, and there's a fitness center inside.

Kissimmee, Florida: Easy Access to World-Famous Theme Parks and Major Orlando Attractions

Located on the banks of Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee sits about 22 miles from downtown Orlando and just 16 miles from the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. 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® Area. 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 Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.

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 the CityArts Factory, a multifaceted patchwork of gallery spaces, and SAK Comedy Lab, which holds improv shows five nights a week.

About a 10-minute drive north, you’ll find several cultural institutions surrounding Orlando Loch Haven Park, including the Orlando Museum of Art, with a collection featuring pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert Rauschenberg, Ansel Adams, and Andy Warhol. The park is also home to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and the Orlando Science Center. Visit the Science Center to take a rover across a simulation of Mars’s red surface or race model cars down a 70-foot pinewood-derby track.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.