About 20 minutes south of the Magic Kingdom, the sprawling 411-room Reunion Resort is one of Orlando's priciest condo resorts outside those at Disney. But its one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens; daily kids' activities; huge water park; 54 holes of golf; and on-site restaurants make it well worth the price for many travelers. The huge suites with marble-tiled bathrooms, balconies, and washer/dryers (in most) are among the best condo units in the area. Plus, daily housekeeping is free -- something that is not usually provided at the Disney villas and many other time-share resorts. Note that this huge compound can be difficult to navigate; intra-resort shuttles are necessary from most rooms.

Rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort are two-room suites, all the same size, with sofa beds and kitchenettes that include microwaves, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. Rooms are pleasant and spacious, but their vibe is a tad stiff for a family-oriented, Florida resort. Bathrooms are large but not luxe, with shower/tub combos, toiletries, hairdryers, and ample granite counter space. In addition to kitchenettes, all rooms come with laptop safes, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There are no in-room washer/dryers (like many Reunion units), but the hotel has a shared laundry facility. The family-friendly resort also offers indoor and outdoor pools, a water park, spa, and fitness center, plus organized kids' activities and a free cooked-to-order breakfast.

Polynesian Isles Resort is an island-themed getaway with one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and washer/dryer combos (a perk that Embassy Suites' rooms lack). Each unit features a king-size bed in the master bedroom, a queen-size sleeper sofa, and two full baths. The kitchens come conveniently equipped with appliances and tableware, while in-room tech includes flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. DVD players are also provided, and movie rentals are available at the front desk. The hotel's many family-friendly features include two outdoor pools, four hot tubs, a putting green, basketball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, a clubhouse, a fitness center, board games, and a playground. But there are no on-site dining options or free in-room Wi-Fi, like at Embassy Suites (Polynesian only offers free Wi-Fi in the lobby).

All 144 units at this resort are spacious two-bedroom/two-bathroom condos that sleep up to six people. Each room has a full kitchen, three flat-screen TVs, DVD players, washer/dryers, and vacuum cleaners. Unfortunately, the safari-themed decor is subpar and there is a daily fee for Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant and eateries within walking distance are convenient, but families looking to take advantage of the full kitchens will need their own transportation to the supermarket, as there isn’t one within walking distance. The nature walk and swimming pool -- with kids' wading area -- are nice touches, along with the tiki-style poolside restaurant.

The 80 rooms are a big draw at this mid-range property. Two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites are available with pretty (if dated) Floridian decor including (cheap-looking) floral bedding, ceiling fans, and bamboo accents. Bedrooms have walk-in closets and flat-screen TVs, and all suites have private washers/dryers and free Wi-Fi. The homey full kitchens are equipped with stainless steel appliances including microwaves, refrigerators, ovens, coffeemakers, and dishwashers. The hotel doesn’t provide a full restaurant, but it does have a pub overlooking the large heated outdoor pool (there are also a separate lap pool and whirlpool).

Best Western Premier Saratoga Resort Villas is a mid-range family-friendly hotel near the Orlando theme parks. Its 125 units are all two-story town homes with kitchens and livings area on the first floor and bedrooms on the second. Instead of the private washer/dryers found at Lighthouse Key Resort, Best Western offers a small laundry room. Best Western has a full American restaurant, Saratoga Grill and Bar, while Lighthouse Key only has a pub with a small grill. Other Best Western features include a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and plenty of shaded seating close to the restaurant. For the little ones, there is an outdoor play area and a game room.

The pet-friendly Tropical Palms Resort and Campground is a mid-range property with 150 units as well as RV hookups. Its basic air-conditioned cottages come with flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, patios with seating, and picnic tables. Note that some RV sites don’t have sewer hookups. There are two pools, a snack bar, a fitness center, and lots well-landscaped green space throughout the property. Free Wi-Fi is available only at designated hot spots, and there is shuttle service (for a fee) to the theme parks.