This safari-themed resort offers lots of family-friendly recreational activities and 144 condo-style suites. All units can sleep up to six and include a king bedroom, second bedroom with two twin beds, and living room with sleeper sofa. Every suite is well-equipped with three flat-screen TVs, DVD players, washer/dryers, and vacuum cleaners, but their slightly jungle-tinged decor is subpar and could use an update. That said, room rates are a good value for the area, especially considering Parkway's nice outdoor features: a nature walk, pool with kids' wading area, tiki-style poolside restaurant, and tennis and shuffleboard courts. Unlike many area hotels, though, Parkway doesn't offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or shuttle rides.

Conveniently located near Disney World, Galleria Palms is a mid-range hotel with 118 rooms with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. The rooms are more modern than the ones at Parkway and come with free Wi-Fi (Parkway charges for Wi-Fi), but Galleria's common features aren't as fun or robust as the ones at our top pick. However, Galleria's rates are typically low for the category, plus they include continental breakfast and shuttle service to Universal and Disney theme park. 

Quality Suites Royale Parc Suites is a New Orleans-themed hotel a mile from Walt Disney World. Decor and furnishings in the 224 rooms are much more dated than what's found at Galleria (even though Quality Suites updated the carpeting, mattresses, and tiling in 2015). Despite looking tired, every suite features flat-screen TVs with premium channels and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, tableware, dishwashers, double-burner stovetops, and microwaves. Two-bedroom suites can sleep up to 10 people. Like Galleria, this family-friendly property offers great freebies: Wi-Fi, breakfast, self-parking, and shuttles to the amusement parks.

Clarion Suites Maingate is a well-maintained property that's ideal for families looking to enjoy a theme park vacation without busting their budgets. The 150 rooms are nothing fancy, but each one has a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and safe. Clarion's free shuttle service to parks and Buena Vista Factory Stores -- and its proximity to restaurants -- are convenient, plus room rates include a free breakfast buffet. 

The pet-friendly Tropical Palms Resort and Campground is a mid-range property with 150 units (plus RV hookups) and lots of well-landscaped green space. There are two pools, along with a poolside restaurant and a fitness center. Air-conditioned cottages have flat-screen TVs, furnished patios, and picnic tables; some units have large kitchens. In contrast to Galleria, Quality Suites, and Clarion Suites, rooms don't have Wi-Fi and shuttle service costs a fee. 

The 466-room Star Island Resort & Club has attractive rates and a great, secluded spot near Disney World. Big-resort features here include a full-service spa, tennis complex, expansive pool area, mini-golf, and a game room. Condo-style suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and full kitchens. However, furniture shows signs of age and housekeeping is weekly. Another downside is the lack of a restaurant and breakfast, though there are an on-site grocery store (perfect for stocking in-room kitchens) and snack bar. 

If you can ignore the outdated tropical furnishings and a timeshare sales pitch, you should find Liki Tiki Village to be a good all-inclusive getaway. The resort's facilities are in need of renovation and aren't as ample as Star Island's, but they include two heated pools, two hot tubs, and a children's water play area with slides and waterfalls. There are 638 spacious one, two, and three-bedroom condos throughout the resort, all with kitchens, washers/dryers, and flat-screen TVs. Like Star Island, both Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free.