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We have three nights to book before we head to Universal. One day will be at Discovery Cove, otherwise no plans yet. Where is the best place to look to stay? We are not planning to visit other theme parks - so don't feel the need to be in Orlando. We are traveling with a 10 year old.

If your focus is mainly Discovery Cove and a more relaxed stay with a 10-year-old, you don’t necessarily need to stay in central Orlando. There are several good areas to consider that offer convenience, kid-friendly activities, and a change of scenery before hitting Universal.

Here are some options:

  • Orlando/International Drive area: Even if you’re not visiting other parks, staying near I-Drive gives easy access to Discovery Cove (which is close to SeaWorld), plenty of dining options, mini-golf, and other family-friendly attractions.
  • Kissimmee/Osceola Parkway area: Just south of Orlando, closer to some resort-style hotels and vacation rentals. Many properties have pools, kid-friendly amenities, and more space if you want a relaxed stay.
  • Lake Buena Vista/Walt Disney World area: If you want a quieter resort experience without needing to visit Disney, this area has lots of family-oriented resorts, pools, and restaurants. It’s also centrally located if you plan to drive to Universal the next few days.
  • Winter Park: A charming small town north of Orlando with boutique hotels, green spaces, and a slower pace. Good if you prefer a less touristy, more local feel for your three nights.

Other considerations:

  • Many families choose resorts with pools and on-site activities for downtime. Since you have a 10-year-old, look for hotels with kid-friendly pools or splash areas.
  • If you want to minimize driving, staying along International Drive or near SeaWorld/Discovery Cove is most convenient, as it’s only about a 5-10 minute drive.
  • Check for amenities like free breakfast, shuttle services, or nearby dining to make mornings easier with a child.
  • Vacation rentals or condo-style hotels can give extra space for your family to relax after the day at Discovery Cove.

Overall, staying near Discovery Cove or I-Drive provides the easiest logistics and lots of kid-friendly options, while areas like Winter Park or Lake Buena Vista offer a quieter, more scenic stay if you prefer a slower pace before heading to Universal.

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