The Orlando area offers several five-star resorts close to WDW that provide the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and fun. Located less than two minutes from the Downtown Disney area at WDW is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress ((800) 835-7377, www.hyattgrandcypress.com), one of the nicest resorts you'll find in Orlando. This resort offers so much in the way of activities and amenities, you could easily enjoy a multiday vacation without ever leaving the property. This is a 1,500-acre property with more than 750 rooms and 74 suites that are all ultramodern, clean, spacious, and well equipped. Rates start around $250 per night. Adjoining rooms and multibedroom suites are available to families. Child care and kid activities are available.

A similar, family-oriented resort, located about one mile from the WDW Resort, is the new Gaylord Palms Resort ((407) 586-2000, www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordpalms). It, too, offers a wide range of amenities and activities you can experience without ever leaving the property. This resort is also the home of the Canyon Ranch Spa, an award-winning world-class day spa. For kids, the La Petite Kids' Academy Kids' Station offers a camplike experience, complete with supervised activities every day of the year. If you visit during the holidays, Gaylord Palms puts on a spectacular indoor walk-through spectacle called ICE! Nearly 2 million tons of ice is carved into a different breathtaking theme each year.

One mile from SeaWorld sits the elegant yet vibrant Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes (407-206-2400). Rates start around $450 for connecting rooms and features a 40,000-square-foot spa, an eighteen-hole Greg Norman — designed championship golf course, a Ritz Kids' Club, and six dining options.

For a more complete listing of hotels, motels, and resorts, visit www.switchboard.com and do a search for “hotel and motel reservations” in Orlando and surrounding areas.