If you are getting in fairly late staying near the airport would probably be the easiest thing. If you get in early I would head towards the port. Priceline and hotwire can get you good deals in both areas.
We stayed at the Radison. I've seen a lot of posts about this place. I think it is the closest hotel. It's a great place. We could see our ship come in and dock from our room window. Very exciting. They also offer shuttles.
We stayed at the Radisson last cruise and are booked there again for the next. The ability to park at the hotel is a ++ for us. I'm sure there are others in the area that are less $$, but we had heard great things on these boards and were not dissappointed, clean, quite and friendly.
If you are flying in to MCO I would consider the Hyatt MCO. We stayed there and it was so convienent. Its right in the terminal and if you put you bags in the hall in the morning they will get them on the ship for you, no hassle. Also if you are using DCL transfers castmembers meet you in the lobby and take you to the busses right there at the hotel. Its a little pricy but I think the convience makes up for it. The rooms are also roomy and very nice. We had a balcony facing the runways, it was really neat.
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