8 Orlando hotels that pack as much fun as the theme parks

With waterslides, family arcades, playgrounds for the kids, and spas for mom and dad, these Orlando hotels will make your vacation unforgettable!

Florida’s known for its warm weather year-round, beaches with white sands and azure waters, and, of course, its world-famous theme parks. From Walt Disney World to Legoland, and from Universal Orlando to SeaWorld, the Sunshine State really is the fun-shine state for families. 

But did you know that where you choose to stay when visiting these parks can make a huge difference in your experience? In fact, some hotels can rival some of the state’s major theme parks because they pack a world of fun not only for the kids, but also for the adults in the family. With tube waterslides, family arcades, playgrounds for the little ones and even relaxing spas for mom and dad, these beautiful resorts will make your vacation even better!

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Sitting atop 28 gorgeous acres of lush Florida paradise, the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld offers a variety of activities for the whole gang. 

Its onsite swimming pools—including a kids’ pool—and outdoor fire pits are great for family outdoor fun. But then there’s the well-equipped fitness center, a miniature golf course and putting green, and, if you need a break from all the excitement of the theme parks, the relaxing Grand Lagoon pool with its soothing waterfall surrounded by gorgeous tropical landscaping. 

The Double Tree is conveniently close to SeaWorld, and just a 15-minute drive to Disney and Universal theme parks. Or you can enjoy easy access to all major theme parks with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle.

Its onsite swimming pools and outdoor fire pits are great for family outdoor fun. (Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld)

2. Orlando World Center Marriott

Lovers of water fun and activities, prepare for a grand adventure! The Orlando World Center Marriott boasts a huge on-site water park with a lazy river and a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls. Then there are the 3—count ‘em!—super thrilling multi-rider tube waterslides (for those who are 48” inches and taller) with exciting drops, wild turns and unexpected twists along the way. And with names like Boomerango, Tail Spin and Aquasphere waterslides, you know it’ll be fun! 

For avid golfers or even casual putters, there is an 18-hole championship golf course—over 6,200 yards of softly rolling hills—that offers personalized instruction, as well as group packages and events. 

Another perk of staying at the Orlando World Center Marriott? Watching the dazzling evening fireworks displays right from the hotel. 

For avid golfers or even casual putters, there is even an 18-hole championship golf course. (Orlando World Center Marriott)

3. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort 

With an 18-hole mini golf course, walking paths, five onsite pools, two lazy rivers, splash pads for the little ones, an amazing playground, fire pits at night, and eight different hot tubs, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort should rightfully be spelled “family fun.” 

But wait, there’s more! After a fun-filled day at the parks—or just enjoying the hotel’s many amenities—parents can spoil themselves by escaping to the serene Blue Harmony Spa, an onsite retreat offering relaxing massage therapies, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and a whole array of invigorating treatments. 

For their guests’ convenience, the Wyndham also offers daily shuttles to Walt Disney World. 

4. Gaylord Palms

Gaylord Palms may just be one of the coolest places to stay for a fun family vacay you’ll still be talking about years later! 

That’s because in addition to an arcade, a zero-entry pool, exciting water slides, a Tree House Water Playground, and a lazy river to help you unwind, Gaylord Palms also has its very own Escape Room! How’s that for an indoor adventure? 

Kids will especially enjoy taking a virtual safari through Gaylord Palms, with 12 animals on the endangered species list hidden throughout the resort. Can they spot them all and help save them? A smartphone and a free app download are all you need to enjoy this unique AR experience. And don’t miss out on the hotel’s arcade with the newest video games, head-to-head contests, and other arcade classics. 

Then for relaxation, there’s a tranquil South Beach-inspired pool oasis and a revitalizing spa to restore mind, body, and soul balance. It takes place daily at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. 

5. The Signia by Hilton Orlando

When it comes to family fun, Signia by Hilton Orlando – An Official Walt Disney World Hotel is on a whole other level. 

Situated on a gorgeous 482-acre nature preserve in Orlando, this charming resort has a huge lagoon-style pool, exciting waterslides, and a poolside Recreation Team that offers arts and crafts and fun-filled games for families to participate in together. Kids can also try their hand at diving at the onsite SCUBA academy. Apart from water activities, there is a pizza-making class for aspiring amateur chefs!

Need to recharge after a long day at the parks? There’s also a soothing lazy river where you can let any remaining tensions float away. Movies are also played at night and—yes!—you can watch right from the pool. How cool is that?

6. Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Not all families include children, so sometimes taking a family vacation means planning a well-deserved escape for just you and your significant other. Situated a little bit further outside Orlando, Lake Nona Wave Hotel offers a unique experience for couples. 

That’s because this stunning resort was created with an emphasis on luxury and comfort. It’s even thoughtfully designed to make you feel as if you’re being gently lulled by soothing waves. You’ll sleep on Bryte beds that adjust to your sleep preferences, and Nollapelli bedding that’s designed to improve your hair and skin. 

Activities include taking a spin on their complimentary bicycles, doing yoga in the resort’s peaceful garden, enjoying wine tastings at The Living Room Bar, and dining in the hotel’s sumptuous restaurant, Bacán, with its delicious offering of Central and South American cuisines. 

This stunning resort was created with an emphasis on luxe and comfort. (Lake Nona Wave Hotel)

 7. Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

Is there a special place for families that LOVE the great outdoors, in all caps? The answer is a resounding YES! and this is it: Spread across 800 sprawling acres of tropical palm trees and sparkling water, the Four Diamond-rated Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate—located just a little southwest of Disney—boasts not one, but two 18-hole golf courses and even a mini golf course for when you’re looking to have some fun with the kids. 

There are also tennis and pickleball courts, sparkling pools, a fun-filled water park with thrilling slides, a full-service spa to relax after all that outdoor fun, and a lazy river that will enchant nature lovers. 

8. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

If you and your family love to have fun in the water, we have great news for you. In terms of water activities, The Hyatt will stun you with a jaw-dropping half-acre pool (that’s almost half the size of a football field!) with a stunning swim-through grotto, waterslides, and an awesome suspension bridge. Trust us, the area is so gorgeous that you’ll want to spend your day relaxing in and out of the water. 

Once on dry land, guests can tee off from the resort’s award-winning golf course, hit the gym with one of four Peloton bikes, or get seriously pampered in the resort’s full-service spa.

Large families can upgrade their stay to an executive suite that allows them to enjoy additional space to spread out. The suite features an extra bathroom, a comfortable sleeper sofa, and a dining table. Guests can also reserve a private cabana and relax while the kids enjoy a lagoon-style pool. Another plus for nature lovers: There’s access to a beautiful lakeside beach. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.