Disney World and Universal Studios resorts and their hotel properties get most of the attention in Orlando, but there’s a tropical-style resort and water park just miles away that’s a great alternative for families who want to stay near the theme parks.
There are three things we loved about staying at The Grove Resort & Water Park in Winter Garden: first is the tropical vibe, with its sandy white walkways, towering palm trees, crystal blue pool waters, and scenic lake across 106 acres.
Second, the condos and suites here are ideal for multi-generational trips with the grandparents. Our family stayed in a three-bedroom suite, which had a large master bedroom and bath with a walk-in closet, a second bedroom with a private bathroom, and a third bed with a common area bathroom – plus a spacious living room, stocked kitchen, dining area, washer and dryer – and two entrances to a balcony.
Third is the resort’s on-site Surfari Water Park, which has water slides, splash zones, splash pad and lazy river.
The kids loved the FlowRider surf simulator, where you have 30 minutes to balance on a surfboard during a guided lesson, either by yourself, or with a group of up to five. It’s so much fun to watch, especially when the kids enter the surf zone.
Longboard Bar and Grill has easy poolside meals – think chicken wings, quesadillas, fish tacos, burgers, salads, desserts and kids’ meal options, along with smoothies for the kids and cocktails for the adults.
We recommend renting a cabana, which includes a TV, a cooler with drinks, and a safe. You’ll get personal service for food orders. Or, you can opt for premium poolside seating that includes two chairs, an umbrella, a safe and a charging station. Be sure to ask about afternoon discounted rates or seasonal discounts at the water park.
When you’re feeling water-logged, there is a packed schedule of daily and weekly activities on property. Our favorite was Flip Flop’s Family Fun Center that has a giant arcade, plus indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
For a more relaxed day, we recommend walking along the pier to Lake Austin, where you can take in the scenery, rent a paddle boat or pontoon, go kayaking, take a fishing lesson, or rent a fishing charter.
The pier is next to The Springs Pools, a series of pools situated away from the energy (and volume) of the water park.
Bring the kids to the Activity Center for options like arts & crafts, Playstation time or free play. There are scavenger hunts, karaoke, and even slime time scheduled throughout the week. There’s also a marked jogging trail around the property – just don’t get too close to the water, which has posted alligator danger signs.
Valencia Restaurant offers a kids-eat-free option with the purchase of an adult entrée. The menu has a mix of seafood, chicken, vegetarian options. We loved the Mediterranean chicken burrito and Asian chopped salad. Nearby, Springs Bar & Grill draws from Valencia’s menu and has outdoor dining with views of Lake Austin and the Springs pools,
The Alfresco Market Place is a grab-and-go spot that sells merch and souvenirs, too. When the kids are hanging back with their grandparents, head downstairs to Element Lounge for some handcrafted, creative cocktails; or try the poolside Dyve bar at The Terraces at The Grove.
And USA Today readers agree! USA Today featured The Grove in their roundup of “Orlando Hotel Pools and Water Parks Your Kids Won’t Want to Leave” last summer.
For your theme park days, The Grove offers free shuttle service to EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios via Disney’s Transportation Center (note: you’ll have to transfer there to get to Magic Kingdom); Universal Orlando Resort; and SeaWorld. You’ll need to plan ahead because most shuttles leave and return once a day, and reservations must be made 48 hours in advance. Unless your crew can stick to a tight schedule, using a rideshare service or renting a car may offer more flexibility. Although the resort is about 6 miles from Disney World, the drive could take 40 minutes depending on traffic.
There’s so much more to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks. You and your crew can swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove; see the city from the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye observation wheel at ICON Park; visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or Orlando Science Center; or head to Gatorland to see alligators up close.
Nearby restaurant options include Lazy Dog Restaurant for burgers, chicken and seafood; Bruno’s Italian Restaurant; Chuy’s Tex-Mex; Kobe Ichiban; and chains like Longhorn Steakhouse, Joe’s Crab Shack and Texas Roadhouse.
Room packages start at $169 per night depending on the season, and there are discounts for booking longer stays, as well as extending your stay while you’re already on property. Rates for mid-July range from $199 to $329 per night. Resort fees start at $45 per night, and parking is an additional $25-$29 per vehicle per night. The resort is cashless, so you can use a credit card or link your wristband to use during your stay. The water park is open year-round, depending on the weather.
Get a glimpse of the resort via our Instagram page.
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