Orlando is a kids' paradise, with renowned theme parks and animal attractions, so it makes sense that hotels in town would cater to families with children, and that's exactly what they do. Orlando hotels feature African animals, beaches, water slides, caves, movies and games that can entertain kids for hours on end.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World offers a wide range of kid-friendly accommodations, and its Animal Kingdom Lodge is at the top of the list for many families. Built to resemble an African lodge, this hotel features a 33-acre wildlife preserve that's home to such animals as giraffes, impalas, ostriches and pelicans. Kids love to look at the wildlife through glass alcove windows--when they're not busy in the hotel's activity center, pool, game arcade or playground.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830
(407) 934-7639
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge
Hard Rock Hotel
Kids stay active all the time at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. A favorite spot is the 12,000-square-foot pool area that features a beach, a water slide, children's play areas and fountains. Youngsters love the "dive-in" movies at the pool, crafts and games at the supervised Camp Lil' Rock and meals with their favorite Universal Studios movie characters.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort
5800 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Fla. 32819
(888) 832-7155
http://www.hardrockhotelorlando.com
Nickelodeon Family Suites
Fun is the first priority at Nickelodeon Family Suites. Kids may never want to leave the two pool areas: the Lagoon, with its 400-gallon water dump tank, basketball area and miniature golf course; and the Olympic-sized Oasis Pool that features wild slides and an interactive water tower. They'll also enjoy meeting Nickelodeon characters, playing arcade games, watching 4-D movies, eating at the food court and getting pampered in the kids' spa.
Nickelodeon Family Suites
14500 Continental Gateway
Orlando, Fla. 32821
(877) 642-5111
http://www.nickhotel.com
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
Water play is also a prime attraction at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. The huge pool looks like a lagoon and includes two water slides, a dozen waterfalls and a cave in which kids can swim. It goes without saying that this popular swimming area features "dive-in" movies, too. Other Hyatt fun includes sailing; casual dining and take-out; and Camp Hyatt, with supervised kids' activities, such as hiking, crafts, photo safaris and cookie decorating.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
1 Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, Fla. 32836
(407) 239-1234
http://grandcypress.hyatt.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
