Orlando is a popular resort destination with its theme parks and attractions and year-round temperate weather. Golfers can find many courses in Orlando, and many resorts offer golf-and-stay packages with privileges at nearby country clubs. Most every major hotel chain has at least one property in the Orlando area, many with themes, such as sports, safari and Hawaii. Hawaiian-themed resorts are fun and surprisingly sophisticated, with tropical plants and themed entertainment. Staying at a Hawaiian-themed hotel can make your stay so pleasurable, you may never want to leave the property,
Disney's Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian is one of the original resort hotels in Orlando. It's on Disney property, and is accessible to parks via monorail, boat ferries and bus service. The Polynesian encompasses 11 long buildings, joined by tropical gardens, koi ponds, sandy beaches and Polynesian walkways. The Great Ceremonial House is at the center of the complex and features a waterfall, coconut palms, shops and a nightly torch-lighting ceremony. The pool features a volcano and a water slide. Guests can enjoy the Spirit of Aloha dinner show and luau. Entertainment features traditional song and dances, as well as numbers from the Disney film "Lilo and Stitch."
Rooms and suites feature cable TV with Disney programming, coffeemakers, in-room safes, microwaves and refrigerators. The concierge can arrange tee times at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, less than 5 miles from the resort.
Disney's Polynesian Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 824-2000
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
The Royal Pacific is on Universal Studios property, with access to the park by ferries. The resort has a distinct South Seas feel, with tropical orchids and plants all over the property. The resort has its own private beach, complete with tiki bar and a lagoon pool. The Golf Universal Program provides exclusive access to the area's top golf courses, like the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed MetroWest Golf Course. The resort hosts nightly luaus, with traditional food and entertainment.
Rooms and suites include coffeemakers, flat-screen televisions, in-room laptop safes and 300-threadcount bedding.
Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 503-3463
loewshotels.com
Polynesian Isles Resort
Polynesian Isles is a condominium resort less than 10 miles from Walt Disney World. The full-service resort offers a spa, tropical lagoon pool, game room, putting green and activities department. The resort is within 5 miles of the Orange Lake Country Club, which has three courses.
Rooms feature balconies, central air conditioning, coffeemakers and voice mail.
Polynesian Isles Resort
3045 Polynesian Isles Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 396-1622
diamondresorts.com
About The Author
Laine Doss has been writing for years with an emphasis on fitness, travel and lifestyle issues. Doss has written for "Buzz" magazine, Examiner.com, Liberalwonk.com, Fashify.com and Laine Doss Green Travels. Doss has co-hosted a lifestyles-themed radio show and is a graduate of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
