When it comes to theme parks, Orlando, Fla., is king. Besides Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, many hotels in the area are almost like theme parks unto themselves. Some hotels in Orlando have moved beyond mere pool areas to interactive water parks filled with waterfalls, water slides, and water cannons. After a long, hot day at the theme parks or out on the nearby golf courses, these water parks begin to look very enticing even to many adults.
Nickelodeon Suites
This hotel is one of the most popular in Orlando for families due to the many programs and activities aimed at children. The water park here is not just one of the most engaging in Orlando, but in the entire country. Kids will be very familiar with the 400-gallon tank that dumps both water and Nickelodeon slime onto kids. Adults will find the huge whirlpools a relaxing place amid the slides, flumes, and four-story tall water activity tower. If you grow tired of all the water, head to the sand and grass of Grande Pines Golf Club just a few miles away.
Nickelodeon Suites
14500 Continental Gateway
Orlando, FL 32821
(877) 642-5111
nickhotel.com/
Grande Pines Golf Club
6351 International Golf Club Rd.
Orlando, FL 32821
(800) 371-1165
marriott-vacations.com/leisure/golf-courses/grande-pines-golf-club/default.jsp
Clarion Resort and Water Park
The Clarion Resort rooms feature the comfort of Serta Pillowtop mattresses, 27-inch flat screen TVs, and a kitchenette with mini-fridge. The water park at the Clarion spans a massive 50,000 square feet of space that includes 120,000 gallons of water. There are 500 feet of slides, including a tower that rises 30 feet into the air. A very relaxing way to end the day after coming back from the golf course is lounge on a raft as it works its way through the 630 feet of lazy river. The water park also includes a 2,000 square feet kiddie section so the youngest members of the family can join the fun. To take a break from the water park, enjoy the Remington Golf Club which is less than half a mile away.
Clarion Resort and Water Park
2261 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 846-2221
clarionwaterpark.com/index.shtml
Remington Golf and Country Club
2995 Remington Blvd
Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 344-4004
remington-gc.com/golf/proto/remington-gc/
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The water park at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is not quite as impressive as the other two hotels listed here, but does feature a large pool dominated by two tall waterslides. The Hyatt also features waterfalls and games for the kids. The pool spans an entire half-acre and makes for a terrific retreat from the Orlando heat. The rooms are spacious and feature large flat-screen TVs and views of the pool waterfalls if you wish. The best thing about the Hyatt Regency for adults isn't the water park, of course, but the four Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. The golf shop here was named one of the 100 best in the country by Golf Shop Operations.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
1 Grand Cypress Blvd
Orlando, FL 32836
(407) 239-1234
grandcypress.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
