Orlando Waterpark Fun: Your Family's Dream Holiday Awaits at Holiday Inn Resort!
Orlando Waterpark Fun: Holiday Inn Resort – My Family's Chaotic, Wonderful Adventure! (A Review You Actually Need)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because this isn't your average, corporate-speak hotel review. We just got back from the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – and let me tell you, it was an experience. It was a whirlwind, a rollercoaster, a… well, you get the idea. This is my honest, messy, and hopefully helpful take on the place. Forget the polished PR blurb; this is the real deal.
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First Impressions (and the Unpacking Panic):
We arrived, already frazzled from the airport shuffle (seriously, why are airport bathrooms always a logistical nightmare with kids?). The exterior? Fine. Your standard, pretty-much-what-you-expect Holiday Inn look. But the moment we stepped inside, the kids were already vibrating with anticipation. Apparently, the waterpark was calling.
The check-in? Surprisingly, it was mostly painless. They had a contactless option, which, bless them, I took the moment I saw it. Who wants to breathe the same air as a hundred other weary travelers? (I'm still a germaphobe at heart, judge me!) They have a doorman, which is nice, providing some old school feeling.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… Mostly Good!
Now, my sister traveled with us – she uses a wheelchair. This is where things get interesting, and where I have to be real about access.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yep, generally good! The rooms designated as accessible were spacious, with roll-in showers. The hallways were wide. That's a huge win. However, the ramp entrance to the main restaurant was… let's say "imperfectly paved." A bit bumpy. Not ideal.
- Accessibility in the Waterpark: This is where it got a little trickier. Designated areas, yes. But the sheer volume of people, the occasional lack of clear signage, and the sheer energy of the place made it…challenging. We needed a bit more help than expected, and the staff were generally understanding and helpful, but there were times where we felt like we were navigating a crowded maze of screaming kids and rogue inflatable rings. My sister did enjoy the pool though, and it was a relief knowing she was safe.
- Overall: Mostly good. But if you absolutely need perfect accessibility, I'd call ahead and really grill them about the details. Ask for specifics. Don't just take their word for it.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly, Until the Kids Get There)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (Thank. God!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (HEAVENLY!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. (Phew!)
The room itself? Surprisingly spacious, even with the kid clutter. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. We could actually sleep past dawn! The beds were comfy. And that coffee maker? Essential. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. The mini bar was a temptation I tried (and mostly failed) to resist. The soundproofing was decent, which was fortunate considering the chaos outside.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, But Still a Little Worried…
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
They really emphasize cleanliness. I’m not sure if it was over the top, or not enough. The front desk had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were masked up. We did see the staff constantly cleaning, which, if I'm being honest, put my mind at ease but I still have a strong feeling of unease.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Fight
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things get… complicated. There are a lot of options, which is great, but the execution was a mixed bag.
- Great Things: The Breakfast Buffet (Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast, Asian breakfast) was HUGE. A little overwhelming maybe, but tons of options for everyone in our chaotic group. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, pastries, the works. We actually ate every morning at the buffet, that was the best way to start our day.
- Less-Than-Great: The Poolside Bar (Poolside bar, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant) was a hit with the kids, who wanted nothing more than to run from the water and snag a pizza. Okay fine. But the quality? Let's just say it was… standard waterpark food. And waiting in line for a drink while the kids are dripping wet? Torture.
- The Restaurant Roulette: We ate dinner at the main restaurant a couple of times (Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee shop, Dessert in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant). The food was decent, not amazing. (The desserts? Surprisingly very good!)
- Room service [24-hour]: Room service was an option and available, but we never actually used it. I'm not sure if it was a good idea to do.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I don't recall seeing accessible restaurants.
Things To Do: Water, Water Everywhere (and So. Much. Fun!)
- The Waterpark: (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) This is the star of the show, obviously. Slides, lazy rivers, splash zones for the little ones… it's a kid's paradise. It's also loud, crowded, and utterly exhausting. But the kids? They LOVED it. Pure, unadulterated joy. We spent hours there, riding slides, splashing, and dodging rogue water balloons. Worth it.
- Ways to relax: (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom) I don't know about these because I didn't go, but it's available.
- For the kids: (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) The kids were really happy about the kids' facilities and the kids' meals.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Big Annoyances)
- Good Stuff: The front desk was genuinely helpful. Concierge. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. The convenience store saved us from many a snack-related meltdown. The Car park [free of charge] was great.
- Little Annoyances: The Wi-Fi (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) worked, but it wasn’t lightning fast. Sometimes it cuts out.
Getting Around: Navigating Orlando's Traffic Nightmare
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: We drove. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. Orlando traffic is a beast. Next time, I'm taking a taxi or using ride-sharing.
Final Verdict:
The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando? It's not perfect. It's a bit chaotic. The food isn't gourmet. The accessibility, though generally good, could be improved. But… it's FUN. It's family-friendly. The kids had an absolute blast. Seeing their faces light up with pure joy made any inconvenience or imperfection fade away.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. If you're looking for a relaxing, perfectly polished vacation, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want a fun, memory-making, slightly messy family getaway, then pack your bags, embrace the chaos, and prepare for a whole lot of waterpark fun. Just remember to bring extra sunscreen (and your patience). This is a place to embrace the fun and the imperfections. It won't be perfect, but it will be a blast. And that's what matters, right?
Valhalla Hotel: Thunder Bay's BEST Conference & Stay Experience!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is navigating the glorious chaos that IS a family vacation at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark By IHG. Consider yourselves warned.
Destination: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark By IHG, Orlando, FL. (AKA Paradise… or at least, a place where you can buy a Mickey Mouse-shaped waffle at 7 AM.)
Duration: 4 Glorious/Torturous Days (the line is blurry).
Day 1: ARRIVAL! (And the Immediate Descent Into Mayhem)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Flight into Orlando. The airport? A beautiful hellscape of screaming children, bewildered parents, and the faint scent of desperation (and maybe a little spilled coffee). Found the rental car (a minivan named "The Vomit Comet," thanks Hertz!), crammed everyone in and… success! We're moving.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Check-in. Oh. My. God. The lobby is insane. Kids are sprinting. Parents are frazzled. The front desk lady has seen things. Finally, after what felt like three hours, we get our room key. Suite life! (Well, a suite with a pull-out couch that looks like it's seen some battles).
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel's poolside restaurant. Fries, burgers, the usual. The kid spills ketchup, which is immediately followed by a full-blown tantrum. My spouse and I exchange a glance that says, "We'll survive… somehow." The food? Honestly, I was too busy refereeing a ketchup-related crisis to remember.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): WATERPARK TIME! This is what we came for, right? The waterpark is… overwhelming. Slides, splash pads, fountains that shoot water with the force of a thousand tiny volcanoes. The kids are ecstatic. I'm mostly trying not to lose anyone, especially with the crowds. And the sun. Oh, the Florida sun. Applied sunscreen like my life depended on it (it probably does). Lost my sunglasses. Found a stray pool noodle. Victory?
- Anecdote: On one of the slides, a kid in front of me (probably 7 years old) started SCREAMING at the top of his lungs the ENTIRE way down. I'm pretty sure I swallowed half the water in the flume laughing. It was that or join him.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel's buffet restaurant. The buffet is a beautiful, chaotic symphony of carbs and sugar-laden desserts. My kids are in heaven. I'm trying to sneak in some vegetables. Managed to grab some pizza. Then, collapsed into bed, as the screaming children finally quieted down.
Day 2: The All-Out Exhaustion of Waterpark Day 2, Plus Mini-Golf
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. More Mickey Mouse waffles. My kids are in heaven. I am just about surviving. Coffee is life.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): BACK TO THE WATERPARK! This time, armed with a better strategy (more sunscreen! More towels! A slightly better tolerance for screaming). My youngest son, who's usually Mr. Fearless, suddenly decided the slides were "too scary." Cue massive meltdown. It's like the hotel wants to test the limits of my patience. But honestly? Seeing him overcome his fear and finally go down one of the smaller slides was… pretty darn sweet.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Quick poolside lunch, again. Same fries, different day. Consider this my daily dose of pre-tantrum stress.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Mini-golf! The hotel has its own mini-golf course. It's cute. It's fun. It's also where I discover my competitive streak. I’m, not gonna lie, I'm a terrible mini-golfer. Somehow the kids are better than me. But hey, we got a few laughs in.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The kids' play area. The indoor play area is a bit of a godsend. It gives me an hour of blissful silence while they exhaust themselves. More pizza for dinner, because it's simply the law of the land on vacation. Followed by a movie night in the suite. This is my moment of peace, which will absolutely be interrupted by a kid crying… or someone demanding a glass of water… or something.
Day 3: Exploration and Unexpected Adventures (And a Whole Lot of Walking!)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Heading to the nearest attraction. More details to be added when details are done.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at the attraction. The only part I can actually look forward to on most days.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the hotel, and the Waterpark, one last time! The ultimate goal for the day. The ultimate memory maker.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell dinner! Attempting to make a reservation at a nicer restaurant, but the kids are probably too cranky for that. Pizza it is! Packing. Hoping everything makes it back home. Praying that everyone got sun-kissed instead of sun-burnt.
Day 4: Departure (Sweet, Glorious Freedom!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Final breakfast! The last Mickey Mouse waffle! My kids are sad. (I, on the other hand, am doing a little internal happy dance).
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check out. The last hurrah. The hotel is now chaos. Everyone is tired. I feel the rush of adrenaline as I get everything loaded up for the drive back home.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Head to the airport. Survived.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Home. Unpack. Collapse. Order pizza. Tell anyone who'll listen about the great adventure.
- Evening (3:00 PM onward): Recovering… and already starting to plan next year's trip. Because even with the chaos, the tantrums, the spilled ketchup and the lost sunglasses, those moments… they're kinda magical. Right? Okay, maybe I'm just delirious from lack of sleep. But hey, it was an adventure.
Important Observations & Tips:
- Bring ALL the sunscreen: Seriously. You’ll use more than you think.
- Embrace the chaos: It's inevitable. Just go with it.
- Pack snacks: You'll need them. And more.
- Don't be afraid to take breaks: Sneak away with a book, a coffee, and a deep breath. You deserve it.
- Remember to laugh: At the ridiculousness of it all. It's the only thing that'll keep you sane (and maybe still make you smile).
This is the honest truth, folks. Enjoy! And remember, it's not about perfection, it's about the memories (and the questionable food that came with creating said memories).
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Orlando Waterpark Fun: Your Family's Dream Holiday Awaits at Holiday Inn Resort! (Or Does It?) - FAQs, With Feelings!
Okay, So What's the Deal with the Actual Waterpark, Then? Is it, like, LEGIT FUN?
Alright, straight up: the waterpark *is* the main draw. Let's be honest. You're not going to Orlando for the charming downtown (though it has its moments, I'm told...). You're there to get wet and wild, preferably with minimal parental nagging. And yes, it's mostly legit fun. My kids lost their actual MINDS. My poor, sweet, perpetually-covered-in-sunscreen kids. One minute they were cautiously eyeing the multi-story slides, the next they were careening down with shrieks of pure, unadulterated joy. It was… well, it was something.
Expect a mix of slides (big and small, which is *essential* for varying ages/courage levels), a lazy river (the perfect place to contemplate your life choices while battling rogue pool noodles), and splashy zones for the little ones. There's even that giant bucket that tips over and drenches everyone. That thing is a *classic* for a reason! Though, fair warning, I did end up underwater with my mouth open once... not my finest moment. Didn't taste great.
The *biggest* thing? Lines. Yes. Prepare for LINES. Pack snacks and a healthy dose of patience. And maybe a good book (or, you know, your phone that you'll inevitably drop in the pool at least once). But the screaming, the joy, the sheer exhilaration on my kids faces? Totally worth the wait. Mostly.
What About Food & Drinks? Because, you know, WATERPARKS.
Ah, the eternal question. Food at waterparks: it's a mixed bag, folks. Think of it as a culinary gamble. You might get lucky. You might end up with a soggy hot dog that costs more than your mortgage payment.
They *do* have options, of course. There are poolside bars (hello, fruity adult beverages!), burger joints, and the usual suspects. My advice? Pack some snacks. Seriously. Granola bars, pre-cut fruit, anything to stave off the "I'M STARVING" meltdowns. Because those happen. Oh, they happen. I learned that the hard way. Also, budgeting becomes a life skill. Did I mention the cost of a kids' meal? A crime, I tell you, a CRIME!
And drinks? Hydrate! You're in Florida, you're sweating buckets, and you're moving around a lot (or, in *my* case, chasing tiny humans around a splash zone). Water is your friend. Trust me on this one. Seriously. Bring a refillable water bottle. Your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you.
Are the Hotel Rooms Actually Decent? Or Like, Do They Smell of Old Chlorine?
Okay, the room question... listen. Hotel rooms are a gamble anywhere. You're paying for convenience, not necessarily luxury. HOWEVER, I will say, the Holiday Inn Resort *generally* delivers. No, they don't smell of old chlorine (thank goodness!). We lucked out, got a room that was updated, clean. It wasn't the Ritz, mind you, but we had comfy beds, a functional bathroom, and most importantly, a working air conditioner. AIR CONDITIONING IS ESSENTIAL. Don't underestimate the power of clean, cold air after a day of sun and chlorine.
I have to mention the towels though. I swear they are a key part of your experience. Like the ones with 'Resort' on them. Nice to see them every day.
Look, you're not going to be spending ALL your time in the room. You're there for the waterpark! Just expect a functional and fairly comfortable base camp... and try not to judge the slightly threadbare towels *too* harshly.
What About the "Other Amenities" Besides the Waterpark? Are There Any? Like, REALLY ANY?
Yes to other amenities. YES. There's a pool (though, let's be honest, you'll probably spend most of your time at the WATERPARK pool), a kids' activity center (for those moments when even *you* need a break from your adorable little terrors), and sometimes, depending on the resort, a little arcade thing. I found that the arcade was a *godsend* when we needed a break from the sun. I was also really really bad at air hockey. My kids thought it was hilarious.
And usually, a gym. I went once. That's all I'm going to say about that. (Just kidding, I didn't go. I was too busy... you know... waterparking.)
Remember, the focus is the waterpark. Anything else is a bonus. But a *welcome* bonus, especially when you're trying to unwind. Or, you know, recover from waterpark-induced exhaustion.
Is It Actually Kid-Friendly? Like, REALLY REALLY Kid-Friendly?
Listen. This is a Holiday Inn Resort. It's built for kids. They *get* kids. They've seen it all. They've heard the screams, the whining, the demands for more ice cream at ungodly hours. They're prepared. And that, my friends, is reassuring.
They have the kid-friendly zones. They have the low-key activities. They even (sometimes) have character meet-and-greets! My daughter nearly blew a gasket when a certain mouse popped up. And there are always other kids. Lots and lots of other kids. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on YOUR tolerance for noise and the sheer energy of little humans. For me? It's a mixed bag. But hey, at least my kids have built-in playmates. And I get to sneak away for a few blissful moments of adult beverage consumption. It's a win-win.
Just go. Expect kid chaos. Embrace the mayhem. And pack earplugs (for yourself, mostly). You'll be fine - and your kids will have a blast.
Parking: A Necessary Evil?
Parking? Oh, it's there. It's a thing. Yes, there is usually parking. Often it's included. Pay attention to the fine print. I've had disastrous situations in hotels with parking before. It's *Orlando*, after all. You're going to be driving. You're going to need somewhere to put your car. Just factor the cost into your budget. And try to remember where you parked. After a long day, with sun-addled brains, it can get tricky. It's happened to me more than once, embarrassingly enough.
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