This Family-Friendly Resort And Water Park In Orlando Offers A Lazy River And Wave Surfing

Although there's more to Orlando than theme parks, one of the most popular destinations within the city is Walt Disney World. Spanning four amusement parks, two water parks, and multiple resorts, the entire area is a destination unto itself. However, because it's Disney, staying on site can be an expensive proposition, especially if you're trying to visit every park. But what if you could get all the excitement of a Disney World vacation while staying on another family-friendly property? And what if that place even had its own water park included in the price? Well, in that case, you may want to check out The Grove Resort & Water Park.

While this is technically a separate option from Disney, it's a Disney World "Good Neighbor Hotel," offering free shuttle service to all of the area's major theme parks, including Disney, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. And it offers tons of entertainment, even without leaving the property, with wave surfing, a lazy river, and other family-focused amenities. So, if you're looking to enhance your next Orlando vacation without breaking the bank, it may be time to check out The Grove Resort & Water Park.

One of the main challenges when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is getting to all of the parks. While you can rent a car and drive to each one, parking at Disney costs $35 per day (as of this writing). Although you can get easier access to the parks by staying within the resort, rooms are often much more expensive than nearby hotels. Fortunately, The Grove Resort & Water Park solves multiple problems at once. First, getting to and from the theme parks is easy because you can take a complimentary shuttle. But even if you prefer a taxi or ride-booking service, you're close enough (within 15 minutes' drive) that it won't cost too much to get back and forth. Second, the room rates at The Grove are not typically as high as Disney, so you get the premium convenience without the premium price. Finally, if you're trying to visit multiple theme parks during your vacation, you can shuttle to all of them from The Grove, not just Disney. 

Further enhancing your trip is that a stay at The Grove also includes entrance to the on-site Surfari Water Park. While this park may not be as extensive as Orlando's Discovery Cove, one of America's best water parks, it still offers slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and plenty of ways to cool off from the hot Florida sun. Plus, since it's included in your stay, you can come and go as you please without feeling like you're missing out because you paid for a full-price ticket. Overall, if you're trying to maximize the number of attractions and thrills while sticking to a budget, The Grove can help you achieve your goals.

The closest major airport to The Grove Resort & Water Park is Orlando International, where you can avoid long TSA lines with a little-known airport hack; the airport is only 28 miles east. Unlike a standard hotel, The Grove offers condo-style suites with two or three bedrooms to accommodate families and groups. This means you can cook meals, do laundry, and create a home away from home, which can also help you stick to your vacation budget. 

Although The Grove is centrally located to Orlando's major theme parks, the resort has plenty of attractions and amenities on site to take advantage of. For example, themed, kid-friendly events can keep you and your little ones busy with arts, crafts, and various activities. Outside of events, an entertainment center offers more fun with arcade games and a glow-in-the-dark indoor mini-golf course. Or, if you prefer to stay outside, check out Lake Austin, situated behind the resort. Not only does the lake offer a peaceful backdrop, but it's great for fishing or boating if you love to be out on the water. 

Finally, when it comes to dining, the resort has multiple options. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Valencia restaurant. For more casual fare, try Longboard Bar & Grill inside the water park or Springs Bar & Grill, where you can pick from multiple food stations, including burgers, tacos, and pasta. And when you just need some essentials or snacks on the go, the Alfresco Market is a convenient option so you don't have to drive anywhere.