Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
103
On Request
Tips
Most hotels offer mini-fridges, microwaves, cribs, roll-aways (or cots), and other
similar items upon request—if they're not already located in your room, that is.
Although some hotels offer these items at no additional charge, others may
charge a nightly fee (which can run anywhere from just a few dollars to a whop-
ping $25—or more—per night depending on the item and the resort). Be sure to
ask about what amenities are already included in-room (and which are not) as
well as what the charges will be should you require such an item during your stay.
8113 Resort Village Dr. (off S. Apopka Vineland Rd./Hwy. 535), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821-1000.
&
866/
401-2699
or 407/597-0214. Fax 407/597-1600. www.lbvorlandoresort.com. 498 units. $149-$399. Extra
person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free.
Amenities:
Restaurant; cafe; grill; 2 lounges; babysitting; supervised children's program; concierge;
health club; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor heated pools; children's water play area; room service; spa; transportation
to all major theme parks at no charge.
In room:
A/C, multiple TVs, hair dryer, Internet (free), fully equipped
and stocked full-size kitchen; washer & dryer.
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn
Finds
Kids
This all-suite prop-
erty, a former Holiday Inn transformed into the first ever Nickelodeon-branded resort, is
one of the best properties in the Orlando area for families. Its two-bedroom Kid Suites
feature a second bedroom for the kids with bunk or twin beds, kitchenettes, and a pull-
out sofa in the living area. Three-bedroom suites are also available and include additional
space, a second bathroom, a full kitchen, upgraded amenities, and a trendy decor. One-
and two-bedroom suites are themed with Nickelodeon colors; characters adorn the kid's
rooms. The resort also has restaurants, an arcade, shops, a temporary tattoo and hair-
wrap station (additional fees apply), and nightly entertainment (including Studio Nick).
Its two pool areas (with lots of lifeguards) are veritable water parks, with extensive mul-
tilevel water slides, flumes, climbing nets, and water jets. Activities are scheduled poolside
(including Slime Time), and there are also a wide variety of recreational options, includ-
ing a small minigolf course, playgrounds, and sand play areas. Required wristbands
ensure that only resort guests can access the area. “Nick After Dark,” an evening super-
vised activity program for kids ages 5 to 12, allows parents to take a night off. A daily
character breakfast (SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, and the Fairly Odd Parents oversaw
things when I was last there) is offered in addition to the hotel's regular breakfast buffet
(at the latter, kids eat free with paying adults). The only downside is that the resort's
incredible popularity translates to an incredibly crowded, often overwhelming experi-
ence—combine this with a day at the theme parks and parents may be in need of a
vacation from their vacation. Discounted rates are available for stays on off-peak nights
and at select times throughout the year.
14500 Continental Gateway (off Hwy. 536), Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821.
&
877/642-5111,
407/387-5437,
or 866/NICK-KID (642-5543). Fax 407/387-1489. www.nickhotel.com. 777 units. $129-$1,150 suite. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self-parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; food court; lounge; supervised children's pro-
gram; extensive children's activities; 2 Jacuzzis; 2 water-park pools; free shuttle to Disney and non-Disney
parks.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, game system, hair dryer, Internet (free), full kitchen (select suites), micro-
wave.
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