Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
109
Holiday Inn Main Gate East
Value
This Holiday Inn has the Mouse's “Good
Neighbor” stamp of approval. An extensive redesign a couple of years ago gave it an
updated contemporary look both inside and out, an inviting pool with a water slide and
rocky waterfall, and all the hallmark amenities associated with this family-friendly chain.
Younger guests will appreciate the children's theater, playground, and roomy Kid Suite—
parents will delight in the Kids Eat Free program. Shuttle service to WDW parks is
free.
5711 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746.
&
800/327-1128
or 407/396-4222. Fax
407/396-0570. www.holidayinnmge.com. 444 units. $79-$189 double; $179-$239 Kid Suite. Extra person
$10. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self-parking.
Amenities:
Food court; lounge; Kids Eat Free program; health
club; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; room service; free shuttle to Disney; transportation to other parks
for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge (suites), game system, hair dryer, Internet (free), microwave (suites), Wi-Fi
(fee).
Palisades Resort
Located off the beaten path, this all-suite resort isn't particularly
lavish (it's pretty plain, actually) but does invite guests to experience a different side of
Florida. Set against the backdrop of a 400-acre preserve, views include a lush green forest,
a sparkling lake, and an array of local wildlife. Accommodations include spacious one-,
two- and three-bedroom suites filled with all the comforts and conveniences of home
(including fully equipped kitchens, two full-size bathrooms, washers and dryers, and
private screened-in balconies) at a price that won't put a hole in your pocketbook.
Flatscreen TVs in every room ensure that no one will fight over what to watch, though
the view of the lake from your balcony is far better than any show you'll find on TV. In
the morning, the lobby lounge serves up a complimentary continental breakfast, after
which it becomes an ideal spot to sit, relax, have a drink, or even check your e-mail.
Movies are shown in the minitheater off the lobby. There's a minimart right on-site (and
I mean mini), but if stocking up is what you have in mind, the full-service grocery store
just down the road is a far better option. A sprawling, brick-lined sun deck running the
length of the resort sports plentiful seating and grills for barbecuing.
Note:
A new road-
way (scheduled to open within the year) will connect the resort directly to Disney prop-
erty, allowing guests to skip the traffic jams that often plague the main thoroughfare
when heading to the parks.
4
Tips
Coming Soon
Scheduled to open just as this topic goes to print is the new
Grande Palisades
Resort at Lake Austin
(
&
866/455-4062;
www.grandepalisadesresort.com)—a
full-service luxury resort (and sibling to the Palisades Resort). When completed,
the resort will feature 800 luxuriously appointed suites (ranging 1,263-1,504 sq.
ft. in size), most with views of the lake and conservation area. Distinguishing the
Grande Palisades from its sibling are extensive on-site amenities including
numerous pools and Jacuzzis; saunas; children's play areas; tennis courts; a full-
service spa; a full-service restaurant, cafe, grill and lounge; an Internet cafe; shops
and boutiques; and boating and water-related activities (which, upon comple-
tion, Palisades guests will be able to access via complimentary transportation).
Think Universal's Portofino Bay (p. 114) with a Mediterranean twist (but on a
slightly less luxurious scale).
