k.truelove At ten minutes from Walt Disney Resort’s Magic Kingdom, twenty minutes from Universal Studios, fifteen minutes from SeaWorld and one hour from LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, exploring the magic of Gaylord Palms Resort is perfectly situated to give you all of the family friendly options you could want. However, you may find it difficult to find the motivation to leave. Of all the hotels and resorts in Central Florida including the luxury brands this has the most impressive lobby and common areas by a mile. It consists of a glass roofed atrium that is over four acres of lush live greenery, aquariums with native native alligators, turtles, and fish, and a variety of shopping and dining from the typical grab and go, sports bar, steak house triad, as well as themed dining for a more festive feel.
The Guest Rooms
The guest room with Atrium View was a fairly standard two queen affair with maybe a bit more room than average, the beds were nice, and everything was quite clean. The standout here though was the double french doors that open to your private balcony overlooking the atrium. This is an excellent way to start your day with a drink from the in room coffee/tea service, as well as the perfect spot to relax with a nightcap and watch the laser light show dance across the cavernous space.
The Atrium & Common Areas
A walk around the atrium has some nice enhancements as well. With a quick app download you can scan QR codes along the trail to take photos with a variety of animals from the local Florida panther, to the out of place tiger, and even a polar bear. Just outside the main atrium, and down a nice indoor boardwalk affords another very cool experience. A wildlife organization brings in several animals to view, and even a small alligator for you to see up close, and for the very brave to touch.
Explore the Magic: Restaurants
The resort boasts an array of 9 restaurants and sports bars for you to explore. Seafood aficionados will be in heaven at The Moor, where a delectable selection of seasonal and locally inspired dishes awaits. We decided to have a family dinner at Wreckers Sports Bar, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the nachos and soft pretzels with mustard cheese sauce. For a Mediterranean culinary journey with a modern coastal twist, head over to Villa de Flora, an attended buffet restaurant. At the SandBar, you can savor your favorite poolside snacks and meals, including salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and a dedicated kids’ menu. For a more upscale dining experience, Socio, a Cuban-inspired bar and lounge, beckons. If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, they offer room service, and you can also swing by their convenient grab-and-go marketplace or refuel with a refreshing Jamba Juice.
Explore the Magic: Entertainment for the Family
So, you can easily entertain the family indoors on a rainy day, but the outdoor area is really a water park that happens to share property with a hotel. The Crystal River Rapids, not so lazy river is excellent with a much higher than average speed compared to others in the area. the standard pool areas are plentiful including a zero-entry pool, the toddler pool and splash area is fun for little people complete with a multi-level treehouse playground and four different water slides. Speaking of water slides, there are some standard full size slides, and the Florida Free Fall drop slide that is a 35 foot high dead drop that you step into and listen to a computerized voice count down from ten to build your anxiety before the ground falls out from under you . . . seriously! This one is definitely not for the faint of heart.
Explore the Magic: Special Events
We we visited during the months of September and October, when Gaylord Palms Resort hosts their “Goblins & Giggles” events and activities. These Spooktacular adventures include their Trick-or-Treat Expedition, Monster Mash Bash, Adventure Kids Spooky Celebration, The Pirate’s Treasure Escape Roo, Jack-o-Lantern Walk, Phantom of the Atrium Light Show and more to enjoy together, all without leaving the resort. The whole family enjoyed the activities over the weekend!
When you consider all the elements this resort offers, it’s clear that it’s an ideal choice for a couple’s romantic retreat. However, it truly shines as the perfect destination for family vacations. With its diverse range of amenities, dining options, and family-friendly activities, it provides an unforgettable experience that caters to all ages, ensuring that both parents and children will have an extraordinary time. We look forward to exploring more of the magic of the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
