1 Night in Disney Springs or other area?

[misseskb]

Hello. I will be arriving in Orlando on a late Saturday morning for a cruise departing on Sunday with my husband and toddler. We will not have a rental car. I was initially thinking of booking the Hilton in Disney Springs and having the character breakfast on Sunday at the hotel. We would probably hit up a movie and browse the shops and eat on Saturday.

Now I am second guessing that and am considering staying in an area that has a nice hotel with a pool, some kiddie like activities, and in walking distance of a grocery store and restaurants. Maybe like Disney Springs but without the crowds.

I have looked into staying by Universal Studios and going there for a day but couldn't find discount tickets for one day.

 

[NinaBella]

Check out Gaylord Palms. Its a great hotel but not in walking distance to a grocery store. It has a great kids waterplay area, character breakfast, and lots to do in hotel, even an evening movie in atrium. If it rains, you are still good to enjoy the resort in the Atrium.

 

[writerguyfl]

I guess it depends on your definition of "nice", but I can't think of any resort-style hotel with a nice pool that is also within walking distance of a grocery store.

If you do decide to stay adjacent to Disney Springs, be sure to check out the Disney Springs Hotels marketing association website. They frequently offer discounts only available through that site. For example, I booked the DoubleTree Suites Lake Buena Vista for $78 when the cheapest public rate was $105.

http://disneyspringshotels.com/

Also, keep in mind that the Hilton Lake Buena Vista is a very average hotel. Don't expect much if you stay with them. The Buena Vista Palace is also affiliated with Hilton. It is, however, under a massive renovation until this fall or winter.

Check out Gaylord Palms. Its a great hotel but not in walking distance to a grocery store. It has a great kids waterplay area, character breakfast, and lots to do in hotel, even an evening movie in atrium. If it rains, you are still good to enjoy the resort in the Atrium.

I've never heard of a character meal at the Gaylord Palms and nothing is mentioned on their website. Can you provide some details about that?

 

[NinaBella]

I guess it depends on your definition of "nice", but I can't think of any resort-style hotel with a nice pool that is also within walking distance of a grocery store.

If you do decide to stay adjacent to Disney Springs, be sure to check out the Disney Springs Hotels marketing association website. They frequently offer discounts only available through that site. For example, I booked the DoubleTree Suites Lake Buena Vista for $78 when the cheapest public rate was $105.

http://disneyspringshotels.com/

Also, keep in mind that the Hilton Lake Buena Vista is a very average hotel. Don't expect much if you stay with them. The Buena Vista Palace is also affiliated with Hilton. It is, however, under a massive renovation until this fall or winter.



I've never heard of a character meal at the Gaylord Palms and nothing is mentioned on their website. Can you provide some details about that?

We've never done the character meal but they do have Shrek Feast at Villa de Flora . Shrek Feast is a character meal with character from Shrek. It would be best to call the hotel directly to see the current offerings. Some items may be seasonal like Gaylord Palms ICE in Nov/Dec/Jan. We have done ICE! and ICE! is amazing.

ETA: Looks like their summer character dining are Buccaneer themed and Princess Themed

https://www.marriott.com/hotel-info...at-gaylord-palms/zvi777x/events-activities.mi


SummerFest at Gaylord Palms
May 27, 2016 – August 21, 2016

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Princess Priscilla’s Coronation Character Breakfast
Meet Captain Blackheart, the Pirate King, and his daughter, Princess Priscilla, who is to be the new ruler of the Pirate Kingdom. You’ll also meet the infamous Captain Pat Beeks and his singing cabin boy, Jonny Stranger, who have come to pay their respects to the new sovereign, too. Or have they? Join them for an epic extravaganza with equal parts danger, delight and deliciousness.

• Times: Saturday-Sunday 8:00am -11:00am
• Price: $32.99* adult | $24.99* child
• Location: Villa de Flora

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Pirate Stories & Chanties Under the Stars
Climb upon the story time ship, the Siren’s Song, and listen to the tall tales of the seven seas. Join Princess Priscilla as she embarks upon the perils and pleasures of becoming the first female Pirate captain. This high energy show involves theatrics, chanties and s’mores under the stars.

• Times: Thursday-Saturday 6:00pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm
• Price: $14.99* per person
• Location: Coquina Lawn

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Blackheart's Treasure Hunt
All across Gaylord Palms, Captain Blackheart stashed priceless pieces from his treasure hoard – including Princess Priscilla’s crown. Pirates and Princesses young and old are invited to find them at their leisure and earn the right to claim a share of the booty (a funny pirate word for treasure). But beware, there is at least one backstabbing Buccaneer who wants to claim the crown for themselves – and rule the Seven Seas!

• Times: Guests may complete at their leisure
• Price: FREE
• Location: Located throughout the hotel

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The Mermaid Academy
Ever dream of swapping your feet for a fabulous fin and swimming beneath the sea? At the Merfolk Academy, guests can leave their sea legs on the shore and immerse themselves in an underwater adventure.

• Times: Select times on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
• Price: $30.00 for one-hour mermaid class |$20.00 for one-hour shark class
• Location: Cypress Springs Family Waterpark

Swimmable mermaid/merman tales are available for Guests of all ages. For reservations, please call 844-308-5056.


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ARRRts & Crafts
Create your very own festive jewelry, Princess tiara or Pirate garb and more! If you are up for the ultimate artistic challenge –compete in the PirARRRTe contest.

• Times: Thursday-Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm
• Price: $6.99 per child
• Location: Vary, see Guest Service Agent for details

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Pirate Invasion Parade
Get bedecked in your finest Pirate or Princess regalia and come join the Pirate Parade as you promenade throughout our Atrium.

• Times: Thursday-Sunday at 5:00pm
• Price: FREE
• Location: Parade begins in hotel lobby

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Shiver me Timbers - It's Morning Cartoons
Ahoy, Mates! Kickoff your day with your favorite cartoons at the Cypress Springs Pool.

• Times: Saturday 9:00am - 10:00am
• Price: FREE
• Location: Cypress Springs Family Waterpark

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Y’ARRRd Games
Step ashore and compete in giant games on the beautiful Coquina Lawn.

• Times: Thursday-Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
• Price: FREE
• Location: Coquina Lawn

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First Mate Movies on the Pool Deck
Dive in and escape into the laughter and drama of films old and new.

• Times: Thursday-Sunday at 8:15pm
• Price: FREE
• Location: Cypress Springs Pool

 

[writerguyfl]

Thanks, NinaBella.

I only looked at the dining page of the website. It would probably help if Gaylord Palms could add a "events" or "activities" page on the website. But, I'm certain they must conform to what Marriott has set up for all their hotels.