Fantasyworld Resort? Mystic Dunes? The Grove?

[ClapYourHands]

The online reviews for all look good, but I was wondering if any of you have experience staying here.

All are available on Hotwire for my dates, and I’m looking for someplace I can have a couple of resort days with my kids (11, 9, and 3).

I used the search function, but haven’t seen recent reviews.

 

[erbeaman]

We just got back from The Grove and really enjoyed our stay! The resort is fairly small, but a little confusing to navigate on the inside (it's much easier to find your way around by walking outside). The waterpark area is fantastic and kept my kids (17, 13, 11) busy all day. We did have trouble finding lounge chairs mid-afternoon, but could always find a couple together. They have cabanas to rent, but we didn't do that so I'm not sure the cost. One cool feature is that they will deliver food/drinks right to your lounge chair. You can place your order online and it shows up about 20 minutes later. Of course, the food isn't cheap (typical resort prices- $8 kid meals, $15 burger and fries), but the convenience factor is quite nice. There are also quieter pools which didn't have a big crowd any of the days we were there. The arcade and glow golf kept our kids busy for an hour or so and is a rather large area. We enjoyed the restaurants and bars throughout the property and it there is a small store on property that has a nice deli/bakery/ice cream, basic grocery and hygiene items, as well as some souvenirs. We also used the onsite shuttle one day to get to Disney Springs (drops off at the TTC). It is also super close to a Publix which was nice because we ate a lot of meals in the room. Another nice amenity is the parking garage is inside the resort so you can park on the same floor as your room. This was wonderful when loading and unloading luggage and groceries.
On the con side, the resort and parking fee add quite a bit to the nightly cost ($30 resort fee/ $15 parking per day). Our air conditioner wasn't working the first day we were there, but they showed up quickly to try and fix it (it needed a part so we had to wait until the next day- no moving as the resort was fully booked). It's not super convenient to the parks if you don't have a car. It was about a $25 Lyft ride back from Disney Springs. They seem a little short staffed in the customer service department. We often had to wait on hold for 5-10 minutes when we called the front desk or concierge.
Overall, we really enjoyed the resort and our stay and would definitely consider staying there again! Plenty of room for our family of 5 in a 3-bedroom unit. Just for comparison, we have stayed at WBC twice and really liked it, but would choose The Grove over WBC as the amenities are similar but the price ismuch less.

 

[Minnesota!]

Coworker just got back from FantasyWorld and really enjoyed it!

 

[ClapYourHands]

Coworker just got back from FantasyWorld and really enjoyed it!

Did your coworker say what was good about it? It seems like the least expensive place I've found that has waterslides and a lazy river. I'm wondering how good it would be for a 3-year-old, though, as I assume she wouldn't meet the height requirement for the slides.

Could you ask for me what, if any, prices were attached to activities there. For example, can people use their own floats on the lazy river, or do you have to pay extra to rent theirs? Cost of mini golf?

I'm just trying to come up with an overall budget and compare all-inclusive resorts to those with add-ons.

 

[Minnesota!]

Did your coworker say what was good about it? It seems like the least expensive place I've found that has waterslides and a lazy river. I'm wondering how good it would be for a 3-year-old, though, as I assume she wouldn't meet the height requirement for the slides.

Could you ask for me what, if any, prices were attached to activities there. For example, can people use their own floats on the lazy river, or do you have to pay extra to rent theirs? Cost of mini golf?

I'm just trying to come up with an overall budget and compare all-inclusive resorts to those with add-ons.

She only stayed 3 nights and was out and about the majority of the time - basically used the resort to sleep. However, I asked her and here is what she said:

1. It's good as long as you aren't expecting top of the line super amazing lodging.
2. I personally did not check out that side. BUT... I heard amazing things about it from guests who I talked to that did have kids etc. while there.
3. I'm not sure if the 3 yr old would be tall enough or old enough to go on the lazy river BUT they have a splash pad and a other things that they would enjoy.
4. You get a wrist band when you check in and have access to everything as long as you have the band on.
5. I have no idea about cost for mini golf (there may be)
6. There shouldn't be a cost for the Lazy river tubes

Also tell them they will be expected to clean before they leave. Like take the trash out and bundle up the towels etc that were used and put away any dishes that they use. OH and there's no ice or ice machine. They give you ice trays.

So, there ya go!

 

[CaLuCa]

We just got back from The Grove and really enjoyed our stay! The resort is fairly small, but a little confusing to navigate on the inside (it's much easier to find your way around by walking outside). The waterpark area is fantastic and kept my kids (17, 13, 11) busy all day. We did have trouble finding lounge chairs mid-afternoon, but could always find a couple together. They have cabanas to rent, but we didn't do that so I'm not sure the cost. One cool feature is that they will deliver food/drinks right to your lounge chair. You can place your order online and it shows up about 20 minutes later. Of course, the food isn't cheap (typical resort prices- $8 kid meals, $15 burger and fries), but the convenience factor is quite nice. There are also quieter pools which didn't have a big crowd any of the days we were there. The arcade and glow golf kept our kids busy for an hour or so and is a rather large area. We enjoyed the restaurants and bars throughout the property and it there is a small store on property that has a nice deli/bakery/ice cream, basic grocery and hygiene items, as well as some souvenirs. We also used the onsite shuttle one day to get to Disney Springs (drops off at the TTC). It is also super close to a Publix which was nice because we ate a lot of meals in the room. Another nice amenity is the parking garage is inside the resort so you can park on the same floor as your room. This was wonderful when loading and unloading luggage and groceries.
On the con side, the resort and parking fee add quite a bit to the nightly cost ($30 resort fee/ $15 parking per day). Our air conditioner wasn't working the first day we were there, but they showed up quickly to try and fix it (it needed a part so we had to wait until the next day- no moving as the resort was fully booked). It's not super convenient to the parks if you don't have a car. It was about a $25 Lyft ride back from Disney Springs. They seem a little short staffed in the customer service department. We often had to wait on hold for 5-10 minutes when we called the front desk or concierge.
Overall, we really enjoyed the resort and our stay and would definitely consider staying there again! Plenty of room for our family of 5 in a 3-bedroom unit. Just for comparison, we have stayed at WBC twice and really liked it, but would choose The Grove over WBC as the amenities are similar but the price ismuch less.

Thanks for this. We're trying it out in late May. I love the look of it. Kids will love the water park, I know. DH will love having separate bedrooms.