Holiday Inn Orange Lake West questions

[minniemousememories]

A lot of good information here. Trying to sort through it all! Having difficulty answering specific questions... Please Help!

If staying in the west village, children ages 3-12,
Is there a particular building that you would suggest requesting? A building that has some walk-to things so the kids don't have to always wait for adults to drive them? A unit close to club house?

Also, tips/secrets of getting around...
I have heard of a back entrance/road to avoid traffic.
Can we bring own float for lazy river?
Best place to grocery shop?


Bring it on! Please

 

[pragmaticCTcpl]

I can't offer any suggestions as to which West Village building to request, but you can always request a change to any building during check-in. Just look at the map, and if it's available, they will accommodate you.

There is a shuttle service that operates on site for transportation (other than walking) to all of the resort's areas, but it's not a great idea to let young kids go un-escorted by themselves. At the very least, I would expect most staff members would question "where are your parent's?" Also, bear in mind that the resort is "cash-less" (even the arcades), so anything purchased on site will require a unit card-key, and be added to your credit card, which they swipe upon check-in.

The "back entrance" is actually the first entrance to the resort you would come to, traveling west on 192. It's located directly across from a Target store. There is still a security gate you'll have to stop at, but it's located farther up that road, than at the main gate (which usually is a bottle-neck). The main gate puts you in immediately in the West Village, while the "back entrance" brings you to River Island. You can still access the West Village that way (and all of the other areas of the resort), but it will take you much longer.

Anything other than an infant/small child "float" is prohibited for use at River Island's lazy river. Usually, they allow small tubes with harnesses, or leg-openings in canvas inserts for toddlers. The resort's tubes are the only one's allowed at a daily or weekly rental cost ($9.00/day or $50.00/week, per person, which includes the mini-golf and "Hippo" water slide).

The "best" place to grocery shop is at Publix, which is located just inside the resort property by using the "back entrance." Target also has a grocery section in their store across the street from the "back entrance," but Publix's prices and selections are better (IMHO).

Hope this helps you.

 

[minniemousememories]

Thank you, helpful. I wouldnt let my younger children out by themselves but the 12 year old ...

any other tips from anyone?

 

[tazdeb]

Request the river island area. It is newer, the pool is where you'll want to be anyway and is more "hotel resort" than the other areas which remind me of older timeshares.

 

[swilshire]

Request the river island area. It is newer, the pool is where you'll want to be anyway and is more "hotel resort" than the other areas which remind me of older timeshares.

Each section is separate. If you've booked the West Village, you can't request River Island. We stayed there before they separated the sections and even then they wouldn't even consider requests.

You will need to drive the children from everywhere in West Village, I think. I don't remember walking anywhere.

Sheila