Orange Lake Resort

[Corey]

I am planning on going to Orlando to see the Harry Potter world in August with my husband and 4 teenage daughters. We are thinking of booking Orange LAke Resort (Holiday Inn resort). Has anyone stayed there? Is it convenient to Universal?

 

[Suzyq9241]

FIRST OF ALL... IT IS AWAY FROM HARRY POTTER WORLD... AND IT IS ON 192 WE STAY THERE ALOT.... WE DH AND I LIKE IT ALOT...THE LAZY RIVER DOES GET CROWED... THE NEW POOL... IN THE WEST VILLAGE IS NICE MORE TROPICAL I THINK THAN THAT OF THE OLYMPIC POOL THEY HAD...

Homewood Suites by Hilton - Orlando Universal

Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center

HERE ARE A JUST A COUPLE THAT YOU CAN CHECK OUT... ALSO CHECK OUT TRAVELZOO FOR SOME UNIVERSAL RESORT... YOU MIGHT GET LUCKY THAT ONE OR TWO OF THEM ARE ON SALE..

 

[Detailor]

OLCC is a very nice resort with lots of amenities - multiple pools, tennis courts, two or three golf courses, restaurants, mini-golf, etc. - and several resort sections spread out over a very large piece of property that adjacent to the Animal Kingdom Lodge area of Disney. I believe that the OLCC property is in Kissimmee. We've stayed there three times, I think, over the years and enjoyed our Orange Lake stays.

Its convenience to Universal, however, is a matter of what you think convenience is. In terms of distance, OLCC is roughly 18 miles from the Universal parking garages and I'd expect the drive to take 25 to 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions, time of day, etc.). There are dozens, quite possibly hundreds, of hotels and resorts that are closer to Universal than OLCC. We've gone to Universal many times while staying at that resort and haven't really thought that we were inconvenienced because of the location. I guess it's a matter of your expectations.

Dick Taylor

 

[Corey]

I appreciate your response. I guess I don't consider a 25 minute drive too bad to get to Universal. I had chosen Orange Lake because I wanted a great pool with waterslides - so that when we are in Florida in the HEAT of August that we would enjoy the pool and hanging out there. Does it have a tropical feel? I see there are boating activities too.....have you ever done any of the other water activities?

 

[brajfamily]

We've never done any boating there but have stayed there several times and it is incredible! We are going in June and are psyched about all of the pools for the same reason as you...the heat! Go to tripadvisor and check out all the traveler pics and comments...that's always been very helpful to us. I don't know about any of the hotels around Universal but I would stay at Orange Lake and have a 25 minute drive just to take advantage of all it has to offer.

 

[Corey]

wow - thank you! I feel much more reassured so that I can go ahead and make a reservation. (I've been waffling over "which resort" for several weeks). Any suggestions on where to book through? I have seen Orange Lake on redweek.com, hotelkingdom, expedia, etc.

 

[brajfamily]

I know there are several different "villages" and I always get confused as to which is which. What I am sure of is that thearea with the new pool complex with the lazy river is called River Island. The resort is HUGE so depending on where you stay you may need to drive to the different pools or take a resort shuttle...but that's easy. Also, if you get a studio, make sure to request that it is not in the main lobby building. Those rooms are completely within a big building, no views, etc. You can also call Orange Lake directly and book through them. I would check the rates they are offering and see what you can get.