Someone asked for a report about this hotel. Just back from 2 weeks staying there - 3 adults/3 children (8/5 and 22 months in cot) in 2 rooms.
In order of importance to us:-
Rooms - obviously not new but fine, comfortable and clean. It is a large hotel but we had poolside rooms in the central bit (Flamingo), very near the restaurant etc. We had adjacent rooms with a connecting door, just perfect for us. We paid the extra $3.50(?) a day for the 'resort services' - free local calls, safe, unlimited tea/coffee etc, use of fridge. The rooms also had TV with enough channels to keep us and the kids occupied when we were there, ironing board and iron and an area by the sink that could be curtained off - useful for getting changed without shocking mother-in-law if she walked in.
Location - excellent. On the 192 close to Disney. Someone asked here for directions to the hotel and Simon V suggested Sherbeth Road - a fantastic shortcut into Disney especially to Animal Kingdom. Marketplace Supermarket, TGIF and other shops opposite and Publix a few hundred yards away. Also important for us very local Burger King and local Macdonalds - kids too tired for proper meals in the evenings.
Pool - clean and warm (well more like a bath really). Lots of chairs and loungers around. Extra towels provided for the pool as well. Only slight downside is the shallowest that it gets is about 3' 6" so for small kids they can't go in and stay in their depth. There are paddling pools but these are only about 9" deep and not really any use - we didn't see anyone in them.
Eating - we didn't eat in the main restaurant (Hurricane Sam's) so can't comment on that. We did have breakfasts in the other restaurant and use the Pizza Hut Express and the kids ate with Kid's Club. Breakfasts were good - extensive buffet including cooked to order fried eggs and omlettes in the price (but no sausages). Not the cheapest around ($5.00 odd per person) but the "Kids eat free" option made it as cheap for us here as anywhere. The novelty of having as much as you like did wear off. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Pizza Hut is Pizza Hut - but very convenient being on site.
Other - there was a slide/climbing frame but we didn't really have any time to use it. Any time not at parks we were in the pool. Kids (8 and 5 year old) went to Herbie's Kids Club, more a sort of group babysitting service than organised activities - lots of games to play, colouring in, videos to watch and a meal in the restaurant. Only 12 allowed and on a first come/first served basis. They really enjoyed it. There are 3 shops - one gift shop, one 'general store & deli' with drinks, chocolate, coffee, sandwiches etc. and a camera hire/electronics shop. Bought a phone card from the electronics shop (and got excellent instructions on how to use it) otherwise didn't really use them. Played our free round of mini golf but the course is more Great Yarmouth than Orlando. Didn't use games room (usual arcade things) or even see the fitness room - also included in $3.50 a day.
Only other comment - had to ask for our Virgin privileges - free round of golf, drink, 10% off restaurant card etc. otherwise wouldn't have got them.
In order of importance to us:-
Rooms - obviously not new but fine, comfortable and clean. It is a large hotel but we had poolside rooms in the central bit (Flamingo), very near the restaurant etc. We had adjacent rooms with a connecting door, just perfect for us. We paid the extra $3.50(?) a day for the 'resort services' - free local calls, safe, unlimited tea/coffee etc, use of fridge. The rooms also had TV with enough channels to keep us and the kids occupied when we were there, ironing board and iron and an area by the sink that could be curtained off - useful for getting changed without shocking mother-in-law if she walked in.
Location - excellent. On the 192 close to Disney. Someone asked here for directions to the hotel and Simon V suggested Sherbeth Road - a fantastic shortcut into Disney especially to Animal Kingdom. Marketplace Supermarket, TGIF and other shops opposite and Publix a few hundred yards away. Also important for us very local Burger King and local Macdonalds - kids too tired for proper meals in the evenings.
Pool - clean and warm (well more like a bath really). Lots of chairs and loungers around. Extra towels provided for the pool as well. Only slight downside is the shallowest that it gets is about 3' 6" so for small kids they can't go in and stay in their depth. There are paddling pools but these are only about 9" deep and not really any use - we didn't see anyone in them.
Eating - we didn't eat in the main restaurant (Hurricane Sam's) so can't comment on that. We did have breakfasts in the other restaurant and use the Pizza Hut Express and the kids ate with Kid's Club. Breakfasts were good - extensive buffet including cooked to order fried eggs and omlettes in the price (but no sausages). Not the cheapest around ($5.00 odd per person) but the "Kids eat free" option made it as cheap for us here as anywhere. The novelty of having as much as you like did wear off. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Pizza Hut is Pizza Hut - but very convenient being on site.
Other - there was a slide/climbing frame but we didn't really have any time to use it. Any time not at parks we were in the pool. Kids (8 and 5 year old) went to Herbie's Kids Club, more a sort of group babysitting service than organised activities - lots of games to play, colouring in, videos to watch and a meal in the restaurant. Only 12 allowed and on a first come/first served basis. They really enjoyed it. There are 3 shops - one gift shop, one 'general store & deli' with drinks, chocolate, coffee, sandwiches etc. and a camera hire/electronics shop. Bought a phone card from the electronics shop (and got excellent instructions on how to use it) otherwise didn't really use them. Played our free round of mini golf but the course is more Great Yarmouth than Orlando. Didn't use games room (usual arcade things) or even see the fitness room - also included in $3.50 a day.
Only other comment - had to ask for our Virgin privileges - free round of golf, drink, 10% off restaurant card etc. otherwise wouldn't have got them.
