WWYD - Gaylord or DS Hotel - 1 day/night only

[JJ2017]

Just looking for other's opinions. Family of four - kids are 10 and 12:

We will be passing through Orlando on a drive towards south Florida. We will have one night for dinner/overnight/morning/earlyafternoon. I have both the Gaylord Palms booked as well as Hilton Lake Buena Vista.

We have been to a couple of Gaylord's and are trying to hit up all the ones we come across. We were at Opryland last xmas season, so familiar with the activities that take place. What I am curious about this location is the ability to comfortably enjoy the outdoor waterpark/pool area in late December. If we stay here, we can also drive over to Disney Springs if we wanted, but would rather avoid that area for dinner time.

Or

We could just stay walking distance to Disney Springs and do dinner there, then lunch/shopping the next day before hitting the road. Then we don't have to park.

Also - Gaylord is booked on points and Hilton is cash. Just can't decide so would love to hear other's opinions.

 

[DL1WDW2]

We have been to many of the Gaylords over years .
I think Grapevine Tx is my favorite but I live in Fl now . GKids in Texas
I always go for my bday end of Nov … but must go for every holiday.
Gaylord knows their competition and has become a local favorite for any reason in this area.
Theming this season is the Grinch … Could not be happier !
Don’t have to do ICE Show but they have lots of other activities .
I love the Atrium View & you might get upgrade . How cool is it to have French Doors open and sit out on balcony all evening to watch activity below plus many families decorate . No worries about weather or bugs .
The laser light show is repeated through the night . The Mini Cirque Show love !
I took my teenage grandchildren to explore without reservation ( pay for parking) …figuring they would be kinda not interested
Oh my gosh the first thing they said to their parents They want to stay there this holiday!
Yes to Gaylord Palms .
I think many local water parks remain open thru Thanksgiving (H2OLive near Margaritaville Resort In Kissimee)… (if anybody is local …watch for Black Friday season passes Cheap This place is incredible even tho it looks not so when you drive past on way to the Target Store! )

I love the poolside area expansion at Gaylord too !
I think it will be a great family trip.
Their outdoor area has a lot of those large size fireplaces and lots of green grassy areas for kids to run around.
Plus an incredible 2 level seating Wreckers Sports Bar with huge big screens .
They have a nightly Italian buffet in their atrium level that is very good ! Might need reservations last visit we arrived late but still got seated.

 

[MrKnight]

IMHO, I would recommend staying at the Hilton, it's within walking distance to DS and you can enjoy DS as late as you want without having to worry about traffic/parking/etc. you can simply just walk over and walk back.. Regarding the ability to enjoy the pool in December, temperatures in Orlando can get relatively mild to even cold this time of year, it is not uncommon for cold fronts to sweep through the area dropping temperatures to levels that require sweaters and sometimes even jackets/winter attire.. I would go with the expectation that it might be too cold to swim in a pool to avoid disappointment.. DS will be decked out with holiday decorations and holiday entertainment/festivities so you will have no shortage of activities to enjoy..