Central Florida is an ideal place for families to go on vacation. Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are only three of the many attractions that draw people to the area each year. The city of Tampa is within a two-hour drive of all these attractions. When staying in the area, visitors can make their trip even more enjoyable by staying at hotels that have waterparks on the premises.
The Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club is the home of the Loch Ness Monster Pool. Of the resort's six heated swimming pools, this one is the favorite of the hotel's younger visitors. This expansive pool was designed to fit in with the resort's green wooded landscape and features a 15-foot-tall waterfall and two areas of sandy beaches for those who want to build sandcastles or pretend they're on the beach. The Loch Ness Monster Pool also has two twisting water slides that empty out into the pool and a separate plunge pool that features bubbling jets and fountains. Scheduled activities take place in the pool area and families who don't feel like going out to eat can use the poolside grill to cook up some hot dogs and hamburgers.
Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club
36750 U.S. Highway 19 North
Innisbrook, FL 34684
727-942-2000
innisbrookgolfresort.com
Disney's Port Orleans Resort--Riverside offers a slightly different take on the traditional water park experience.The hotel was inspired by Louisiana's Sassagoula River so guests staying there can take in the ambiance of the bayou while still being near Central Florida's many attractions. Instead of the expected water slides and fountains, Port Orleans has a 3.5-acre pool and playground complex called Ol' Man Island. Thick green forests surround the whole area, giving children the feeling that they're on their own deserted island. The bayou-inspired resort also has an on-site catch and release fishing hole. Spending an afternoon at the Ol' Fishin' Hole is like stepping back in time to an era before big packaged resorts were where families spent their holidays. Port Orleans has received recognition from the Florida Green Lodging Program for its environmentally responsible practices.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort--Riverside
1251 Riverside Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com
The Wingate by Wyndham doesn't have its own on-site waterpark. Instead, this Tampa hotel is located less than a mile away from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island and is a Preferred Hotel Member of the attractions. This membership allows the hotel to offer guests package deals that include tickets to the Adventure Island Waterpark with their reservations. Package deals only include admission to Adventure Island during the summer months so during the remainder of the year, guests can purchase discount tickets to the water park at the hotel.
Wingate by Wyndham Tampa
3751 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612-6489
813-979-2828
wingatetampa.com
