Orlando, Florida, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family vacation. The famous theme parks--Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios--and other attractions offer fun and excitement for children of all ages. If traveling with kids, you have plenty of child-friendly hotels from which to choose.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African-themed hotel at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is surrounded by 43 acres inhabited by 30 wildlife species. Facilities include a playground, a wading pool, a swimming pool with a water slide and an activity center. Many of the activities provided are animal-related.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is near EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Boardwalk, this hotel recreates a relaxed tropical setting on the 45-acre Barefoot Bay. Kids will love the pirate-themed rooms and the nearby Parrot Cay Island, accessed via a footbridge, where they'll find a playground, a small water park and a nature trail.
Disney's Pop Century Resort is in the heart of Disney World, near EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Boardwalk and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Children can choose from one of three swimming pools, play in the Goofy Kiddie Spray Area, enjoy the playground, or improve their gaming skills at the Fast Forward Arcade.
For families wanting a less "Disney-fied" holiday, a wide selection of child-friendly hotels are available on the long hotel, shop and restaurant-lined street known as "I-Drive." One reasonably priced hotel on the strip, is the four-star Hilton Grand at Seaworld. Children will enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard court, cinema and the Cap'n Finn's Kids Club.
The Nickelodeon Hotel, near Seaworld, is the first hotel in the world to be based entirely on the popular children's TV channel. Designed for 5- to 15-year-olds, the hotel has special suites, complete with bunk beds, video games and cartoon characters like Spongebob Squarepants and Jimmy Neutron painted on the walls. Outside, two water parks, cartoon-themed shows and activities, and a children's buffet, will keep youngsters entertained.
Located in Kissimmee, Florida, close to Orlando, is the Gaylord Palms Resort, a hotel built by the company responsible for the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Just three minutes away from Disney World, this luxury hotel is both educational and fun, with vivid recreations of three different Florida environments--the Everglades, Key West and St. Augustine--all temperature-controlled under a giant glass dome. Children can also visit the La Petite Academy where they can choose from a variety of activities, including video games, board games, a TV and a karaoke machine.
