Orlando's EPIC Grove Resort: Water Park Fun Awaits!
Orlando's EPIC Grove Resort: Water Park Fun Awaits! - A Review (From a Real Person, Not a Robot!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm diving headfirst into The Grove Resort & Water Park in Orlando! I'm not a fancy travel blogger all perfectly polished, no. I'm a real person, with real opinions, and probably a slightly messy room right now. And let me tell you, this place… well, it’s a whole EXPERIENCE.
Let's be honest, you probably clicked on this because of the water park right? I did. And it did not disappoint. But The Grove is more than just slides and splash pads, so let's unpack this beast.
First Impressions & Getting Around (and the dreaded “Accessibility” section)
Okay, first off, navigating Orlando is a freakin' mission. But getting to The Grove was easy peasy. They had a car park [free of charge] and valet parking (fancy!) plus airport transfer, which, after a looooong flight, is a life-saver. Car park [on-site] - check. Taxi service available - check. Even a car power charging station! They really thought of it all.
Now, about accessibility. (Deep breath, gotta talk about the boring bits first, sorry.) The Grove tries. They have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and they highlight wheelchair accessibility. I'm not personally a wheelchair user, but I saw ramps, elevators, and generally good accessibility around the public areas. Definitely worth checking directly with the hotel on specific needs, because “trying” and “actually meeting specific accessibility needs” can sometimes be two different things. They also had some CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is a nice touch for safety, especially if you are traveling alone.
Rooms – A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good
The rooms are… well, they're spacious, let's put it that way. We're talking extra long bed, seating area, and even a refrigerator. Air conditioning is your best friend in Florida, and thankfully, it works like a champ. They offer a ton of in-room amenities - coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, free bottled water, mini bar. My kind of place.
My big complaint? The lighting. It's a bit…dim. I like a good light, especially for reading in the reading light they provide. And the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. I mean, you NEED to sleep after all that park fun.
Cleaning and Safety - They Seem To Care
Okay, covid times, let's get real. The Grove did seem to be making an effort. They listed Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Hand sanitizer everywhere. They also have a Cashless payment service. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available. Of course, I don't have a microscope to check if they actually did all that, but it felt cleaner than some places I've been. The staff wore masks and everyone seemed trained. Daily housekeeping was a bonus!
The Water Park – Where the MAGIC Happens (and My Inner Child Explodes)
Alright. This is the main event. The reason you’re here. And it’s glorious. The swimming pool [outdoor] is massive, but the water park… oh man. There are slides for every age and thrill level (including a terrifying drop slide that I almost chickened out on), a lazy river (essential!), and a wave pool. I spent approximately five hours straight just in the lazy river, and I have zero regrets. My inner child was having a FIELD DAY.
Food, Glorious Food! (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
Okay, listen. I love food. And The Grove has options, but it's a bit hit-or-miss.
- Restaurants: They've got a few. Restaurants, as in plural!
- Coffee shop: Essential for a coffee addict like myself.
- Poolside bar: Drinks are STRONG, which is good.
- Restaurants: I’m going to repeat this because they have several!
- Desserts in the restaurant: The key lime pie was amazing!
- A la carte restaurant, buffet restaurant and buffet restaurant. They have the basics covered.
- Snack bar: For your post-slide hunger.
Here's the thing: I ate way too much. The freedom of the 24-hour room service was a dangerous thing. I'm talking late-night pizza and room service breakfast. My advice? Pace yourself. There’s a Vegetarian restaurant, but I didn't have a chance to try it.
The Spa & Relaxation – Did I Even Try?
Okay, full disclosure: I prioritized the water park. So, I didn't get a Body scrub, Body wrap, or a Massage. I did glimpse the Spa and Steamroom, which looked lovely. Next time… next time. They also have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, and Sauna. They have all the things for relaxation!
Things To Do Beyond the Water Park & The Perks!
Beyond the water park, they have a lot! Fitness center is an option, but I'm sorry, I skipped it. They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal- I'm telling you, this is a great place for families! From my research, it seems that The Grove also has the potential to host a Meetings/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, and plenty of other options for special events that you might prefer. They have a convenience store too - so you don't have to overpay for snacks. And a gift/souvenir shop. Finally - Internet access – wireless, and Wi-Fi [free]! - so you can show off your holiday snaps!
The Price – Worth It?
It's not cheap, let's be real. You pay for the convenience and the water park access. But, if you're traveling with kids, it's a slam dunk. Even without kids, it's an experience.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Ignoring the occasional dip in quality I'll give it a 4.5/5. I wouldn't mind going again. I’m still dreaming of that lazy river. The Grove is a fun, convenient, and ultimately, a very enjoyable resort. It's not perfect, but the good far outweighs the bad. And that water park… chef's kiss.
So, if you're looking for a fun, splashy getaway, book it!
Here's a Special Offer Just For You!
Book your stay at The Grove Resort & Water Park NOW and get:
- FREE water park access for all guests during your entire stay! (Because, duh!)
- A complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival.
- Early check-in or late check-out (subject to availability).
- Access to exclusive discounts at the on-site restaurants and spa!
Don't miss out on the water park fun! Click here to book your Orlando getaway today!
[Link to Booking Site - Insert Your Link Here!]
Good luck and have fun!
King Parkview Hotel China: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits You
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This isn’t your pristine, perfectly-edited travel brochure. This is… my trip to The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando. Prepare for a glorious mess.
The Grove: My Orlando Adventure - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Lazy River (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and Aquatic Panic
1:00 PM: ARRIVE! Orlando Airport's a beast. Seriously, it's like a giant, air-conditioned maze designed to test your patience. Managed to snag a Lyft, though the driver clearly hadn't slept in days. He kept muttering about "the Great Florida Man Conspiracy." Okay, maybe I’ve already had too much coffee.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The Grove itself? Gorgeous. Like, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. Except, my room? Not so much. Turns out, the "lake view" is more "peek-a-boo lake view through the giant palm tree of doom." Fine, I’ll live. For now. Did I mention my luggage got here separately? Ugh.
3:00 PM: My first thought? Water park, obviously! The Lazy River? Pure heaven. Floating along, the sun on my face, a cocktail… bliss. Until I got a rogue splash of chlorine in my eye. Instant panic. Suddenly, I was convinced I'd contracted some bizarre waterborne infection. Quick exit. Never trust a lazy river, people. Never.
4:00 PM: Recovery by the pool. I needed to chill out after that lazy river trauma. The cocktails helped. Maybe a little too much. I might have ended up trying to convince a group of toddlers that I was secretly a mermaid. I regret nothing.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the poolside restaurant. The food was… average. But the sunset? Spectacular. Like, breathtakingly, "I've-never-seen-a-sunset-this-orange-before" spectacular. Made up for the slightly soggy fries.
8:30 PM: Stumbled back to the room. Finally found my luggage… covered in what looked suspiciously like cat hair. I swear, I might have to rename this trip "Orlando and The Great Shedding Mystery."
Day 2: All About the Water Park (And My Existential Crisis on a Waterslide)
9:00 AM: Breakfast buffet. The sheer volume of food… overwhelming. I took a deep breath and went for the waffles. I also went for the bacon. I had about four plates, which may be the cause of my pending regret.
10:00 AM: WATER PARK ROUND TWO! This time, I was determined to conquer the slides. I faced them. The first one? Amazing! The second? Less so. The third? Okay… the line was long, and I was sweating more from the anxiety than from the sun. But okay. I did it. I really did it!
11:00 AM: I was feeling brave. I went for the bigger ones! A solid hour of adrenaline-fueled shrieking. I think. My memory is a bit hazy. The slides were so cool!
12:00 PM: Back to the lazy river for some quiet time. This time, with goggles. This time, fully prepared. Except, a rogue inflatable swan nearly capsized me. It was a close call. I swear, someone (the conspiracy theorist Lyft driver's ghost?) is out to get me.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Pizza. Simple, delicious, and just what I needed after battling aquatic beasts.
2:00 PM: Mini golf! I won, and I still feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The miniature version of myself really got it done.
3:00 PM: I tried the arcade. I failed miserably at every single game. My hand-eye coordination appears to be inversely proportional to my age.
4:00 PM: Spent another hour by the pool. I'm getting a tan. Maybe I'll become a mermaid after all.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the resort's other restaurant. More delicious food, and a nice glass of wine. I think I saw the same cat hair I saw earlier.
8:00 PM: Late night by the fire pits with a book. This is the life? Maybe.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (And the Urgent Need for Anti-Frizz Serum)
9:00 AM: Another buffet breakfast, because, well, why not? I’m starting to believe I could live off the croissants alone. Also, I have this weird new tan.
10:00 AM: One last dip in the pool! Just to say goodbye.
11:00 AM: Check out. My room was even messier than when I arrived. The cat hair, alas, still clung to everything. Maybe I should file a formal complaint.
12:00 PM: Waiting for my Lyft. Orlando Airport… here I come again.
1:00 PM: The flight. So, I'm on the plane, reflecting. The Grove? Beautiful, chaotic, and full of slightly terrifying water park obstacles. The people? Friendly. The food? Mostly edible. The cat hair? An unsolved mystery for the ages.
2:00 PM: Home. I'm exhausted, sunburnt, and slightly traumatized by inflatable swans and rogue chlorine. But you know what? I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Maybe I'd skip the lazy river, though. And definitely invest in some serious anti-frizz serum. Overall, a good trip.
Orlando's EPIC Grove Resort: Water Park Fun Awaits! Seriously, Though...
Okay, so, is the water park *actually* good at the Grove? Because, like, my kids...
Alright, let's be real. You're planning a family vacation. You've heard the siren song of "water park included!" and you're picturing blissful kids, sun-kissed smiles, and maybe – just maybe – a margarita in your hand. (Don't get your hopes up on the last part; it's a *family* resort). So, is it good? Honestly? It's a solid "yes, with caveats."
The water park, Surfari Water Park, it's not HUGE. Think more "boutique" than "massive Disney-level sprawl." And that's actually a good thing *most* of the time. You can *see* your kids! You’re not constantly frantically scanning the horizon for rogue toddlers. I remember one time, my youngest, Finn, decided he was a mermaid and started… well, attempting to eat the pool noodles. Luckily, I spotted the impending noodle-induced choking hazard almost immediately. Saved the day, or at least saved on a hefty hospital bill.
However, the slides? They were fun. The lazy river? Glorious. Just… expect queues. Especially during peak hours. I’d recommend going first thing in the morning. That’s when the sun’s still your friend, and the lines are (relatively) short. And pack snacks. Seriously. The kids will ALWAYS want something. That or make a habit of running back to your room or the resort store every couple hours to keep the kids at bay.
Tell me about the rooms. Spacewise and stuff... We have a *lot* of people.
Rooms. Ah, the rooms. The Grove’s rooms (more like suites, really) are a saving grace, especially if you're wrangling a crew. I’m talkin’ families. The suites are *spacious*. Believe me, I have experience. My in-laws came along – and, well, let's just say, space is a *must*.
They’ve got full kitchens. Full. Kitchens. This is HUGE. Eating every single meal out gets expensive, fast. Pop into Publix on the way in (or use their delivery service! Genius!) and you're golden. Breakfast in the room? Saves time and money. Leftovers for lunch? Another win. And the separate bedrooms? Hallelujah! You can actually have a little, tiny sliver of adult time after the kids are down for the night. Or, y'know, you can just collapse and eat the cookies you hid in the back of the cupboard. I'm not judging.
The balconies are nice, too, but don't expect spectacular views. Maybe pool, maybe parking lot. Doesn’t really matter. The point is, you can sip your coffee in relative peace and avoid the morning kid wrangling for a crucial few minutes.
What about the food? Is it all just chicken nuggets and sadness?
Okay, so, food. Chicken nuggets *are* a staple, let's be honest. (They're basically a universal currency at this point). But the Grove actually offers a decent spread. There's a casual dining place, The Springs Bar & Grill, that's surprisingly good (especially the burgers after a long day in the sun). The poolside options are convenient, though, be warned, slightly overpriced.
I’d avoid the in-room delivery on busy nights, though. It took *forever* the one time we tried it and the food was... lukewarm. Stick to the kitchen in your suite for most meals. Honestly, the best thing? Stock up on snacks! Goldfish, fruit snacks, the works. Keeps everyone happy and prevents those desperate "I'm starving!" meltdowns. (We've all been there.)
And one more thing... If you are looking for better restaurants, plan to go out. A short drive in Orlando will get you a much better meal and a variety of options. Otherwise the resort restaurants will get old fast.
Is it close to Disney? Because, uh… Disney.
“Close” is relative when it comes to Orlando and Disney. The Grove is a reasonable drive to the parks, which worked out really well for us. You’re not *right* there, which has its pros and cons. Pros: you’re not overwhelmed by the Disney hustle 24/7. Cons: you gotta factor in travel time (and parking fees) each day.
They do offer a shuttle service, but I'm not a huge fan. It’s convenient in theory, but the schedules aren’t always ideal, especially with kids and their unpredictable nap times/meltdowns (see previous mentions). Honestly, rent a car. It's worth the flexibility. And the ability to escape the madness at a moment's notice.
What about the other amenities? Like, anything for adults, or is it ALL about the kids?
Alright, grown-ups, listen up! Yes, it’s a family resort, but they've put some thought into the grown-ups’ needs. They have a spa. I never actually *went* (because… kids), but it's there. And it looked nice. Possibly luxurious. Maybe you could sneak away while the other parent, grandparent, or brave soul is supervising the water park mayhem.
There are a few bars. One nice one, the Element Bar & Lounge, where you can actually get a decent cocktail and try to remember what being a human being without small people attached to you feels like. There's a fitness center. I walked past it once. It was, indeed, a fitness center. So while not a completely adults-only experience, there are definitely pockets of respite. And, hey, even the water park has a lazy river. You can *try* to relax in that, right? (Emphasis on *try*.)
Okay, *the* most important thing. Is it actually *fun*? Will we survive?
The million-dollar question! Will you survive? Yes. Will it be fun? Probably. It's a family vacation. It's going to have moments of pure joy – kids squealing with delight, silly moments, and maybe, just maybe, a quiet moment of relaxation. It's also going to have moments of chaos, tantrums, and the urge to hide in the closet with a giant bag of chips.
The water park is the highlight. My kids *loved* it. They rode the slides a hundred times. (My back, however, protested after the first twenty). The rooms are comfortable. The food is… food. It's convenient and a nice spot to get away from the Disney world.
Look, it’s not perfect. Nothing with kids ever is. But the Grove offers a decent vacationHotelicity
