Parent-Friendly Staycations
With scores of resorts and hotels dotting the Orlando landscape, options for kid-friendly overnights are seemingly endless. But what about a getaway where parents get a little rest and relaxation too?
The Ritz-Carlton
Orlando, Grande Lakes
Families gain access to scores of daytime diversions at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and its adjacent property, JW Marriott Orlando, located in the 500-acre Grande Lakes resort. From pool swims and lazy river floats to eco kayak tours and fly fishing excursions, the resort also delights its younger guests with an in-room camping option, complete with tent, featherbed and S’mores pastry treat.
Perks for Parents: Two free hours of Ritz Kids per child is included in each day’s resort fee, which means spa lovers need not resist the temptation to steal away to the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa or to the new Highball & Harvest restaurant, a Southern farm-to-fork meets craft cocktails concept bolstered by fare from the onsite Whisper Creek Farm. grandelakes.com
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Sprawled across 87 acres dotted with sparkling lakes and five shimmering swimming pools, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is steps from Disney’s BoardWalk and just a short shuttle or water taxi ride from all of Disney World’s parks and entertainment districts. But for those who just want to kick back and relax, onsite amenities include an outdoor playground with a sandy beach, 17 bars, restaurants and cafes plus views of the nightly fireworks outside and from some guest room balconies.
Perks for Parents: Moms and dads are encouraged to steal away for a dinner for two at either Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo, or Il Mulino New York Trattoria. Two complimentary hours of Camp Dolphin are given for each same-day purchase of an entrée or 90-minute spa treatment booked at Mandara Spa. Camp Dolphin, which is staffed and stocked with crafts, DVDs, coloring books, toys, and Nintendo Wii games, is open nightly from 5:30 p.m. to midnight for kids ages 4 through 12. Reservations required. swandolphin.com
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Four Seasons officially unveiled its Orlando resort this past summer and immediately rose to the top tier of hotels within Walt Disney World’s 40 square miles. This 26.5-acre resort boasts 443 guest rooms, many with views of the nightly Disney fireworks, plus the five-acre Explorer Island, home to a 7,590 square foot family pool, beach volleyball, outdoor movie screen, lazy river, Splash Zone, climbing wall, 2 waterslides and a video gaming center.
Perks for Parents: Those looking for some quality time, either at the lavish spa or adults-only Oasis Pool, can drop kids off at the fully supervised Kids for All Seasons program, a complimentary camp for guests ages 4 to 12 offered daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. fourseasons.com/orlando
