This Massive Resort Is the Ultimate Orlando Vacation Spot for Families

1. You literally will never want to leave the pool.

Strike that, POOLS. Centrally located on this massive property is the Wakoola Springs Pool and it's the perfect spot to park your family for some water fun when the hot temps hit. Kids will love the dueling water slides, hair braid station and jumbo Checkers board. Little ones can head to the Wet Saloon splash zone where the water is on just for them. When everyone gets the munchies, grab some burgers and snacks at the on-site Wakoola Grill. 

In addition to the Wakoola Springs Pool, you'll find the Water's Edge Pool located off the resort's lobby clubhouse. This half-indoor, half-outdoor pool is a great spot to be when the afternoon thunderstorms hit. Building 1 also has the Zen Pool that has more of an adult vibe (although kids are welcome). Spend some time here after your massage when you send the kids to Kids Night Out (more on that below).

2. They have all-day programming to keep the kids busy.

From 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, The Fountains offers programming that both kids and adults will enjoy. Learn about local creatures at the critter show, or head to the Water's Edge Pool for dive-in movies. Poolside BINGO, karaoke and hula hoop contests are other family faves. Just when the day gets hot, look for them to be serving up snow cones! 

A couple of nights a week you can sign up kids over age 4 for Kids Night Out. This drop-off program has the kids doing fun crafts and activities at the Recreation Center while you enjoy dinner or a massage on your own. 

3. The rooms can sleep your whole crew, and more.

The rooms at The Fountains are big and ready for you to spread out and enjoy an extended vacation. Whether you get a one-bedroom villa or the three-bedroom presidential suite, you'll love having a full kitchen (that includes an oven, range, microwave and full-size fridge) so that you don't have to constantly eat out. Stock up on food at one of the local grocery stores or grab kid favorites like cereal, chips and popsicles at the Clubhouse store. All rooms come with an outdoor deck space for lounging and a washer/dryer for when the kids spill ketchup on your favorite shirt. 

4. There's so much to explore at the resort.

Take a walk around the property and you'll see something new around every corner. There are fire pits and BBQ grills available for guest usage. Kids will love the playgrounds and basketball court. Borrow some fishing gear from the Activity Center and try your luck at catch-and-release fishing off the piers at Lake Eve, just behind the Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse sells Starbucks and soft-serve ice cream and has an arcade on the second floor. Insider tip: if you walk across the bridge between Building 9 and the Wakoola Springs Pool, take a peek into the water and you'll see dozens of turtles swim up to say hello!

On-site food options include the Wakoola Grill and Splash Pool Bar and Grill, as well as pizza you can have delivered to your room. There's also a Benihana just across the parking lot. 

5. The resort is super close to pretty much everything in Orlando.

There's ample parking at the resort and it's just a quick 20-minute (or less) drive to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and all the other attractions that Orlando has to offer. In addition to these local favorites, we definitely recommend visiting The Crayola Experience, especially for families with younger kids. Here kids can make their own crayons, animate their own drawing, create spin art out of melted Crayons and more. It's a super creative spot that also has two climbing structures and a cafe inside. 

For your night-time fun, take your crew to Medieval Times for jousting, falconry, horsemanship and a knightly celebration. While you cheer on your knight, you can enjoy a three-course meal that you eat (almost) entirely with your hands!

There's so much to do in Orlando that you'll definitely want to plan enough days to explore all of it! 

6. The Fountains offers both timeshare convenience and the ability to book like a hotel.

The Fountains is part of Bluegreen Vacations, a vacation ownership program (timeshare) with 69 locations across the U.S. and Caribbean. It is different from typical timeshares where you are locked into a certain week at a certain resort. Bluegreen gives owners points that they can use to book whatever week at whatever Bluegreen property they'd like. Points roll over from year to year so owners can bank their points to be able to book a larger suite or multiple villas at the same time. 

Those who'd like to visit The Fountains before committing can book directly through the resort when there are rooms available. 

12400 South International Drive
Orlando, FL
Online: bluegreenvacations.com