We had all sorts of plans when it came to where we’d go for dinner once we checked into our brand new Orlando vacation rental near Universal Studios: Would it be The T-Rex Cafe (animatronic dinosaurs!)? The Rainforest Cafe (erupting volcanoes!)! Sugar Factory (milkshakes so topped with candy that you can barely taste the milk!)?
But once we walked into the two-story townhome we would call home for three days, all my kids wanted to do was STAY THERE. That’s how cool these villas are.
Themed rooms, check! Private pool? Yep! Games galore? You bet! Read on for all the reasons this new resort is the coolest place to stay in Orlando:
Melissa Heckscher
Themed Rooms for Kids; Upscale Decor for Parents
How does snoozing between two slices of replica grilled cheese bread sound (see the pics here)? How about sleeping in a four-person bunk bed with a twirly slide and an arcade? The Villatel Orlando Resort has 26 different themed rooms, each designed by the creative powerhouses at Immersive Scenic Studios, a sister company of Villatel. All units have at least one themed room (apartments and villas have one themed room, while “estates” with more than five bedrooms have two), with decor running the gamut from princess kingdoms and fairy woodlands to rooms inspired by characters in “Frozen,” “Minions” and “Toy Story.”
But it’s not all kid stuff. The rest of each villa is decidedly adult, with tasteful decor, upscale furniture, and sophisticated style that parents will appreciate.
Overnight rates at the apartments start at around $278, with villas starting at $350—a bargain compared to the upscale Disney accommodations (we still love you, Disney Resorts).
Melissa Heckscher
Private Pools and Bug-Free Patio!Â
If you don’t want to float in the resort’s communal pool, bob along on the sprawling lazy river, or zip down the slide at the resort’s own waterpark—you can always hunker down in your villa and enjoy your own private pool (offered in all villas, but not the apartments) The pools are all gated for safety and the back patio itself is completely screened to keep out all those pesky Florida bugs.
Melissa Heckscher
Bathrooms for Everyone!Â
If you’ve ever packed a family of five into a queen-sized hotel room, you know how important having more than one bathroom can be. Resort units have enough bathrooms to go around, with en-suite bathrooms for almost all of the bedrooms, so you won’t have to worry about your little potty-trainer barging into your shower time when nature calls.
Shuttle Service to Theme Parks
Need a ride? There’s a free shuttle from the resort to Disneyworld and Universal Studios, which is a great option to avoid the $30 parking fee at the theme parks.
Baby/Toddler Amenities Are Available
Every villa comes with a high chair and Pack ‘n Play. In addition, you can request things like baby gates for the stairs, pool toys, or strollers for an added fee when you make your reservation.
Melissa Heckscher
The Kitchen is Fully-Stocked
Just like an Airbnb, all villas come with a fully stocked kitchen that includes dishware, cooking items, and other amenities to make things feel like home. There’s also a laundry room, so you can pack less and wash more.
Waterpark, Poolside Bar & Restaurant, and More Â
Adding to the roster of amenities inside each villa, the rest of the resort is a destination in itself, with family-friendly amenities including:
