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.
Situated on the iconic International Drive, the new Villatel Orlando Resort—located about three miles from Universal Studios, 17 miles from Walt Disney World, and a stone’s throw from Universal’s spectacular Epic Universe (set to open in 2025) — offers more than 500 units with enough of a “wow” factor to keep your kid entertained long after you leave the theme parks.
Themed rooms, check! Private pool? Yep! Games galore? You bet! Read on for all the reasons this new resort is the new coolest place to stay in Orlando:
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.
The Price is Right: Villatel’s “Soft Opening” Means You’ll Save Big Bucks!
As of July 2024, the Villatel Orlando was still undergoing a soft opening. That means all of the villas and estates are ready to go, but the rest of the resort—which will include smaller, apartment-style units, a full outdoor waterpark, and a pool and lazy river with an outdoor bar and restaurant— is still under construction.
But no worries! Living with a little construction has its advantages: How does a 4-bedroom villa for as low as $246 per night, or a 9-bedroom estate for $473 per night sound? (By the way, when it came to construction noise, we didn’t hear a peep inside our unit.)
Even when construction is finished, Villatel Orlando Resort units will still be budget-friendly, starting at around $400 per night—a bargain compared to Disney accommodations (we still love you, Disney Resorts).
Private Pools and Bug-Free Patio!
While the resort’s communal pool, lazy river and waterpark won’t be finished until later this year, every villa (excluding the 1-2 bedroom apartments) has its own private pool. The pools are all gated for safety and the back patio itself is completely screened to keep out all those pesky Florida bugs.
Bathrooms for Everyone!
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 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.
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 Coming by 2025
Adding to the roster of amenities inside each villa, the rest of the resort will be a destination in itself when it is fully completed by the end of 2024 or, at the latest, early 2025. At that time, you can expect a:
- State-of-the-art community clubhouse
- Waterpark featuring four multi-story slides
- Grand pool + lazy river
- Wet and dry children’s playgrounds
- Golf simulator room
- On-site, full-service restaurant and grill
- Sports courts (basketball and pickleball)
- Fully equipped fitness center
Online: Villatel.com/villatel-orlando-resort
Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Villatel Orlando Resort but the opinions belong to the writer.
