Happy, Fun, and Carefree: 4 Hotels with Amazing Lazy River Pools Near Orlando Theme Parks!

Orlando is home to some of America’s best lazy river pools, making it an ideal vacation spots for folks who like fun in the sun. (The theme parks and nearby springs help with that, too!)

Most hotels are liminal spaces – simply serving as part of the journey rather than a destination. However, with these best lazy river pools near Orlando theme parks, your accommodations just became part of the main attraction! Each lazy river boasts a unique theme and great riverside amenities, which is sure to boost the importance of “hotel time” on the itinerary. 

These lazy river pools are designed in a circular pattern, forming a path that often traverses much (if not all) of the surrounding property at the hotel. Not only are lazy rivers fun and relaxing, but they’re also widely considered a calming experience capable of reducing one’s stress levels. Exactly what vacationing is all about!

With all of that in mind, here are four of the best hotels in Orlando with lazy river pools that will make for the perfect family vacation destination!  

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

The go-to hotel for those visiting Walt Disney World, the Four Seasons Resort is undoubtedly in a class of its own. With luxurious amenities, excellent service, and spacious suites, it’s first class all the way! This resort is located inside Gold Oak – a private residential community surrounded by lush vegetation that feels exactly like your dream tropical getaway paradise. 

Opulence is the best word to describe the Four Seasons Resort, thanks to its five-star restaurants and phenomenal customer experience. For instance, the hotel provides guests with a Disney Cast Member to help them plan their itinerary inside the theme park. Additionally, kids can also opt for a princess and prince dress-up service or visit an exclusive kids club where they can hang out with friends. 

While these amenities seem world-class, they’re nothing compared to the five-acre water park inside the Four Seasons Resort! The park is made to suit any preference, with quieter areas for adults in need of rest and activity-filled zones for children who can’t wait to make a splash. 

Referred to as “Explorer Island,” the water park is brimming with exciting activities. Guests can opt to swim in a sports-themed area, where they can also shoot a few hoops or play volleyball. Those in the mood for a little competition can also head to the game area, where they can switch between swimming and playing chess, foosball, or bean bag toss!  

The best feature at Explorer Island is – of course – its lazy river pool, which is surrounded by rustling palm trees that block out the hustle and bustle of Orlando. It’s spacious enough to accommodate a large number of guests comfortably, so you’re free to float without worrying about bumping into another person. Ahhh, paradise!

Ritz-Carlton Orlando 

Inspired by the timeless architecture of Italy, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando is known for its luxurious features. That luxury begins the moment you walk into the marble lobby, where you’ll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine. This hotel is situated near SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando, making it the perfect choice for tourists looking to hit all three spots. 

The rooms at the Ritz-Carlton may not be as expensive or as high-tech as those found at the Four Seasons Orlando; however, they’re still incredibly lavish, with private balconies, plush bedding, and marble-lined bathrooms. Each is cleaned twice daily by housekeeping, ensuring the complimentary gifts remain well-stocked throughout your entire visit. 

Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando is often described as a culinary adventure due to the wide range of on-site dining options. For instance, “Highball and Harvest” is an enjoyable farm-to-table concept, while “Bleu” is a casual poolside spot for guests looking to enjoy all-American dishes. 

One of the best things about the Ritz-Carlton Orlando is its pool area, which is primarily considered a formal bathing space reminiscent of ancient Rome. Less ancient are the exclusive blue-striped cabanas equipped with mini-fridges, high-definition TV, and their own private butlers. Carry on, Jeeves! 

Now for the MouseEars’ insider tip. This lazy river pool is actually part of the JW Marriott Orlando next door, but since the same parent company owns both resorts, guests at the Ritz-Carlton can access it whenever they wish! In fact, all the pools and amenities at both hotels are open to both the Ritz Carlton Orlando and the JW Marriott guests.

Omni Orlando Resort 

Located a few miles away from Walt Disney World, the Omni Orlando Resort is a favorite among families planning to visit Mickey Mouse and his friends. This hotel is characterized by its excellent customer service, with dedicated staff ready to help guests achieve the perfect vacation. 

Influenced by the stunning atmosphere of the Mediterranean, the Omni Orlando Resort has more than 800 rooms and boasts an eclectic mix of modern and old-fashioned. Several suites feature multiple bedrooms and kitchenettes, while those that carry cheaper price tags still have tube-style televisions. However, every single one is extremely comfortable, with high-quality bedding, phenomenal views, and sophisticated decor. 

Guests will also enjoy the Omni Orlando Resort’s on-site dining options, which feature various cuisines. They can choose “Zen” if they want a taste of China’s most delectable dishes or “Trevi’s” for family-style traditional Italian food. Meanwhile, “David’s Club” is known for its classic fare, including fresh Florida seafood and premium steaks.  

As a destination resort, this hotel has a large selection of pool areas to choose from. Guests can decide to spend an entire afternoon at the wave pool, with its inner tubes and child-sized life jackets for younger swimmers, or they can check out the outdoor swimming pool, ideal for those who want to take a dip in heated waters or duck into the shade of private cabanas. 

Easily the best feature of the Omni Orlando Resort, though, is its 850-foot-long lazy river pool! In addition to numerous waterspouts and exciting rapids, it also has a waterfall, multiple tunnels, and secret canyons, all of which have proven to be extremely enticing for those who want a peaceful yet entertaining swim. 

Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Many consider the Cabana Bay Beach Resort as one of Orlando’s most eye-catching hotels, thanks to its retro, mid-century Americana design. Inspired by the aesthetic of the 1950s, it features a ton of neon lights, swooping curves, and angular lines, making it the ideal vacation spot for fans of period shows like Mad Men and Grease.

The hotel itself, along with its common areas, may appear ostentatious; however, guests can be assured that their rooms won’t come in loud, clashing colors. With decor in more muted shades, phenomenal views, and spacious bathrooms, a night at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort is definitely the perfect way to end an exhausting theme park adventure. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage to booking a stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, though, is that it offers guests early admission tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Park. The latter, in particular, is located right behind the hotel, which means that it can be reached within a few minutes. 

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03/09/2024 10:41 am GMT

Guests at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort are free to enjoy two large pools – the Cabana Courtyard and Pool and the Lazy River Courtyard and Pool. The former features a massive water slide shaped like a dive tower, a large fire pit, and picnic tables. This particular area tends to be very loud and chaotic given its exciting activities.

Meanwhile, the Lazy River Courtyard and Pool are made for those who prefer a more peaceful swimming experience. Its sand beach and the Hideaway Bar & Grill add to its refreshing atmosphere, while the lengthy lazy river pool gives you a watery way to explore all the hotel offers.

Ready to float away the day in one of these lazy river pools? Have you spent a night in any of them? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Featured photo: Sunny Studio via Canva.com