Make a Splash at Florida’s 12 Best Water Park Resorts: The Ultimate Guide for an Unforgettable Vacation!

When you’re on vacation, one of the best ways to spend a day is enjoying the amenities and perks offered by your hotel. For a perfect Florida vacation, that means finding a hotel that offers great ways to enjoy the sunshine and escape the heat.

Some people hit the beach in order to cool down – but if you’re staying in Central Florida (or somewhere not so close to the shoreline), you might have a different destination in mind. Why stay at a hotel with a pool when you can stay at a full water park resort instead?? Skip the sand and check out these slides, lazy rivers, and ultimate wave pools instead! 

Let’s dive into the best Florida hotels with waterparks! 

1. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center 

Gaylor Palms Resort is a massive Marriott property with more to do than most vacation spots on the list. The hotel is structured into regions that mimic Florida’s geography. In the Everglades section, you’ll find a live alligator exhibit – where you can see daily feedings – and a zoo-like structure. In the St. Augustine portion, there’s a replica of the local fort. 

Cypress Springs is a 3-acre water park at the resort. The park has two pools, an action river, seven water slides, and a multi-level children’s playground. Instead of a lazy river, Cypress Springs has the Crystal River Rapids, which sends you careening through the twists, splashing beneath waterfalls, and even into a cave. The South Beach Pool is an adult-only oasis in the park, perfect for a quick getaway. For an additional fee, you can try out the FlowRider Surfing Experience. 

While things can get busy at the attached convention center, the resort is great for a relaxing time. There are eight eateries on site (including a poolside lounge and a sports bar) and nightly live entertainment for guests. Gaylord Palms is also close to Walt Disney World, and your stay includes free transportation to the parks. 

2. Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando 

When it comes to hotel waterparks, few can beat River Falls Water Park at Orlando World Center Marriott. The resort has seven waterslides, a zero-entry pool, multiple hot tubs, and tons of play areas for the kids. It’s conveniently located near Disney Springs. 

The newest addition to the park is the waterslide tower with three inner tube slides that take up to two riders on a twisting, turning adventure to the pool below. There’s a nearly 600-foot-long lazy river accessed by the adjacent zero-entry pool and a kid’s play area with bubbling nozzles and two tall vertical leaf-spraying elements. At Falls Pool Oasis, there are three waterslides, two of which are over 200 feet long! There’s also a nightly laser show that can be watched from the poolside or the comfort of your room’s balcony. 

The hotel has four restaurants, including a Japanese steakhouse and a sports bar. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, the Lobby Lounge offers cocktails and small plates. There’s also a spa, fitness center, and golf club at the resort! 

3. The Grove Resort & Water Park, Orlando 

The Grove Resort & Water Park is located right on Lake Austin and is only six miles from Walt Disney World. It’s a beautiful property with plenty to do – like having a blast at the water park! The Surfari Water Park has dual water slides, a 695-foot lazy river, a kids’ activities pool, and a zero-entry pool. You can also enjoy the lakeside Spring Pools, three full-size pools, an oversized hot tub, a children’s splash area, and private cabanas. For an additional fee, you can learn to surf on the FlowRider® Double surf simulator. 

The nearby Lake Austin Pier is located on the nature preserve where you can enjoy the scenery, rent a boat, enjoy some watersports, or do some fishing. The Surfari Water Park is accessible exclusively to hotel guests, so you won’t have to worry about long lines during your stay. 

It’s also one of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels, so you’ll be able to get quick transportation to the parks!

4. Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Lake Buena Vista 

If you want a luxurious stay in the heart of Disney, it doesn’t get much better than Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Not only do the rooms come with theme park views, but they’ve also got amazing amenities – including the resort’s 5-acre water park, Explorer Island. There’s fun for the whole family here, with interactive splash zones, a lazy river, a family pool, and several water slides. There’s also an adults-only pool – Oasis – with underwater speakers piping in music to enhance the vibe. Even better, there’s a complimentary kid’s camp so you can enjoy a few hours of relaxation of your own! 

There are plenty of other things to do at the resort with a spa, fitness center, three shopping boutiques, 6 bars and restaurants, tennis, poolside trivia, “Dive-In Movies” by the pool, and so much more! For those going to spend time at Disney during their stay, the Four Seasons also offers a Disney Planning Center to coordinate your vacation plans and an exclusive character breakfast on Saturdays at the hotel! 

5. Margaritaville Resort Orlando, Kissimmee 

Escaping to Jimmy Buffet’s famed Margaritaville is easier than you think if you stay at Margaritaville Resort in Kissimmee. Obviously, music is expected nightly here, as you’ll find live entertainment at the Euphoria Lounge or Salty Rim Bar and Grill most evenings. But the vibe is always laid back at the hotel. 

While not directly on hotel property, Island H2O Live! is located a short three-minute walk adjacent to the hotel. The water park (themed after social media) has over 20 rides, including a lazy river, wave pool, racing slides, multi-rider sliders, a massive kids area, and more! There’s more that appeals to an older crowd here – especially teenagers – than at most other waterparks on the list. 

The hotel is also next to Promenade at Sunset Walk, where you’ll find dining, shopping, and nightly entertainment venues for the whole family. 

6. CoCo Key Resort & Waterpark, Orlando 

This one is perfect for younger kids! For a budget-friendly water park option, CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort is a good spot to check out. The main draw here is, of course, the attached water park that’s adjacent to the resort. CoCo Key is a Caribbean-themed water park with 14 water slides, four pools, and a giant splash area for kids. 

There are three restaurants, an arcade, and a cute poolside tiki bar on site. This is great for both younger and older kids, as there are things to do for all ages here. 

While the other amenities aren’t as impressive as other (more expensive) resorts, it’s an affordable option for families wishing to cut costs on their stay. The hotel is within walking distance of Icon Park and located right on International Drive, giving you easy access to nearby theme parks and other attractions. Additionally, you get four water park passes per night’s stay at the resort! 

7. Hammock Beach Resort, St. Augustine 

Moving away from Orlando for a moment, Hammock Beach Resort is located in historic St. Augustine right on the beach. Probably better known for its beachfront golf course, Hammock Beach Resort is a luxurious place to spend your vacation, especially in one of the resort’s oceanfront rooms or in one of the multi-room condos that face the Atlantic Ocean! 

The resort’s Fantasy Pool Complex is a multi-level water park, including a three-story slide, kid’s splash pad, and lazy river. There are multiple pools, including a giant spa tub and a zero-entry beach pool. 

8. Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Kissimmee 

One of the most unusual spots on our list, Reunion Resort & Golf Club isn’t a traditional hotel by any stretch but rather a sprawling collection of vacation rentals including multi-bedroom homes and condos. It’s ideal for a multigenerational family vacation or a giant family reunion. Located only a few miles from Walt Disney World, Reunion Resort has multiple restaurants, grocery delivery service, sports facilities, pavilions, playgrounds, and complimentary theme park transportation to Disney, Universal Orlando, and Seaworld Orlando properties. 

More importantly for our list, Reunion Resort has a 10-acre water park! They have three water rides – all starting from a 60-foot tall tower – and a 1,000-foot lazy river that meanders through the park. There are a total of ten pools, including the Surfing Safari Splash Area for the littlest members of the family. The kids’ area has four smaller slides, water cannons, and multi-level structures to climb and explore. 

For large groups planning to spend time on-site as well as enjoying Central Florida attractions, this is a great pick! 

9. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites, Orlando 

An affordable option for larger families, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites is a suite-only resort less than a mile from Walt Disney World. You can pick a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suite with a kitchen, workspace, and separate living area. 

The attached waterpark is perfect for younger kids. It’s a multilevel park with slides and a splash area for the family to explore and enjoy. There’s a massive lagoon pool with poolside cabanas available to rent, so you can relax while the kids play. 

The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites is another of Disney’s Good Neighbor hotels offering transportation to Disney World parks and properties. Another bonus for families? Kids under 12 eat free breakfast and dinner! 

10. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Vero Beach 

Located about two hours from Disney World, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is an interesting case of a Disney hotel designed to host your entire vacation getaway without the theme park. With its old-fashion hideaway aesthetic, it’s great for families that want to take a break on vacation while still feeling a bit of Disney magic. Besides having access to the private beach only a few feet away from your hotel room (where you may spot some nesting sea turtles nearby!), there’s also a Mickey-shaped pool, a pirate ship-themed wet play area, and the Pirate Plunge, a 163-foot-long water slide. 

This is one of the smaller water park selections on our list, but it’s certainly one to consider if you want to escape to paradise for a few days. 

11. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Miami 

If you’re looking to visit southern Florida, JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa is a luxurious option that puts you close to the action in Miami while still offering a little hideaway from the bustle of the city. The 300-acre resort features two golf courses, a country club, a luxury spa, and a fitness center. 

The Tidal Cove Waterpark is at the center of the resort. There are seven waterslides at the top of a 60-foot tower, a lazy river, a 4,000-square-foot Kid’s Cove play structure and pool, a zero-entry Lagoon Pool, and a triple-capacity Flow-Rider surfing simulator. With five acres of pool decks, you’ll find a spot for everyone in the family! 

12. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, Cocoa Beach 

While not always as popular as Orlando, Cocoa Beach is a fantastic little getaway destination not too far from the major attractions of Central Florida. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is a cozy spot where you can book large, 2-bedroom suites with separate living spaces and kitchenettes included for an affordable price. The resort is designed for families and has a large game room, direct access to the beach, and a water park. 

Wakulla Falls Water Park has a lazy river that takes guests through fountains, arches, and tropical plants, a splash pad with smaller slides, fountains, and sprayers, and a giant resort-style pool. You’ll also get access to all beach toys, volleyballs, and other sports equipment, and the bodyboards as part of your stay. While it’s a small water park, it’s great for kids to explore and for parents to relax for a few hours in the sun. You can also enjoy a meal or a tropical drink at the Aloha Tiki Bar and Café. 

The resort is located about a mile from Cocoa Beach Pier, where you can find local dining, shopping, and entertainment. 

Does a trip to a water park feature in your perfect Florida vacation? Or do you skip the lazy river in favor of more action? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Featured photo: kali9 via Canva