If there’s anything Florida is most known for, it’s its year-round sunshine.
And what’s the perfect partner for a sunny paradise?
Beaches and waterparks, of course.
Indeed, the state boasts some of the most exciting waterparks you’ll ever visit.
As an outdoor enthusiast and a member of a water-loving family, Florida holds a special spot in my heart.
Every time my family visits the state, we make sure to stay at a waterpark hotel.
So, over the years, I’ve become quite adept at knowing what makes a waterpark hotel a must-stay.
But with so many impressive options out there, choosing the perfect fit for you is understandably not an easy task.
That’s why I have the liberty of rounding up what I found to be the best waterpark hotels in Florida.
I’ll do the work of rating and comparing the pros and cons of each hotel for you.
So sit back, pack your sunscreen, and check out my full review below for a splashing good time in Florida.
Best Waterpark Hotels in Florida Compared
Whether you’re traveling alone or with the whole family, Florida has a hotel that will offer you a fun vacation for ages. Here’s how I rated my top picks:
Editor’s Choice
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Palms is a family-friendly destination that will absolutely enthrall all age groups.
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Waterpark Features: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 5/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 4/5
#2nd Best Choice
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
The resort offers a perfect blend for families with children and couples craving an upscale and romantic experience.
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Waterpark Features: 4/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 5/5
#3rd Best Choice
Flamingo Waterpark Resort
Enjoy the perks of a waterpark hotel getaway without spending a fortune at Flamingo Waterpark Resort.
- Family-Friendliness: 4/5
- Waterpark Features: 4/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 3/5
Here are the top 11 waterpark hotels in Florida.
1. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Editor’s Choice)
6000 W Osceola Pkwy
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 586-0000
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Searching for waterpark resorts in Florida that will amuse everyone in your tribe?
Guess what?
Gaylord Palms is a family-friendly destination that will absolutely enthrall all age groups.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Waterpark Features: 5/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 5/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 4/5
Pros
- Everglades-themed waterpark
- Stunning atrium
Cons
- Many extra costs
Who Should Stay Here
If you want to spend your vacation days on the water, and don’t want to spend a lot of time in your room, then this resort is for you.
Home to an Everglades-themed waterpark, this resort lures families with an array of exciting splashy activities for swimming, sliding and surfing.
There’s also a golf course, happy hour, spa treatments and jacuzzis for moms and dads who need a little break.
And, did I mention that you can also watch the live nightly entertainment and go shopping at the on-site boutique shops?
Expert Tip
If you’re traveling with toddlers or infants, it’s best to avail their babysitting services.
That way, you’ll have some time for relaxation and exploration.
Related: Best All Inclusive Resorts in Florida
Related: Restaurants in Kissimmee, FL
2. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
19999 W Country Club Dr
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 932-6200
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The resort offers a perfect blend for families with children and couples craving an upscale and romantic experience.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 5/5
- Waterpark Features: 4/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 5/5
Pros
- Comfortable, spacious rooms
- Action-packed water park
Cons
- Expensive and understaffed
Who Should Stay Here
JW Marriott is a classy resort with sophisticated amenities and a serene ambiance.
A complete family destination, this resort features a brand-new state-of-the-art waterpark, yoga classes, on-site shops and a golf course.
Expert Tip
Get some surfing lessons on the resort’s FlowRider Triple Surf Simulator, which is the first of its kind in the US.
It’s suitable for ages 6 and above.
Related: Best Family Resorts in Florida with Water Parks
3. Flamingo Waterpark Resort
2261 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 846-2221
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Traveling on a budget in Florida with younger kids?
Enjoy the perks of a waterpark hotel getaway without spending a fortune at Flamingo Waterpark Resort.
Ratings Criteria
- Family-Friendliness: 4/5
- Waterpark Features: 4/5
- Cleanliness and Safety: 4/5
- Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Location: 3/5
Pros
- Affordable rates
- Kid-friendly waterpark and arcade
Cons
- The resort is in need of maintenance
Who Should Stay Here
For a rather affordable price, your whole tribe will experience a fun-filled waterpark adventure with a children’s pool, a lazy river and 30-foot water slides.
Furthermore, the resort hosts adult activities, like movie nights, water sports, billiards and evening entertainment.
Children will also enjoy the kid’s club, games room and playground.
Expert Tip
We recommend the resort’s Superior Suite 4-queen bed for large groups and family reunions.
With 4 large double beds, it can accommodate up to 12 adult guests.
4. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
1 Legoland Way
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(888) 690-5346
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LEGOLAND offers a fun escape for imaginative children who are itching for an aquatic hands-on adventure.
Unlike other kid-friendly waterpark hotels in Florida, this resort lets your children’s creative juices flow through a variety of games and activities.
Who Should Stay Here
For a unique LEGO-themed experience, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a fun alternative to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center and Flamingo Waterpark Resort
LEGOLAND is a great choice for families with kids who love these colorful toys.
From its pools to its rooms, the resort is themed after the most sought-after toy lines of Lego.
But, guess what?
The resort has something special for parents as well, such as its evening entertainment, bar, pools and high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi.
Expert Tip
Don’t want to eat outside the complex?
The staff can make special dietary needs if your kids have food allergies.
Just make sure to inform them in advance.
Related: Best Weekend Getaways in Florida
5. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa
200 Ocean Crest Dr
Palm Coast, FL 32137
(866) 841-0287
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Hammock Beach, with its photogenic grounds and eye-catching architecture, is a nirvana for Instagrammers.
That’s why we always recommend this resort for families with big-time Instagram fans.
Who Should Stay Here
Hammock Beach is a terrific choice for families searching for an oceanfront resort with a plethora of activities to entertain everyone.
Tennis and golf players will be amazed by its first-class facilities, while children will love the beach and waterpark.
Plus, the resort offers plenty of teen-approved activities, including trekking, billiards and tennis.
Expert Tip
For family reunions and larger tribes, we suggest that you book their 4-bedroom ocean view suite.
With 2 large beds, the suite can sleep up to 12 adult guests.
Related: Best Restaurants in Palm Coast
Related: Best Family Hotels in Florida
6. Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 239-4200
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Orlando World, with its lightning quick 90-foot speed slide and 200-foot winding water slides, is an ideal escapade for thrill-seekers.
Who Should Stay Here
With a full-service spa and a championship golf course, the resort is perfect for families with adults who badly need a getaway.
Even better, the resort has plenty of fun diversions for teens and kids, like a classic carcade, a thrilling waterpark and a playground.
Expert Tip
The hotel is also a great option for anyone looking for water parks near you in Walt Disney resort.
Not only is it only close to the resort, but it also offers complimentary transfer service to Disney World (up to 4 guests).
Related: Restaurants in Orlando, Florida
7. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites
14500 Continental Gateway Dr
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 387-5437
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Holiday Inn doesn’t feature a climate-controlled indoor waterpark. Instead, it has a sunny and vibrant outdoor water park with exciting adventures for kids 12 years and below.
Who Should Stay Here
This beloved resort has slides, pools and tons of other water features that will keep the whole gang entertained for days.
Furthermore, the resort has plenty of family-oriented outdoor activities, such as live music performances and picnics.
We also love their arcade, Bank Heist Laser Challenge and 4-D experience.
Expert Tip
The resort is a great base for exploring the famed theme parks of Orlando.
As guests of this resort, you may take advantage of their complimentary transport service to SeaWorld, Universal and Disney.
8. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort
3550 N Atlantic Ave
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 783-2230
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From its 335-foot lazy river to its beach activities, Westgate Cocoa is a haven of fun for all generations.
Who Should Stay Here
Westage is an excellent option for families looking for the perfect blend of beach side fun, comfort and tropical ambiance.
It has direct access to the beach and features a child-friendly waterpark.
Moreover, it exudes a laid-back ambiance and showcases stunning beach vistas.
Expert Tip
Want to have some fun on the beach?
Guess what?
Guests of the resort will also get free use of flying discs, volleyballs, footballs and beach toys.
The resort also offers a free trolley service from and to the Cocoa Beach Pier.
9. Marriott’s Harbour Lake
7102 Grand Horizons Blvd
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 465-6100
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Kids ages 2 to 12 will be thrilled at Shipwreck Landing, featuring water cannons, water slides and a pirate ship.
Additionally, the resort offers a bevy of fun family-friendly activities.
Who Should Stay Here
Marriott’s Harbor Lake beckons families who are yearning for a fun resort with an assortment of diversions.
Sports-loving guests will have a blast at the resort’s basketball court and table tennis facility.
Kids will definitely enjoy the pirate-themed program as well as mini-golf course.
And best of all, the resort offers movie nights, poolside games, karaoke and whirlpool to relax in.
Expert Tip
We recommend the resort’s 2-bedroom villa with a balcony.
With 2 bedrooms and a living room, the villa has plenty of room even for a family of 8.
Likewise, it’s fitted with a full kitchen, meaning you can cook your meals here and save money on food.
10. Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 503-3000
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Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a wonderland suited for all age groups
Who Should Stay Here
This resort offers a variety of entertaining and relaxing amenities for the whole crew.
Moms and dads can likewise relax at the poolside cabanas, sauna, golf course and jacuzzi.
And, kids will definitely have a splashing adventure at the Royal Bali Sea Interactive water play area.
On top of it all, the resort provides exclusive Universal Orlando theme park benefits to its guests.
You’ll even have early admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Expert Tip
Traveling with an infant?
You may request a cot for free at the front desk for your little one.
Likewise, the resort offers babysitting services for parents who need a little break from their never-ending duties.
11. Reunion Resort
7593 Gathering Dr
Kissimmee, FL 34747
(833) 258-0472
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From twisting waterslides to a water playground, there’s something for everyone in your tribe at the resort’s 5-acre water park.
Who Should Stay Here
If your idea of a perfect vacation includes water adventures and golf, then this resort is the right one for you.
The resort features a super golf course, an exciting kid’s water park and over 10 outdoor pools.
As a bonus, it has a fitness center, a tennis court and an on-site spa.
Expert Tip
We recommend Deluxe 1-bedroom villa for any average-sized family.
With an extra large double bed and a sofa bed, it can comfortably fit in 4 adults and 3 children.
If, however, you’re planning a family reunion in Orlando, you should book the resort’s 4-bedroom house.
This option can accommodate a maximum of 10 adults and 4 children.
Vacationer’s Guide
Comparing Hotels: Which One Is Right For You?
Evaluating the pros and cons of your hotel options will help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offers a luxurious resort experience, but be wary of the extra costs for add-ons.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa features multiple pools and a superb golf course.
However, it’s notably the most expensive among all the other options.
Flamingo Waterpark Resort is your best choice for an affordable, family-friendly option.
But despite those benefits, the resort needs maintenance based on observation.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is an option that families with young kids will enjoy.
How I Picked The Hotels
Florida is one of the destinations I’ve visited the most over the course of my travel journey.
I can’t count the number of hotels I’ve stayed at in the state on the fingers of one hand.
The hotels I’ve reviewed in this article were selected based on my personal experience and feedback from fellow guests in each location.
Our Rating Method
I rate these hotels based on the following criteria:
- Family-Friendliness: I use this to evaluate the family-friendliness of every hotel. Does it offer other family-oriented activities and amenities? Are there kid-friendly dining options? These are the questions I ask myself when rating family friendliness.
- Waterpark Features: This is used to assess the establishment’s waterpark features. Is the waterpark fun, engaging, and exciting? Are there fun water features like slides, wave pools, or lazy rivers? Is there a splash area? I use these questions when rating the waterpark features.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This evaluates the cleanliness and safety of every property. Does the staff do regular cleaning and maintenance? Are the water features in tip-top condition? Are there lifeguards stationed at the pool? I ask myself these questions when I evaluate this criterion.
- Accommodations: I use this criterion to rate the quality of accommodations of the property. Are the rooms comfortable and spacious? Are there enough amenities to make my stay comfortable and convenient? Is the room well-maintained and clean? I consider these factors when evaluating accommodations.
- Dining Options: This assesses the hotel’s dining choices. Are there kid-friendly menus or buffet-style dining? Does it have an on-site restaurant that can accommodate different dietary preferences and needs? How’s the food quality? I ask myself these questions when assessing dining options.
- Location: I use this criterion to rate the accessibility of the hotel. How far is it from the popular family attractions? Is it easily accessible via public transportation? How far is it from the airport and public transportation? I use these questions when evaluating the property’s location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Discounts Or Special Packages Available For Families Staying At Waterpark Hotels In Orlando?
Yes, many waterpark hotels in Orlando offer discounts and special packages specifically designed for families, including discounted room rates, free waterpark access, and more.
Which Orlando Waterpark Is Best For Adults?
The best Orlando waterparks for adults include Flamingo Waterpark Resort and Orlando World Center Marriott.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the best waterpark hotels in Florida each have unique features that cater to different preferences.
My family enjoyed different amenities at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa.
The kids had fun on the water slides and swimming in the large pool while my wife raved about her spa experience.
We went on a quick getaway at Flamingo Waterpark Resort and had a surprisingly fun waterpark experience.
For a budget price, it had everything we needed, including a lazy river, slides, and a kid’s splash pad.
For my LEGO-loving kids, the clear winner was the LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
But overall, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offered the perfect waterpark hotel getaway.
We had a day of fun at Cypress Springs Water Park, from the multi-level water playground to the FlowRider simulation.
Editor’s Choice
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Palms is a family-friendly destination that will absolutely enthrall all age groups.
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