We recently decided to check out The Grove Resort & Water Park in Orlando for a quick family getaway and we were not disappointed. It's a fairly new resort (about two years old) and so the property was very clean, well-kept and staffed by super friendly employees. It is located in what feels like the middle of nowhere but is only 6 miles from Walt Disney World. If you're looking for condo-style accommodations, a large property and a ton of things to do at less than half the price of Disney resorts, then you definitely want to give this one a try.
Surfari Water Park
The Surfari Water Park was the main reason our kids were excited to visit this resort! The park features a FlowRider® Double surf simulator, dual water slides, a lazy river, kids’ activities pool and a zero-entry pool. Entry to Surfari Water Park is complimentary to registered guests of the resort. It was the perfect setup for us moms to enjoy lounging poolside while easily keeping track of our kids as they enjoyed each activity. Granted, we visited when the resort was at only 15% capacity so it was practically empty at the water park. We heard that weekends can be crazy busy so definitely consider a weekday getaway if you can. The surf simulator was a highlight for the kids and is only $30 per child. The lazy river was fun but not very relaxing! It's one of those that has spray in your face features and several waterfalls you go under. Our kids LOVED this area! The toddler water park area was perfect too. Plenty of umbrellas and chairs and tables to go around. We spent about 8 hours each day in just this area!
We found quite a few videos on YouTube exploring the various slides and such too before we booked.
Longboard Bar & Grill is located here and we enjoyed lunch and drinks each day with poolside service. They had excellent barbecue and I highly recommend the turkey avocado bacon wrap. The servers and bartenders were excellent and the manager was even visiting with guests to discuss their experiences. Impressive customer service overall.
The Springs Pools
The Springs Pools area of the resort features three full-sized pools, an over-sized hot tub, children's splash area and private cabanas. The Springs Bar & Grill is located nearby. A perk of this pool areas is the offering of poolside spa treatments from Escape Spa. We did not try out the Spa during our stay but the menu of services looked impressive and they even offered in-room treatments.
Family Activities
The entire resort borders Lake Austin so there are views of the water as you walk around. There is a large pier on the lake and you can kayak, fish, rent swan and paddle boats or take a guided pontoon boat tour.
Flip Flops Family Fun Center was definitely a hit with the kids! My 13 year old said it was "epic" because of the variety of video games and arcade games offered. We spent a rainy morning playing indoor glow in the dark mini golf here and it was fun!
The resort offers free shuttle service to all WDW parks which I thought was a huge plus. They also have a jogging path and fitness center but I did not explore those during my stay.
Accommodations
We stayed in a three bedroom / three bathroom suite with a full kitchen and balcony and it was perfect for the eight of us. The master suite is huge and the other two bedrooms were spacious with nice bathrooms. A washer and dryer were in the unit and a pull out couch. My son said the couch was all springs and not comfy FYI. The balcony is screened which was nice for safety and for keeping mosquitoes away. Rooms feature views of the lake, garden terraces or the pools. Room service is offered and the lobby features a market where we purchased gourmet coffee and pastries and ice cream each day.
Keep in mind this resort is HUGE so you will be walking a lot during your stay. I would recommend requesting a unit close to Surfari Water Park to minimize the whining each day! I did love how they have a parking garage so you could easily unload right on the same floor as your unit and not be in the weather.
Food
We tried Valencia restaurant for dinner one night and it was not very good. However, I think this was due to the recent COVID-19 shutdown and the fact it was short staffed. One of the families we were visiting with said it was an excellent restaurant last year when they visited. We opted to have Flipper's pizza delivered to our room the next night! Breakfast in the lobby market was ok - not super fresh pastries but great coffee. Lunch by the pools was excellent every day. Since you have a full-size kitchen it is easy to bring breakfast and lunch foods and take with you around the resort. The pools said no coolers or outside drinks allowed. I brought my own Yeti and did not encounter any problems though.
Right now the resort is offering specials to kick-start summer so make sure you check them out! Overall, we highly recommend this resort for a very affordable, clean and fun getaway!
