I’m putting together a family trip plan for Orlando in 2026, and I’ve been looking into resorts that offer a lot for families. One place that seems to have a great mix of fun and relaxation is The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando. It’s located just a short drive from the main theme parks, making it a convenient base for exploring.
Resort Overview and Amenities
The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando feels fresh and modern. It was originally built years ago but was fully renovated and reopened by new owners. The resort sits on a large piece of land, about 106 acres, right next to Lake Austin. It’s designed to feel lively and welcoming, especially for families on vacation.
When I look at resorts, I always check what’s available right on the property. The Grove has a lot to offer within easy reach. The big draw is the Surfari Water Park. It has exciting slides, a lazy river that sounds perfect for floating and relaxing, and even a surf simulator for those who want to try something new. For younger kids, there’s a special splash pool.
Beyond the water park, there are other things to do. I’ve found that having different dining options on-site makes meal times much easier, especially with kids. The Grove has several restaurants and a market that sells snacks and coffee. For parents looking for a break, there’s a spa with a full menu of treatments. They also have an arcade and a mini-golf course with a glow-in-the-dark theme, which sounds like fun for everyone.
The resort’s location is another big plus. It’s about six miles from Walt Disney World and not too far from downtown Orlando. They offer transportation to the major theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. This is really helpful as it saves you the hassle of figuring out parking or driving yourself after a long day at the parks. It’s also close to Winter Garden, a nice town with a historic downtown and a popular farmers market.
Accommodation Details
I always think about space when traveling with family. The Grove offers spacious suites, which is a big comfort. They have two-bedroom and three-bedroom options. All of them come with a balcony that has a nice view. I’ve been looking at the three-bedroom suites, which have three bathrooms and are quite large, around 1,544 square feet. These suites typically include a living room with a pull-out sofa, a dining area, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer. Having a kitchen is incredibly useful for preparing simple meals or snacks, and the washer and dryer can be a lifesaver for keeping swimsuits dry or managing laundry on longer trips.
The master bedroom sounds particularly comfortable, with a king-sized bed and a separate seating area. I also noticed the bathrooms are described as spacious and well-equipped, sometimes even with a soaking tub. For families, little touches can make a big difference. I read that some suites receive complimentary snacks and stuffed animals for the kids upon arrival, which is a thoughtful gesture. Also, the availability of blackout shades on the windows is a great feature for helping everyone sleep a little later, especially after early mornings at the theme parks.
When considering where to stay within the resort, I’ve noted that requesting a suite near the water park can be very convenient. The idea of being able to go directly from your room to the water park in just a few minutes sounds ideal for maximizing fun time and minimizing travel within the resort. The resort also provides complimentary towels at the pools and water park, which means you can pack a bit lighter.
Water Park Experience
The Surfari Water Park sounds like the main attraction for a water-themed vacation. I’ve been researching the different areas to understand what’s available for my family. The park features a lazy river, which is always a hit for a relaxing float, and there are two main water slides for those looking for more excitement. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated splash pool with gentle water features.
I’ve also seen mentions of the FlowRider double surf simulator. While I’m not sure my kids are ready to tackle that yet, it sounds like an exciting spectacle to watch. I like that the resort has DJs playing music in the afternoons to keep the atmosphere lively and fun during pool time. For families who plan to spend most of their day at the water park, renting a poolside cabana might be a worthwhile option. These typically come with shaded seating, reserved lounge chairs, a cooler with ice, and even a TV. Some cabanas even have safes, which could be useful for securing phones or other valuables while you’re in the water.
Beyond the main water park, The Grove also has separate pool areas called The Springs Pools. These are heated swimming pools, and there’s a hot tub. I’ve noticed that one of these pools often has a kids’ splash feature and can become shaded in the afternoon, providing a good option for younger children to play comfortably out of direct sun. This is a great detail to consider if you have very young children.
For families who enjoy water activities beyond swimming pools, the resort has access to Lake Austin. There are options for guided pontoon tours, paddle boats, kayaks, and even fishing. The idea of being able to enjoy nature and watch wildlife right from the resort is appealing. I’m trying to plan activities that offer a different pace from the theme parks, and these lake activities could be a nice addition.
Planning Your Water Park Visit
To make the most of the water activities, I’ve been thinking about the best approach. Going early in the day is usually a good strategy to avoid the biggest crowds. Having suites close to the water park makes spontaneous visits easy. It means packing just a towel and sunscreen and heading over in minutes. The cabanas, while an extra cost, could offer a good base for families, providing a comfortable and shaded spot to regroup throughout the day.
I’m also considering the different age groups in my family. My daughter Sofia, at 13, will likely want to try the bigger slides, while my younger daughter Emma, at 6, will enjoy the splash pools and lazy river. It’s good to know that the resort seems to cater to a range of ages and interests within its water park offerings.
On-Site Activities and Entertainment
Beyond the water activities, I’m looking for resorts that offer a variety of things to do on the property to keep everyone entertained, especially during downtime or on days when you don’t want to venture far. The Grove Resort presents several options in this regard.
I’ve found that a Kids Activity Center can be a real bonus. These centers often have scheduled activities designed for children, which can be a great way for them to socialize and engage in different crafts or games. I’ve seen mentions of a Build-A-Buddy Workshop, where kids can create their own stuffed animals. This sounds like a fun, creative activity that results in a souvenir they can cherish.
The arcade, named Flip Flop’s Family Fun Center, is another spot that usually appeals to children (and perhaps some adults too!). Playing arcade games and the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities. Winning prizes from the arcade games is usually a highlight for kids.
For active adults, I’ve noted the presence of a one-mile jogging path around the resort and a 24-hour fitness center. These amenities are good to have if you like to maintain a fitness routine while on vacation. The Escape Spa offers a more serene experience for adults, with services like massages and facials, a sauna, and relaxation lounges.
I also like that the resort is laid out in a way that encourages exploration. The mention of walking paths, palm trees, and white sand areas suggests that it’s pleasant to simply stroll around the grounds. Sometimes, just discovering unexpected things, like a wildlife presentation or a fishing tournament happening on the dock, can be as enjoyable as planned activities.
Family-Friendly Fun
When I plan, I always think about my children’s interests. Emma, who is six, would likely love the Kids Activity Center and the splash areas in the pools. Sofia, who is thirteen, might enjoy the arcade and the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf. Having these different options means that both of them can have activities they look forward to. It also gives me ideas for how to structure our days to suit everyone’s preferences.
I’ve also noticed that the resort has a gift shop filled with fashion items. While I need to be mindful of my budget, it’s good to know there are options for souvenirs or perhaps some new beachwear if needed.
Dining Options at the Resort
Finding good and convenient dining is a key part of any family trip planning. I’ve been looking at what The Grove Resort offers in terms of food and beverages. It seems they have a few different choices, which is great for variety.
There are three main restaurants on the property, plus a market that functions as a bakery and coffee bar, and also sells grocery items and quick bites. This variety means you can choose between a more sit-down dining experience or something quick and casual.
Valencia Restaurant is described as an upscale dining option, but importantly, it’s still noted as being family-friendly. I’ve been looking at their menu, and they serve dishes like grilled salmon and blackened mahi-mahi tacos. They also have appetizers like calamari. For drinks, they have signature cocktails, like a pineapple mule, which sounds refreshing. This would be a good choice for a nice dinner out.
For more casual dining, the Longboard Bar and Grill is located at the Surfari Water Park. This is convenient if you’re spending the day at the water park and want to grab a meal without leaving the area. They serve items like pork nachos and Cuban sandwiches, along with smoothies and other drinks. Having this direct access to food and drinks while at the water park is a definite plus.
The Springs Bar and Grill offers an outdoor dining experience, and I’ve seen that they sometimes have live acoustic music, which can create a pleasant atmosphere. This sounds like a good spot for a relaxed meal, perhaps during the day or early evening. The food prepared here is mentioned as coming from the adjacent Valencia kitchen, which suggests a certain quality.
The Alfresco Market is presented as a versatile spot. You can get your morning coffee there, but it also offers baked goods, like cinnamon rolls, and grab-and-go items for quick meals. I’ve seen that it’s possible to buy staples like eggs and fruit here, which can be useful if your suite has a kitchen. I also noticed that you can order takeout pizzas from the market, which is a perfect, easy option for a relaxed night in the suite after a busy day.
Making Mealtime Easy
When traveling, especially with children, keeping meal times simple and enjoyable is a priority for me. The combination of an upscale restaurant, casual poolside options, and a market for quick bites and essentials seems to cover a lot of bases. For our family, I imagine we might use the market for breakfast and perhaps some lunches, enjoy the casual spots for poolside snacks, and maybe have one or two dinners at Valencia for a slightly more special occasion.
Having a full kitchen in the suite is also a game-changer. It means we can prepare simple breakfasts, pack lunches for theme park days, or have easy dinners without needing to go to a restaurant every time. The availability of grocery items at Alfresco Market supports this approach. Planning for meals can reduce stress and also help manage the overall cost of the trip.
Getting To and Around the Resort
I always consider how easy it will be to get to the destination and then to get around once I’m there. The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando is located on the southwestern side of the greater Orlando area. This positioning is convenient for accessing the major theme parks.
For those flying in, the resort is about a 35-minute drive from Orlando International Airport (MCO). This is a fairly standard transfer time for many Orlando resorts. The resort also offers covered garage parking, which is helpful if you are driving your own vehicle or renting one.
If you’re coming from South Florida, the drive is manageable. And with the new Brightline passenger train service now running to Orlando, it’s worth noting that the resort is also about a 35-minute drive or bus ride from the Orlando Brightline station. This offers another travel option depending on where you’re coming from.
While the resort itself is designed with walkable amenities, so you don’t need to leave for everything, you will likely want to venture out to the theme parks or perhaps explore nearby towns like Winter Garden. The resort’s shuttle service to the region’s theme parks is a significant convenience. It means you don’t have to worry about navigating Orlando traffic or paying for theme park parking. This can save time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the parks.
Planning for transportation is crucial for a smooth trip. Knowing that there are options to get to the resort from the airport and that the resort provides transportation to the major attractions simplifies the logistics considerably. For visitors looking for more information on navigating the area, you can often find details on transportation options within the Orlando travel guide.
Making Travel Simple
My approach to travel is to look for ways to make things as easy as possible, particularly when traveling with children. The shuttle service offered by The Grove is a key factor in this. It simplifies the process of visiting places like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, which can otherwise involve a lot of planning around driving and parking.
For families, it’s often about maximizing the fun and minimizing the hassle. Knowing that the resort is well-connected and offers these services helps me feel more confident in planning a trip where the focus stays on enjoying the experience rather than getting bogged down in travel logistics. It’s also good to remember that details about shuttle schedules and availability should always be checked directly with the resort closer to your travel dates, as these can sometimes change.
Considering the resort’s proximity to Interstate 4 and nearby State Roads also means that if you do decide to rent a car for some days, exploring other attractions or dining outside the resort area is also quite feasible. However, for core theme park visits, relying on the resort’s transport seems like a sensible choice.
Why This Resort is a Great Family Choice
When I research family-friendly destinations, I look for places that offer a good balance of activities, comfort, and convenience. The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando seems to hit many of these points, making it a strong contender for a family vacation in Orlando in 2026.
The extensive amenities, especially the impressive Surfari Water Park, provide built-in entertainment that can occupy days. The spacious suites with full kitchens and laundry facilities offer the comforts of home, which is invaluable when traveling with children. For us, having Emma and Sofia feel comfortable and have space to play quietly in the suite is as important as the activities outside of it.
The resort’s location, a short distance from major theme parks, is also a significant advantage. Coupled with the provided transportation to these parks, it streamlines the planning of classic Orlando experiences. This means less time spent on travel logistics and more time enjoying attractions like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando.
The variety of dining options, from casual poolside service to more refined family-friendly restaurants and the convenience of the market, means that meal planning can be flexible and stress-free. My experience when planning for Sofia and Emma is that having options reduces picky-eater stress and offers flexibility for different moods and energy levels throughout the day.
Overall, I find The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando to be a well-rounded choice for families looking for a comprehensive vacation experience. It provides a relaxing base with plenty of on-site entertainment, alongside easy access to the wider Orlando attractions. If you’re planning a trip for 2026, this resort appears to offer a lot of appeal for creating lasting family memories.
