Orlando isn't exactly short on places to sleep. You have the massive Disney-owned monoliths, the high-rise hotels on International Drive, and those weirdly themed motels that look like they haven't been updated since the mid-nineties. But then there’s The Grove Resort and Water Park. It occupies this strange, specific niche in Winter Garden—just far enough from the Magic Kingdom to feel like you aren't being swallowed by a mouse, but close enough that you can see the fireworks if your balcony faces the right way.
Honestly, most people book this place because they see "water park" and "suites" in the same sentence and think it’s a budget-friendly loophole. It sort of is. But there is a lot of nuance to staying here that the glossy brochures don't mention.
The Grove isn't a hotel. It’s a massive residential-style resort. Think 106 acres of Florida wetlands and Lake Austin views.
Why the Location of The Grove Resort and Water Park Changes Everything
Location is usually the first thing people mess up when booking an Orlando trip. They see "Orlando area" and assume everything is a ten-minute Uber away. The Grove is located on Avalon Road in Winter Garden. This is roughly six miles from the western entrance of Walt Disney World.
Six miles sounds like nothing. In Orlando traffic? That can be twenty minutes or forty depending on if a tourist in a rented minivan misses their turn on Western Way. You’re tucked away from the main tourist drag of 192 and I-Drive.
This isolation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’re not dealing with the neon-soaked chaos of the Kissimmee strip. It’s quiet. You actually hear crickets at night instead of sirens. On the other hand, if you realize at 10:00 PM that you forgot milk for the kids, you aren't just walking across the street to a CVS. You’re getting in the car.
The Condo-Style Reality
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the sheer scale of the rooms. Most Orlando hotels give you two queen beds and a bathroom where you can barely shut the door without hitting your knees. At The Grove Resort and Water Park, you’re getting one, two, or three-bedroom suites. These are basically full-sized apartments.
You get a kitchen. A real one. Stainless steel appliances, a full-sized fridge, and a dishwasher. For a family of six, this is the difference between a "vacation" and a "survival exercise." Being able to cook breakfast before hitting the parks saves a fortune, especially when a mediocre breakfast inside a theme park costs more than a decent steak elsewhere.
The living rooms have enough space to actually move. You have a screened-in balcony (a "lanai" in Florida-speak), which is essential because the mosquitoes in Central Florida are essentially small birds.
Surfari Water Park: The Main Event
Let’s be real. Nobody stays here for the lobby decor. They stay for Surfari.
The water park is included in your resort fee, which is a detail people often overlook when comparing prices. If you go to a standalone water park like Volcano Bay or Typhoon Lagoon, you’re dropping hundreds just to get through the gate. Here, it’s out your back door.
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The FlowRider Factor
There’s a dual-sided FlowRider surfing simulator. It’s usually the focal point. Kids love it; adults usually end up with a bruised ego and a face full of chlorinated water. There is often an extra charge for the FlowRider specifically, so don't assume that part is "free" just because the slides are.
The slides themselves are decent. They aren't going to rival the 120-foot drops at specialized parks, but for a 7-year-old or a teenager who just wants to kill three hours while the parents drink a Mai Tai, they’re perfect.
- There are two large slides.
- A winding lazy river that actually moves (some lazy rivers are just stagnant ponds; this one has a bit of a current).
- A zero-entry pool for the toddlers.
One thing that gets "kinda" annoying? The chairs. If you aren't there by 10:30 AM on a Saturday in July, you’re going to be wandering around like a lost soul looking for a place to put your towel. The resort is big, and when it’s at full capacity, the pool deck feels it.
The Lake Austin Side of Things
While everyone is screaming on the water slides, there’s this whole other side of the property that’s actually pretty peaceful. The resort sits on Lake Austin.
They have a pier. You can rent swan paddle boats. You can go fishing. It’s one of the few places in the Disney orbit where you can actually feel like you’re in Florida nature rather than a concrete jungle.
Is the Food Any Good?
This is where things get hit or miss. Valencia Restaurant is the main sit-down spot. It’s fine. It’s "resort food." You’ll get a solid burger or a decent pasta dish, but you aren't going to be writing home about the culinary innovation.
Longboard Bar & Grill at the water park is where most people end up eating. It’s convenient. You can eat a taco while dripping wet. Just be prepared for "resort pricing." A family of four can easily spend $80 on a lunch that consists mostly of fries and chicken tenders.
Pro tip: Use that kitchen in your suite. There’s a Publix (Florida’s holy grail of grocery stores) just a few miles away. Stock up.
The Logistics Most People Forget
Parking isn't free. This is the "gotcha" that irritates people the most. You’re already paying a resort fee, and then you see the daily parking charge on your bill. It’s a common practice in Orlando now, but it still stings.
Then there’s the shuttle. The resort offers a shuttle to Disney. Great, right?
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Well, sort of. It’s a scheduled shuttle. You have to book it in advance. It doesn't run every fifteen minutes like the Disney monorail. If you miss your window, you’re calling a Lyft. If you have a large family, sometimes the Lyft XL costs more than the gas you’d use driving yourself.
Service and Maintenance
Because this is a massive operation with hundreds of units, the service can feel a bit impersonal. You aren't at a boutique hotel where the concierge knows your name. It’s a high-volume machine.
Sometimes the elevators are slow. Sometimes the walk from your room in Building 4 to the water park feels like a marathon. If you have mobility issues, make sure you request a room close to the main amenities, or be prepared to get your steps in.
Comparing The Grove to Disney-Owned Resorts
If you stay at a Disney Value Resort like Pop Century, you get the "bubble." You get the Skyliner. You get early entry to the parks.
But you’re sleeping in a room that feels like a shoebox.
At The Grove Resort and Water Park, you lose the Disney transportation perks, but you gain a laundry machine. Having an in-room washer and dryer is the ultimate "dad perk." You can pack half the clothes and go home with a suitcase full of clean laundry instead of a bag of swampy, humid theme-park shirts.
Who is this actually for?
It’s for the family that wants a "vacation from their vacation." If your plan is to be at the Magic Kingdom from 7:00 AM until the fireworks every single day, you’re wasting your money here. You won't use the amenities.
If your plan is to do two days at the parks and three days chilling by the pool while the kids run wild, this is probably one of the best values in the area.
Common Misconceptions About The Grove
"It's basically a Disney hotel."
Nope. It’s an independent resort. No MagicBand charging, no Disney dining plan.
"The water park is a separate ticket."
Usually, no. Access to Surfari is included for registered guests. However, things like the FlowRider or private cabanas have their own price tags.
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"It's right next to the parks."
It’s close "as the crow flies," but the entrance is off a secondary road. You’ll be driving through some construction and wooded areas to get there.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger and book a stay, here is how you do it without losing your mind or your savings account.
1. Don't buy the "Park View" unless you really care.
Yes, you can see the fireworks. But you’re seeing them from several miles away. They’re small. Save the money and get a lake view or a pool view instead.
2. Hit Publix on the way in.
Don't wait until you’re settled and hungry. Stop at the Publix at Summer Bay or Berry Town Center before you check-in. Get water, snacks, and breakfast stuff. The "on-site" market (The Alfresco Market) is okay for a quick coffee, but the prices are exactly what you’d expect from a captive-audience gift shop.
3. The "Hidden" Escape.
If the main pool is too loud—and it will be loud—head over to the Springs Pools. They are much quieter, tucked between the buildings, and usually have way more available chairs. It’s where the adults go when they can’t handle one more "Cannonball!" shout.
4. Check the Resort Fee.
Always look at the "total" price on sites like Expedia or Booking.com. The base rate might look like $180, but after the resort fee and taxes, you’re closer to $250. Be honest with your budget.
5. Mid-Week is King.
The Grove gets slammed on weekends with Florida locals who drive over from Tampa or Orlando for a "staycation." If you can swing a Tuesday–Thursday stay, the water park is a ghost town and you’ll actually get a turn on the slides without a 30-minute wait.
The reality is that The Grove Resort and Water Park isn't perfect. It’s a big, sprawling complex that can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. But for the price of a standard room at a mid-tier Disney hotel, you’re getting a whole apartment and a private water park. In the world of Orlando tourism, that’s about as close to a "fair deal" as you’re going to find.
Just make sure you bring your own sunscreen. It’s twelve bucks a bottle in the gift shop.
Next Steps for Your Trip Planning:
- Check your travel dates against the Florida school calendar; if kids are out of school, Surfari Water Park will be at maximum capacity.
- Verify the current daily parking and resort fee rates directly on the resort's official website, as these are subject to change without notice in the 2026 season.
- If you’re traveling with a group larger than six, call the resort directly to confirm the bedding configuration of the three-bedroom suites, as some vary between kings, queens, and sleeper sofas.