Let’s be real. If you’re looking at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, you’re probably drowning in a sea of browser tabs. You’ve seen the glossy photos of the Surfari Water Park and those massive suites that look like real apartments. But you’re also wondering if it’s too far from Disney or if the "resort fee" is just a polite way of saying "we're taking more of your money."
I get it. Orlando is exhausting before you even land at MCO.
The Grove is weird, but in a good way. It isn't a cramped hotel room where you’re tripping over suitcases and smelling your kid's sneakers. It’s a massive sprawling complex located on Lake Austin, about six miles from the Walt Disney World Western Way entrance. Honestly, calling it a hotel is a bit of a lie; it’s a residential-style resort. That distinction matters more than you think.
The Reality of Staying at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
Most people book this place because they want space. If you’ve ever tried to cram a family of five into a standard room at a Disney Value Resort, you know the specific kind of hell I’m talking about. At The Grove, the "entry-level" is a one-bedroom suite, but the two and three-bedroom condos are the real draw. We’re talking full kitchens. Full-sized washers and dryers. Screened-in balconies where you can actually sit without being eaten alive by Florida’s state bird (the mosquito).
The kitchen is a game changer for the budget. You can hit the Publix or Target nearby, stock up on eggs and bread, and suddenly you aren't spending $80 on a mediocre breakfast at a theme park. It saves a fortune.
Location vs. Logistics
Here is the catch. It’s in Winter Garden. While it’s "close" to Disney, Orlando traffic is a beast that doesn't sleep. If you're heading to Magic Kingdom, you aren't just driving six miles; you're navigating the 429 and the Disney World perimeter. It takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on the time of day. If you’re heading to Universal Studios or SeaWorld, double that.
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You’ve got to decide: is the extra 20 minutes of driving worth having a 1,200-square-foot suite? For most parents, the answer is a resounding yes.
The Water Park Situation: Surfari and Beyond
The The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando centers its entire personality around the Surfari Water Park. It’s included in your resort fee, so you might as well use it. It isn't Blizzard Beach, but it’s significantly better than your average hotel pool.
There are two pretty big water slides, a lazy river that actually moves (mostly), and a FlowRider double surf simulator. The FlowRider usually costs extra. Keep that in mind. The kids love it, but if you’re looking to save every penny, prepare to tell them "no" while they watch other kids wipe out on the artificial waves.
The pool area can get loud. If you want peace, head over to the Springs Pools. It’s more "adult-ish" without the screaming from the slides. Also, Lake Austin is right there. You can rent swan paddle boats or go fishing. It’s one of the few places in Orlando that actually feels like Florida nature instead of a concrete jungle.
The Food Hookup
Dining on-site is... fine. Valencia is the main sit-down spot. It’s decent. The Longboard Bar & Grill at the water park serves the kind of tacos and burgers you’d expect. Is it world-class? No. Is it convenient when your kids refuse to leave the water? Absolutely.
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Alfresco Market is the "hub." It’s a deli, coffee shop, and grocery store hybrid. It’s where you’ll get your morning caffeine fix. Just be prepared for "resort pricing" on the snacks.
What Most People Get Wrong About The Fees
Let’s talk about the money. People get grumpy about the daily resort fee and the parking fee. It’s a trend in Orlando that I personally find annoying, but it’s the standard now. At The Grove, the resort fee covers the water park access, the shuttle to Disney, and the Wi-Fi.
The shuttle is a point of contention. It runs on a schedule. It’s not a continuous loop like the Disney monorail. You have to book your spot in advance. If you miss it, you’re calling an Uber. If you have a large family, the Uber XL back and forth can add up fast. Honestly, if you stay here, just rent a car or budget for ride-shares. Don't rely solely on the shuttle if you want to be at the gates for rope drop.
The Comparison: The Grove vs. On-Property Disney
Why choose this over a Disney-owned hotel?
- Space per dollar. You get a palace here for the price of a shoebox at a Disney Deluxe resort.
- Quiet. You’re away from the "Disney Bubble." Sometimes you need to escape the mouse.
- Amenities. Having a kitchen and laundry means you can pack lighter and eat healthier.
The downside? You don't get the Early Theme Park Entry that Disney guests get. You don't get the "free" Disney transportation. You're an outsider. For many, the trade-off of a good night's sleep in a real bed in a separate bedroom is worth missing 30 minutes of park time.
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Maintenance and Service
Is it perfect? No. It’s a massive resort. During peak season—think Spring Break or Christmas—the elevators can be slow. The check-in line can be long. Because these units are essentially condos, the "vibe" is more like an upscale apartment complex than a boutique hotel.
I've heard some folks complain about the walk from their room to the water park. The resort is spread out. If you’re in Building 4, you’re going to get your steps in. If you have mobility issues, make sure to request a room closer to the main lobby or the elevators.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger on a booking at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando, do these three things to avoid a headache:
- Order Groceries Ahead: Use an app like Instacart or Shipt. Have the groceries delivered to the lobby right as you arrive. This saves you from spending your first vacation hour at the store and ensures your fridge is full of drinks and snacks immediately.
- Request a High Floor with a Lake View: If you’re lucky, you can see the Disney fireworks in the distance from the higher floors. Even if you can't see the sparks, the lake view is significantly quieter than the pool view.
- Book the FlowRider Early: If your kids have their hearts set on surfing, check the schedule the moment you drop your bags. Slots fill up, especially on weekends.
The Grove works best for "middle-of-the-road" travelers. You aren't roughing it in a budget motel on International Drive, but you aren't dropping $900 a night at the Grand Floridian. It’s the sweet spot for families who want to maintain their sanity and some semblance of a home routine while doing the Orlando theme park gauntlet.
Check the calendar for the "off-peak" times. Mid-September or early February (excluding holiday weekends) can see prices drop significantly, making the value proposition almost unbeatable in the Orlando market.
Pack some extra laundry pods—the resort usually only gives you one or two—and enjoy having a living room. You'll thank yourself when the kids are asleep in their own room and you’re watching TV with a glass of wine instead of sitting in the dark in a cramped hotel room.