Honestly, the Orlando hotel market is a mess of over-promising and under-delivering. You’ve seen the photos. They show these sprawling, sparkling blue pools and pristine suites, but then you show up and it’s a tired 1990s motel with a fresh coat of beige paint and a "water feature" that’s basically a leaky hose. The Grove Resort and Water Park is different. It’s one of those rare spots that actually manages to feel like a residential escape while being about ten minutes away from the chaos of Walt Disney World’s western gate.
Most people heading to Central Florida assume they have two choices: stay on-site at a Disney or Universal property and pay the "mouse tax," or stay in a cramped budget hotel on International Drive. The Grove exists in this weirdly perfect middle ground. It’s a massive 106-acre sanctuary sitting on Lake Austin. It isn't just a hotel; it’s a collection of massive suites that feel more like high-end condos than resort rooms.
The Surfari Water Park Factor
Let's get real. If you’re looking at The Grove Resort and Water Park, you’re looking because of Surfari.
It's the heart of the property. While most "resort pools" are just a place to get wet, this is a legitimate water park that would usually cost you $50 a head elsewhere. They’ve got these two pretty intense two-story water slides, a winding lazy river that actually has a decent current, and a dual-rider surf simulator called the FlowRider.
The FlowRider is usually the big draw for teenagers who are "too cool" for Mickey Mouse. It’s tricky. You will fall. You will probably lose your dignity for a second in front of a crowd of strangers, but it’s addicting. Just keep in mind that the FlowRider usually requires an extra fee and a waiver, so it’s not just a "hop on and go" situation.
What I actually like about the setup here is the layout. The zero-entry pool is massive. If you have toddlers, you know the stress of a deep-end drop-off. Here, they can just splash in the shallows while you stay within arm's reach. It’s loud, though. Don’t expect a silent zen retreat near the slides. If you want quiet, you head over to the Springs Pools, which are tucked away from the water park madness.
Living in a Suite vs. Living in a Hotel Room
The "resort" part of the name matters because of the room configurations. We’re talking one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites.
Standard hotel rooms in Orlando are roughly 300 to 400 square feet. At The Grove Resort and Water Park, even the "small" suites are over 1,000 square feet. You get a full kitchen. Not a "kitchenette" with a microwave and a mini-fridge that barely holds a carton of milk. A real kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a full-sized dishwasher.
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Why does this matter? Because eating out in Orlando is expensive.
If you’re a family of five, breakfast at a park can easily run you $80. Being able to scramble some eggs and make coffee in your pajamas before heading to the parks is a game-changer for the budget. Plus, there’s a washer and dryer in every suite. If you’ve ever flown home with a suitcase full of damp, sweaty theme park clothes, you know that having an in-room laundry unit is basically a luxury amenity.
The screened-in balconies are another win. Florida bugs are no joke. The "lanai" style balcony lets you sit outside at 10:00 PM and listen to the distant fireworks without being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
The Lake Austin Connection
People forget that The Grove is on a lake. A big one.
Lake Austin is part of the property, and it offers a vibe that is completely opposite to the chlorine and screams of the water park. You can rent swan paddle boats or go fishing. It’s surprisingly quiet back there. There's a long pier that sticks out into the water, and it’s probably the best place on the property to just breathe.
What You Need to Know About the Food
Dining at a resort is always a gamble. At The Grove, you have a few main options:
- Valencia Restaurant: This is your sit-down, "nice" spot. It’s good for breakfast, but it can get slammed around 9:00 AM when everyone is trying to fuel up before the shuttles leave.
- The Longboard Bar & Grill: Located right at the water park. It’s exactly what you’d expect—burgers, tacos, and overpriced but necessary cocktails. The "Grove Sunset" drink is a cliché, but it works.
- Alfresco Market: This is the secret weapon. It’s a grab-and-go deli/grocery store. If you forgot milk or want a decent sandwich to throw in your backpack for the parks, this is where you go.
Is the food world-class? No. It’s "resort good." It’s convenient. But because you have a full kitchen, the smartest move is often to hit the nearby Publix or Target and stock up on the basics.
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The Logistics of Being "Close" to Disney
Let’s talk about the shuttle. The Grove Resort and Water Park offers a free shuttle to Disney’s Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).
Here is the truth: Shuttles are a blessing and a curse. They run on a schedule. If you miss the 8:15 AM bus, you might be waiting a while for the next one. Also, the TTC isn't the front gate of the Magic Kingdom; you still have to take the monorail or ferry from there.
If you want total control, just use Uber or Lyft. Because of the resort’s location on Avalon Road, you avoid a lot of the I-4 traffic nightmares. It’s a straight shot into the back entrance of Disney property. You can usually get to Animal Kingdom in about 12-15 minutes.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
One thing that trips people up is the "Resort Fee."
It’s annoying. I hate them, you hate them, everyone hates them. But at The Grove, the fee actually covers the water park entry, the shuttles, and the Wi-Fi. It’s about $40-50 per night depending on the season. When you’re price-comparing against a Disney-owned hotel, make sure you factor this in. Even with the fee, you’re usually paying about half of what a Disney Deluxe Villa would cost.
Also, it’s big. Like, really big. Depending on which building you’re in, the walk to the lobby or the water park can be five to seven minutes. If you have mobility issues or just don't like walking, ask for a room in Building 1 or 2. They are closest to the action.
Hidden Perks and Quiet Corners
If the main pool is too loud, find the "Springs" pools. There are three of them, and they are significantly more chill.
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There’s also a spa on-site called Escape Spa. It’s small, but they do a solid deep-tissue massage that you will desperately need after walking 25,000 steps at Epcot.
For the kids, there’s an arcade (Flip Flop's Family Fun Center). It’s loud, neon-soaked, and will eat your glowing credits faster than you can blink, but it’s a lifesaver on a rainy Florida afternoon when the lightning shuts down the water park slides.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book, don’t just wing it.
- Book a "Lake View" suite: The extra cost is usually minimal, and looking at the water is infinitely better than looking at the parking lot.
- Order groceries ahead of time: Use a delivery service like Instacart or Shipt. Have them deliver to the lobby right as you check in. Having snacks and drinks waiting in your room will save you $200 over a four-day stay.
- Check the Water Park hours: They change seasonally. In the winter, they might close earlier than you think.
- Download the resort app: They use it for everything from activities schedules to ordering food. It actually works better than most hotel apps.
- Skip the Disney Shuttle if you're in a rush: If you are trying to "Rope Drop" (get to the park before it opens), take a ride-share. The shuttle is for people who are okay with being on someone else's timeline.
The real value of The Grove Resort and Water Park isn't just the slides or the lake. It's the fact that you can close the door to your bedroom and not hear your kids watching cartoons in the living room. In the world of Orlando vacationing, that kind of space is the ultimate luxury.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Request a High Floor: The views of the nightly Disney fireworks from the higher-floor, east-facing rooms are spectacular and free.
- The FlowRider Schedule: Sign up for the surf simulator early in the morning. Slots fill up fast, especially on weekends when locals sometimes visit.
- Parking Tip: Parking is gated and secure, but if you're in Building 3, try to park in the dedicated side lots rather than the main garage to save a long trek through the hallways.
- Off-Peak Planning: If you want the water park to yourself, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Most guests use those days for the major theme parks, leaving the slides virtually empty.
Everything about this property is designed for the "long stay" traveler who needs a home base rather than just a bed. Embrace the kitchen, use the laundry, and spend at least one full day doing absolutely nothing but floating down the lazy river.