Honestly, planning an Orlando vacation is a nightmare. You're looking at tiny hotel rooms that cost $400 a night, and then you have to fight for a lounge chair by a pool that smells like a chemistry set. It's exhausting. But there’s this spot called The Grove Resort & Water Park that basically fixes the "cramped hotel" problem by offering actual suites—like, full kitchens and laundry—without the weirdness of a random Airbnb.
Most people don't realize it’s tucked away in Winter Garden. It's close to Disney, but it feels like you're on a different planet. You get the 20-acre Lake Austin views and a massive water park called Safari Beach, but you aren't paying the "Magic Kingdom monorail" tax.
The Reality of Staying at The Grove Resort & Water Park
Staying here isn't like staying at a Marriott or a Hilton. It’s a massive residential-style resort. You’ve got these two and three-bedroom suites that are actually larger than some people's apartments. It’s wild. Most families think they have to choose between a cramped room at a theme park hotel or a house thirty minutes away in Kissimmee. The Grove is the middle ground.
Let’s talk about the water park. It’s called Safari Beach. It’s not just a pool with a slide. They’ve got a FlowRider surf simulator, a lazy river that actually moves, and two big slides.
The cool part?
It’s included. If you’re staying there, you aren’t paying an extra forty bucks a head just to get into the water park. That’s a huge deal when you’re traveling with five people.
Space is the actual luxury here
People obsess over thread counts or marble lobbies. Whatever. When you have kids, the real luxury is a door that closes.
At The Grove Resort & Water Park, the suites have full kitchens. You can actually make a pot of coffee and eat breakfast without putting on shoes. It sounds small, but if you've ever spent $80 on a mediocre breakfast buffet at a Disney resort, you know why this matters.
The screened-in balconies are another thing. Florida bugs are no joke. Being able to sit outside at night without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes while looking at the woods is a vibe. It's quiet. Really quiet.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
If you look at a map, you might think you’re too far away. You aren't. It’s about 6 miles from the Western Way entrance to Walt Disney World.
The trick is that Western Way is the "back door" to Disney. It’s usually way less congested than the main I-4 exits. You can get to Animal Kingdom in about 10-15 minutes.
But there’s a catch.
If you rely on the resort shuttle, you’re on their schedule. If you want true freedom, you need a car or an Uber. The shuttle is fine, but it’s a shuttle. It stops at multiple parks. It takes time.
Don't sleep on Lake Austin
The lake is the most underrated part of the property. They have a pier where you can rent swan paddle boats or go fishing. Most people stay at the water park all day, but if you want to actually relax, go to the lake.
The "hidden" pool is also a thing. While everyone is screaming at Safari Beach, the Springs Pools are usually much chiller. It’s where you go when you want to read a book instead of dodging a stray Nerf ball.
The Food Situation: It's Better Than You'd Expect
Usually, resort food is overpriced and bland. At The Grove, Valencia is their main sit-down spot. It’s solid. But the real MVP is Alfresco Market.
It’s basically a high-end deli and grocery store.
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You can grab a decent sandwich, a bottle of wine, or some actual groceries. If you’re staying for a week, go to the Publix down the road first. Stock the fridge. Use the kitchen.
There’s also Longboard Bar & Grill at the water park. It’s burgers and tacos. Standard vacation food, but they do a decent job with the drinks. Watching your kids on the FlowRider while holding a cold beer is a pretty good way to spend a Tuesday.
The E-E-A-T Factor: Why Listen to This?
Travel experts and frequent Orlando visitors (the ones who don't just stay on-property at Disney) have been pivoting to places like The Grove Resort & Water Park for a few years now.
Why? Because "The Disney Bubble" is getting expensive and crowded.
Industry data from STR and other hospitality analysts shows a massive trend toward "apart-hotels." People want the services of a hotel (daily cleaning, front desk, security) with the space of a vacation rental. The Grove was built for this. It’s managed by Benchmark, a global hospitality company that knows how to run a luxury property without making it feel stiff.
The Downside (Being Honest Here)
It’s a big resort. Like, huge.
If your suite is in one of the far buildings, it’s a hike to the lobby.
The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times.
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And the parking fee? Yeah, there's a daily resort fee and a parking fee. Almost every resort in Orlando has them now, but it still stings when you see it on the bill. Budget for it so you aren't annoyed at check-in.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
First, check the schedule for the FlowRider. It’s popular. If your kids want to do it, get there early.
Second, request a room with a lake view. The "standard" views are fine, but the lake views are spectacular at sunset.
Third, use the "Flip Flop's Family Fun Center." It’s a massive arcade. If it rains—and it will rain, it’s Florida—this is your backup plan.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Groceries are key: Don't buy every meal at the resort. Use the in-suite kitchen for breakfast and late-night snacks.
- Target Western Way: When GPSing to Disney, make sure it takes you through Western Way to avoid the I-4 mess.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have poolside movies or kids' activities that are free.
- Book the Spa: The Escape Spa is actually very high-end. If the kids are at the water park with one parent, the other should disappear for a massage.
- Walk the Trails: There are actual nature paths. It’s a great way to see the "real" Florida landscape.
Making the Final Call
If you want to be in the middle of the neon lights and madness of International Drive, this isn't for you. If you want to walk to the Magic Kingdom, this isn't for you.
But if you want a place where your family can breathe, cook a meal, and actually have a "vacation" instead of just a "trip," The Grove Resort & Water Park is one of the smartest plays in Central Florida. It balances the "water park fun" with the "adult relaxation" better than almost anywhere else in the price range.
Pack your own sunscreen. Buy your water at the grocery store. Enjoy the extra square footage. You'll never want to go back to a standard hotel room again.
Your Next Steps
- Check the Floor Plans: Go to the official site and look at the difference between the Premier and Deluxe suites to see which layout fits your family's sleeping arrangements.
- Verify the Shuttle Times: If you aren't renting a car, call the front desk 48 hours before arrival to get the current shuttle schedule for Disney and Universal.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Many Benchmark properties offer better rates or waived fees if you book directly through their member portal.