The hype
Families are obsessed with the space and water park, but couples often find the main buildings too chaotic and loud.
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want a full-blown water park vacation with condo-sized apartments for half the price of a Disney hotel.
Why People Love It
- Massive 2-3 bedroom suites (1,200+ sq ft) with full kitchens and laundry
- Surfari Water Park is legitimate: FlowRider, lazy river, and dual slides included in resort fee
- The Terraces offer a quieter, adult-centric escape within the same complex
Quick Take: It’s a high-volume condo factory that trades daily housekeeping and plush service for square footage and water slides.
Reviewed by @prosecconpilates: I stayed in this massive suite at The Grove and it was a total game-changer for our family trip. The screened balcony was my absolute favorite spot for morning coffee while the kids slept in. It felt more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort view' often just means looking at a parking lot or another building; you have to pay up for water views.
- You have a family of 5+ and need a full kitchen and washer/dryer
- You plan to spend full days at the resort water park
- You have a car and don't mind driving 15-20 mins to the parks
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Trash & towel service every other day only. Full cleaning is an extra fee ($30-95).
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but grout lines and corners often show wear. Toilets sometimes reported as 'running' or having weak flush.
- Maintenance: High traffic means wear and tear. Expect scuffed walls, worn carpets in hallways, and the occasional broken dryer.
- Linens & towels: Pool towels are frequently described as 'threadbare' or small. Room linens are standard hotel quality, nothing plush.
- Odors & scents: Hallways can smell musty or like trash if bins aren't cleared promptly. Rooms are usually neutral.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoey 'labyrinth' hallways with kids running
- Water park noise for rooms facing the pools (daytime only)
- Thin connecting doors in some suites
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort fee is ~$49/night + tax and covers the water park and wifi
- Self-parking is ~$25-37/night; valet is significantly more
- You are 15 mins from Disney's western gate (Animal Kingdom is closest)
What to pack
- Extra dishwasher pods and laundry detergent (starter pack is small)
- Pool towels (resort provides them, but they can run out on busy days)
- Coffee filters and ground coffee (machines are standard drip)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 1 for easy access to the lobby, Valencia restaurant, and Springs Pools
- Building 3 for the shortest walk to Surfari Water Park (best for kids)
- The Terraces for a secluded, quieter experience away from the main chaos
Rooms to avoid
- Low floors near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
- Rooms facing the parking garage (often sold as 'Resort View')
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor suite in Building 3 for proximity to the Water Park, or a top-floor unit in Building 1 for a quieter stay near the lobby. Please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevators.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the water park actually free?
Yes, entry is included in your daily resort fee for all registered guests.
Does the shuttle go to Universal?
Yes, but the schedule is limited (often one morning departure) and requires reservation. Uber is much faster.
Can I walk to Disney?
Absolutely not. You are about 6 miles away on highway roads.
Is there room service?
No traditional room service, but you can order pizza delivery from Antonio's on-site.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, the Springs Pools and Surfari Water Park pools are heated to ~83°F year-round.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The resort has a strict no-pet policy, service animals excepted.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Building 3 is the secret weapon for families—it's practically inside the water park.
- ✨
The 'Springs Pools' are often much quieter than the water park if you just want to swim laps or read.
- ✨
Skip the on-site market for big groceries; there's a Publix Super Market at Summer Bay just 5 minutes away.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be agonizingly slow during check-out time (10 AM-11 AM).
💡The 'Resort View' category is a gamble; you might get a lovely garden or a concrete garage wall.
💡You have to wear a wristband for pool access, and they are strict about checking them.
💡The in-unit dryer takes forever to dry towels; bring quick-dry swimsuits.
💡Late check-out is rarely granted for free; expect to pay ~$100 to stay until 1 PM.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando is located and what's nearby.