For my kids' birthdays we try to enjoy "staycations" in the Orlando area. It's become a tradition for us. (We have previously enjoyed weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek and Grand Cypress Orlando -- as well as many Disney resorts.)
This weekend we tried the Hilton Buena Vista Palace next to Disney Springs. We found a nice pre-pay rate with our AAA discount about two weeks prior on the Hilton App.
We mainly chose Hilton Buena Vista Palace because the lazy river and pool area looked like a fun area for my daughter and her friends. (I want to note that a $35 resort fee is added to your room rate. This includes the lazy river/pool area, DVD rentals, and more. This is common in the Orlando area.)
The "Float Lagoon" was great. It made a nice big loop. Folks of all ages were enjoying the water.
I chose a lounge chair right on the water so I could watch the girls.
There is also a regular pool with plenty of chairs and umbrellas -- as well as Cabana rentals if you want an upgrade. Towels are provided at no extra charge.
A great pool bar (called Shades) is available, serving food and drinks from 11am to 9pm. They offer local craft beers, cocktails, burgers and more.
It's also a great place to catch football scores!
Big plus -- wait staff also delivered to our lounge chairs!
(Don't you love poolside wait service!?)
A complimentary Blue Slushie for the birthday girl.
Cheers to 14! My daughter had 8 of her friends meet us during the afternoon. It was the perfect party location for us.
The hotel also has a walkway to Disney Springs. (We walked over to Chicken Guy for dinner!) It's a nice shaded walk and didn't take us more than five minutes.
So overall, we enjoyed the location and would stay there again!
Pros: Amazing Lazy River with complimentary floats, Huge pool, Poolside wait service, Several dining options, Starbucks coffee served, Close proximity to Disney Springs, Comfy Beds, Ceiling fan and great AC in the room, Outdoor balcony in our room, and Crabtree & Evelyn bath products in room.
Meh: $22 Self parking fee (a bit of a walk) or $30 Valet Fee PLUS a $35 Resort Fee
(but we agreed to this in advance and it is common at many Orlando hotels.)
Cons: Housekeeping knocked on the door at 8am (we were still asleep) and again at 9:30am (checkout was not until 11am); the room I requested on the Hilton app prior to check-in was not the room we were assigned (however I didn't mention it to the staff).
(One last mention, this Hilton Hotel is an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel, therefore, they do offer bus shuttles to the Disney parks as well as Extra Magic Service, but since we did not use these services, I don't feel comfortable speaking about it. You can visit their web site directly for details.)
