CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort is perfect for the family that is on a budget but still wants theme park amenities. In 2010 CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort underwent a complete remodel. Located on International Drive and within walking distance to restaurants, entertainment and minutes from Universal Studios, it puts visitors right in the middle of everything.
The hotel has a tropical theme with vibrant Caribbean colors. The slick lobby allows you to check in while the kids get cookies and watch a movie or get on the internet using one of the many computers available for guests. Room rates can be as low as $89!
Guest rooms are large, metro style and feature Serta Perfect Sleepers, luxury cotton linens and 37" flat screen televisions, offering high definition programming, Wi-Fi, room-service, hair dryers and coffee makers. You can choose rooms with a King sized bed and a pull out couch or a room with two double beds.
The children and I could not wait to get to the Water Park. Water Park access is just $19.00 per day per room or you can purchase water park tickets separately if you are not a hotel guest. We walked past a group of kids doing Karaoke which CoCo Key often does along with many other kid activities. The water park covers 54,000-square-feet., half of which is under cover with a giant canopy and there are plenty of lifeguards around. It’s nice not to worry about sunscreen while your kids have fun. There are many activities for every member of the family, from a large three story splash park for toddlers to a pool with gentle slides and then the mother of all slides for those brave enough to try, the Boomerango, which seats two. This is the one that Colt age 14 and his sister Brooke age 12 spent all their time on. There are actually 14 slides in all, I went down several and then headed off for something more relaxing, the Palm Grotto outdoor spa. This large pool is in the shape of Mickey Mouse! Yes this hotel has history. It was originally constructed in 1970. Disney executives stayed at this property while Disney was under construction. The pool is secluded and beautifully landscaped with tropical plants, a fire pit and cabanas where you can get a massage and then relax in the hot tub. The children and I sipped on our virgin Pina Coladas from the tiki bar and felt as if we were on an island retreat.
As a parent I was happy to find a variety of eating options that were all reasonably priced. The restaurant Trade Winds allows you to buy one entrée and kids 12 and under eat free! Callaloo Grill/Pizza Hut Express has meals from $5.99! You can order Pizza Hut here or have it delivered to your room. The Gator Grab ‘N Go convenience store right in the middle of the hotel seems to have everything traveling parents would need…like a bottle of wine!
Oops! I nearly forgot the fully equipped gym and a 6,500 square-foot video arcade. Free shuttle transportation to and from Universal Studios, Wet ‘n Wild, Sea World and Aquatica.
CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort 877.875.4681 www.cocokeywaterresort.com
. |
|
Titanic, The Experience is right next door to CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park. We walked over and were taken on a tour that put us right on the ship’s deck. This is more than just an exhibit as your guide is living and breathing the history from that time, over 20,000 square feet of interactive space which includes a full replica of the spectacular grand staircase. The guide we had brought everything to life and made history interesting. We saw authentic relics of the ship, like an old deck chair that was found floating on the icy water. You can read letters from passengers see their clothing and suitcases, and feel that you are really there; in fact, we were freezing! But it made us realize what the passengers must have gone through. I highly recommend you take a jacket; remember you are sailing on the ice!
WonderWorks is located just a few minutes down from CoCo Key Hotel on International Drive in an upside-down building! It’s a must for kids of all ages. Tons of scientific interactive things to explore and now new at WonderWorks is the 3 Story Rope Challenge. Colt and Brooke were above my head balancing on a thin neon rope that glows in the dark. They swung and balanced like a tight rope walker only with the aid of a zipline harness and went through over 20 different obstacles. There is an extra charge for the Rope Challenge but Colt and Brooke loved it so it is very much worth the cost. And no, I didn’t chicken out, I had sandals on and the rules are that you must be wearing closed toe shoes!
WonderWorks 407-352-8800
www.wonderworksonline.com
|
|
