Sometimes, it’s not the destination we remember most — it’s the hotel. You and the kids won’t soon forget these resorts, which opened earlier this year.
Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance – Anaheim, Calif.
This is the first hotel that Courtyard by Marriott has created specifically with families in mind. The Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, which opened in August, 2015, has a 20,000-square-foot outdoor water park, onsite dining options and free Wi-Fi, not to mention a location just five minutes (by foot!) from Disneyland. Some guestrooms also offer views of the park’s fireworks. Accommodations include mini-fridges, microwaves, bunk beds and spacious bathrooms.
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark – Tannersville, Pa.
Opened in May, Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark in the Poconos features the largest indoor water park in the Northeast (125,000 square feet) — appropriately named Aquatopia — with seven pools, 13 waterslides, interactive play areas, a surfing simulator and more. The hotel itself offers even more fun, including an arcade, indoor ropes course, laser tag arena, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, children’s club and spa with kids’ treatments. Phew, we’re tired just thinking about it! Speaking of sleep, the hotel has 453 suites that sleep up to six, eight, or 14 guests.
Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains – Pocono Manor, Pa.
Another newcomer to the Poconos, Kalahari Resort has the same features found at properties in Sandusky, Ohio and Wisconsin Dells — indoor and outdoor water parks with a lazy river, wave pools, spray grounds, a water coaster and more (complimentary to all guests). Guests also have their pick at seven onsite restaurants, and a variety of accommodations, from traditional guestrooms for four to penthouse suites that sleep up to 12. Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains also offers day passes to the water park.
LEGOLAND Hotel – Winter Haven, Fla.
Winter Haven, near Orlando, was long overdue for a family-friendly resort. Opened in May, 2015, LEGOLAND Florida Hotel features themed rooms (Kingdom, Pirate or Adventure) with separate sleeping areas for parents and kids, an onsite restaurant and swimming pool. It will also offer interactive experiences, such as the Master Model Builder Workshop, formerly an attraction at LEGOLAND Florida. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, along with early entrance to the park.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows – Orlando
At Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows (a sister hotel to Disney’s Polynesian Resort), 20 Disney Vacation Club Bungalows (timeshare properties) sleep up to eight guests, and provide plunge pools and views of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. The villas — Deluxe Studios — are the largest in Disney World, sleeping up to five guests and providing kitchenettes, spacious bathrooms and extra storage space. They also have connecting capabilities — a first for Disney Vacation Club Resorts. The Polynesian Villas and Bungalows opened in April, 2015.
More From Family Vacation Critic:
Best Kid Themed Hotel Rooms
10 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the U.S. for 2015
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