For the record, I am a water park fan. Naturally, when I heard yet another water park was coming to Orlando this year, I was a happy clam. Enter Coco Key Water Resort and it's first surprising move: Remodeling an existing hotel vs. starting from scratch. As I found out this past week, this was not the only surprise in store at the resort. (Photo courtesy of CoCo Key Orlando)
Richard Jackson, Director of Sales and Marketing, was kind enough to take me on a guided tour of the property, showcasing it's amenities. While the main event is the water park (geared toward younger children), there are perks for tweens, teens, and adults as well. We'll start with the lobbies. Yes, plural.
The main lobby opens into contemporary modular sofas and seating in bright colors, with a flat screen TV on the center divider wall. On the opposite side is hand painted treasure map mural showing CoCo Key's proximity to Orlando area attractions, major roads, etc. In the afternoon, fresh cookies are baked and available to hotel guests as they watch another TV in a nearby room, check Facebook on one of the business center computers, or buy theme park tickets at the convenient ticket counter. There are also shuttles to Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld (Universal and Sea World are free while Disney there is a fee). Meanwhile, the side lobby, designed for large groups, offers staging and storage along with flat screen entertainment to keep folks occupied during check in. It also doubles as a meeting area and has a Driver's Lounge with wi-fi for bus drivers.
Walking out to the pool area, guests are greeted with a notably mouse ear shaped pool surrounded by traditional deck lounge chairs and circular, more contemporary outdoor seating. The latter is in the molded wicker style that's all the rage, and sits quite comfortably. To the right, before the pool, is a long narrow contemporary fire pit for evenings. Rooms facing this area are color coded for easy reference by child or adult. Mr. Jackson mentioned this was more a quiet area for adults.
Next up was the fitness room with tread mills, exercise bikes, free weights, and plenty of flat screens to plug into for keeping one motivated. If the screens didn't do it, the morning sun and pleasant view of the lush greenery just might. And no, this is not the typical cramped closet of a fitness room. It's really quite open and spacious. Not far away were for meeting rooms that could be rented for business functions.
On the way to the water park we passed the Gator Grab & Go convenience store as well as a party room. All manner of travel necessities and snacks are available, along with park souvenirs. Need a bag, towel, or something cold to drink? It's right here, and with tables just outside, it's easy to have a quick snack or breakfast. The party room, as Mr. Jackson mentioned, is also a great place for birthday packages CoCo Key offers. Remember Chuck E. Cheese or Showbiz Pizza parties? Similar idea, but with water park time instead of robot music show, and pizza time with CoCo, the red parrot mascot. Oh yes, definitely arcade time in there as well.
As we moved into the water park area, Mr. Jackson made me aware of yet another perk for Florida residents. During the off-season (essentially right now), day passes to the water park can be bought, without the need to stay at the hotel. While prices may vary, this week it was $9.95. Yes, you read that right. Conversely, I know family entertainment centers that have four water slides and two pools, that charge $15.00, not offering nearly as much. In short, that's a good deal for locals.
Speaking of the rooms, get ready for a tropical meets contempo styling. Serta Perfect Sleepers and flat screen TVs are standard fair, along with the usual features one would expect. The Family suites rooms were designed to use a joined bathroom as the pass through, giving kids one room, and tired parents another. Combine with sleek tansu style cabinetry and tubular light fixtures, and this is not your average hotel. Yes, free wi-fi as well.
And now we come to the water park, split into two areas: the canopy covered section with pool, and small slides, and the outdoor section featuring Parrot Perch water fortress, and an additional slide tower. Grand total is 54,000 square feet, 14 water slides of varying sizes, zero depth entry toddler pool, teen pool and interactive play area. There is indeed a tipping bucket that drenches guests regularly. Again, while the park is mainly geared for young ones, tweens and teens can have fun on the taller slides like Boomerango, a half-pipe style slide. Meanwhile, parents can keep a careful eye from the ample viewing areas around the pools and fortress. There are also several life guards about to keep everyone safe.
Naturally, there are lockers for valuables, showers, and changing areas available. CoCo Key also has a wrist band system that can be loaded up like a gift card or linked to a checking account or credit card. The wrist band can be used all over the resort and spending can be limited if parents so choose. You just scan your wrist band to purchase an item and that's it. No need to carry a wallet.
With so much to do, it's a given you'll work up an appetite. Expecting a weak snack bar right? Think again. CoCo Key offers Tradewinds, a full service restaurant with buffets and karaoke from time to time. There's also Callaloo Grill and a Pizza Hut Express along with typical (and very reasonably priced) burgers, etc. There are also healthy options like fruit cups, water, milk, and more.
Next door is the arcade with everything from pool, to air hockey, to bowling. When bad weather looms, the water park is closed down for safety and guests are moved into a large nearby room, just down the hall from the arcade, for various activities and games.
Don't worry parents, you haven't been forgotten. The Wet Rooster bar has drinks to unwind with and there are plenty of places to sit and relax.
All that said, I was pleasantly surprised by how much more CoCo Key Water Resort offers than just water park.
For more information on Coco Key Orlando (or any of the other resorts), please see http://www.cocokeywaterresort.com/?gclid=CLniicSNpKUCFYNl7AodEW_YGg
Their Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cckorlando)
Or Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/CoCo_Key_Orl)
Special thanks to Richard Jackson for taking time to meet with me and show me around the property. Definitely a fun time and good learning experience. My best wishes and continued success to you all!
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