Thursday, April 26, 2012

Orlando: Nick Hotel



I heard about Nick Hotel last year, and I've wanted to go ever since. The thought of a hotel that doubled as a destination appealed to me and I knew my kids would enjoy it. When we checked in, I thought I knew what was in store. Afterwards, I can tell you I was so far off in my expectations. I guess the only way to know is to go, and I highly recommend it!
Enjoy water slides galore! The main attraction has to be the maze of slides and my kids enjoyed taking different slides to get to the bottom. There are walkways that take you to different levels and along the way, your kids can stop and fill buckets or shoot water, or simply make their way to the slides. I sat along the side (there is plenty of seating) and I had a great view of my kids the entire time.
The kids can also get slimed in a mass sliming. It isn't thick and gooey, so the water from the slides or pool will get rid of all the evidence! When you check in, you may not be able to get into your room. We arrived early. We couldn't wait to check out the water park! We gave the front desk our cell number and they texted us when our room was ready. This was great because it allowed us to enjoy the resort while we waited! Before the kids changed into their swim shorts, we checked out the arcade and played a few games. We went through the gift chops and checked out the dining options too.
The rooms seemed very secure, even though they were open to the pool area. We returned after midnight one night to find a lot of the staff cleaning up around the pool and water slide area. Please note, if you return from the parks late, the pool isn't open all night! I was thankful, but my kids were a little disappointed. Next time, we will plan a full day at the hotel so the kids can enjoy the resort!
When you enter the pool area, you can "check out" pool towels. Be sure to keep track of them because you'll return them on the way out!
The Lagoon Pool Features:


Huge Zero-Depth Entry Pool For Easy Access

Interactive Water Tower With Four Stories Of Wet-And-Wild Play

Seven Slides And Flumes - Slipping And Sliding For Kids Of All Ages

400-Gallon Water Dump Tank - Spills At Random & dumps SLIME at the daily Mass Sliming

Interactive Water Toys - Get Wacky or Wild

Poolside Cabanas - Lounge Chairs, Fan, TV & Towels. Reservations required and charges apply.

Climbing Nets and Water Jets - High-Energy Excitement

Two Giant Whirlpools - Soothing Relaxation

Basketball Court - With Multi-Level Hoops For Kids of All Ages

Nine-Hole Mini Golf Course - Swing into Action!

Stay connected. Complimentary Wi-fi is available throughout the Lagoon and Oasis pools.

Kid's Play Area - With 5-Foot Slide & Nick Jr. Activities

Daily Nick-Themed Activities - Poolside Entertainment

Lagoon Grill & Bar - Serving Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches, Soft Drinks, & Alcoholic Beverages

Complimentary life jackets are available on a first-come, first-served basis

Height Requirements at Lagoon Pool - Must be 40 inches to go down slides

Open seven days a week

Mass Sliming at 4:45 p.m. daily


There is plenty of poolside entertainment to keep everyone occupied for the day! There's music and games! While we were there, there was never a dull moment.  Nick Hotel knows how to entertain kids! It's also fun for the parents! Parents that want to relax and stay out of the heat can reserve a cabana. They come with luxury amentities that will make you forget that you're in the middle of every kid's dream! There is an extra charge, but for a little peace, it might be worth it!
When we checked into our room, we found a great gift bag with two tubes of slime, two arcade gift cards, and two little SpongeBobs! The kids couldn't wait to play with the slime!
We stayed in one of their 2-Bedroom KidSuites. It offered 485 square feet of comfortable space for up to six with a semi-private kids' bedroom with a 20" television, and movie rentals.  I am not sure if Nick cartoons are on 24 hours a day, but every time my kids turned on the TV in their room (to go to sleep) they could fall asleep watching their favorites!
Our room included:

Private Master Bedroom with king or queen bed, 25" TV, lighted make-up mirror, and vanity/work station

Semi-Private kids' bedroom with bunks or twin beds and 20" TV

Family Room with pull-out sleeper sofa, 32" LCD flat screen TV, pay-per-view movies, high-speed internet access, and a table

Kitchenette with mini refrigerator, sink, microwave and coffee maker

Family amenities including an in-room safe, clock radio, hair dryer, and iron and ironing board.
The room was clean and bright! I liked the color scheme and the layout. The bunk room did not have a door, but it wasn't an issue for us. The bunk room had it's own TV and a cool mural on the wall! The mattresses were very comfortable and the linens were pretty high quality. The towels were soft and absorbent and the sheets were smooth and soft! The room darkening shades ensured that I could sleep late if I wanted to!
They also offer one and three room suites. All room feature:

25" TV & 32" Flat Screen TV with Premium Cable

Alarm Clock Radio

Blackout Drapes

Coffee Maker

Complimentary Toiletries

Desk & Work Station

Dining Table

Electronic Check-Out

Electronic/magnetic keys

Hairdryer

High-speed internet, included in your stay

Housekeeping

In-Suite Safe

Internet TV, fees apply

Iron/Ironing board

Kitchens (1- & 3-Bedroom Suites)

Kitchenettes (2-Bedroom Suites)

Microwave

Pay-per-view Movies

Refrigerator (1- & 3- Bedroom Suites)

Mini refrigerator (2-Bedroom Suites)

Sofa Sleeper Bed

Telephones with Voicemail

Unlimited local calls, included in your stay

My family enjoyed the suite. Even though we didn't have time to "hang out" in the room, we found it to be very comfortable and spacious. My kids thought it was the greatest hotel ever built. I know we'll have to visit again. We didn't get a chance to see the 4D theater, so that's at the top of my list! Next time, I'll make sure to keep the days during our stay "open" so we can enjoy more!
Personally, the character breakfast was the highlight of my stay. I loved it! Breakfast was an all-you-can-eat buffet, and the breakfast choices were amazing! They had just about everything I could possibly want...and then some!!! My husband (he usually hates buffets) couldn't stop complimenting the waitress on the variety of the food and the flavors!
Sam was terrified of the characters and refused to go near any of them, except Dora! He almost tripped over me trying to get to her when she came to our table! During the character breakfast, kids can have their pictures taken with characters (several came by our table) and they even allow the kids to get up and dance with characters!!! Logan had a blast! Afterwards, our lovely waitress brought out birthday cupcakes for the kids after noticing their birthday badges (which were given to them upon check in!) and we noticed other celebrations in progress. What an awesome way to spend a birthday! You can order gifts or cakes from the gift shop. Just be sure to order in advance!
Our time at Nick Hotel was magical and we are looking forward to returning one day soon. They have great specials throughout the year. I think it would be the ideal place for kids, parents, and f grandparents to get together and make wonderful memories. Their three bedroom suites make it possible! And you can certainly save on meals when your suite has it's own kitchen!
Disclosure: We paid a media rate for two nights and we received a complimentary character breakfast during our stay. No monetary compensation provided.

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