As a longtime Florida resident, I still have a hard time separating the words “Orlando vacation” from theme parks. Disney, Universal, crowds, character meals…it’s practically automatic. But here’s a little Florida resident secret: Orlando is so much more than theme parks! In fact, visiting during peak seasons like spring break can make those famous attractions feel a little less magical. The crowds, the lines, and the sheer number of non-Floridians visiting can turn what should be a relaxing getaway into a full-blown operation. So when Villatel Orlando Resort invited my family to experience their private villa resort during spring break, I decided to challenge myself: Could we have an amazing Orlando vacation without stepping foot inside a theme park?
Spoiler alert: We absolutely could.
From relaxing by our private pool to racing down waterslides, getting creative at The Crayola Experience, and letting my tween daughter and her friend shop until their hearts were happy, Orlando ended up being the perfect family getaway without the theme park hustle.
Staying at Villatel Orlando Resort
Located right off International Drive, Villatel Orlando Resort, an 80-acre all-villa property, puts families close to Orlando attractions while offering something you don’t typically get at a traditional hotel: space. And when you’re traveling with kids (or extended family), space is everything.
Villatel Orlando Resort features luxury vacation homes and apartments with options ranging from four to nine bedrooms, accommodating groups of 10 to 26 guests.
Our four-bedroom villa was nearly 1,900 square feet and felt like a home away from home, only with a few upgrades my house definitely does not have.
The girls’ favorite feature? A food-themed kids’ bedroom complete with bunk beds, arcade games, and the most unique detail: a grilled cheese slide. Yes, you read that correctly. A grilled cheese slide. Needless to say, they were entertained for hours.
Why Families Love Villatel Orlando Resort
The biggest perk of staying at Villatel Orlando Resort is that you get the best of both worlds. You have all the amenities of a resort, but the privacy and comfort of your own vacation home.
Each villa includes:
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Spacious living areas
- A private screened-in pool and patio
- Optional pool heating and BBQ grills
As a mom, I especially appreciated having our own private pool. The girls could swim while I relaxed nearby with my book and actually enjoyed some quiet time. Vacation win.
Spend a Day at Aqua Bay Water Park
If you’re staying at Villatel Orlando Resort, block off an entire day for Aqua Bay. Trust me. The resort’s complimentary water park was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
Located just steps from the villas, Aqua Bay features:
- Water slides
- Lazy river
- Splash zone
- Pool areas
- Poolside dining
The convenience was unbeatable. No packing the car. No hauling towels and snacks across town. No wondering when everyone would be ready to leave. The girls could swim, grab food, and head back for more fun while I relaxed nearby.
I also loved how secure the resort felt. Only registered guests can access the property, which gave this mom peace of mind. Families can also upgrade their pool day with private cabana rentals for extra shade and comfort.
Resort Amenities at Villatel Orlando Resort
While the water park was definitely the main attraction, Villatel Orlando Resort offers plenty more for families.
The resort amenities include:
- Premium fitness center
- Basketball courts
- Pickleball courts
- Topgolf Swing Suite
- Covered playground
As a South Florida mom, I especially appreciated the covered playground. Anyone who has spent time outside with kids in the Florida sunshine understands the value of a SHADE.
Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
One of my favorite parts of this trip was discovering just how much there is to do in Orlando beyond Disney and Universal.
Here are a few family-friendly activities we loved:
Get Creative at Crayola Experience Orlando
I’ll admit it: I wasn’t sure if my tween daughter would enjoy Crayola Experience Orlando. I assumed it was geared more toward younger kids and I was completely wrong.
Located inside The Florida Mall, Crayola Experience Orlando is a 70,000-square-foot interactive attraction filled with hands-on creative activities for kids (and adults) of all ages. The girls and I all loved creating custom crayons, designing melted wax keepsakes and watching our artwork come to life.
MBMOM Tip: Plan for about 3-4 hours if you want to really experience everything.
Shop at The Florida Mall
Apparently tween girls and shopping malls are still very much a thing. Luckily, Crayola Experience Orlando is located inside The Florida Mall, making it the perfect next stop.
The Florida Mall has a great mix of stores for both kids and parents, from trendy fashion to accessories, gifts, and plenty of places to grab a snack when everyone’s energy starts fading. It ended up being the perfect low-key afternoon activity.
Our trip to Villatel Orlando Resort reminded me that Orlando can be whatever you want it to be. Yes, it can be theme parks and character breakfasts. But it can also be lazy mornings by the pool, family time in a spacious villa, water park adventures, creative experiences, and making memories without rushing from attraction to attraction.
For Florida families looking for an easy getaway, especially during school breaks, Villatel Orlando Resort offers the perfect home base for experiencing a different side of Orlando.
To learn more or book your own stay, head to villatelresort.com and start planning your Orlando adventure!
Disclosure: Modern Boca Mom and her family were hosted for 3 nights at Villatel Orlando Resort for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
