8505 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Lakefront location and a 12-minute drive from Disney World
Apartments and studios with kitchens and patios; some washers/dryers
Enormous pool complex with waterslide, hot tub, and lazy river
Nine restaurants and bars serving casual American fare
Two gyms with cardio machines and free weights
Four golf courses and two mini-golf courses
Sports courts and watersports activities
Freebies like Wi-Fi, parking, and shuttle around resort
Family perks like kids’ club and three arcades
On-site stores sell golf and beach clothes
Unexpected fees for inner tubes, mini-golf, and some waterslides
Some units are older than others
Varying reports on Wi-Fi quality
No daily housekeeping (except for a fee)
Complaints about time-share presentations and long check-in times
The extended stay and time-share Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando - Orange Lake Resort wows guests with the number of family-friendly amenities it provides and its lakefront location that's a 12-minute drive from Disney World. The three-pearl property has nine restaurants and bars, two gyms, four golf courses, and a huge pool complex with a lazy river. Yet, guests should note that not everything is free; there are pesky fees for small things like inner tubes for the lazy river, some waterslides, and housekeeping (if you want your room cleaned). The 2,478 rooms are all self-sufficient studios or apartments that range from dated to attractive and contemporary. For travelers who don’t want to deal with time-share presentations and want daily housekeeping, check out the nearby Melia Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration.
Scene
Sprawling time-share property with lush surroundings and a resort-like atmosphere
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando - Orange Lake Resort is a massive property that stretches over grounds divided into four large sections of units and four golf courses. With so many trees and lush landscapes coupled with a lakefront location, there’s a remote sense to the property that makes it feel a bit removed from the city, despite the fact that Disney World is basically just next door. The lobby is as busy as one might imagine at a resort with 2,478 rooms, and long wait times and sometimes bothersome time-share pitches are standard. However, the lobby is bright with a modern chain brand-look that fills the large open space, surprisingly void of much seating. With self-sufficient units and a location next to Disney World the main clientele are families. As a time-share property, this resort doesn't offer the attention to service that some guests might expect, meaning calls for maintenance or housekeeping can take long to respond, and some units and restaurants are dated.
Location
Situated between a lake and Disney World with some shopping and dining options nearby
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando - Orange Lake Resort sits between Disney World and Raccoon Lake. It’s just a 12-minute drive to Disney World. Just outside the resort are a variety of dining options, a grocery store, thrift stores, and retail shops like Target. But depending on where your unit is located, it can be a short five-minute walk away or a five- to seven-minute drive away. SeaWorld Orlando is a 23-minute drive from the hotel. It takes 35 minutes by car to reach Orlando International Airport.
Rooms
Studios and apartments in varying states of modernity, with kitchens and flat-screen TVs
Because the units are individually owned, some are more dated than others which can be a bit of a letdown for some guests. However, for the most part, they all feature warm brown color schemes and a studio or apartment-style set up that includes kitchens and living rooms. Air-conditioning, full kitchens or kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs can be found throughout all the units. Free coffee supplies are a nice perk and some units have in-room laundry facilities. Those staying in studios can access washers and dryers on their floor. The bathrooms are outfitted with separate showers and tubs or shower/tub combos, plus toiletries and hairdryers. No daily housekeeping is a bit of a drawback, but not uncommon for time-share properties. This may be the leading reason as to why there have been cleanliness complaints. Daily housekeeping is available for an additional fee.
Features
An overwhelming amount of activities, large pool complex with some fees, and nine restaurants and bars
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando - Orange Lake Resort overwhelms with activities and amenities for guests. Free amenities are few and include Wi-Fi (with varying reports of quality), shuttles to get around the resort (can take long), and parking. The pool complex is massive with seven outdoor pools, a lazy river, waterslide, and a hot tub. Though there’s free access to the pools, the resort requires a fee for inner tubes to float the river, as well as a fee to slide down the waterslide. In addition to a couple of pool bars, it’s often the site of daytime entertainment like contests and games. With a beachfront location on Raccoon Lake, there are water sports available. Other sports activities include mini-golf (for a fee), rock walls, wave runners, tennis courts, and four golf courses. Family perks like kids’ clubs, mini-golf (for a fee), and arcade rooms are offered, too. With two fitness centers equipped with cardio machines and free weights, guests can stay fit and healthy. However, the cardio machines are pretty dated and don't include individual media screens. There are nine causal American fare restaurants and pizzerias scattered throughout the grounds, so guests don’t have to go far for something to eat if they don’t feel like making a meal in their apartment-like units. Breakfast is available at some of the restaurants, but it costs a fee. Other amenities on-site include a business center and boutique stores selling beach and golf clothes.