6200 Safari Trl, Kissimmee, Florida, United States | (888) 635-3814
Full kitchens and separate bedrooms in condo-style suites
Master bathrooms have jetted tubs
Large, pristine pool has a children's pool and hot tub
Lovely nature trail winds through the forest
Kid-friendly amenities include a playground, game room, and inexpensive kids' activities
Fitness facilities such as a gym and outdoor tennis courts
Poolside snack bar, as well as outdoor grills for guests' use
Daily fee for Wi-Fi
No room service
No grocery store within walking distance
This 144-unit condo resort is ideal for guests seeking a mid-range property that caters to families. The on-site restaurant and eateries within walking distance are convenient, but families looking to take advantage of the full kitchens will need their own transportation to the supermarket, as there isn’t one within walking distance. The nature walk and swimming pool -- with kids' wading area -- are nice touches, along with the tiki-style poolside restaurant. While rooms are clean and comfortable, the slightly jungle-tinged decor could use an update. That said, room rates are a good value for the area, especially considering each unit sleeps up to six people.
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Scene
Plenty of recreational activities suited to families, including BBQ deck
The hotel has a safari theme, by way of buildings named after animals, and an elevated nature walk through the woods with a few African-style "artifacts" strewn about the swamp -- this theme is quite minimal in guest rooms. Outdoors, guests head to the the star attraction: the swimming pool, which is flanked by a gentle waterfall cascading over rocks, palm trees, a hot tub, and umbrella-covered dining tables. There’s also a barbecue deck, and just off the pool is the casual, safari-themed Kenya Kafe Bar & Grill. The mid-sized playground has a colorful jungle gym and zip-line, which (unsurprisingly) lures kids and parents.
Location
Theme parks and restaurants nearby, but supermarkets are further out
The resort is located in a wooded area populated with hotels that cater to theme park visitors. The property is within a 15-minute walk of a steakhouse and a sushi bar. It’s also a slightly longer walk -- or about a 10-minute drive -- from a drug store and several other eateries. There’s no grocery store within walking distance, which is unfortunate for those who don’t have a car but wish to take advantage of the en-suite kitchens; Winn-Dixie is an 8-minute drive away, and Publix Super Market is about 12 minutes away. The resort is within a 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Rooms
Full kitchens and separate bedrooms with mediocre decor
All units are two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos that sleep six and each includes a king bedroom, second bedroom with two twin beds, and a sleeper sofa in the living room. All have three flat-screen TVs and, in addition to the usual amenities (hairdryers, alarm clocks, in-room safes), offer washer/dryers, DVD players, and vacuum cleaners. Decor is sub-par, with white-and-rust-colored bed linens, dark tiki-style furniture, and mediocre safari-themed wall art. While rooms are spacious, housekeeping can be subpar. Each condo includes a full kitchen with the usual appliances, along with some nice extras like mixers and blenders.
Features
Family-friendly amenities abound, but include some additional fees
Given the resort’s location near Central Florida’s theme parks, it’s not surprising that the property touts its share of family-friendly amenities. For starters, there’s a swimming pool, separate wading pool for toddlers, small arcade, and playground. But what sets Parkway International Resort apart is the schedule of organized activities for all ages, from arts and crafts and scavenger hunts for the kids, to poker and blackjack tournaments for the adults. Activities are offered Wednesday through Sunday; a small fee applies for some. To give parents a break, the kids’ club is open Sunday afternoons; for a small fee, parents can drop off their children for a few hours of crafts, duck feeding, and snacks. Other recreational amenities on-site include tennis, sand volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. The poolside restaurant serves hamburgers, nachos, salads, and other casual fare.
