13428 Blue Heron Beach Drive, Orlando, Florida, United States | (888) 962-8097
Large suites with living rooms, whirlpool tubs, washers/dryers, and kitchens
Big balconies with tables, chairs, and excellent views of Lake Bryan
Two large, heated pools, a kiddie pool, hot tub, and seasonal Tiki Bar
Free seasonal shuttle to Epcot and SeaWorld and a paid shuttle to Universal Orlando
Charming covered dock on Lake Bryan with wooden lounge chairs
Freebies include parking and Wi-Fi
Self-service movie rental, vending machine, and ATM in the lobby
Bright, sparsely equipped gyms with flat-screen TVs
Game room for kids and computer terminal on-site
Rooms have outdated furnishings and some have old, tube TVs
Guests complain about timeshare sales pitch at check-in
A daily resort fee may be applied
Blue Heron Beach Resort, with 280 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, is a family getaway for budget-minded guests near Walt Disney World (you can see the nightly Disney fireworks show from balconies of some rooms). Located on Lake Bryan, the resort is also ideal for families that want to take a boating or fishing trip. Rooms and common area furnishings are outdated and in minor disrepair, but there are two large heated pools and a hot tub on-site. Some guests have complained about a timeshare pitch at check-in -- to avoid this there's always the nearby, but more expensive, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas.
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Scene
Traditionally designed mid-range family resort with pools, lake activities, and outdated rooms
The Blue Heron is a spacious resort set in a peaceful lakefront environment. The resort is comprised of two salmon-colored high-rise towers that stick out in the tropical Orlando landscape. The beauty and serenity of Lake Bryan -- which can be taken in from a charming wooden dock with a covering and lounge chairs -- makes up for the outdated and rather homely interior designs of the hotel lobby and rooms. On days when the family would like to relax in the resort, there are also two large heated pools with a residential-grade pool basketball hoop and volleyball net, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub.
Location
Positioned right on beautiful Lake Bryan
Located on a long, wide, and rather bland street Blue Heron Beach Resort is convenient to nearly all of Orlando's popular theme parks, attractions, stores, and family-friendly restaurants. The Orlando International Airport is a 23-minute car ride away. Guests can also walk around the corner to a strip mall with a Subway sandwich shop or take a four-minute stroll to either a Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks. Within five-minutes or less by foot is a Wendy's, 7-Eleven, Santa Fe Cattle Co, and CiCi's Pizza, where guests can utilize a coupon offered by the lobby. Public transportation, though, is inefficient in the area. Walt Disney World is a five-minute car ride. SeaWorld is a 10-minute drive. The Orlando Premium Outlets are seven minutes by car.
Rooms
Large, family-sized rooms with traditional, outdated furnishings
Aside from the wash towels folded like shells and balconies with stunning views of Lake Bryan or the pool area, the large suites look more like a guest room at a relative's home rather than a resort. The tropical decorations are a bit drab and outdated. But the one-bedroom family suites, two-bedroom sunrise suites, and the two-bedroom deluxe suites are perfectly suitable and functional for families with free Wi-Fi, DVD players, washers/dryers, living rooms, bunk beds, balconies, kitchens, dining areas, and two bathrooms. Some rooms, however, have old-style TVs. The sunrise suites have flat-screen TVs and whirlpool tubs. Walt Disney World's nightly fireworks show is also visible from some balconies.
Features
Rentals for water sport activities and theme park ticket reservations
Blue Heron Beach Resort's employees can help guests with renting jet skis, ski boats, or pontoon boats from the nearby Buena Vista Watersports, which will deliver the equipment right up to the resort's Lake Bryan dock. There is a small concierge desk in the lobby that can book tickets to Orlando attractions or theme parks for families -- much like other middle-range hotels offer in the area. The lobby also offers a book and game library for guests. There are two large, heated pools, a kiddie pool, a hot tub, and a seasonal Tiki Bar for relaxing in the resort. A free seasonal shuttle connects guests to Epcot and SeaWorld, while a paid shuttle offers transportation to Universal Orlando.
