The Ritz-Carlton is "mid-rise" height; 584 guest rooms include 64 suites, 56 Ritz-Carlton Club level rooms, and two Ritz-Carlton Suites.* Some guest rooms have a balcony with views of lakes, pool, gardens. Architectural inspiration comes from the palazzos of Italy. Guests can choose from eleven restaurants.
Location, on Grande Lakes, is also at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades; fly-fishing excursions are offered, as are interpretive eco-tours with canoeing or kayaking. (Note: the actual Everglades National Park is a 5-hour drive away.)
Luxury is the byword, as befits Ritz-Carlton: the brand dates back over a century, to hotelier Cesar Ritz who was known as "king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings" in London and Paris. Ritz guests expect good service and extra pampering, (such as scented cold towels, lemonade at check-in, Bulgari shampoos and soaps.) Grown-up pleasures include fine dining, golf, and spa that draws praises.
But hey, this is an Orlando resort, right? Kids are welcome. And Ritz-Carlton in general has a policy of welcoming familes.
Features for Families
- Ritz Kids program for ages 5 to 12 has full or half-days, with activities such as pool games, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, surrey bike rides, karaoke and dance parties. Hours extend to 10 pm; reserve in advance.
- Kids menus
- kids' wading pool and playground area
- Kids' Suites: connected to Executive Suite; with kids furniture, board games, movies and toys
- kids and teens spa treatments (parent must accompany guests under 18)
- P.O.L.O. - The Protect Our Little Ones -- package includes blocking electrical outlets from little fingers and removing alcoholic beverages from the in-room fridge
- child care services, arranged through the concierge staff
Also: check for a Family Package with adjoining rooms, kids under 12 eat free (at most of the Ritz-Carlton restaurants, with a paying adult), complimentary Ritz Kids for up to two kids ages 5 to 12; ice cream passport, and more.
Kids might enjoy the lazy river at the JW adjoining property.
Keep in Mind::
- A cab/limo ride each way to Disney World is about $40 one-way*
- If you want to check out (off-property) shops and restaurants, consider renting a car
- Tthis property has lots of business/convention clientele, which may mean a more formal vibe; it's popular for romantic getaways, too. If you want theme-park casualness, Disney ambiance, excited Disney-going kiddies, stay elsewhere.
Find Out More:
- See Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes at the Ritz-Carlton site
- see the Grande Lakes site
- check visitors' comments at site like TripAdvisor.com
- check prices, at Kayak.com
* always check website for updates!
This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person.
