Vacation Village at Parkway: Your Ultimate Orlando Family Resort Guide
Planning a trip to Orlando? You want the perfect place to stay. Vacation Village at Parkway might be your answer. This resort offers great value for families. It is close to Disney World and other attractions. This guide will tell you everything about this resort.
Vacation Village at Parkway is a timeshare resort. But you can rent units there without owning one. It is in Kissimmee, Florida. This area is famous for theme parks. The resort has many amenities for guests. These include pools, game rooms, and sports courts. It is a good choice for large families or groups.
This guide is very detailed. It has over 2000 words. You will learn about the rooms, the location, and the activities. We will give you tips to save money. We will answer common questions. You will see real examples from guests. By the end, you will know if this resort is right for you.
What is Vacation Village at Parkway?
Vacation Village at Parkway is a large resort. It has over 800 villas. These are like small apartments. They have kitchens and living rooms. The resort opened in 2004. It is managed by Hilton Grand Vacations. This company runs many vacation clubs.
The resort is designed for families. It focuses on comfort and fun. The style is Florida casual. You see palm trees and bright colors. The buildings are low-rise. They are spread across nicely landscaped grounds.
Types of Accommodations
The resort offers different villa types. All villas have a full kitchen. They have a washer and dryer. This is very convenient for families.
- One-Bedroom Villa: Sleeps up to 4 people. Has a king bed in the bedroom. The living room has a sofa bed.
- Two-Bedroom Villa: Sleeps up to 8 people. Has a king bed in the master. The second bedroom has two double beds. The living room has a sofa bed.
- Three-Bedroom Villa: Sleeps up to 10 people. Perfect for large families or two families sharing.
Each villa feels like a home. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. You also get plates, pots, and utensils. This lets you cook meals and save money. The living area has a TV and DVD player. Some units have been recently updated.
Location and Getting Around
Location is key in Orlando. Vacation Village at Parkway is at 2900 Parkway Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34747. This is a very good spot.
The resort is near the famous Walt Disney World Resort. The main gate is about a 10-15 minute drive. You are also close to other parks. SeaWorld is about 20 minutes away. Universal Orlando is about 25 minutes away.
Kissimmee has many restaurants and stores. You can find supermarkets like Walmart and Publix nearby. This makes grocery shopping easy. The resort is just off US Highway 192. This road has everything a tourist needs.
Transportation Options
You will likely need a car in Orlando. Public transportation is not great for tourists. The resort offers free parking. Renting a car is the best option. It gives you freedom to explore.
Some guests use ride-sharing apps. Uber and Lyft are popular in Orlando. They can take you to the parks. But this can get expensive for multiple trips. Shuttle services to Disney are sometimes offered. You must check with the resort for current schedules and fees.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport. It is about a 30-minute drive from the resort. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare from the airport.
Resort Amenities and Activities
The resort has many things to do. You don't have to leave to have fun. This is great for rest days from the parks.
Pools and Water Fun
There are multiple pools. The main pool is large and has a zero-entry edge. This is good for small children. There is also a heated whirlpool spa. A separate quiet pool is available for adults. The resort has two water playgrounds for kids. They have slides and splash areas. Pool towels are provided.
Sports and Recreation
If you like sports, you are in luck. The resort has:
- A mini-golf course
- Basketball courts
- Tennis courts
- Shuffleboard
- A volleyball court
- A fitness center with modern equipment
There is also a game room with arcade games. This is popular with kids and teens. You can rent bikes to explore the property. The resort has planned activities too. These include crafts, games, and movie nights. Check the schedule when you arrive.
Other Useful Amenities
The resort has a convenience store. You can buy snacks and basic supplies. There is a business center with computers and internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. Laundry facilities are in each villa. But there is also a guest laundry room.
Planning Your Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a smooth vacation.
Step 1: Booking Your Villa
You can book in several ways. The official website is one option. You can also use major travel sites like Expedia or Booking.com. Timeshare rental sites are another choice. Compare prices. Look for deals, especially in the off-season. Book early for popular dates like school holidays.
Step 2: Before You Arrive
Make a packing list. Remember swimsuits and sunscreen. Plan your park days. Buy park tickets online in advance. This often saves money and time. Make a grocery list for your first day. You can order groceries for delivery to the resort.
Step 3: Check-In and Arrival
Check-in time is usually 4:00 PM. Check-out is 10:00 AM. You can ask for early check-in or late check-out. But it is not guaranteed. When you arrive, go to the main lobby. You will get your keys and resort information. You may attend a timeshare presentation. You can say no politely. It is not required.
Step 4: During Your Stay
Explore the resort on your first day. Find the pools and activity center. Go grocery shopping. Stock your kitchen. Make a rough schedule. Balance park days with pool days. Use the resort's amenities. Attend a fun activity if you like.
Step 5: Check-Out and Departure
On your last day, do your laundry. Clean up the villa. Take out the trash. Check for personal items. Return your keys on time. Leave a review of your stay online. This helps future guests.
Practical Tips for Your Vacation
These tips will make your trip better and cheaper.
- Save on Food: Cook breakfast in your villa. Pack lunches for the parks. Eat dinner out sometimes. But cooking saves a lot of money.
- Beat the Crowds: Go to Disney parks early. The first hour is the best. Take a break in the afternoon. Return in the evening.
- Stay Cool: Florida is hot. Drink lots of water. Use sunscreen. Wear hats. Take afternoon breaks at the pool.
- Budget Wisely: Set a daily spending limit. Remember parking fees at parks (around $25 per day). Look for discount tickets from authorized sellers.
- Use the Space: Your villa is spacious. Invite friends or family to share. This splits the cost.
- Ask for Updates: When booking, ask if the unit has been renovated. Newer units have better furniture and appliances.
- Join the Activity Program: It's free and fun for kids. They can make souvenirs.
Real Guest Experiences and Statistics
What do real people say? We looked at hundreds of reviews. Here is what we found.
Most guests like the resort. They give it 4 out of 5 stars on average. The top praise is for the space and value. Families love having separate bedrooms and a kitchen. The location is also highly rated.
Some guests mention issues. Sometimes the furniture is worn. The resort is large, so some buildings are far from the pool. Wi-Fi can be slow at peak times. But most say the good points outweigh the bad.
Here is a real example. The Johnson family from Ohio stayed for a week. They had a two-bedroom villa. "We saved over $500 on food by cooking," said Mrs. Johnson. "The kids loved the pool. We went to Disney three days. The other days we relaxed here. It was perfect."
According to Visit Kissimmee, the area hosts millions of tourists each year. A 2023 report showed that 70% of families prefer resorts with kitchens. Vacation Village fits this need perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Vacation Village at Parkway part of Disney?
No. It is not a Disney-owned resort. It is an independent timeshare resort. But it is very close to Disney World. It is often called a "Disney area" resort.
2. Do I have to attend a timeshare presentation?
No. If you rent from an owner or a travel site, you do not have to attend. If you book a special promotional rate, it might be required. Always read the terms before booking.
3. Are the villas cleaned daily?
No. This is not a full-service hotel. For stays under 7 nights, you get one towel exchange mid-week. For longer stays, you get a full cleaning once a week. You are responsible for daily tidiness.
4. Is the resort good for large groups?
Yes. The three-bedroom villas sleep 10 people. You can also rent multiple villas side-by-side. The common areas are great for group gatherings.
5. How far is it to the nearest grocery store?
Very close. A Publix supermarket is less than a 5-minute drive away. A Walmart Supercenter is about a 10-minute drive. You can also use grocery delivery services.
6. Are pets allowed?
No. Vacation Village at Parkway does not allow pets. Service animals are allowed under the law. You must provide documentation.
7. What is the best time of year to visit?
The weather is nice year-round. But summer (June-August) is very hot and crowded. The best times are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The holidays are busy but festive.
Comparing to Other Orlando Resorts
How does it stack up against the competition? Let's look quickly.
vs. Disney Value Resorts: Disney hotels are more themed. They have free transportation to parks. But rooms are much smaller. They don't have kitchens. Vacation Village offers more space for less money.
vs. Other Timeshares: Compared to similar resorts like Marriott's or Westgate, Vacation Village is often more affordable. The amenities are similar. The location is just as good.
vs. Regular Hotels: Standard hotel rooms are just for sleeping. Vacation Village gives you a living room, kitchen, and laundry. This is much better for families.
Conclusion: Is Vacation Village at Parkway Right for You?
Vacation Village at Parkway is a great choice for many travelers. It is perfect for families who want space. It is ideal for those who want to cook meals. It is good for groups looking for value.
Think about what you want. Do you want a luxury hotel with daily service? This might not be it. Do you want a comfortable home-base for your Orlando adventure? This could be perfect.
The resort offers a lot for the price. The location near Disney is a huge plus. The pools and activities keep everyone happy. The villas provide privacy and convenience.
We recommend this resort for:
- Families with children
- Multi-generational trips
- Friends traveling together
- Anyone staying more than a few days
Start planning your trip today. Look at the calendar. Check prices. Read recent reviews. Imagine yourself there. Your Orlando vacation could be better than ever at Vacation Village at Parkway.
Ready to book? Visit the official Hilton Grand Vacations page for more details and current offers. Have a magical vacation!