As someone who has traveled to Orlando several times a year for more than a decade, I’ve stayed at my fair share of theme park hotels. While there are many advantages and major perks for staying at these properties, there are other options for those who want a different vibe, more space, or a simple change of pace.
On my most recent visit to the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” my family and I decided to stay at Caribe Royale Orlando, an all-suite property only 1.5 miles from Disney’s doorstep.
As soon as we arrived at our villa, I knew that it would be a new and stress-free experience for my family.
Here’s my honest review of my stay at Caribe Royale Orlando.
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Rooms and Accommodations
With 1,337 suites and villas across seven buildings, this property is perfect for large families and group getaways. We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom villa, in a tower overlooking the property’s private pool (only guests staying in one of the villas have access).
The villa featured a spacious living room with a queen-size sofa bed and a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, range, microwave, and all the necessary cookware and dishware—making it easy to prepare meals. Many theme park hotels don’t have this perk. While the kitchen felt a bit dated, renovations are underway, with updates expected in the coming months.
The best part? Our ensuite washer and dryer. Those who travel with kids know just how handy a washer and dryer can be. Not to mention our villa also had two bathrooms — again, ideal for large families. Having a teenage daughter who takes her time getting ready, having an extra bathroom was a major timesaver. Although I had my eyes locked on the large tub in the king bathroom—unfortunately, I never got the chance to take a relaxing soak.
Another highlight of our villa was the screened patio. I’m prone to pesky mosquito bites, so this was an unexpected amenity that I appreciated. Nothing ruins a trip quicker than irritated, itchy skin.
Overall, the villa served as a relaxing retreat away from the theme park bubble.
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Food and Drinks
With eight on-site dining and bar concepts, the property has plenty of options to satisfy appetites. Since we arrived in the afternoon, our first stop was Calypso’s Pool Bar & Grille. From burgers and fries to blackened fish tacos, this eatery served casual poolside fare.
I ordered grilled red snapper with rice, plantains, and black beans, which was tastier than I anticipated. The fish was flavorful with just the right amount of spice, and the rice was cooked to perfection. Honestly, the meal rivaled the authentic Caribbean dishes I’ve enjoyed across many islands. My son, who is a self-proclaimed burger guru gave his plain meat and bun sandwich two thumbs up.
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For dinner, we headed to Stadium Club, an interactive sports bar and entertainment venue where we ordered a variety of bar-inspired bites like pizza, coconut shrimp, and ribs. While the food was good, the real standouts were the eight, pro-level stimulators. We played virtual games including hockey, baseball, basketball, and more for a couple of hours all from the comfort of our suite. Guests can reserve these spaces hourly while dining and sipping craft cocktails.
The next morning, we grabbed breakfast at Tropicale, the property’s breakfast spot featuring a classic American menu. Admittedly, my family and I are big fans of breakfast buffets. This one had all the fixings to wake up taste buds. From made-to-order omelets to fluffy, buttermilk pancakes, the spread was massive and incredibly delicious. The fresh-squeezed orange juice was also some of the best I’ve ever had. That’s not surprising since we were in Florida, one of the top citrus providers in the country.
For snacks, sweet treats and pizza, The Market offers convenient grab-and-go options to hold guests over in-between meals. We stopped by a few times to pick up pizza, cookies, and chips throughout our stay. The pizza was better than expected considering it’s not a full-service pizzeria.
While we didn’t dine at The Venetian Chop House, the resort’s Italian steakhouse, it’s a good option for those who crave a hearty meal. There’s also a Starbucks in the lobby, as well as a vibrant lounge-like bar featuring a tapas menu and a selection of rums from around the world.
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Pools and Activities
If you’re taking a break from the theme parks or simply plan to spend your entire stay at the resort, there’s plenty to do.
In the middle of the resort, you’ll find the main pool featuring a twisting 75’ water slide and towering waterfalls. There’s also a kiddie pool and splash pad for little ones. Again, there’s a private pool that only villa guests can access. There are also a couple hot tubs for those who want to take a steamy dip.
Private cabanas can also be reserved. We stayed in one and had a comfortable and enjoyable pool day. Plus, the service was top notch. Staff made sure we had a fully always stocked mini fridge and fresh towels at our fingertips.
During our pool day, we ducked into the arcade near the kiddie pool—but it’s small and geared toward younger kids. My tween and teen breezed through, though little ones will be entertained.
Our favorite part of the stay was the time we spent playing sports together as a family. The resort boasts a basketball court, padel court, and pickleball court—we played all three sports. We also went for several bike rides where my son, who is a late bloomer when it comes to biking, learned how to ride a bike.
While there is an on-site spa and fitness center, we didn’t take advantage of either during our visit. We were too busy enjoying ourselves doing other activities.
Guests can also take advantage of a complimentary shuttle that runs throughout the day, offering easy access to all four Disney parks and Disney Springs.
Getting There
Caribe Royale Orlando is 15 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is about a 25–30-minute drive. We booked a rideshare service, which was approximately $30. Most people rent a car, but since we’re New Yorkers who don’t drive often, we tend to stick to rideshare options to get around when we’re visiting Orlando.
The Bottom Line
For a more affordable stay near the action, this resort delivers—spacious accommodations, a Disney shuttle, and enough dining and activities to keep everyone entertained. Plus, it’s close to the airport for a seamless start to your vacation.
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