CoCo Key Water Park is another Orlando option
I picked CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort for our Orlando stay on a recent Florida trip because of the hotel’s connected water park and location. And, because I’m a hound for a deal–the price. Our son, whose best hotel stay of 2012 was the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas because of the pool’s slide (it went right through a gigantic aquarium where sharks swim), puts water parks at the top of his “Things I Love” list. Who doesn’t want to give an 11 year-old boy his best vacation ever?
A Standard Queen Room
The best vacation ever headed into not so good territory when arrived at CoCo Key at 4:30 pm to find out that the water park closed at 5:00. Oops. I didn’t notice that one detail when I made the two-night reservation. Because the next day was slated for Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, there’d be no water park that day either. Or the next day, for that matter, since that’s when we’d be leaving for home.
What could have been disastrous turned out to be not so bad. From our son’s perspective CoCo Key’s game arcade made up for the water park strike out.
From my perspective, CoCo Key’s color scheme of bright blues, reds and yellows from the lobby to guest rooms added a cheerful comfort from amusement park frenzy that I appreciated.
Plus, we found everything we needed. Our room with two queen beds had a refrigerator, coffee pot, a microwave, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, WiFi and plenty of room to move around. We were also supplied with two toothbrushes when I discovered two of ours were left behind in our travels.
Along with the helpful staff, the hotel’s lobby has a business center with computers and a printer, as well as, discount tickets to Universal Orlando and golf reservations. There’s also a fitness center.
From my husband’s perspective, CoCo Key’s location couldn’t have been better. Universal Orlando was about a 10 minute drive from our hotel, if that. Since he was in charge of dropping my son, daughter and me off at Universal Orlando’s gate and picking us up afterwards, the slam dunk drive was appreciated.
The CoCo Key pool that’s not connected to the water park
Even though breakfast is not included, the convenience of CoCo Key to inexpensive eateries made up for it. We used the McDonald’s drive through window both mornings we were there. It was right down the street before the turn to Universal and I-4. Along with restaurants and other hotels, the stretch of Orlando where CoCo Key is located is filled gift shops.
Over the course of our two-days there, I kept thinking about other possibilities of a future CoCo Key stay. Several guest rooms are configured to become adjoining rooms. Our room, for example, had doors that led into two other rooms which would be a perfect set up for families or friends traveling together.
Also, the hotel’s lovely large pool and hot tub were underutilized by us due to time constraints. On another visit, it would be terrific to put in some lounging by the pool time.
Other CoCo Key Hotel Water Resort details of note:
One of the reasons CoCo Key looks so fresh is because it’s relatively new. Opened in April 2010, this 391 guest room, 12 building establishment includes a restaurant, a grill, a Pizza Hut, a bar and a coffee shop.
For those without a ride to Universal or who don’t want to pay for parking, there’s a free shuttle to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Wet N’ Wild.
CoCo Key lobby where business center is located
One detail we found out after we arrived, along with the guest room fee, there’s a $10 per day resort fee. CoCo Key waterpark fees are also extra. Although we never went to the waterpark, I found out it would have been $20 per person. The price does vary depending upon the season and the day of the week.
The resort fee covers the cost of the amenities. Because our room cost us $69 dollars through Hotel.com, I think the fee was not a bad deal. I would definitely stay here again. According to the CoCo Key website, room rates start at $119. Click here for reservation page. Or check prices on Hotels.com or Expedia.
Oh, about the CoCo Key Water Park. There are 14 slides and four swimming pools. Yeah, that would have been fun. Next time.
CoCo Key Hotel and Water Park Resort
7400 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
877-875-4681
Photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein except for the water park photo. That one is courtesy of CoCo Key.
