A family-friendly stay on International Drive with a built-in water park
If you are looking for a hotel in Orlando that keeps the kids entertained without needing to leave the property, CoCo Key Hotel & Water Park Resort is one that comes up time and time again. Located right on International Drive, this resort combines a budget-friendly stay with a large on-site water park, making it a popular choice for families.
This is a full, honest review based on our experience, including everything from the rooms and facilities to the extra costs you need to be aware of before booking.
First Impressions and Location
One of the biggest advantages of CoCo Key is its location. It is situated on International Drive, meaning you are close to everything. Universal, Disney and ICON Park are all within easy reach, and the resort also offers a scheduled shuttle service to the parks.
It is also worth noting how close it is to the airport, which makes arrival and departure days far less stressful, especially when travelling with children.
Food options are another win here. While the hotel has plenty on site, you are also directly opposite IHOP, a short walk from McDonald’s, and near Chuck E. Cheese, which is ideal if you want easy, familiar options for the kids.
Rooms and Renovations
Rooms at CoCo Key are simple but functional. Ours was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed for our stay.
The resort is currently going through renovations, and you can definitely see the improvements. Parts of the hotel feel fresh, modern and updated, which makes a noticeable difference compared to some of the older areas.
While this is not a luxury hotel, it is a solid option for families who plan to spend most of their time out exploring or in the water park.
The Water Park Experience
The water park is without a doubt the main selling point of this resort and the reason many families choose to stay here.
It features a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, with slides, splash zones and plenty of space for younger children to enjoy safely. The water was lovely and warm, which made a big difference, especially for longer stays in the pool.
It is important to note that lifeguards are present at the water park itself, but not at the main resort pool, which is something to be aware of if you are travelling with younger children.
For us, this was the highlight of the stay. My child had the best time, and it is the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire day without needing to leave.
Resort Facilities and Dining
CoCo Key offers a range of on-site facilities that make it easy to stay entertained without leaving the resort. The arcade is huge and will definitely be a big hit with the kids.
Dining options include:
- Tradewinds Restaurant for breakfast buffet
- Callaloo Marketplace & Bar for casual dining
- Starbucks for your daily coffee
- Paco’s for poolside food and drinks
Having a Starbucks on site was a personal highlight. If you are anything like me and need your daily coffee, it is a small detail that makes a big difference.
There are also convenience stores within the resort, which are handy for quick snacks and essentials.
Resort Fees and What’s Included
One important thing to factor in is the daily resort fee.
The resort fee is $45 per day (plus tax) and includes:
- Up to four tickets to the water park
- WiFi
- Access to the main pool and jacuzzi
- Fitness centre
- Children’s activities
- Business centre
- Shuttle service to Universal and Disney
If you are travelling as a family, this can offer good value, especially with the water park access included.
Day Pass Option
If you are not staying at the hotel, there is also the option to purchase day passes for the water park. This is a great alternative if you simply want to experience the water park without booking a room.
Check-In, Check-Out and Luggage Storage
Check-in is from 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
One thing that really stood out for us was the luggage storage. We arrived early, left our bags with the hotel and headed straight to the water park. It is a simple perk, but it means you can make the most of your first day instead of waiting around for your room.
Overall Experience
We thought this was a great resort to visit, particularly because of the water park, which is what really sells it.
My child had the best time, the water was warm, and there was plenty to keep them entertained. For me, having a Starbucks on site was a big bonus, and the location made everything incredibly easy.
Our room was clean and comfortable, and with the ongoing renovations, parts of the resort already feel modern and refreshed.
Final Thoughts
As always, it is difficult to say exactly how much a stay here will cost as prices vary depending on your travel dates, party size and availability. It is worth checking the website and playing around with different dates to find the best deal.
CoCo Key is not trying to be a luxury resort, and it does not need to be. It is a practical, family-friendly base with a built-in water park that keeps children happy and gives parents a relatively stress-free stay in Orlando.
If your priority is keeping the kids entertained while staying somewhere convenient and reasonably priced, this is definitely one to consider.
