Parkway International Resort

The hotel has a safari theme, by way of buildings named after animals, and an elevated nature walk through the woods with a few African-style "artifacts" strewn about the swamp -- this theme is quite minimal in guest rooms. Outdoors, guests head to the the star attraction: the swimming pool, which is flanked by a gentle waterfall cascading over rocks, palm trees, a hot tub, and umbrella-covered dining tables. There’s also a barbecue deck, and just off the pool is the casual, safari-themed Kenya Kafe Bar & Grill. The mid-sized playground has a colorful jungle gym and zip-line, which (unsurprisingly) lures kids and parents.

The resort is located in a wooded area populated with hotels that cater to theme park visitors. The property is within a 15-minute walk of a steakhouse and a sushi bar. It’s also a slightly longer walk -- or about a 10-minute drive -- from a drug store and several other eateries. There’s no grocery store within walking distance, which is unfortunate for those who don’t have a car but wish to take advantage of the en-suite kitchens; Winn-Dixie is an 8-minute drive away, and Publix Super Market is about 12 minutes away. The resort is within a 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.

All units are two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos that sleep six and each includes a king bedroom, second bedroom with two twin beds, and a sleeper sofa in the living room. All have three flat-screen TVs and, in addition to the usual amenities (hairdryers, alarm clocks, in-room safes), offer washer/dryers, DVD players, and vacuum cleaners. Decor is sub-par, with white-and-rust-colored bed linens, dark tiki-style furniture, and mediocre safari-themed wall art. While rooms are spacious, housekeeping can be subpar. Each condo includes a full kitchen with the usual appliances, along with some nice extras like mixers and blenders.

Given the resort’s location near Central Florida’s theme parks, it’s not surprising that the property touts its share of family-friendly amenities. For starters, there’s a swimming pool, separate wading pool for toddlers, small arcade, and playground. But what sets Parkway International Resort apart is the schedule of organized activities for all ages, from arts and crafts and scavenger hunts for the kids, to poker and blackjack tournaments for the adults. Activities are offered Wednesday through Sunday; a small fee applies for some. To give parents a break, the kids’ club is open Sunday afternoons; for a small fee, parents can drop off their children for a few hours of crafts, duck feeding, and snacks. Other recreational amenities on-site include tennis, sand volleyball, and shuffleboard courts. The poolside restaurant serves hamburgers, nachos, salads, and other casual fare.