Gaylord Palms Resort

It's a convention center in disguise, but the Gaylord Palms appeals to vacationers, too, and is not your run-of-the-mill resort. It could be considered a destination unto itself, offering its own entertainment, fabulous dining, shops, and recreational facilities. The 4 1/2-acre octagonal Grand Atrium topped by a glass dome surrounds a miniature version of the Castillo de San Marcos, the old fort at St. Augustine. Waterfalls, lush foliage, live alligators, and a rocky landscape complete the feel.

The resort and its rooms are divided into themes: Emerald Bay, a 362-room hotel within the hotel, has an elegant air; St. Augustine captures the essence of America's oldest city; Key West delivers the laid-back ambience of Florida's southernmost city; and the Everglades uses a misty swamp, snarling faux gator, fiber-optic fireflies, and tin-roofed shanties to muster a wild-and-wooly air. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and well appointed (the soundproofing, though, could be a bit better); each has its own balcony. The kids' pool features a huge eight-legged octopus water slide, and cabanas at the adult pool have Internet access. If you need to unwind further, try the 20,000-square-foot Relâche Spa. As is befitting a luxury resort, the service is impeccable -- yet it's also extremely friendly and welcoming, not standoffish, as is the case at many other resorts of this class.

Note: Just as this book was being written, Gaylord announced that DreamWorks characters (think Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar) will soon be arriving at the hotel. The "DreamWorks Experience" (details and pricing yet to be released) will roll out during the winter holidays later this year. Look for themed amenities (but not themed rooms), parades, meet-and-greet opportunities, and poolside activities to be part of the lineup.

Facilities:
3 restaurants; 4 lounges; babysitting; supervised children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; 2 outdoor heated pools; room service; spa; free transportation to Disney parks; transportation to non-Disney parks for a fee

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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