My Weekend At Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida: A Resort Getaway Minutes From Disney World
By Megan Todaro|Published September 18, 2023
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Megan Todaro
Author
Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
I had the fantastic opportunity to indulge in a weekend getaway at the newly revamped Caribe Royale Orlando resort and let me just say, it was a rollercoaster of fun from start to finish. If you’re in the know about the Orlando scene, you’re probably familiar with the iconic “big pink hotel” that perches itself just a stone’s throw away from the Walt Disney World® Resort, on World Center Drive. This place is not just your gateway to nearby theme park adventures; it’s also your sanctuary for a couple of days of pure relaxation with a good book, a chilled drink, and a poolside lounger. Ahh, the “suite” life…
The first thing I realized when pulling up to the front entrance where the valet awaits - the resort is enormous.
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There's the main building with its welcoming lobby...
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…conveniently located Starbucks, Rum Bar, gift shop, and downstairs restaurants.
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Let’s talk about the rooms for a second - each of which has been stripped down and built back up during the recent renovation to ooze luxury and refinement.
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For me, it’s the personal touches that the staff at Caribe peppered in throughout my stay that really made me feel welcomed and at home.
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Nowadays, that level of service and hospitality is very hard to find. But you can tell this resort and the staff make it a priority for every guest.
Each room is tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
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What took me by surprise during my stay at Caribe was the attention to detail when it came to amenities, culinary delights, and hospitality.
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Brace yourself for this one: they've got an on-site chocolatier! Yes, you read that right. A chocolatier crafting handmade, gourmet artisan chocolates, each one bearing the Caribe Royale logo. It's a chocolate lover's dream come true.
But then you’ll find various other towering buildings scattered across the property housing suites and villas.
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But the pièce de résistance? The colossal lagoon-style pool right smack in the middle, boasting a whopping 75-foot waterslide. And let's set the record straight – there's no age maximum for enjoying that waterslide. It's fun for even the adults at the resort!
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Trust me, booking a cabana is a game-changer for that tropical vibe. You might just forget you're in Florida and imagine you've stumbled onto a South American beach with island tunes wafting from hidden speakers and the scent of piña coladas following the cabana crew as they float by with trays of frozen delights.
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The pool was brimming with people of all ages, enjoying frozen daiquiris from Calypso Bar and Grill or splashing under the giant waterfall. Not only is the pool one of the largest in Orlando, but it comes complete with a waterslide, hot tub, a separate children’s pool area, and so much more.
I was treated to a poolside cabana for the day, which was a godsend in the scorching heat. The cabana crew decked it out with fresh fruit, pristine towels, and a mini-fridge stocked with sodas and water.
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If I had to choose one thing that I loved most of all about staying at Caribe, (don’t make me choose!), my absolute favorite part of the entire experience involved food and drinks.
Not only do they have a AAA Four Diamond restaurant called the Venetian Chophouse on-site, but there's also Calypso's Bar and Grill serving up frozen concoctions and scrumptious bites by the pool.
Then, there's Tropicale with its classic American breakfast menu and buffet bonanza.
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And let's not forget the Rum Bar featuring Bacardi rum, open daily from 4 PM to midnight. I had the pleasure of embarking on a rum flight led by our bartender extraordinaire, Josh, who could give you a dissertation on each pour.
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These aren't your run-of-the-mill liquor store rums – some of these come from the far reaches of the globe, and your flight includes a fascinating history lesson with every sip.
And if you feel like taking it slow in the morning before hitting the pool, go for the en-suite dining option. Picture this: a pot of piping hot coffee delivered to your door, crispy hash browns in their own crockpot, or a freshly baked croissant still warm from the oven.
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In-suite dining is the perfect way to start the day in my opinion, and it really adds to the touch of feeling like you’re on vacation in every way.
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Back to the Venetian Chophouse – it's a renowned steakhouse tucked away within the resort, dishing out signature steaks, chops, and a unique twist on classic Italian dishes. It's got that upscale vibe, but it's incredibly welcoming when it comes to both food and service.
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I was fortunate enough to have Diesel as my server, and his charisma, conversation, and personality took the meal to a whole new level.
Who would've thought that nestled within this resort lies a fine dining gem like the Venetian Chophouse? You don't even need to stay at the resort to savor its delights.
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Pro tip: kick off your dining experience with fresh-baked bread, particularly the rosemary focaccia slathered in butter – it's heavenly.
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I also got to savor the local Burrata...
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...wild mushroom risotto...
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...Chilean Seabass puttanesca, and the tagliatelle Bolognese.
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To sweeten the deal, there's the limoncello cheesecake that's worth the trip all on its own.
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And if you're up for a dessert adventure, go for the ultimate chocolate sphere – featuring chewy caramel, chocolate ganache, chocolate crunch gelato, all flambeéd tableside. Trust me; it's as fun as it sounds.
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In a nutshell, this Orlando resort is an all-encompassing experience suitable for all ages. Whether you're a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family yearning to make a splash by the pool, or a solo traveler in need of an upscale vacation, Caribe Royale has you covered.
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And guess what? Caribe Royale Orlando has undergone a jaw-dropping transformation, with a whopping $140 million invested in renovations and expansions, and there’s even more excitement on the horizon. Next year, they’re opening the Stadium Club – think of it as a hybrid between a high-tech nightclub, sports bar, and virtual reality entertainment haven. The new venue inside the resort will boast two bars, eight pro-level sports simulators, and live broadcasts of all your favorite sporting events. Get ready for a whole new level of entertainment!
Have you ever been to Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! You can also plan your trip to this world-class resort by first exploring the Caribe Royale Orlando website or the Caribe Royale Orlando Facebook Page. Or, if you’re ready to book, then you’re in luck! Check out Expedia’s Caribe Royale page to see what rooms are available.
Note: I was given an overnight stay at Caribe Royale Orlando in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the developing company in any way.
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