|
|
|
Radisson Resort Parkway: A Review
by Jennifer Watson
and Dave Marx, Co-Authors of the PassPorter
Walt Disney World Resort guidebook
|
The Radisson Resort Parkway
has become a buzzword recently due to it's excellent rates (as low as $63/night
at the time of writing)
and it's proximity to Walt Disney World. So in August 2003, we set out to
see what all the fuss was about, and if it was good enough for our PassPorter
readers. The verdict? Radisson Resort Parkway is more than just a "cheap
stay" -- it's a really lovely resort with gorgeous pools, well-manicured
grounds, very comfortable rooms, and more services than you'd expect from
an inexpensive resort. We give it two thumbs up! |
|
Rates at the
Radisson Resort Parkway
Rates start low, very
low -- at the time we write this review, you can get a room for as low as
$63/night between 9/5-10/2/2003 (see rates at the end of this review). As
a rule of thumb, rates here are below All-Star and Pop Century rates, and
yet the resort's amenities put it in the "moderate" class rather than the
"value" class. So you get the equivalent of a moderate resort (such as Caribbean
Beach) for less than the price of a value (All Star or Pop Century).
Ambience at the Radisson
"Spacious" is
the keyword here. The lobby is cavernous, the free-from pool is huge, the
grounds are extensive, and the rooms are generous. This resort can be booked
to capacity and you will not feel crowded, which cannot be said for, say,
All-Star Resorts. But this isn't just a big resort with a lackluster feel.
The resort was recently updated and improved in 2001, and everything feels
modern, polished, and well-maintained. The lobby is lovely, dominated by
warm woods and skylights. In fact, "warm" could be another keyword here --
all the woods, colors, and lights are warm and relaxing. |
The Radisson Resort Lobby
|
Checking In at the Radisson
There's very little
to report here, and that's a good thing. Check-in was quick and easy. There
were no hidden surprises (like we've gotten at other bargain hotels) and
the staff was courteous and efficient. Our luggage was collected by the bell
staff when we arrived, and sent up to our room once we checked in. |
The Radisson Resort Front Desk
|
Rooms at the Radisson
Our first impression
of the guest rooms were the unique furnishings and fresh decor. Unlike so
many other Orlando-area hotels that go for your basic tropical theme, the
Radission uses a modern Italian look... and to great success. More warm woods,
soft lighting, and clean lines give the rooms an inviting European feel.
All rooms come with either two double beds or one king bed, a chair and ottoman,
desk and chair, 25" TV with remote, two phones with dataports, coffeemaker,
iron and ironing board, marble vanity, hair dryer, make-up mirror, large
in-room safe, and mini-bar. High-speed Internet access is also available
through the TV for a fee.
Toiletries included ASiRA shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and a shower cap.
We were fortunate to stay in a deluxe room (see photos), which replaces
the floral bedspread with a big, fluffy duvet (very European).
All rooms open onto an interior hallway, unlike Disney's value and moderate
resorts. Two views are available: courtyard and pool. Rooms do not have balconies
or patios, but the windows are large.
The rooms are situated among six
buildings (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000). We stayed in the
6000 building and really enjoyed its proximity to the shuttle stop,
the pools, and the restaurant. In general, however, all the
buildings are well-located. The only one that seems to be a bit
out-of-the-way is the 3000 building, and even that has its
advantages as it is near the lobby, tennis courts, and playground. |
Two queen beds in a
standard, pool-view room
Dave relaxes in our deluxe
room with a king bed.
Another view of our deluxe room
The marble-topped vanity in the
bathroom
|
Amenities at the Radisson
The biggest draw here are the wonderful pools. One very large,
free-form pool (see photo) is the focal point, featuring a 40 ft. waterslide and waterfall.
Nearby is a kid's wading pool, two hot tubs, and another heated "quiet" pool.
One of the hot tubs is tucked out of the way in a delightful little grotto.
In addition to the pools, there are two lighted tennis courts, a
sand volleyball court, a playground, an arcade, a fitness center,
and a walking/jogging path. Note that there are
plans to improve the playground and add some familiar characters to
it! To see another photo of the pool which gives you an idea of how
large it is, click here. And there
are virtual tours of both pools available at the
Radisson site. A good-sized gift shop is available in the lobby,
too. Convention and banquet facilities are also available, as is a
business center (open from 8-5 pm, M-F).
|
The largest of the two Radisson
pools. Note the waterfall in the back and the waterslide to the left
|
Transportation
at the Radisson
Free shuttles are available
to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld, and this is one of
the few hotels do this. The shuttles operate on a
schedule
and unlike the Disney buses used at the Disney resorts, these are like
traditional touring buses, and hence more comfortable. The biggest drawback
to these shuttles is frequency: the Disney shuttles pickup/drop-off 4-6
times a day, the Universal and Seaworld shuttles pick-up/drop-off 1-2 times
a day. If you're like us, your schedule doesn't fit their schedule. We ended
up taking a taxi twice from this hotel, because the shuttle had already left.
Also, the buses drop-off at the Ticket & Transportation
Center, and you need to catch another bus/monorail from there to go to
other parks. Thus, while there are shuttles, we strongly recommend you have a car when
staying at any off-property resort. There is free
self-parking at the resort, and Thrifty Car Rental has a desk in the
Radisson lobby. The Radisson is just 1.5 miles (as the crow flies) from
Walt Disney World, so transportation is quick and simple. In fact, the
resort is right across the street from Celebration, Disney's community!
Radisson Resort Parkway is off of 192, just east of I-4.
Dining at the Radisson
We enjoyed two meals at this resort -- a quick breakfast at the 50s-themed
Parkway Deli & Diner and a more leisurely breakfast buffet at the restaurant.
Both were satisfying. The Diner (see
menu) is open all day and offers Pizza Hut pizzas (very popular
here), Krispy Creme donuts, Starbuck's coffee, Edy's ice cream,
sandwiches, salads, shakes, and malts. There's a jukebox in the
corner that livens up the atmosphere.
The restaurant is currently known as "Cafe in the
Court" but will be getting a new name to go along with its recent
remodeling. Breakfast buffets ($8.95/adult) are fresh and hearty at
the restaurant, and the Kids Eat Free program can make it a real
bargain, too (applies to kids 10 and under who are with a paying
adult). Dinner is also offered, though we can't comment on that as
we didn't have time to check it out.
There's also a Sports Lounge and the Cascade Pool
Bar, both of which offer drinks and snacks. Room service is offered
from 6:30 - 11:00 pm.
If you need
more choices, you can take a 5-10 minute walk to one of several
restaurants in the immediate area. |
Dave enjoys breakfast at the
Deli & Diner
The restaurant is a cut above
most hotel restaurants
|
All in all,
we're
very impressed! Radisson Resort Parkway is one of the few off-property
hotels we really recommend to PassPorter readers! It's upscale, fun, and
affordable!
Hot Tip: We are
pleased to be able to offer incredible rates for PassPorter readers. To
reserve the PassPorter great rates, just
use this link to the Radisson Resort Parkway web site.
Here are those great PassPorter deals and rates (these rates are the
LOWEST that you can find anywhere for the Radisson Resort Parkway, whether
you look through the Internet, through a travel agent, or go directly
through the hotel).
|
Free Upgrade to a Deluxe Pool-View
Room! |
Family Two-Room "Spread-Out"
Special |
|
Want to stay in style without paying the extra cost?
You can get a complimentary upgrade to a pool-view, deluxe room with
this deal. This is a $15/night value! Just book a courtyard room
through our
Radisson link, then type the promo code UPGR in the Promotion
Code Box. Note that your total will be adjusted by the hotel to
reflect your discount after you make your reservation. |
If your family is larger than 4, you know how
frustrating it is to get hotel rooms. So here's a deal for you! Book
one room and get the second at 50% off. Parents get a king-bed room
connecting to a kid's room with two double beds. To reserve this
special, you must first book two rooms using our
Radisson Link, then enter the promo code B150 in the Promotion
Code box. Note that your total will be adjusted by the hotel to
reflect your discount after you make your reservation. |
Note: There may also be a "Bed & Breakfast Package" available, which
offers a full breakfast buffet for two adults (and kids 10 and under eat
free). Check our
Radisson Link for details!
|
PassPorter's
Great Rates for the Radisson Parkway Resort* |
Courtyard View |
Pool View Room |
|
9/5/2003 - 10/2/2003 |
$63.00 |
$78.00 |
|
10/3/2003 - 10/11/2003 |
$73.00 |
$88.00 |
|
10/12/2003 - 10/14/2003 |
$83.00 |
$98.00 |
|
10/15/2003 - 10/16/2003 |
$73.00 |
$88.00 |
|
10/17/2003 - 10/23/2003 |
$83.00 |
$98.00 |
|
10/24/2003 - 12/23/2003 |
$73.00 |
$88.00 |
|
12/24/2003 - 1/3/2004 |
$99.00 |
$114.00 |
|
1/4/2004 - 1/29/2004 |
$74.00 |
$89.00 |
|
1/30/2004 - 2/10/2004 |
$87.00 |
$102.00 |
|
2/11/2004 - 2/21/2004 |
$104.00 |
$119.00 |
|
2/22/2004 - 3/31/2004 |
$94.00 |
$109.00 |
|
4/1/2004 - 4/17/2004 |
$114.00 |
$129.00 |
|
4/18/2004 - 4/24/2004 |
$84.00 |
$99.00 |
|
4/25/2004 - 5/27/2004 |
$74.00 |
$89.00 |
|
5/28/2004 - 5/31/2004 |
$94.00 |
$109.00 |
|
6/1/2004 - 6/2/2004 |
$74.00 |
$89.00 |
|
6/3/2004 - 6/5/2004 |
$114.00 |
$129.00 |
|
6/6/2004 - 6/12/2004 |
$94.00 |
$109.00 |
|
6/13/2004 - 8/14/2004 |
$84.00 |
$99.00 |
|
8/15/2004 - 9/5/2004 |
$74.00 |
$89.00 |
|
9/6/2004 - 9/30/2004 |
$64.00 |
$79.00 |
|
10/1/2004 - 10/30/2004 |
$84.00 |
$99.00 |
|
10/31/2004 - 12/23/2004 |
$74.00 |
$89.00 |
* Note that these
rates do not include 12% tax and are subject to availability.
There is no additional resort fee.
PassPorter's rates and deals cannot be combined with other offers.
Cancellation policy is 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room
and tax penalty.
Remember, to get these great rates you must use our link to the
Radisson Resort Parkway web site. Or you may call
800-634-4774
and ask for the "Y-PASS" rates.
More photos of the
Radisson Resort Parkway:
The
Radisson's lounge
The
seating area in the lobby.
Basic Hotel
Information:
Radisson
Resort Parkway
Address:
2900 Parkway Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Phone: 800-634-4774,
407-396-7000, or 407-396-6792 (fax) - Remember to ask for
the "Y-PASS" rates for our special PassPorter rates!
Check-in
time: 4:00 pm / Check-out time: 11:00 am
http://www.radissonparkway.com
Have you stayed
at the Radisson? Send us comments on your experience so we may share them
with other PassPorter travelers! E-mail: feedback@passporter.com
Return to PassPorter.com
| Discuss lodging
on the PassPorter Message Boards
Reader
Comments on the Radisson Resort Parkway:
"We stayed there
about a year ago. Just for one night, but we were really impressed. Our
room was a standard view (aka pond, fountain, and parking lot), but it was
large, beautifully decorated, clean, and very comfortable. The pool was
fabulous. Truthfully, we thought it was much nicer than Animal Kingdom
Lodge's, which we found a bit boring. I think there are two spas, tho we
only hit one of them. It was clean and well-maintained, but too hot.
Landscaping around the property is lovely. I think it's an excellent
alternative to staying on-site. We were very pleased with it." --
pflamingo
"We got a great
rate at the Radisson when Disney could only give us half the days we
needed. The room had a pool view, even though we were paying a special low
rate. Very comfortable. In-room coffeemakers, toiletries, etc. Great pools
and spas, lovely landscaping, close to WDW and grocery stores,
restaurants, etc. They also have limited free bus transportation to WDW,
Universal, etc. -- tip for the driver appreciated. In house food includes
a snack bar with Pizza Hut pizza, a bit hit with my son. We would
definitely stay there again -- even my picky husband who usually finds
something to complain about liked it." -- yalibrarian
"We just
recently stayed five nights at the Radisson Resort Parkway (7/1-7/23) and
we thought it was great. The location is excellent, the furnishings are
very nice, it's clean, very well maintained, and the pools are big and
fun. We are two adults and three kids and I found the fantastic 'Spread
Out Rates' and had 2 rooms for an amazingly low total of under $100/night!
We were in building 6000 overlooking the pool." -- wdw4us
Updated 03/29/06
|
|
