Florida is one of the most fun states in the United States as it is home to amazing attractions such as - Walt Disney World, Legoland Florida Resort, Gatorland, and Universal Studios. It is also home to a hotel that now gives guests the opportunities to see the rich wildlife of Florida from their spacious balconies. Animals such as alligators, turtles, snakes, fish are some of the wildlife to see at this amazing Florida hotel located in Kissimmee, Florida.

About Gaylord Palms Resorts And Convention Center

Gaylord Palms Resort is located in Kissimmee, Florida just 7 km from Walt Disney Resort. The resort features restaurants, fun amenities, and a total of 1,720 guest rooms. Gaylord Palms Resort was built under a 4.6-acre atrium which is divided into several parts. Different parts of the atrium are themed popular attractions such as - St. Augustine, Everglades, and Key West.

  • Basic Amenities: Air conditioning, hairdryer, bathtub, refrigerator, dishwasher, on-site restaurants, spa, fitness center, pool, bathrobe, beauty/barbershop.
  • Contact: Visit the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center's official website.

Plant And Animal Exhibits At Gaylord Palms Resort

While some parts of this atrium are dedicated to different types of attractions, St. Augustine - one part of the atrium - is dedicated to animals such as alligators and turtles. The Gator Springs partners with Wild Florida to present some animals from the wildlife of Florida at the hotel. Here, live alligator exhibits can be witnessed on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm. Usually, a staff member is seen feeding the reptiles in their habitat while guests watch the show. While walking under the atrium, one can find signs that tell about the animals located in the exhibition glasses.

The exhibitions feature animals which include snakes and alligators. The atrium has so much water running through it and also a wide variety of plants native to Florida. Waterfalls can be seen at different parts of the atrium running into clean lakes where some colored fishes can occasionally be seen.

  • Wildlife: 20 alligators, 6 baby gators, 4 snakes, some fishes, and turtles.
  • Located: St Augustine atrium.

Related: Florida Is More Than The Everglades, Try Exploring Big Cypress National Preserve Instead

More Things To Enjoy At Gaylord Palms Resort

Gaylord Palms Hotel is a place of fun and a rewarding alternative to Walt Disney World, LEGOLAND, and other amazing attractions in Florida. The resort has lots of attractions to offer guests both indoors and outdoors. For starters, these are some of the attractions to expect at this resort.

Cypress Springs Water Park And Resort Pool Areas

The outer part of Gaylord Palms is a fun place to be at any time as there is a water park and a resort pool with lots of fun activities to always keep guests entertained. Here, there is a beautiful swimming pool, some water slides, waterfalls, for some more thrills. There’s also a flowing river for guests yearning for some surfing or bodyboarding experience. Big Cypress Tower - a 35-foot free-fall drop slide is one more thrilling attraction not to miss out on.

The waterpark also features lots of comfortable seating beside the pool with shades and relaxing chairs so one can just relax and enjoy other people having fun in the pool. The surrounding palm trees and plants ensure guests have that tropical feel while at the pool. The hotel now also offers premium pool seating for those who wish to always have a spot reserved for them whenever they arrive at the pool.

Spa & Fitness Center

For fitness, Gaylord Palms presents Relache Fitness center where guests will enjoy inspiring views of the resort and also get entertained on a personal TV. For relaxation, the resort presents Relâche Spa where guests will experience sleep-inducing pampering and satisfying treatments. The spa features a therapeutic atmosphere and world-class massage services along with captivating spa music which all combine to help guests unwind and rejuvenate.

Those super stressed out can head over to the steam sauna and get into a state of relaxation before proceeding to experience the massages. Aestheticians at the spa are also available to offer treatments and advice about the skin so all the concerns guests come with are solved.

Related: Seeking A Spa Vacation? Consider One Of These Mother Nature-Inspired Services Instead (Free Of Charge)

Restaurants

Gaylord Palms Hotel has a wide variety of restaurants with flavors from different cultures around the world. Besides just eating, the restaurants are attractions themselves. Restaurants at Gaylord Palms Hotel include:

  • Wreckers: Great for those who want to enjoy their meals while catching their favorite sports games on TV.
  • Villa de Flora: For a diverse dish that takes flavors from countries such as Italy, Spain, as well as many other Mediterranean countries.
  • Moor: For fresh seafood. Moor is located in Key West Atrium and presents guests with breathtaking lagoon views as well as delicious seafood.
  • Sand Bar: Offering delicious meals close to the pool so one never has to go hungry while enjoying the fun. The restaurant's menu includes - Salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. The offering also includes a kid menu with dishes that appeal more to kids.
  • Cocoa Bean: A coffee house for lovers of coffee.
  • Socio: A restaurant offering delicious Cuban-inspired dishes that appeal to those seeking a more Caribbean vibe.

Next: 9 Family-Friendly Florida Activities (That Aren’t Disney)