Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn

If only all family-geared Orlando hotels were so fully conceived. Seemingly endless diversions for the preteen-and-under set include two knockout water playgrounds with giant spiraling waterslides, a daily group “sliming” courtesy of a 400-gallon dump tank, tame water features for younger kids, a live participatory game show, and character breakfasts—at half the price of those at Disney—starring Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and other Nickelodeon stars. Many of the 777 units are two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, bunks and video games for kids, and private bedrooms for grown-ups. Though ultimately typical family-style suites, they’re brightly painted—many with huge murals of SpongeBob, Jimmy Neutron, and other big names in kid-dom. All this mayhem is a mile-long drive from Disney property.

Tip: Pool-facing rooms are rocked by the sounds of playing kids from morning to night; those facing the parking lot are quieter.

Room to Book: Families may want to consider the three-bedroom KidSuites, with fully equipped kitchens.