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A few days at one of Orlando's newest and wackiest themed hotels will make you forget the theme parks you and the kids came for.

Laughing out loud, grinning from ear to ear, the kid is exuding joy from head to toe.  Wait a minute that's no kid, that's my reflection.  This is the real genius and success of Nickelodeon Family Suites (877/NICK-KID) -- being able to bring out the kid in every guest that enters their slime-splattered walls. 

Don't let the name fool you, this is not just a hotel, but a destination in itself; a wonderful blend of hospitality, entertainment, adventure and fantasy.   Much like a cruise ship, the self-contained fun will make you look at the surrounding theme parks as ports-of-call that are fine for a quick day trip, but not essential to a terrific time in Orlando.

Checking in is a breeze as the lobby houses a TV nook painted in the style of SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom complete with beanbag "Jellyfish" seats where the children can wait in comfort for their VIP bracelets; wearable symbols of Nickhotel's hallmark hospitality and security. The brightly-colored bracelets make you immediately recognizable as a welcomed guest.  With all the fun the hotel has to offer, it has become quite a draw for Orlando visitors, but its facilities are only available to guests of the hotel.

Waterplay and More

The Nickhotel is home to two huge pools and water-play areas with the Oasis being the quieter of the two.  The Lagoon, the more boisterous and active, has a zero entry pool allowing kids to enter slowly with no sudden drop offs.  The depths are clearly marked all along the way and the number of on-duty lifeguards is more than reassuring.  The Lagoon water park includes a four-story water play-structure with slides, flumes, rope bridges, and a 400 gallon dump tank (which is the site of the 4:45pm mass "sliming"!)

Nearby, the Lagoon also has a 5-years and under splash pad and diminutive flume and slide set for the wee ones.  There is a basketball area with multi-level baskets for multi level people. My daughter (unable to make the height chart for her age) still managed to get nothin' but net!  There is a pool table, located conveniently near the two large whirlpool spas, allowing you to relax your muscles while junior shoots a little nine-ball. 

Last but not least, a super fun free-form miniature golf course, a draw for all from diapers to dentures.  And when you get a hungry, the pool-side bar and grill has a nice selection of munchies and refreshing adult and child drink specials like the "Nickelodeon Colada” topped with slime.