Come January, there will be a brand new reason to plan a vacation to Orlando...and surprisingly, it doesn't involve Disney. The Margaritaville Resort Orlando is set to open at the start of 2019, and like Jimmy Buffet's restaurants, cruises, and retirement homes before it, it promises to be a kick-back, drinks-up good time.
The enormous space consists of four parts: Margaritaville Hotel (rates start at $199/night); Margaritaville Cottages (available to own or rent); Sunset Walk shopping, dining and entertainment district; and Island H2O Live! Waterpark.
The waterpark is a destination in and of itself, with nine different thrill rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a kids’ area, and a river raft ride. For those looking for a calmer waterside experience, there are "tropically inspired respite havens" where you can lounge in a hammock or cabana...with a margarita in hand, naturally.
The resort has plenty of vacation-approved food and beverage options, starting with the welcome cocktail that greets hotel guests at check-in (as does the margarita glass chandelier made of over 300 glasses chilling in the lobby).
There are four hotel dining options ranging from grab-and-go to upscale dining, plus a poolside bar and grill appropriately called the Salty Rim. Familiar restaurants like Coldstone Creamery and BurgerFi can be found at Sunset Walk, a space that sounds like the Margaritaville version of Disney's Boardwalk.
Also noteworthy in Sunset Walk's line-up is Rock & Brews, a craft brewery that will host live concerts. It's being opened by former KISS bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley!
Hotel and cottage reservations can be booked now for as soon as January 2019.
BOOK NOW Margaritaville Hotel, rooms starting at $199/night
