Okay, travel junkies, let’s talk Orlando. Sunshine, theme parks, and…hotel headaches? Not if you play your cards right! I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few different Orlando hotels, and honestly, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando has stolen a little piece of my travel agent heart. And no, they’re not paying me to say this (though a free room upgrade wouldn’t be unwelcome, Drury folks!).
So, what’s the big deal? Let me break it down for you, fellow adventurers:
1. Location, Location, Location! (But Not Too Location-y)
Drury Orlando sits in a sweet spot. It’s close enough to the magic – Disney, Universal, you name it – that you’re not spending half your vacation in traffic. But it’s also far enough away that you can actually relax when you get back to the hotel. You’re not right in the thick of the tourist madness, which, trust me, is a huge plus after a day battling crowds for the best churro.
Orlando’s got not one, but two awesome Drury Plazas for you! You can find one practically skipping distance from Disney Springs, and the other’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Universal Orlando. Both hotels are super clean and comfy, inside and out. And the best part? They each have their own theme park guru at the concierge desk! Need tickets? Info on park hours? Shuttle times? These folks are your go-to experts for maximizing your magical (or wizarding!) adventures. Plus, they are also located near other Orlando attractions, making it easy to get to all of the fun!
2. The “Extras” That Aren’t Extra (They’re Included!)
Okay, let’s dive deeper into those “extras” that make Drury such a winner, especially for families! It’s not just “free,” it’s actually good free. I’ve been to hotels where the free breakfast is a sad continental affair, but Drury goes all out. Think scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, waffles…the works! You can fuel up for a day of theme park adventures without breaking the bank. And let’s be real, feeding a family at a theme park can cost a small fortune!
Then there’s the evening “Kickback.” This isn’t just some cheese and crackers situation, people. We’re talking a rotating menu of hot food – think pasta, tacos, baked potatoes, even little sliders. It’s enough for a light dinner, or at least a substantial snack to tide you over until you decide where to splurge on a “real” meal. Plus, they have free drinks! Sodas, juices, and even adult beverages for the grown-ups (responsibly, of course!). Seriously, the savings on food and drinks alone can be huge.
When my family stayed at the Drury Inn last May, we were shocked by the amount of food at the 5:30 “Kickback”. Every night had a different spread of food, including pastas, entrees, salads, etc. On top of that, there were many kid-friendly choices such as hot dogs or nachos. We ended up eating dinner at the hotel every night, which saved us a TON of money on dinner, especially with a family of 6!
Every night the Drury also has freshly popped popcorn for free, so if we got hungry, we would grab a bag of popcorn and some soda, and relax in our room.
Beyond the food, Drury also offers free Wi-Fi, which is practically a necessity these days. And many locations have a pool and hot tub, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day of walking (and waiting in lines!). They really think of everything to make your stay comfortable and convenient, without nickel-and-diming you for every little thing. It’s refreshing, especially in a tourist hotspot like Orlando.
Another perk to a stay at the Drury means FREE shuttle transportation to DIsney and Universal Parks. So on top of saving money on food, you also don’t have to worry about paying high prices for parking!
3. Spacious Suites for the Whole Crew
Let’s face it: hotel rooms can get a little cozy, especially when you’re wrangling kids (or just have a mountain of luggage). Drury Orlando shines because they’re all about suites, which means everyone gets some breathing room. Think separate living areas where the kids can play (or you can just escape for a minute!), plus handy pull-out sofa beds. And yes, there’s actually enough space to unpack all those theme park souvenirs without turning your room into an obstacle course!
Not only are the rooms and bathrooms spacious, but during our stay, they were meticuously clean! The rooms smelled fresh every day, which was wonderful after coming back from a hot day at the parks.
The beds were VERY comfortable, which is a big deal coming from a bed snob like myself! I tend to be very picky about the mattresses I sleep on, and I rarely get a good night sleep in a hotel. Luckily, this was not the case at the Drury, and we all slept like babies every night!
4. Pool Time = Family Time (and Relaxation Time for Mom & Dad!)
Orlando vacations are go-go-go, but downtime is essential. The Drury’s pool area is a welcome oasis after a long day of theme park thrills (and lines!). There’s plenty of room to splash around and let the kids burn off any remaining energy, while the grown-ups can snag a lounge chair and soak up that glorious Florida sun.
There is also a splash pad at the Disney Springs Drury that is perfect for littles who may not be very confident in a pool.
And let’s be honest, a poolside cocktail (or mocktail!) is the perfect way to unwind and embrace vacation mode. Some Drury locations even have a hot tub, which is amazing for soothing tired muscles after all that walking. It’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and maybe even catch up on a little reading (or just close your eyes and enjoy the peace and quiet!).
Think of it as your own little slice of paradise amidst the Orlando excitement.
5. Friendly Staff Who Actually Seem to Care
This might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference. The staff at Drury Orlando are genuinely friendly and helpful. From the front desk to the breakfast buffet, everyone seems to have a smile on their face. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re not just another tourist.
Every morning the staff was friendly while we filled our plates at the breakfast buffet, and the hotel manager would also make daily visits to our breakfast table. He was friendly and personable, and the kids really liked that he remembered little things about them.
The Drury brought southern hospitality to our stay, and we can’t wait to go back!
The Bottom Line:
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando isn’t the fanciest hotel in Orlando, but it offers something even better: value. You get comfortable accommodations, great amenities, and a fantastic location, all at a price that won’t make your wallet cry. It’s the perfect home base for your Orlando adventure, and it’s why I keep recommending it to my clients (and my own family!).
So, if you’re planning a trip to the land of enchantment, be sure to check out Drury Orlando. You might just find your new favorite home away from home! And if you see me there, be sure to say hi! I’ll be the one by the nacho bar. Why I’m Wild About Drury in Orlando (Besides the Free Snacks, of Course!)
