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Palm-Lined Resort Minutes from Walt Disney World

Even when the Magic Kingdom's castle gates close for the evening, imaginations carry on well into the night at the Worldgate Resort’s castle-themed playspace. Though family vacations to Orlando usually revolve around its world-class theme parks, Worldgate Resort does its part to keep kids and parents alike entertained between attractions. Located less than a mile from Walt Disney World, the hotel offers an palm-lined pool, a poolside cabana with snacks and tropical drinks, and a kids' movie-screening area. And when the theme parks beckons, you can easily get to Disney’s four parks, Universal Studios, and other area attractions with the resort's free scheduled shuttle service.

Worldgate’s spacious guest rooms welcome guests with a navy-and-white color template that evokes the Atlantic Ocean. The resort offers a wide variety of dining options, including the full-service Savannah Grille, which draws inspiration from the Caribbean with island-style seafood dishes for daily breakfast buffets overlooking the pool. Alternatively, you can grab pre-park bites at the Pralines Food Court, which stocks to-go sandwiches alongside Uno's Express and Starbucks stations.

Staff Q & A: Orlando, Florida

Jamison W. is a humor manager at Groupon. He likes thinking and reclining. Below, he shares his thoughts on Disney World and other Orlando sights.

Describe your perfect day in Orlando.

Waking up early, hitting up Cracker Barrel for breakfast, going to Magic Kingdom and spending the day there, leaving after the fireworks display, and stumbling into a wormhole that transports you back to an Orlando Magic game in 1995, featuring the starting five of Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, Shaquille O'Neal, Nick Anderson, and the great Horace Grant.

What's the best place to go for a 2 a.m. snack, and how do you know this?

Waffle House. This is the answer regardless of whether or not you're in Orlando. Nothing beats a plate of hash browns and a cup of coffee at Waffle House long after the sane people in the world have gone to bed.

What's the most authentic souvenir you could bring back from this place?

An orange plucked straight from a grove. Or Mickey Mouse's head.

Describe your most interesting encounter in Orlando.

Anytime I stayed at my grandparents' home and woke up early to find the house rumbling as the Space Shuttle was taking off in nearby Cape Canaveral and breaking the sound barrier.

What was the most stressful moment of your visit, and how can others avoid the same thing?

I like to think of myself as a 26-year-old adult, but riding the Haunted Mansion still gives me the creeps. I'm ashamed to admit that, but thankfully no one is going to look at this, right?

What should someone read, listen to, or watch to mentally prepare for a visit?

If you're going to Walt Disney World, I'd read Hidden Mickeys, which is full of interesting trivia about secrets and Easter eggs planted throughout the resort's parks and hotels.

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