Orlando's Flamingo Crossings Paradise: SpringHill Suites Getaway!
Flamingo Crossings Paradise: SpringHill Suites Getaway - My Brain Dump! (Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the SpringHill Suites in Flamingo Crossings. "Paradise," they call it. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Prepare for a whirlwind of bullet points, anecdotes, and probably a few off-topic tangents. You've been warned.
Accessibility - The Good, the Maybe…and the Slightly Annoying:
- Wheelchair Accessible: YES! That’s a major win, and a big relief. They seemed to genuinely get accessibility, which is a HUGE plus. Ramps, elevators galore, and wide doorways everywhere. I saw a couple of people using mobility aids, and they didn't look like they were struggling, which is always a great sign. Kudos, SpringHill Suites!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This is where the rubber meets the road, isn't it? They say they have the facilities, and I saw the signs. But the real test is in the execution. Did the accessible rooms actually have grab bars and enough space to maneuver? I didn't personally check a room. (Sorry, my social awkwardness got the better of me.) But seeing the effort makes me hopeful.
- Elevator: Crucial. Absolutely non-negotiable. I counted a few elevators. Good.
- Curb Cuts: Gotta have 'em. Did I notice? Well, that means they were probably well done. Invisible-good!
Cleanliness and Safety - Living in a Bubble…Almost:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, makes total sense these days, right? Honestly, I just want the stuff to work. I didn't see anyone wiping down surfaces, but the place felt clean. And that, my friends, is half the battle.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: More good news! I assume this means the lobby, the pool area, etc. Which makes the experience nice as well.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: You tell me, do they really take the time to sanitize between stays? I had hoped they had given me the room with a 2 days gap after the last time someone stayed in there.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Thank. God. My germaphobe side was VERY pleased.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see a certificate hanging around. More often than not I don't look for the certificates, I want a feeling of the room's healthiness.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Did I feel safe? Yes, I did. Staff wore masks (yay!), and they seemed knowledgeable.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: I didn't need either, but it's comforting to know they're there. Just in case I accidentally trip over my own feet (very possible).
- Cashless payment service: Excellent. I'm officially over carrying cash.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yeah, to be expected. Kinda sad, but better safe than…well, sick.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried! The lobby had stickers…the breakfast buffet…less so. It’s tough to enforce, I get it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Don't know if I would opt out of a clean room after the last time I had to stay at a room without cleaning service.
- Safe dining setup: See Breakfast!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: See Breakfast!
- Sterilizing equipment: Hope it does what it is set up to do.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Carb Loading and Coffee Fixes:
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the piece de resistance. Or, you know, the greasy breakfast that's the foundation of any good hotel stay. The SpringHill Suites, as far as I remember, had a… well, they had something. I definitely remember the smell of coffee. Bagels, some sad-looking fruit, and the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, and the omnipresent yogurt parfait. Sanitization was a bit… optimistic. Let’s just say I had to fight myself to not pile all the pastries onto my plate; they looked amazing!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Brilliant idea!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Thank. God. Coffee is a life necessity. The coffee here was… passable. I had better. I had much, much worse. It was a solid “meh.” Caffeine is caffeine.
- Snack bar: They had a small convenience store area. Good for chips, candy, and that desperate need for a late-night snack.
- Restaurants: I didn't eat at a restaurant, so can't comment on the Asian cuisine or the international cuisine.
- Poolside bar: I'm not a drinker, but I saw a few happy people sipping colorful cocktails. I wish I'd joined them.
- Bar: See above.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nice. Always nice to have the option. I didn't use it.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciate free water in a fridge.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't eat at the hotel restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Chilling Out, Disney Style:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Decent. Standard hotel pool. Clean, well-maintained. People were swimming. Kids were screaming. The usual.
- Pool with view: Nope. It overlooked the parking lot. But hey, it was still a pool!
- Fitness center: I did not step foot in the gym. But I looked it up (because I had to), and it was a decent size.
- Spa/sauna, Spa: No spa, unfortunately.
- Steamroom: No steamroom.
- Massage: No massage.
- Body wrap, Body scrub, Foot bath: Nope. Not at this place.
- Sauna: I didn't saw any sauna either.
Rooms - The Sanctum Imperfecto:
- Wi-Fi [free]: The most important thing. It worked. Sometimes a little slow, but generally reliable. No data caps, that's for sure!
- Air conditioning: Essential in Florida! It blasted cold air. Good.
- Blackout curtains: HEAVEN. Needed them. Slept like a baby. Until the kids started screaming at the pool.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Yes! Coffee.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Worked. I got work done.
- Extra long bed: Comfy comfy comfy. I could starfish without fear of falling off.
- Free bottled water, Mini bar: Always appreciate them, and they were there!
- Hair dryer: Provided.
- In-room safe box: Good for the valuables.
- Refrigerator: Awesome.
- Satellite/cable channels: Standard. Did not watch TV, so… whatever.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good. I heard some noise from the hallway, but nothing major.
- Smoke detector, Fire extinguisher: Safety first!
- Non-smoking: Important to me. Absolutely essential.
- Alarm clock: I use my phone.
- Bathroom phone: What is this, the 90s?
- Bathtub: A regular one.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Nah.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: The bathroom was a decent size. No complaints.
- Socket near the bed: Yes.
- Sofa, Seating area: A small sofa.
- Mirror: Yes.
- Reading light: Yep.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Basic.
- Towels, Linens: Soft, fresh, clean.
- Wake-up service: I didn't use it.
- Window that opens: No.
- Additional toilet, Additional toilet: No. Not in my room.
- Alarm clock, Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Bathtub phone, Bathrobes: Nope.
- Carpeting, Closet: Yes.
- Exterior corridor, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Ironing service, Laptop workspace: Not relevant to me.
- On-demand movies, Reading light, Refrigerator: Yes.
- Safety/security feature, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub: Yes.
- Seating area: Yes.
- Shower, Slippers, Socket near the bed, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries: Yes.
- Towels, Umbrella: Yes and yes.
- Visual alarm: I'm not hard of hearing.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras:
- **Front desk [24-hour
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is my SpringHill Suites Orlando at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS thingy, and it's gonna be a wild ride. Brace yourselves for a whirlwind of emotions, questionable decisions, and the overwhelming joy (and occasional terror) of a Florida vacation.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Chaos (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Microwaved Everything)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival and "Suite" Surprises: So, picture this: I'm pulling up to the hotel, already slightly sweaty from the airport shuttle (seriously, is there no air conditioning in those things?), and completely buzzing with vacation anticipation. I'm expecting a room that gleams and smells of fresh linen and rainbows. Cut to the reality: the "suite" is… well, it's a room. A decent sized room, but let's be honest, it's not a suite. It's got the usual suspects - a slightly-too-firm bed, a TV that's probably older than my nephew, and a microwave that looks like it's seen some stuff. I immediately attempt to use the microwave… I’m pretty sure I’ve already zapped a bag of popcorn in this thing - it’s seen things. And is there a scent? Is that… burnt… plastic?
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Great Poolside Ambush: Okay, so everyone boasts about the pool. And I'm thinking, "pool! Relaxation! I'm destined to do nothing more than float blissfully!". I throw my swimsuit on (the one that I thought still fit). I grab a towel, and head to the pool. I'm prepared to be the epitome of chill. However, once I arrived I was attacked by tiny screaming humans. I’m not quite ready for the chaos. Not yet. I manage a tentative toe dip, watch the parents get their drink on, and retreat to my room to rethink my life choices.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Grocery Store Shenanigans and the Quest for Snacks: Okay, if I'm being honest, the pool fiasco has fueled my desire for junk food. I'm talking chips, cookies, the whole shebang. I bravely venture to the local grocery store (Publix, baby!). I grab some basic supplies - milk, banana, a jug of orange juice. The snacks are another story. Navigating the aisles is like a gluttonous obstacle course. I'm juggling bags, considering a second bag of chips, and wondering if I can get away with buying a pint of ice cream for dinner. Judgment be damned.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Disaster… and Recovery: So, I had a coupon for this Pizza place…but the place was closed. Panic sets in. My stomach is rumbling, the microwave is still emitting a weird odor, and I am STARVING. I find a greasy spoon diner that’s open, the food is… well, it's edible. Let’s leave it at that. But hey, the worst part? The waitress was absolutely gorgeous, and I probably gave her my best "I'm-too-lazy-to-cook-a-real-dinner" look. Embarrassing, but effective. Dinner accomplished.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Settling Into Netflix Mode…and Existential Dread: Back in the "suite." I'm sprawled on the bed, a mountain of chips crumbs surrounding me. Netflix on. It's the perfect combination of comfort and utter loneliness. Why does TV always get me thinking about life? Why am I here, in this room, by myself? Then I remember: Disney. I decide to watch a documentary about the making of a Disney movie, which makes me feel marginally better. Maybe.
Day 2: Parks, People, and the Perils of Souvenir Shopping
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (or, More Microwave Adventures): I attempt to eat a microwaved frozen breakfast burrito I picked up at the grocery store. It’s a mistake. I burn my tongue. I glare at the microwave. I drink my coffee, and vow to never again underestimate the power of a decent breakfast restaurant. I end up eating a banana for a second time.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Theme Park Mayhem! (Note: This is where things get messy. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but, you know…it's a park. It's Disney.) I am here. I’m going to the main park. I'm not sharing the name. I want to protect my sanity. I arrive. I feel the magic. I feel the crowd. I feel the sun. Oh, the sun. I’m already sweating and slightly overwhelmed. Okay, deep breaths. I navigate the crowds, the lines, and the sheer intensity of it all. There are roller coasters, shows. I eat a churro. I almost cry with joy. I take a lot of pictures. I try to keep track of my kids.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Interlude: I stop and eat at what appears to be the only place that has open tables. It’s crowded. The food? Fine. Expensive? Yes. Am I complaining? Not really. I'm fueled by pure adrenaline and the hope of another churro.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Rides, and the "It's a Good Thing I Ate, Because I’m Gonna Have a Heart Attack" Moment. Okay. I ride a big, scary ride. I scream like a banshee. I am terrified and exhilarated all at once. I can feel my heart hammering in my chest. It's a ride. It’s an experience. And in the moment, completely awful, later to be a hilarious memory. I decide I need to calm down and go shopping.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping…The Black Hole of My Bank Account: Oh, the souvenirs. The siren song of the gift shop. I start out with good intentions. "Just a small plushie for the niece, a keychain for the nephew, a mug for myself…" Two hours and a near-panic attack later (seriously, the lines!), I emerge, slightly dazed, and significantly lighter in the wallet. I have a stuffed animal that looks like my dog, and I’m not sure why. The guilt is palpable. But hey, memories!
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Dinner and Pool (Finally!): I’ll probably eat a pizza, then back to the suite. The pool is calling. For real this time. I'm ready. I'm hoping I can just float.
Day 3: Departure and Post-Vacation Blues (or, The Sweet, Sad Symphony of Goodbye)
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last Breakfast, Last Sigh…and the Microwave Returns! I’m ready to leave. But first, microwave some leftovers…again. I watch the sunrise. I'm going to miss the sun.
10:00 AM: Check-Out. The Sad Trombone. I leave the room. The room is clean (not sure how). I’m a little bit sad. But filled with memories. I’ll get back to reality.
Afternoon: The Flight Home. Okay, this part is a blur. But, I’ll dream I’m back there next time.
Final Thoughts: This trip was a mess. It was chaotic. It was overwhelming. It was expensive. But you know what? It was also wonderful. I’m going to remember the good parts, and laugh about the bad parts. I can’t wait to return. Until then, Disney, I’ll be dreaming.
Disclaimer: May contain excessive amounts of coffee, questionable food choices, and profound existential ponderings. Reader discretion advised!
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Alright, spill it! Is Flamingo Crossings really "Paradise" or just...a place to stay?
Okay, *paradise* is a pretty big word, don't you think? Like, I’m picturing endless beaches, a mai tai in hand, and absolutely zero screaming kids. Let's be real. Flamingo Crossings isn't *that*. It's... well, it's a SpringHill Suites. But before you roll your eyes, hear me out.
We went. Me, my husband, and the two (bless their little hearts) angels, ages 5 and 7. The *getaway* part was desperately needed. So, was it paradise? No. Was it a massive improvement over the "sleeping on the floor of the minivan during the Disney fireworks" phase of our lives? Absolutely.
Let's talk location. How far is this thing, REALLY, from the magic?
They say it's close. They *always* say it's close. The website had some nice, very optimistic numbers. Let's just say the drive to the parks? Yeah, it's not *walking* distance. More like a slightly-less-awful-than-I-feared-it-would-be-after-a-day-at-Magic-Kingdom distance.
Traffic? Oh, traffic is a beast. Especially in the morning, as you're all fueled up on Mickey waffles and desperate to get there. The evening return? Let’s just say I perfected my "zoned out, staring-blankly-at-the-back-of-the-seat-in-front-of-me" look. It's Orlando. Everything is a little bit further than you expect.
The rooms – are they... actually spacious? Because, Disney. Small rooms are a horror movie waiting to happen.
Okay, *finally* something good! They *are* spacious. SpringHill Suites? That's their whole thing. We got a suite, thank God. A separate area for my kids to watch... well, whatever sugar-fueled garbage they could find on Disney+. It actually gave us some breathing room. I could *breathe*. It was glorious.
There was a microwave, a mini-fridge… essentials for surviving the park snack situation. And a surprisingly comfy pull-out sofa bed that didn’t completely cripple me when I tried to get out of it the next morning. The bathroom, however, was your standard hotel affair. Clean, functional, but nothing to write home about.
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day when you're dragging kids to a theme park. What's the scoop?
Free breakfast. That’s the magic word, folks. And honestly? It was pretty decent. Not gourmet, by any stretch. Think your standard continental fare with a waffle maker thrown in. The waffle was the *star*. My kids inhaled those things like they hadn't eaten in a decade. I'm pretty sure I saw one of them try to sneak a second plate back to the room.
The coffee? Honestly, it was *hotel coffee*. But caffeine is caffeine, and you need it. Big time. You. Need. IT. The line for the waffle maker was the real struggle. It’s the Disney-adjacent hunger games over there.
And the pool? Because, Orlando. A hotel without a pool is just a glorified… well, a place to sleep.
Okay, the pool was…fine. It was clean. It was refreshing after a scorching day at Animal Kingdom. My kids found it to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Me? I found it to be a little… crowded. Lots of other families, splashing, screaming, and generally enjoying themselves. Which, I guess, is the point.
There's a separate splash area for the little ones, which is a godsend for keeping the chaos somewhat contained. The pool area had some chairs, but snagging one felt like a competitive sport. You're fighting for your right to sit, people! So, yeah. A pool. It exists. You'll survive. Your kids will love it.
Anything else, like… amenities? Things they *don't* tell you on the website?
There's a small market. They have snacks and drinks. Super convenient, but, as with everything Disney-adjacent, prepare for prices that might make you weep. A little overpriced, yeah. But sometimes, you just *need* that bag of chips and a Coke at 10 PM, and you *will* pay the premium.
There's a fitness center. I walked past it. Once. I’d be lying if I said I used it. By the end of the day at the park, my legs felt like they were made of lead. The thought of working out? Absolutely not. My definition of "working out" by Disney standards is walking around Epcot for 8 hours and still keeping up with the kids. So...yeah.
Okay, the BIG question. Would you go back?
Ugh, it’s complicated! Okay, so, let me break it down. With young kids, the space was a godsend, and the free breakfast was a lifesaver. The pool was great, if you can deal with the crowds. The location…well, you know. The drive isn't ideal, but it could be worse.
Would I go back? Probably. Especially if the price is right. And if I manage to get a decent night's sleep. Okay, let's get real... the thought of the kids *not* screaming about wanting a Mickey ice cream bar by the end of the day? That's worth a stay at Flamingo Crossings, even if it's not *actual* paradise. It's a decent base camp for a Disney assault mission. A place to recharge before the next day's park madness.
Plus, hey, anything's better than the floor of a minivan.
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