Splash & Sip: Enjoying the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar and Heated Pools at Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks
Planning park-filled days and craving an effortless place to recharge between adventures? At Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks, the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar and our heated pools make it easy to relax, refuel, and keep the fun going—without ever leaving the property. From sunny swims to poolside bites and evening dips in the hot tub, this is your perfect Orlando intermission.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect at the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar, how to make the most of our heated pools and hot tub, and smart ways to build a full resort day around effortless dining, family-friendly amenities, and convenient access to Orlando’s top theme parks.
What Is the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar?
The Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar is your go-to spot for food and drinks beside the pool—a casual, sun-soaked hangout where you can snack, sip, and unwind between swims. No shoes, no problem; it’s designed for easy poolside comfort so you never have to break the vibe.
Why guests love it
- Convenience: Order refreshments just steps from your lounge chair.
- Family-friendly setting: Close to the action and easy for quick breaks.
- No-stress dining: Keep swims and snacks in one place to maximize downtime.
Tip for snippet seekers: The Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar is located beside the pools and serves food and drinks, making it ideal for casual, on-property dining.
Dive Into Comfort: Heated Pools and a Hot Tub
Whether you’re easing into the day or unwinding after the parks, our heated pools deliver year-round comfort. Kick back in the hot tub for a soothing soak, or start a playful splash session with the family.
- Two heated pools: Enjoy consistent, comfortable water temps for daytime dips and evening swims.
- Heated outdoor pool: Ease into warm water in the fresh Florida air.
- Hot tub: Relax tired legs after park hopping.
What this means for you: a reliable, comfortable swim experience—morning, afternoon, or night—plus a spa-like soak whenever you need it.
Make It a Full Resort Day (Without Leaving Your Chair for Long)
Pair your pool time with amenities that keep your day seamless and stress-free:
- Free Wi‑Fi: Stream playlists, share photos, and plan your next activity by the pool.
- On-site dining variety: Beyond Gulpin’ Gator, enjoy a restaurant & bar (with a kids’ menu), an in-house Dunkin’ Donuts, and Starbucks located on property.
- Family fun nearby: Keep the kids smiling with the Chuck E Cheese Fun Zone, an on-site arcade, and a game room.
- Wellness & convenience: Visit the gym, make use of the business center, and take advantage of self-service laundry.
- Easy arrivals: Free parking and an electric vehicle charging station simplify your stay.
- Pet friendly: Dogs are welcome (please view posted pet restrictions).
Even better, the resort is minutes from Disney World and Universal Studios with a free scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World® Resort parks, Universal Studios Florida™, and SeaWorld® Orlando. You can even enjoy views of evening fireworks from the hotel—perfect after a poolside dinner.
For a deeper look at what’s on property, explore our Amenities and Dining pages. Planning an occasion? Check out our Events/Weddings and Meetings pages for details on our conference center and event spaces.
Poolside Moments, Perfectly Paired
Use these ideas to build your own effortless, refreshing day around the pools and the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar:
Morning ease
- Start with a light breakfast from Starbucks or our in-house Dunkin’ Donuts.
- Head to the heated outdoor pool for a calm morning swim while the sun warms up.
- Grab a refreshment from Gulpin’ Gator to keep the relaxation going.
Midday recharge
- Claim a lounge chair and alternate between dips in the heated pools and the hot tub.
- Enjoy poolside bites and drinks from Gulpin’ Gator to stay fueled without leaving your spot.
- Let the kids explore the on-site arcade or Chuck E Cheese Fun Zone for an easy energy break.
Evening wind-down
- After park time (shuttle included), return for a night swim—heated water keeps it comfortable.
- Hot tub soak to relax tired legs.
- Look up for the evening fireworks views—a magical way to end the day.
Quick Answers: Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar and Pools
What is the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar?
A poolside venue at the resort that serves food and drinks beside the pool.
Are the pools heated?
Yes. The resort features heated pools for comfortable swims.
Is there a hot tub?
Yes. You can relax in the hot tub near the pools.
Do I need to leave the pool area for meals?
No. The Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar offers food and drinks right by the water.
Are there other on-site dining options?
Yes. Enjoy a restaurant & bar (with a kids’ menu), Starbucks, and an in-house Dunkin’ Donuts.
Can I get to the theme parks without driving?
Yes. The resort operates a free scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World® Resort parks, Universal Studios Florida™, and SeaWorld® Orlando.
Practical Tips for a Perfect Pool Day
- Arrive early for your favorite spot: Morning hours are often quieter and cooler.
- Alternate heat and cool: Rotate between the heated pools and the hot tub for comfort and recovery.
- Hydrate regularly: Florida sun can be strong—alternate water with your poolside sips.
- Sun-smart habits: Reapply sunscreen, use hats and shades, and take shade breaks as needed.
- Keep essentials handy: Swimsuit cover-up, flip-flops, and a book or e-reader pair nicely with poolside lounging.
- Plan kid breaks: Mix swim time with quick stops at the arcade or Chuck E Cheese Fun Zone to keep energy balanced.
- Leverage free Wi‑Fi: Queue playlists, check park shuttle times, or map out your next day’s itinerary.
- Power up your EV: If you’re driving electric, plug in at the electric vehicle charging station while you relax.
Beyond the Water: Make Your Stay Seamless
Everything you need is within easy reach:
- Rooms: Choose from deluxe non‑smoking guest rooms including 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds configurations—each with a flat‑screen HDTV with cable, mini‑refrigerator, coffee maker, desk, safe, ironing amenities, and hair dryer.
- Transportation: Enjoy the free scheduled shuttle to top theme parks, or book from on-site Avis and Budget Rental Car counters.
- Work & wellness: Stay productive in the business center and active in the gym.
- Events: Host gatherings in our conference center and spacious event areas—great for meetings, weddings, and celebrations.
Insider tip: If you’re building a longer itinerary, explore our Packages that bundle admission to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and other Orlando theme parks.
Why This Poolside Experience Works So Well
- Streamlined day: With Gulpin’ Gator serving food and drinks right at the water’s edge—and multiple heated pools plus a hot tub—you can relax on your schedule.
- Family-first design: Kid-friendly options, nearby play spaces, and flexible dining keep everyone happy.
- Resort-to-park rhythm: A quick shuttle to the parks and evening fireworks views let you blend big thrills with poolside calm.
Plan Your Splash & Sip Stay
Make the most of your Orlando getaway with effortless days at the pools, easy bites at the Gulpin’ Gator Poolside Bar, and nights capped by fireworks views. Ready to jump in?
- Book your stay: Call 407‑396‑1400 or email reservations@holidayinnorlando.com.
- Ask about packages: For exclusive Disney and Theme Park Package Deals, call 800‑864‑8367.
- Visit us: Holiday Inn Orlando Resort & Conference Center Celebration, 3011 Maingate Lane, Kissimmee, Florida 34747.
Your lounger is waiting. Grab a refreshing sip, take a soothing dip, and let the day slow down at Holiday Inn Resort Kissimmee by the Parks.