Kissimmee, Florida · Hotel, Resort & Convention Guide
Plan Your Gaylord Palms Stay: Real Costs, Water Park and Convention Access
Gaylord Palms combines an upscale hotel, tropical glass atriums, a large convention facility and a family water park in the Orlando tourism area. This guide helps you decide whether to stay overnight, attend a meeting, visit for dining or book a family getaway—with clear explanations of parking, resort fees, transportation, amenities and meeting-space locations.
Where Is Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center?
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. The hotel serves the greater Orlando and Walt Disney World visitor market, but its actual city is Kissimmee. It is not the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.
Gaylord Palms Resort
6000 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746
Phone: 407-586-0000
Open resort driving directions →Resort and Convention Center Together
Hotel guestrooms, restaurants, atriums, pools and large meeting facilities share the Gaylord Palms resort campus.
Convention attendees should use their organizer’s registration and meeting-room directions rather than searching for a separate downtown convention center.
Gaylord Palms Resort Fee, Parking and Total Stay Cost
The headline room rate does not always tell you the final cost. Compare the room price, applicable taxes, nightly resort fee, parking and any separately charged activities.
Resort Fee
Current Marriott destination listings show a $45 nightly resort fee. Confirm how it is included or itemized in the final reservation quote.
Self-Parking Per Day
Plus tax. Overnight guests receive in-and-out privileges; day visitors pay per entry.
Valet Per Day
Plus tax. Confirm valet arrangements and vehicle restrictions with the property.
Additional Cost Planning
| Expense | Published or variable | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Guestroom | Variable nightly price | Changes with dates, room type and event demand. |
| Resort fee | $45 nightly advertised | Review final booking breakdown and applicable taxes. |
| Self-parking | $40 daily plus tax | Overnight guest in-and-out privileges. |
| Valet parking | $55 daily plus tax | Alternative to self-parking. |
| Water park | Resort-guest amenity | Check package access and facility hours. |
| FlowRider experience | Additional charge | Reserve separately. |
| Cabanas and daybeds | Additional charge | Subject to reservations and availability. |
| Airport transfer | Separate transport cost | No standard complimentary airport shuttle. |
| Restaurants and spa | Additional spending | Unless included in your booked package. |
Example Parking and Resort-Fee Budget
For a three-night stay with three chargeable self-parking days, the published reference amounts add up as follows:
3 × $45
3 × $40
Before applicable taxes and any separate charges.
Cypress Springs Water Park: Slides, Pools and Access Rules
One of Gaylord Palms’ biggest attractions is the three-acre Cypress Springs Water Park. Marriott describes seven waterslides, an action river, a surf simulator, a family pool and a quieter South Beach pool.
Cypress Springs Pool
A zero-entry pool with family activities, sports features and nearby water-play facilities.
Crystal River Rapids
A fast-moving action river with themed waterfalls and winding sections.
Florida Free Fall
A drop slide with a trap-door-style launch and dramatic slide features. Rider restrictions apply.
Tamiami Twister
Side-by-side racing slides for riders meeting the required height and safety conditions.
Tree House Playground
A multilevel splash playground with water features, a large dumping bucket and kid-friendly slides.
South Beach Pool
A separate pool environment designed for guests seeking a more relaxed swimming experience.
Does Every Visitor Get Water Park Access?
Cypress Springs is primarily an amenity for registered resort guests. Do not assume that attending a convention, making a restaurant reservation or paying for day parking automatically grants access.
| Visitor category | What to know |
|---|---|
| Registered overnight guest | Water park access is part of the resort experience, subject to package and operating rules. |
| Convention attendee staying onsite | Check whether pool access is included in the contracted stay. |
| Day meeting attendee | Convention entry alone does not establish water park access. |
| Dining-only visitor | Restaurant access does not automatically include pool admission. |
| FlowRider participant | Additional ticket or reservation is required. |
| Cabana visitor | Reserve eligible seating or cabana services separately. |
Water Park Planning Steps
- Confirm your guest status. Check your resort booking and the eligible registered guests.
- Review the current hours. Pool and slide operating times can vary by weather and season.
- Check rider restrictions. Slides and surf experiences have specific safety rules.
- Reserve upgrades early. Book FlowRider sessions, daybeds or cabanas before high-demand dates.
- Plan for Florida weather. Lightning and severe weather can interrupt outdoor aquatic activities.
Rooms, Suites, Atrium Views and Hotel Policies
Gaylord Palms offers renovated accommodation across a large resort campus. The property features a 4.5-acre indoor garden atrium with themed Florida landscapes, adding a distinctive experience beyond a standard convention hotel.
Standard Guestrooms
Best for business travelers, couples and families who want access to the resort amenities without choosing a larger suite.
Compare bedding, occupancy and building location before selecting the lowest room rate.
Atrium-View Rooms
Selected accommodations overlook the indoor garden environments. Choose the actual view category when booking; an atrium view is not guaranteed with every room.
Suites
Suites offer alternative space arrangements for guests requiring additional living or work areas. Available layouts and occupancy depend on the chosen category.
Convention-Oriented Stay
Stay onsite for convenient access to conference halls, early registration, networking functions and late meetings without an off-property commute.
Core Hotel Policies
| Policy | Published hotel detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in | 4 PM |
| Checkout | 11 AM |
| Minimum check-in age | 18 years |
| Smoking | Smoke-free property |
| Pets | Not permitted, except qualifying service animals |
| Service animals | Welcome under applicable accessibility policy |
| Wi-Fi | Available; Marriott Bonvoy direct-booking membership benefits may apply |
| EV charging | Available subject to capacity |
| Front desk | 24-hour desk service |
Gaylord Palms Convention Center: Meeting Space and Floor Plans
Gaylord Palms is a substantial convention destination in its own right, not simply a hotel next to a separate public exhibition facility. Marriott’s current meeting website reports 519,242 square feet of total event space, including approximately 178,500 square feet of exhibition space.
Square feet of meeting and event space.
Square feet in the Florida Exhibition Hall configuration.
Published maximum for the largest room setup.
Major Ballroom and Exhibit Configurations
| Event space | Published area / capacity | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Exhibition Hall | 178,500 sq ft; up to 10,000 guests in listed setups | Conventions, trade shows and large exhibitions. |
| Osceola Ballroom | Approximately 42,400 sq ft | General sessions, banquets and large conferences. |
| Coastal Ballroom | Approximately 28,800 sq ft | Conferences, galas and presentations. |
| Sun Ballroom | Approximately 29,100 sq ft | Meetings, presentations and receptions. |
| Citrus Ballroom | Approximately 3,650 sq ft | Smaller conferences and social functions. |
| Captiva | Approximately 1,364 sq ft | Training, breakout meetings and group discussions. |
All figures reflect Marriott’s published event capacities or rounded conversions. Event-specific capacity is affected by partitions, staging, accessibility, equipment and seating arrangements.
Convention Arrival Checklist
- Find your exact event room. Determine whether your session is in the exhibition hall, Osceola, Coastal, Sun or another meeting area.
- Locate registration. Badge pickup may be at a different entrance from the main hotel desk.
- Ask about conference parking. Your organizer may provide distinct instructions, validation or group arrangements.
- Use the event-specific floor plan. Large event wings and conference breakout areas can require significant walking.
- Confirm exhibitor delivery instructions. Freight routes and loading docks differ from the guest entrance.
For Meeting Planners and Exhibitors
Marriott lists numerous breakout configurations, event-service options and dedicated loading facilities, including 19 contiguous loading docks serving the exhibition area. Event organizers should request a formal proposal with layout, capacity, guestroom blocks, AV, catering and freight requirements.
Gaylord Palms Events and Seasonal Activities in 2026
Public resort entertainment is distinct from its privately organized conventions. Visitors should verify whether a seasonal experience requires a separate ticket, hotel stay or activity reservation.
Fall Family Experiences
The resort promotes fall programming including a themed scavenger hunt, seasonal atrium light show, family activities and selected entertainment.
Some attractions may be included with eligible resort packages while others require separate admission.
ICE! Featuring The Polar Express
The holiday program includes ice sculptures, seasonal displays and ticketed attractions. Entry times, pricing and bundled packages are date-dependent.
Review event-specific accessibility and clothing recommendations, particularly for chilled attractions.
How to Check an Activity or Event
- Choose the experience. Separate water park activities, seasonal resort entertainment and private conventions.
- Check the dates. Seasonal attractions operate only within their published windows.
- Review admission. Determine whether the attraction is included or requires a separate ticket.
- Select a visit time. Popular experiences may use timed reservations.
- Save confirmations. Keep hotel and activity booking numbers accessible.
Getting to Gaylord Palms From Orlando Airport and Disney
Marriott lists Orlando International Airport (MCO) approximately 19.3 miles from Gaylord Palms. The property does not provide a standard complimentary airport shuttle.
From Orlando International Airport
- Collect your luggage at MCO. Follow the airport signs to your chosen transportation pickup area.
- Choose transport. Compare rideshare, taxi, private shuttle and rental car options.
- Enter the full resort address. Use 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746.
- Confirm where your driver will stop. Hotel, conference and group arrival instructions may differ.
- Budget for the return. Allow additional time for airport security and traffic.
Nearby Transportation and Attractions
| Destination / service | Planning guidance |
|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport | Approximately 19.3 miles according to Marriott. |
| Kissimmee Gateway Airport | Approximately 8 miles; limited commercial travel relevance. |
| Walt Disney World | Nearby tourism destination; travel time varies by individual park. |
| Disney Springs | Shopping and dining destination; confirm road travel and parking. |
| Celebration | Nearby dining and local attractions accessible by road. |
| Orange County Convention Center | Separate facility in Orlando; requires a road transfer. |
Gaylord Palms Restaurants, Spa and On-Site Experiences
The resort’s dining and leisure facilities help guests remain on property between convention sessions or family activities. Restaurants have different hours, prices and reservation policies.
Old Hickory Steakhouse
A steakhouse offering a more formal dining option. Reservations are advisable during major conferences and holidays.
MOOR
A seafood-focused dining option associated with the resort’s dramatic atrium environment.
Wreckers Sports Bar
Sports-bar dining and drinks, suitable for informal meals or gatherings after events.
SandBar
Poolside food and refreshments near Cypress Springs Water Park.
Relâche Spa & Salon
Offers treatments such as massages and facials, generally requiring separate reservations and charges.
Garden Atriums
Explore themed indoor landscaping, water features and selected resort activities in the large glass atrium.
Accessibility, Pets, Family Travel and Practical Services
| Visitor concern | Hotel information |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Available, including van-accessible spaces. |
| Accessible public spaces | Accessible routes to main entrance, restaurants, meeting spaces, fitness center, spa and business center. |
| Accessible guestrooms | Several configurations; verify exact bathroom and bed features. |
| Service animals | Permitted under applicable accessibility rules. |
| Pet dogs and cats | Not permitted as ordinary pets. |
| EV charging | Available, subject to availability. |
| Family activities | Water park, arcade, seasonal programming and other amenities. |
| Water slides | Safety, height and weather restrictions apply. |
| Special assistance | Contact the resort before arrival for the exact accommodation needed. |
Accessible Stay Checklist
- Choose the correct accessible room configuration before paying.
- Confirm whether a roll-in shower or specific bathroom features are required.
- Ask about routes from parking to the guestroom and event facility.
- Check water park access and attraction-specific restrictions.
- Arrange event seating or communication accommodations with the conference organizer.
Property assistance: 407-586-0000.
How to Book Gaylord Palms Without Unexpected Charges
- Open the official Marriott property listing. Use the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center booking page.
- Enter travel dates and guests. Check room occupancy and any conference-specific guestroom requirements.
- Compare room categories. Review bedding, suite layouts and any atrium-view upgrade.
- Check resort-fee treatment. Confirm the final quote shows the full applicable amount.
- Calculate parking. Add daily self-parking or valet charges, including applicable taxes.
- Check activity inclusions. Confirm water park access and separately priced experiences.
- Review cancellation terms. Event blocks, discounted packages and flexible public rates may have different deadlines.
- Complete the reservation. Save the confirmation and request any critical accessibility or special arrangements directly.
Who Will Get the Most Value?
Convention Attendees
Staying onsite can save commuting time, especially when conferences have early sessions and evening networking. However, compare the complete rate with off-property hotels and transport.
Families
A resort stay can make sense when the family plans to use Cypress Springs, pools and other activities. If most days are spent elsewhere, calculate the value of those amenities against the resort fee and parking.
10-Point Checklist Before Arriving
- Confirm the reservation is for Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee.
- Check whether your event is actually at the Gaylord Palms convention facility.
- Review the complete room rate and resort fee.
- Plan for $40 self-parking or $55 valet plus tax.
- Save your booking confirmation and cancellation conditions.
- Verify the exact convention room or registration location.
- Check water park access, hours and paid upgrades.
- Book airport transport if arriving at MCO.
- Reserve dining or spa services in advance when needed.
- Save the property number: 407-586-0000.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center located?
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is located at 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida 34746, in the greater Orlando tourism area.
2. How much does Gaylord Palms parking cost?
Marriott currently publishes self-parking at $40 per day and valet parking at $55 per day, plus applicable tax. Overnight guests receive in-and-out privileges; day guests pay per entry.
3. Does Gaylord Palms charge a resort fee?
Yes. Current Marriott destination listings advertise a $45 nightly resort fee. Confirm the final charge, tax and any package inclusions when booking your specific dates.
4. What time are check-in and checkout?
Check-in starts at 4 PM and checkout is 11 AM. The minimum published check-in age is 18.
5. Does Gaylord Palms have a water park?
Yes. Cypress Springs Water Park has pools, seven waterslides, an action river, family water-play features and a surf simulator. Some experiences cost extra.
6. Can non-hotel guests use Cypress Springs Water Park?
The water park is primarily a resort-guest amenity. Attending a meeting or making a dining reservation does not automatically provide access. Check eligible packages or special admission arrangements before traveling.
7. How big is Gaylord Palms Convention Center?
Marriott currently lists 519,242 square feet of total event space, including approximately 178,500 square feet of exhibition space. The largest listed event setup accommodates up to 10,000 people.
8. Does Gaylord Palms offer a free Orlando airport shuttle?
No. Marriott does not advertise a standard complimentary airport shuttle. Orlando International Airport is approximately 19.3 miles away, with taxi, rideshare and other private transport options available.
9. Are pets allowed at Gaylord Palms Resort?
Ordinary pets are not permitted. Qualifying service animals are welcomed according to applicable accessibility policies.
10. Is Gaylord Palms the same as Orange County Convention Center?
No. Gaylord Palms is a separate hotel and convention resort in Kissimmee. Orange County Convention Center is a different event facility in Orlando, so travelers should verify the name and address listed by their event organizer.
Official Contact, Reservations and Planning Resources
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
6000 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Main telephone: 407-586-0000
Toll-free: 877-350-3236
- Official Hotel Details, Rooms & Parking
- Convention Floor Plans, Meeting Capacities & RFP
- Cypress Springs Water Park Details
- Resort Activities & Seasonal Events
- Local Attractions & Travel Guidance
Reviewed October 16, 2026. Room rates, resort fees, taxes, activity availability, event setups and parking policies may vary by travel date or event contract.