Everything you need to know about staying at Flamingo Crossings Town Center hotels for your team tournaments.
Yes – the core hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center (Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, plus Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton) absolutely cater to group bookings for sports teams. They often provide special group rates or room blocks for teams. Marriott and Hilton both allow you to reserve blocks of rooms for 10 or more guests and even have online tools to book 10–25 rooms instantly. It's best to contact the hotel's group sales department or use their website's group booking option to secure a block at a discounted team rate. The hotels are very experienced with youth tournaments and team travel, so they'll help make the booking process easy for coaches and managers.
To reserve a block of rooms, you can reach out directly to the hotel's sales team or use the hotel's group booking webpage. For Marriott properties (Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites), you can use Marriott Bonvoy's "Group Travel" booking tools or call the hotel sales office. Hilton's Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites similarly offer group booking options online or via their sales department. Typically, you'll provide details like the number of rooms, dates, and your team name, and the hotel will set up a special group rate or booking code for your block. It's a good idea to do this well in advance, especially during big tournament weekends, as the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are popular with teams. The process is straightforward – once the block is set up, team families can call in or use a link to book their rooms under the group. And if you need 10+ rooms, the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are happy to accommodate and may offer perks like a complimentary room for a coach (depending on the group size and hotel policy).
Absolutely. The Flamingo Crossings Town Center hotels participate in their respective loyalty programs, so you can earn points on your stay. Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites are Marriott hotels, so stays count toward Marriott Bonvoy points and elite night credits. Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites are part of Hilton, so you'll earn Hilton Honors points. Even with group bookings, individual Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors members can often receive points for the rooms they personally pay for (and sometimes the person organizing the group might earn bonus points for the overall booking as well). These rewards are great for teams because you can rack up points for future travel – for example, Hilton Honors members enjoy perks and can accumulate points toward free nights. Be sure to provide your loyalty numbers when booking or at check-in. It's a nice bonus that staying at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center not only keeps the team close to the action but also helps everyone earn rewards.
The hotels are flexible with billing for group stays. If you prefer a master bill (one bill covering all rooms or certain expenses), you can arrange that in advance with the sales office. For example, a school or club might pay for all rooms together – in that case the hotel can set up a master account so the coach or manager gets one consolidated invoice. Alternatively, if families are paying individually, each family can be responsible for their own room charges, and the hotel will handle separate billing at check-out. Just communicate your needs during the booking process. The front desk can also split charges if, say, the team is covering room and tax but individuals pay incidentals. In summary, you can either have one big bill or individual bills – whatever makes life easier for your team. the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have a lot of experience with teams, so they're happy to accommodate special billing arrangements (including accepting school purchase orders or tax-exempt forms if applicable). It's best to confirm all the details with the hotel before arrival so there are no surprises at check-out.
Cancellation policies can vary, but generally the hotels at Flamingo Crossings offer flexible terms similar to standard bookings. For individual reservations at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, you'll often see a cancellation window like 48 hours prior to arrival (this can vary by rate). That means you could cancel a room a couple of days in advance without penalty in most cases. If you've arranged a large room block under a group contract, the cancellation terms will be outlined in that agreement – sometimes there's a cutoff date to release unused rooms or a small deposit that becomes non-refundable closer to the event. The hotels understand that sports schedules can be unpredictable (games get rescheduled or championships change plans), so they do try to work with teams. It's wise to ask about the cancellation policy when booking the group. For peace of mind, make sure parents know the individual cancellation deadline (usually listed in the confirmation). And if a last-minute schedule change or weather issue comes up, call the hotel – they often will try to accommodate and adjust if possible, especially for groups, though fees may apply for very last-minute cancellations.
You'll find a variety of room types designed to suit teams and families. The Residence Inn Orlando at Flamingo Crossings Town Center is an all-suite hotel, meaning every room is a suite with a living area and kitchen – great for larger families or sharing teammates. Homewood Suites is similar, offering spacious studio suites as well as one- and two-bedroom suites (so a few players or a family can comfortably share a suite with separate sleeping and living areas). Home2 Suites by Hilton features studio suites with two queen beds or a king plus a sofa bed, along with a kitchenette – they're very flexible rooms that can sleep up to 5 or 6 with the pull-out sofa. Fairfield Inn & Suites has traditional rooms (like rooms with two queen beds or a king bed plus sleeper sofa) and some studio suites. If you need lots of space, the extended-stay style hotels (Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites) are ideal because they were built for longer stays and come with extra room to spread out. Many of the rooms in the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center also have sofa beds to accommodate extra guests. And if your team has specific needs – like all the boys on one floor and girls on another, or a connecting room for coaches next to youth rooms – the hotels will do their best to block rooms close together. In short, whether you need a standard hotel room or a large suite, the core four hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have plenty of options to keep everyone comfortable.
Yes, most of the hotels here have excellent in-room kitchen amenities, which is a big plus for teams. Residence Inn rooms come with fully equipped kitchens – full-size refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, coffeemaker, and all the utensils you need to cook. Homewood Suites also provides full kitchens in their suites, so you can whip up a quick team meal or keep special dietary foods on hand. Home2 Suites rooms have kitchenettes – usually a fridge, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and they often have a portable induction burner available on request – perfect for heating up a quick pasta dinner or storing sports drinks. Fairfield Inn & Suites rooms include a mini-fridge and microwave in each room, which at least lets you keep water and snacks cold and warm up leftovers. So whether you want to prepare a hearty breakfast in your suite or just stock chocolate milk for recovery, you'll have the facilities to do it. Having kitchens and fridges is a lifesaver for sports groups – you can save money on dining and ensure athletes stick to their preferred nutrition. Plus, there are grocery stores (like Target nearby) to pick up supplies, so you can truly make use of those in-room kitchens.
The hotels do offer options for keeping your group close. Connecting rooms are available at some properties – for example, Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites have connecting room configurations (you can request them when booking). This is great if you have a large family or you want adult chaperones in an adjoining room with players. Residence Inn and Fairfield don't have traditional connecting doors (since Residence Inn suites are so big, many teams just book adjacent suites instead), but you can certainly ask to have all your team's rooms on the same floor or in the same wing of the hotel. The hotels will block rooms together for your group whenever possible. For larger suites: Residence Inn and Homewood offer one-bedroom suites that sleep up to 4 or more (with sofa beds), and Homewood even has some two-bedroom suites which are huge (two separate bedrooms plus a living area). These can be perfect for coaches or to serve as a hospitality suite for team meetings. Fairfield Inn has a few studio suites (with a bit more space and a sofa bed) which are good for a family of 5 or a small group of kids sharing. SpringHill Suites (a sister hotel nearby) is another all-suite hotel with big rooms. So, yes – whether via connecting doors or just larger suite layouts, you can definitely arrange accommodations so everyone stays close together. Just be sure to request these needs early, since connecting rooms in particular can be limited in number.
Yes, all of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have on-site laundry facilities, which is a must for teams with dirty uniforms. Each hotel either has a self-service laundry room with coin or card-operated washers and dryers, or offers laundry service options. For example, the Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites each list "On-Site Laundry" as an amenity – typically this means a laundry room in the hotel that guests can use 24/7. Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites also have laundry areas (often as part of or next to the fitness center, in Home2's case, their "Spin2 Cycle" laundry/gym combo). In practice, you can expect a clean laundry room with multiple washers and dryers. The hotel front desk can provide change or detergent for purchase if needed, though it's smart to bring some detergent pods with you. Many teams take advantage of this to wash jerseys between games – you might see a bunch of uniforms hanging to dry in rooms! If you prefer professional laundry service, some of the hotels might offer same-day dry cleaning (for a fee) on weekdays. But for cost savings, the self-serve guest laundry is the way to go. It's convenient and means your team can have fresh kits each day of the tournament.
Yes, Wi-Fi is free at all the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, and it's generally very good. The Marriott hotels (Residence Inn and Fairfield) offer complimentary Wi-Fi, especially if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member (which is free to join). In practice, even non-members get basic free WiFi in the rooms and lobby at these properties. The Hilton hotels (Home2 and Homewood) also provide free Wi-Fi for unlimited devices – and if you're a Hilton Honors member you get the standard complimentary connection as well. The network speeds are usually solid since these are newer hotels built with modern tech needs in mind. Teams regularly stream videos, review game footage, or play online – so the hotels are used to lots of devices connected. You should have no problem having the whole team online for homework, Netflix, or gaming. If anyone needs extra bandwidth (say, a coach uploading large video files), some hotels offer an upgraded premium WiFi for a fee, but for most uses the free internet is sufficient. And if there are any connectivity issues, the hotels will assist quickly – but given these properties are only a few years old, their WiFi systems are up to date. So rest assured, the kids can FaceTime home and you can send emails without a hitch.
Some of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are pet-friendly and some are not, so it depends on which hotel you choose. Residence Inn Orlando at Flamingo Crossings is pet-friendly – they welcome dogs (and cats, typically) for a one-time cleaning fee of about $150 per stay. Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites by Hilton are also pet-friendly; in fact, Hilton's policy at these locations allows up to 2 pets per room (up to 75 lbs) with a fee of $75 (for stays 1-4 nights) or $125 (5+ nights). This is great if a family is bringing a small pet or the team's mascot dog along. On the other hand, Fairfield Inn & Suites is not pet-friendly (except for service animals), and the same goes for the nearby SpringHill Suites – they generally don't allow pets to stay. So, if having Fido along is important, opt for Residence Inn, Home2, or Homewood. All hotels, of course, accommodate service animals as required. If you do bring pets, the hotels have designated pet relief areas and you'll be asked to sign a pet agreement at check-in (mainly common-sense rules like keeping the pet leashed in public areas and not leaving them unattended for long). The pet-friendly hotels make it easy, and you'll often see other guests with their dogs, since these extended-stay style suites are perfect for people traveling with pets.
Flamingo Crossings Town Center is a very safe and well-maintained area. It's a master-planned Disney development, which means it was designed with visitors and families in mind. The area is well-lit, clean, and relatively self-contained (it's not along a busy highway strip; it's more of a planned village of hotels and shops). You'll often see Disney security or local security patrols around the Town Center, and there's a 24/7 Disney College Program residential campus nearby, so the area has a secure community feel. As for the hotels, each property is secured 24/7. The front desks are staffed at all hours, and only guests can access room floors (for example, some hotels require a room key in the elevator or to access side entrances after hours). There are cameras in public areas and parking lots for added safety. Plus, with so many families and teams around, there's an atmosphere of everyone looking out for each other. If you have young athletes, you can feel comfortable letting them walk between hotels and the nearby restaurants in groups. Of course, normal precautions apply (don't leave gear unattended, lock your room, etc.), but overall this area is known for being safe and family-friendly. Many coaches specifically choose hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center because they feel secure compared to some other off-property locations.
Check-in at most of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center at Flamingo Crossings Town Center is 4:00 PM, and check-out is typically 11:00 AM the next day. These times are pretty standard for Orlando hotels. If you have a late-arriving flight or a game that runs late, don't worry – you can check in late at night. The hotels have a 24-hour front desk, so they will hold your room and be ready whenever you arrive (even if that's midnight or 1 AM). In fact, many sports teams travel on late schedules, and the hotels are used to welcoming guests at all hours. It's a good idea, however, if you're arriving super late (e.g. after 11 PM), to give the hotel a heads-up just so they know you are definitely coming; they'll note your reservation as a late arrival. But rest assured, your rooms will be waiting as long as the reservation is guaranteed with a credit card. Also, Hilton's Digital Key and Marriott's mobile check-in services are available at these properties – meaning if you use their apps, you could check in on your phone and go straight to your room no matter the hour. Bottom line: late check-in is not a problem at all.
Yes, the hotels understand the challenges of game schedules and will try to help. Late check-out can often be arranged, especially if you only need an extra hour or two past the usual 11:00 AM check-out. It depends on how full the hotel is that day – if another group isn't immediately coming into your rooms, the hotel may grant a late check-out (sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee if it's much later). It's best to inquire at the front desk a day or two before departure. If a late check-out isn't possible for everyone, you can usually get at least one or two courtesy rooms for the team to use in the afternoon (to shower after a game, for example). Alternatively, luggage storage is definitely available. All the hotels will securely store your bags for the day after you check out. So if you have a noon championship game, you can check out in the morning, leave your suitcases with the front desk, go to the game, and then come back and freshen up in the lobby restrooms or a courtesy room before heading out. The staff are used to sports teams needing to do this. Some hotels also have locker rooms or showers by the pool/fitness center that you could use in a pinch. In short, they'll work with you to make sure your team isn't stranded with bags or without a place to regroup before leaving.
All of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are 100% smoke-free properties, which means no smoking is allowed in rooms or indoor public areas. There are designated outdoor smoking areas for those who need them, but you won't have to worry about any smoke odors in hallways or rooms – a very healthy environment for athletes. Regarding quiet hours: while the hotels don't enforce a strict "curfew," they do observe typical quiet hours during the night (usually around 10 PM or 11 PM onward, guests are expected to keep noise to a minimum). Since the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center host a lot of families and teams, the staff is attentive to noise issues. If your team is doing a late-night meeting or celebrating, it's best to use a meeting room or an isolated area, just to be considerate. Hotel security or staff might give a polite reminder if a group of excited players is being too loud in the halls late at night. Likewise, this means your team should be able to get a good night's rest – the hotels enforce quiet time so that everyone (including other guests) can sleep. The area itself is pretty quiet at night; Flamingo Crossings isn't a party scene, and there's no busy highway right next door. So, yes, your athletes will have a peaceful environment to recharge for the next day's big game.
Yes, a hot breakfast buffet is included at all four core hotels, and it's one of the best perks for teams! The breakfast is complimentary for all guests at Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites, and Homewood Suites. The typical breakfast hours are 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM daily. So for most morning games, your athletes can eat around 6:30 or 7 AM and still make an early start. In fact, the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are used to teams with crack-of-dawn schedules. If you ever need something even earlier, talk to the hotel – sometimes they can arrange a "grab and go" bag or open a bit early on request, especially if a large group needs to depart before 6:30. But generally, 6:30 AM is early enough for tournaments (and it runs until 10:00 AM, so late risers can still catch breakfast after a morning practice). The free breakfast is a hot buffet with plenty of variety, so you won't have to spend time or money going out for breakfast – a huge convenience on game days.
The breakfast at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center is quite robust and should satisfy both hungry teenagers and health-conscious parents. Expect hot items like scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, and oftentimes fun Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles at the Marriott properties (kids love those!). There's also an assortment of cereals, oatmeal with toppings, yogurt, fresh fruit, bagels, toast, muffins, and juices. For athletes looking for healthy fuel, there are usually fruit options (bananas, apples, maybe fruit salad) and protein like eggs. You can make a hearty oatmeal or grab some yogurt and granola if you're avoiding the bacon and waffles. Home2 Suites often have multigrain buckwheat waffles and maybe breakfast sandwiches or burritos available. Homewood Suites and Residence Inn might rotate their menu, but you can count on basics like whole fruit, boiled eggs, and sometimes smoothies or almond milk for those with dietary preferences. And of course there's unlimited coffee, tea, and juice which is great for parents and coaches. The breakfast is buffet style so everyone can pick what they need – whether it's carb-loading with a waffle or keeping it light with fruit and cereal. It's included in your rate, so encourage the team to fill up before heading out – it's both convenient and nutritious, with enough variety to suit different diets.
Yes, several of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have on-site dining for later in the day, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance at Flamingo Crossings Town Center. On-site, for example, Residence Inn has Featherstone's Poolside Bar & Grill, a casual restaurant and bar by the pool where you can order burgers, sandwiches, salads, and drinks. Fairfield Inn & Suites features the Fieldhouse Restaurant & Cabana Bar, which serves American fare (think wings, pasta, flatbreads) – it's great for unwinding with the team in the evening. The Hilton side (Homewood/Home2) has a shared Pool Bar and Grill outdoors, offering everything from appetizers and pizza to frozen cocktails for the adults. While these hotel restaurants are convenient, you also have the entire Flamingo Crossings Town Center complex next door, which is loaded with dining options. Within a short walk or 2-minute drive, you'll find fast-casual spots like Five Guys (burgers), Domino's or Pieology (pizza for a team pizza night), Pita Mediterranean, Gyu-Kaku (Japanese BBQ), Dunkin' (for coffee and donuts), Hash House A Go Go (famous for hearty farm-style food), Ellie Lou's BBQ, and more. There's even a Starbucks for your caffeine fix and a White Rabbit Dessert Experience shop for treats. So, for team meals, you have a ton of choices: dine on-site by the pool or take a quick walk to multiple restaurants. Many places in the Town Center are casual and used to large groups, so you can comfortably bring the whole team. Whether it's a quick bite after a game or a more organized team dinner, you'll have no trouble finding a spot that suits everyone's taste.
The hotels will do their best to accommodate special dietary needs. For breakfast, since it's a buffet, there are usually options that can fit certain diets (e.g. fruit and gluten-free cereal for gluten-sensitive guests, soy or almond milk on request, etc.). If someone has a severe allergy or need (like gluten-free or dairy-free), you can inform the hotel in advance – they may be able to have items like gluten-free bread available. For team catering, while the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center don't have large banquet departments like a big resort, they can often help you reserve a space and might coordinate with an outside caterer or allow you to bring in food. For example, a team could use a meeting room or outdoor patio for a catered team dinner (some teams order in pasta or sandwich platters from outside vendors). The hotel's on-site restaurants can also sometimes arrange group dining and customize a menu for your team if you give them notice. Kitchens in the suites are another asset – if you have athletes with specific nutritional regimens, having the kitchen means you can prepare exactly what they need. We've seen teams cook their own group meal or a parent-chef whip up a big pot of pasta in a Residence Inn suite kitchen. Essentially, special diets (vegan, vegetarian, halal, etc.) can be managed by leveraging the variety at breakfast, nearby restaurants that suit those diets, or the in-room kitchens. Don't hesitate to talk to the hotel management about your team's needs – they're quite used to accommodating all sorts of requests, whether it's storing a birthday cake in their fridge or ensuring there are plain bagels and bananas for the kid who only eats those before a game.
Yes – one of the big advantages of Flamingo Crossings is that there's a Target literally in the Town Center, just a short walk or very quick drive from the hotels. It's a full Target store (with a grocery section) where you can buy snacks, Gatorade, water cases, fruit, granola bars, or anything you might have forgotten (it even has sporting goods if you need an emergency mouthguard or soccer ball). There's also a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Town Center, which is great for late-night drinks, ice, or snacks on the go. Additionally, each hotel has a little lobby convenience market: for example, Residence Inn has a 24/7 lobby market where you can grab sodas, chips, frozen dinners, etc., and Home2 Suites has a "Home2 MKT" by the front desk with similar items. So, if you need powdered sports drink mix at 10 PM, you might find it right in the hotel lobby. But for broader grocery needs, Target is super convenient – you could even do a team trip there after check-in to stock the in-room fridges with everyone's favorite foods. Being able to shop nearby means teams can save money and ensure they have their preferred snacks and hydration ready for game time. No need to pack a whole cooler from home – you can get it all once you arrive.
Yes, all four of the core hotels have some meeting space available. They aren't huge convention hotels, but they each offer at least one meeting room or a configurable space that teams can use. For instance, the Home2 Suites/Homewood Suites property has a boardroom and possibly a larger meeting room for events. Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn each list "Meeting Space" as an amenity as well – typically a small conference room that can be reserved. These rooms can usually accommodate things like team strategy sessions, video review on a TV or projector, or even a team banquet if you set it up right. If you just need a casual space, many coaches also utilize the breakfast area or lobby in the afternoon or evening (after breakfast hours, those areas are often empty and can function as an impromptu meeting spot). You'll also find outdoor seating areas (with tables, fire pits, etc.) that can be nice for gatherings in the evenings. If having a dedicated meeting room is important (say, to go over game film), you should inquire with the hotel in advance to reserve it. Sometimes they'll let teams use it free of charge during off-peak times, or there might be a nominal fee or require a booking if it's formal. In any case, you won't be stuck trying to huddle in a guest room – there are spaces on-site for the whole team to get together and focus.
Absolutely. The hotels are quite accommodating when it comes to team gatherings. The lobby and breakfast areas in these properties are generally open-plan and spacious – after the breakfast service is over each day, those areas often remain available for guests to lounge or gather. Teams commonly take over a corner of the lobby in the evenings to play cards, have a pizza party, or even do a small awards ceremony. The staff usually doesn't mind as long as you're respectful of other guests (and not during quiet hours). If you want something more private, as mentioned, you could rent a meeting room for an hour or two. But many teams find the casual approach works: for example, order some pizzas and use the pool patio or a dining area to hand out MVP awards or just socialize. The outdoor areas are also great – most of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have patios with seating, some with fire pits or grills (Homewood Suites/Home2 Suites share an outdoor patio with grills, and Residence Inn has a nice outdoor space too). These can be ideal for a relaxed team get-together on a nice evening. Just coordinate with the hotel if you plan to have any kind of formal event or need to rearrange furniture, etc. They generally appreciate a heads-up, and they might even help reserve a section for you. In summary, yes – you can absolutely use the common spaces for team bonding events, and it's actually one of the reasons sports groups love the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center (there's room to gather beyond just your bedroom).
Each hotel comes with a 24-hour fitness center, equipped with cardio machines and free weights, which is perfect for athletes who want to get in a workout or stretch session. The fitness rooms are modern (since the hotels are new) – you'll find treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and weight racks, and often things like medicine balls or yoga mats. Beyond the indoor gym, what's really special at the hotels in the Flamingo Crossings Town Center area are the outdoor sports facilities. The Marriott properties (Residence Inn and Fairfield) share a set of outdoor multi-sport courts. This includes a basketball half-court, a soccer practice field, and even batting cages for baseball/softball practice. It's like having a mini training complex right at the hotel! Teams can shoot hoops, run drills, or take swings in the cage during downtime. The Hilton side (Home2/Homewood) similarly has a "backyard" sports area with a basketball court and open turf field – ideal for a casual scrimmage or warm-ups. Additionally, there are often walking/jogging paths around the hotels (the area is quite open and safe), so a morning team jog is feasible without even leaving the property. Some hotels might also have a few fitness classes or can connect you with local trainers, but usually the on-site facilities suffice. So whether it's a weightlifting session in the gym or passing a soccer ball around on the lawn, your athletes can stay conditioned. And for recovery, don't forget the pool – a light swim or stretching in the pool can help muscles recover after games.
The hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center were built with fun in mind – there's plenty for your team to do between games. First off, each hotel has a fantastic outdoor pool. For example, the Home2/Homewood Suites share a resort-style pool that even features a waterslide, making it extra fun for kids and teens. The Fairfield Inn has an outdoor pool plus a children's splash pad for younger siblings to play in. Pools are heated and have lounge chairs around – great for relaxing or a casual poolside team hangout (just remember pool hours, typically dawn to 10 or 11 PM). Beyond the pool, as mentioned, there are the multi-sport courts available. These include a half basketball court, a small soccer field, and batting cages on the Marriott side. Your team can organize a quick basketball shoot around or just play casually for fun. The courts often have equipment available – you can ask at the front desk for basketballs; sometimes they have soccer balls or you can bring your own. It's not uncommon to see two different teams at the hotel spark up a friendly basketball game in the evening. Additionally, some hotels have other recreation: There are fire pits and seating areas outdoors (perfect for evening relaxation), and BBQ grills that guests can use for a cookout. Indoors, the lobby areas usually have TVs and sometimes game tables. While there isn't an arcade or game room on-site, the variety of outdoor amenities more than makes up for it. And if families want even more entertainment, the Disney parks are a short drive away. But honestly, many teams find they have more than enough to do right at the hotel – between swimming, playing on the sports court, or just hanging out together, downtime can be really enjoyable at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center.
Yes, one of the nearby hotels – the TownePlace Suites at Flamingo Crossings Town Center (a Marriott hotel adjacent to SpringHill Suites) – features a hot tub alongside its pool. This can be a nice perk for soaking sore muscles. The TownePlace/SpringHill pool area is known to have a heated pool and a hot tub, and since those two hotels are in the Flamingo Crossings Town Center complex, some team families who stay there take advantage of the jacuzzi. As for the four core hotels (Residence Inn, Fairfield, Home2, Homewood): they have awesome pools but do not specifically list hot tubs on their amenities. The focus has been more on the pools, splash pads, and sports courts. However, if a hot tub is a priority for recovery, you might choose the TownePlace/SpringHill side (those properties are only a 2-minute drive down the street). Alternatively, some of the hotels have partnership with local spas or can recommend a nearby massage therapy place if that's of interest. But in general, while the core hotels don't have on-site spas or jacuzzis, the availability at TownePlace means you're not far from a hot soak. And even without a hot tub, the warm heated pools can serve a similar recovery purpose – athletes often do light stretches in the pool to relax. Always feel free to ask the front desk if any of their sister properties nearby have spa facilities; they might allow guests to use them. But your best bet for a quick post-game soak is the TownePlace Suites' hot tub, since it's part of the Flamingo Crossings Town Center family of hotels.
Yes! One of the cool features at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center (especially the extended-stay ones) is the availability of outdoor BBQ grills and patios for guest use. For example, Homewood Suites has outdoor grills on its patio area – you might see families grilling burgers or hot dogs there in the evenings. Home2 Suites, being connected to Homewood, shares that patio space and grill access. On the Marriott side, the TownePlace Suites (located in the same Flamingo Crossings Town Center area) specifically advertises a barbecue area as part of its amenities, and SpringHill Suites shares that courtyard. Even if you're staying at Residence Inn or Fairfield, you could likely use the grill area at TownePlace/SpringHill if you ask, or simply use their general outdoor seating areas. Residence Inn itself has a nice outdoor lounge area with a fire pit and possibly grills as well (Residence Inns often do). These patios are fantastic for team gatherings – imagine having a casual cookout one night, grilling some food while the team plays cornhole or cards outside. The atmosphere at Flamingo Crossings Town Center is very communal, so an outdoor BBQ is definitely in play. Just check with the hotel staff if you need grilling utensils or to reserve the grill, as sometimes it's first-come-first-serve. And of course, follow any safety rules posted. But yes, your team can absolutely enjoy a Florida evening outside, maybe celebrating a win with a barbecue. It's a great way to save on dining costs and have fun at the same time.
The hotels do not have a dedicated shuttle to ESPN Wide World of Sports, unfortunately. The complimentary shuttles provided at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are focused on the Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc.). So if you're hoping the hotel will bus your team to the sports complex, that's not a service they typically offer as part of the stay. Teams usually rely on their own transportation – that could be your charter bus, rental vans, or carpooling among families – to get to ESPN WWS. The good news is the drive is short and easy (as noted, about 15 minutes), and there's ample bus and car parking at the Wide World of Sports Complex for team vehicles. If you do not have your own transport, you'd likely need to arrange something like a private shuttle or use ride-share services. In a pinch, the hotel concierge or front desk might help call a large taxi van or provide info on local shuttle companies (some teams have used Mears or other charter services). But plan on arranging your travel to games separately. The focus of the hotels' free shuttles is getting families to the Disney parks for fun, rather than the sports venues. On the bright side, if some family members want to head to the parks while others are at ESPN, the shuttles cover that – but for the team, you'll be coordinating your own rides to the tournament.
Walt Disney World Resort is literally right next door – Flamingo Crossings Town Center is just outside the western entrance to Disney. Disney property begins less than a mile from the hotels. In drive times: you can reach Disney's Animal Kingdom in about 8-10 minutes (it's the closest park, roughly 4 miles away), Epcot and Hollywood Studios in maybe 12-15 minutes, and Magic Kingdom in around 15 minutes (give or take, plus Magic Kingdom requires parking at the Transportation Center). It's very convenient. And yes, all of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are official Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels, meaning they offer scheduled shuttle service to the Disney theme parks for their guests. The shuttles are complimentary – you typically sign up for a shuttle time (to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc.) a day in advance because seats can be limited. They usually have a few departures in the morning and scheduled returns in the evening for each park. It's a great perk for families wanting to enjoy Disney in between sports events. Do note, however, these shuttles go to the major parks and sometimes Disney Springs, but not to places like water parks or ESPN complex. Also, they run on a fixed schedule (not continuous like Disney resort buses). If the shuttle times don't fit your schedule or you want more flexibility, you're only a short drive from all the parks – driving yourself or using Uber/Lyft is very easy from this location since you skip most of the city traffic. But it's safe to say Disney is right there – you can even see some Disney fireworks or landmarks from certain spots at the hotels on clear nights. So whether by free shuttle or a quick drive, you're minutes away from the magic.
Yes, the hotels have plenty of parking space, and they can accommodate vehicles ranging from personal cars to large vans and charter buses. The parking lots at the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are spacious (since everything is newly built and designed for family travelers with cars). If you're bringing a team bus, you should definitely inform the hotel in advance so they can direct you to the best spot to park it, but it's not uncommon – they often have buses parked along the sides or back of the lots for groups. Parking fees: Note that the Marriott hotels (Residence Inn, Fairfield) and the Hilton hotels (Home2, Homewood) do charge a daily self-parking fee of about $20 per vehicle. This is a recent change in the area – originally some were free, but now most of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center have a parking charge. If your team is coming in a single big bus, sometimes the hotel might have a different policy (they might charge per bus or require you to use multiple car spots). It's worth discussing – occasionally, for group contracts, hotels can negotiate parking fees. For individual families driving, expect to pay that daily parking rate for cars. The lots are safe and well-lit, and they also have EV charging stations if anyone has an electric vehicle. In summary: parking is available for all vehicle types, just factor in the parking fee. It's still more convenient and often cheaper than trying to stay on Disney property with multiple vehicles. And having your team bus right at the hotel's doorstep is very handy for loading equipment and heading to the games.
The most straightforward way is by car or van – Flamingo Crossings Town Center is about 26–27 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), which usually means a 30 to 35-minute drive if traffic is light (it can be a bit longer during peak times). If you're a team arriving together, you might consider renting a charter bus or a couple of passenger vans from the airport so you can all travel together. Many teams do that for convenience. Alternatively, ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) are plentiful at MCO and can take you directly to the hotels – for a family or small group that's easy, but for a big team you'd need multiple vehicles. Another option is a shuttle service: Mears, for example, operates shuttles and you can sometimes book a large shuttle or coach transfer in advance. The hotels themselves do not run their own airport shuttle, since Flamingo Crossings Town Center is a bit farther out and not on Disney's Magical Express route (which was discontinued anyway). If individuals are coming in at different times, renting cars is a good idea so you have transportation for the stay. Driving directions from MCO are simple – you'd likely take FL-417 or I-4 to SR-429 Western Beltway, and exit near Western Way to get to the Town Center. It's almost all highway driving. For international teams or those not renting vehicles, arranging a private coach bus pickup from the airport can be cost-effective and easy – the driver will meet you at baggage claim and everyone can ride together. In summary, plan on either renting transportation or using ride-shares; budget about 30-40 minutes for the trip. Once you're at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, you'll appreciate having vehicles to get around to games and parks.
It's an excellent location for sports teams – arguably one of the best off-site locations for Disney tournaments. Flamingo Crossings Town Center was master-planned by Disney specifically to be a convenient lodging and retail hub. For teams, this means you get the benefits of being near Disney (close to the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and a quick hop to the theme parks for fun) without the higher cost or busyness of staying in the tourist corridors like International Drive or even Disney's own value resorts. The location is just outside the park gates on the west side, which tends to have less traffic congestion than areas near Disney Springs or Kissimmee. Additionally, everything you need is in one area: multiple hotels geared toward families/teams, numerous dining options, a grocery store, and even an urgent care – all within the Town Center. Teams love that they can walk safely to restaurants and stores without needing a car for every little thing. Also, because the area is new, it's very clean and well-maintained, giving a great first impression. Many coaches comment that Flamingo Crossings Town Center offers incredible value and convenience – you're roughly paying what you might at an older off-site hotel, but you're getting a brand-new room with a kitchen and free breakfast, just minutes from Disney. In fact, the hotels here are priced comparable to Disney's Value Resorts (like All-Star Sports), but you often get more space and free meals. So yes, as a location, Flamingo Crossings Town Center hits the sweet spot: safe, self-contained, close to sports venues and parks, and built to handle sports teams. It really was designed with groups like yours in mind.
Definitely. Flamingo Crossings Town Center is known for being a very safe, family-friendly environment. Since it's a Disney-developed area, there is a level of security and upkeep that you might not find in some other motel clusters. The Town Center isn't open to random thru-traffic; it's somewhat tucked away off the main highway (SR-429), so the people around are mostly hotel guests, Disney College Program participants, and folks visiting the shops. The area is well-lit at night, with wide sidewalks and plenty of parking lot lighting. You'll often see Disney security vehicles or Orange County deputies doing routine patrols around the development, which is reassuring. Families can feel comfortable walking to the Dunkin' or Wendy's in the evening, for example. The hotels themselves have secure access and attentive staff. Also, because so many teams and families are staying here at any given time, there's a nice community vibe – you end up looking out for each other. It's not like staying in an isolated hotel off an interstate. Basic precautions should always be observed (lock your vehicles, supervise young kids in public areas), but there have been no major safety issues reported since the area opened. Many parents say they prefer Flamingo Crossings Town Center over other off-site locations because they feel at ease letting responsible teens walk around together to grab food. In summary, Disney had a hand in creating Flamingo Crossings Town Center, and it shows – it's a secure, welcoming area where the biggest "danger" might be the kids wanting yet another ice cream from the dessert shop!
Families and siblings tagging along will have plenty to do. At the hotels, the pools are a big hit – kids can spend hours swimming or racing down the little slide (at Homewood/Home2's pool) while parents lounge nearby. The sports courts give kids a chance to play pickup basketball or soccer with new friends. The hotels also have nice outdoor spaces; for example, you might roast marshmallows at a fire pit or play a game of cornhole (some hotels provide lawn games). Beyond the hotels, Flamingo Crossings Town Center has a bunch of casual activities. There's the Target which, believe it or not, can be an outing (it's a Target with a Disney souvenir section – fun to browse). There's a shop called Fit2Run for anyone into running or wanting to get new sneakers. For food adventures, families can walk to get ice cream or bubble tea at one of the dessert or drink spots (like White Rabbit Dessert or Token Ramen & Tea). If you have a free afternoon, you're also extremely close to Disney property. You could drive 10 minutes to Disney's Animal Kingdom and spend a half-day seeing animals or ride the roller coasters. Even if you don't go into the parks, Disney's BoardWalk or Disney Springs are great free-entry areas for entertainment and dining, about a 15-20 minute drive away. Mini-golf is another fun option: Disney has mini-golf courses (Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens) not too far away. Also, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex itself sometimes has multiple events or exhibitions going on – when your team isn't playing, you could catch another game or walk around the complex. In short, whether families want to relax at the hotel, explore Flamingo Crossings Town Center' shops and eateries, or hop over to Disney attractions, there's no shortage of activities. This ensures siblings and parents have a great time, not just the athletes. It can easily turn into a mini-vacation for the whole family.
Absolutely – the hotels are very family-friendly and were practically designed with kids in mind. For one, the room setups (suites with kitchens or larger rooms) make it easier for families to spread out and even prepare child-friendly meals or snacks. The free breakfast every morning is also a lifesaver for families (there's something for picky eaters and plenty of high-chair seating for little ones). In terms of facilities, the Fairfield Inn has a neat children's splash pad by the pool where toddlers and young kids can safely play in spraying water fountains. The Homewood/Home2 pool has a small slide and zero-entry section which is great for younger kids to wade in. All the hotels provide cribs or pack-n-plays on request, and many have sofa beds which are great for kids. The Town Center having fast food like Wendy's, Domino's, and Dunkin' within walking distance is golden when you have a hungry teen or a child who just wants some fries. Another family-friendly aspect: the hotels are pretty casual and used to kids – no one will bat an eye if there's an excited 8-year-old in the lobby recounting the day's big win, or a stroller being pushed around. There are also little conveniences, like coin-op laundry (useful for that kid who spilled ketchup on their shirt), and convenience marts at the hotels for emergency snacks or milk. Safety-wise, as we mentioned, it's a secure area so parents feel comfortable. Plus, if families want a break from sports, they can easily do a Disney park or two – the hotels even allow booking Disney tickets through them and early park entry perks since they're official Disney partner hotels. All in all, siblings will have fun and be comfortable, and parents will find the hotels accommodating and low-stress for family travel.
Yes, you're in good hands here. There is a brand-new AdventHealth ER at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, literally right down the street from the hotels (within a 2-minute drive) which provides 24/7 emergency care for guests and locals. This is a full-service emergency room (not just an urgent care) with physicians on duty, imaging, labs, etc., and it's actually operated in collaboration with Disney as the official medical provider for Walt Disney World. So if an athlete takes a hard fall and you're worried about a sprain or concussion, you can get professional care immediately nearby. For less urgent needs, there's also an AdventHealth Primary Care+ clinic in the Town Center (for things like a quick check-up, prescriptions, or minor illnesses). Additionally, many events at ESPN Wide World of Sports have medics on-site, but it's reassuring to know the ER is so close. The hotels themselves are prepared too – they often have basic first aid kits at the front desk for things like band-aids, ice packs, etc. And staff can help coordinate if you need further care; for instance, they can call in a doctor or guide you to the nearest pharmacy. The nearest major hospital beyond the Flamingo ER would be AdventHealth Celebration or Orlando Health Horizon West (both about 15-20 minutes away), but likely you won't need to go that far given the on-site ER. So whether it's a dehydration issue, a twisted ankle, or anything more serious, prompt medical attention is conveniently available. We hope it's never needed, but it's good peace of mind for coaches and parents to know that expert care is right there at Flamingo Crossings Town Center.
The hotel staff are trained to assist guests in emergencies, and they do have basic first aid supplies on hand. Every front desk or concierge can usually provide things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and ice (ice is easy to get since ice machines are on each floor too). If a player comes back with a cut or blister, the front desk can give you a band-aid and some ointment. For bumps and bruises, they'll hand you an ice pack or direct you to ice machines. In the event of something more serious – say a potential fracture or a head injury – the hotel staff will act quickly to help. They can call 911 or the local emergency number, and since the AdventHealth ER is so close, response times are fast. Some hotels have security staff or managers trained in CPR and basic emergency response who can stabilize a situation until paramedics arrive. They'll also help guide emergency services to the exact location on property. Additionally, because the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center frequently host sports teams, the staff won't be surprised if you come asking for a large bag of ice for someone's ankle or extra towels to clean up a scraped knee – they get it. For any illness or injury in the middle of the night, you can call down to the front desk and they'll assist (whether it's getting medicine from the gift shop or calling in medical help). While they're not medical professionals, they are hospitality professionals who prioritize guest safety. As a proactive step, it's wise for teams to have a basic first aid kit with them as well (many coaches carry one). But rest assured, the hotel will support you in caring for any injured or sick team member.
While there isn't a formal "sports team package" advertised, the hotels tend to go the extra mile to welcome teams. For example, it's common for the hotel to group all your team's rooms together on the same floor or section, which is an informal perk that makes supervision easier. Sometimes, hotels will set up a welcome sign or scoreboard in the lobby with team names, especially if multiple teams are staying – a fun touch that makes you feel at home. They also understand things like equipment storage; if you have large gear (like hockey sticks, musical instruments for marching band comps, etc.), the hotel can often help store those in a secure room so you're not cluttering your suite. Some hotels might offer a meeting room at a discounted rate for teams to use as a hospitality room or team HQ. Additionally, little things: staff might open breakfast a bit early if they know a whole team needs to eat and run (not guaranteed, but they try to be flexible). They're also knowledgeable about the sports venues and schedules – front desk agents can tell you the quickest way to ESPN Wide World of Sports or if there are traffic considerations on game day mornings. Another service: group check-in – if you arrive all at once on a bus, they often pre-key all the rooms and have welcome packets ready, so handing out room keys to the team is super quick. Housekeeping can also coordinate cleaning times around game schedules if you request (so that rooms are serviced while you're out). While the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center serve all kinds of guests, they truly are used to teams. You might notice walls of thank-you plaques or team photos from previous guests – showing that they are experienced with sports groups. So, while not a formal program, the special accommodation is in the tailored service: flexible breakfast, room grouping, quick check-ins, and understanding staff. Don't hesitate to ask if you have a specific need – chances are they've helped a team with the same request before.
In most cases, yes – the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center offer excellent value for the money. They are often priced similarly to Disney's Value Resorts (like All-Star Sports) or sometimes even a bit lower depending on the season. But for that price, you typically get more: spacious accommodations (many with kitchens), free daily breakfast (Disney value hotels don't include breakfast), and free Wi-Fi. Those inclusions can save a team a lot of money. Think about it: a family of four not having to buy breakfast at $15/person each day is a big saving over a week. Also, the ability to cook in the room or store groceries reduces dining costs. Parking at Flamingo Crossings Town Center, while $20, is still usually cheaper than Disney hotel parking for buses or multiple cars. Another aspect is capacity – you can often sleep more people per room (with sofa beds and suites), meaning a team might book fewer total rooms than they would at a standard hotel with just two double beds per room. When comparing to staying on Disney property, Flamingo Crossings Town Center can be much cheaper when you factor in everything. Versus other off-site hotels around Orlando, the rates at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are competitive, and you have to consider the time and fuel saved by being closer to the sports venues and parks (less driving = less gas money and more convenience). Plus, the newness and reliability of the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center mean you're less likely to encounter unpleasant surprises that could incur extra costs (like needing to switch hotels, etc.). Many teams find that the overall trip cost is lower or equal when staying here, but the experience is higher quality. And as an added value, since the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center are official Disney partners, you get perks like early theme park entry if the team wants to enjoy the parks – something you wouldn't get at a random off-site hotel. All things considered, the hotels at Flamingo Crossings Town Center tend to be a highly valueable choice with new and comfortable rooms, making them perfect for teams trying to balance cost and quality.