Our comprehensive review of the holiday inn club vacations at orange lake resort golf experience is your ultimate guide to planning the perfect getaway. This isn’t just another hotel with a course attached; it’s a colossal destination in Kissimmee, Florida, that has woven the sport into its very fabric. For families, avid golfers, and casual players alike, understanding what this sprawling property truly offers is key. It’s a place where you can test your skills on championship courses designed by legends, while the rest of your party enjoys world-class, family-friendly amenities. This review will dissect every aspect of this sprawling resort complex, from the greens and fairways to the pools and restaurants, ensuring you know exactly what to expect in 2025.
Contents
- What Guests Really Think – A Deep Dive into Reviews
- The Heart of the Matter: The Golf Experience Itself
- Beyond the Fairway: What Else Does Orange Lake Offer?
- Accommodations: Your Home Away from Home
- Dining and Refreshments: Fuelling Your Game and Your Family
- Answering Your Burning Questions about Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort Golf
What Guests Really Think – A Deep Dive into Reviews
Diving into the collective experience of past visitors reveals a consistent narrative of impressive scale and quality. Many guests are initially taken aback by the sheer size of the resort, often describing it as its own small town. The golf courses themselves receive high praise, with players frequently mentioning the immaculate maintenance and the distinct character of each layout. The Legends course, in particular, is often singled out for its challenging design and beautiful scenery. However, the resort’s vastness can also be a minor drawback for some, who recommend renting a golf cart or using the resort shuttle to navigate between the different villages and amenities. The family-centric atmosphere is another major highlight, with countless reviews celebrating the balance between serious golf for adults and endless entertainment for children, making it feel like two holidays in one.
The Heart of the Matter: The Golf Experience Itself
The true measure of a golf resort lies in the quality and variety of its courses, and this is where Orange Lake truly excels. It’s not about having one signature course but an entire portfolio of golfing experiences catering to every possible skill level and preference. The design philosophy here seems to be “a course for every player,” and they have delivered on that promise with remarkable precision. Whether you are looking for a championship-level test, a relaxed round with the family, or even a fun game under the stars, you will find it within the resort’s gates.
The Legends at Orange Lake: A Tale of Two Nines
Designed by the one and only Arnold Palmer, The Legends is the crown jewel of the resort’s golf offerings. This is a traditional 18-hole, par-72 championship course that presents a fascinating and distinct challenge. The course is famously a game of two halves. The front nine is designed in a Scottish links style, with wide-open fairways, clever bunkering, and rolling greens that demand a creative short game. As you make the turn, the entire landscape transforms. The back nine is a classic Florida course, weaving through wetlands, mature cypress, and pine trees, where water comes into play on nearly every hole. This dramatic shift in style requires you to adapt your strategy mid-round, making for an engaging and memorable day on the links.
Expert Insight from Arthur Penhaligon, Golf Travel Writer: “Orange Lake isn’t just about offering multiple courses; it’s about offering multiple experiences. From the championship challenge of The Legends to the pure joy of a lighted par-3, they’ve curated a complete golfing ecosystem that few resorts can match.”
The River Island Course: Fun and Flexibility for All
The River Island Course, another Arnold Palmer Signature design, offers a wonderfully playable and scenic 18-hole, par-72 experience. It is consistently lauded for its pristine conditions and engaging layout that is both challenging for seasoned players and forgiving for mid-handicappers. The course is defined by its significant elevation changes, rolling fairways, and strategically placed water hazards that demand thoughtful shot placement. Unlike many Florida courses, River Island is also walker-friendly, providing a great way to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. It’s the perfect middle ground—a top-tier course that doesn’t intimidate but still rewards excellent play, making it a favourite for group outings and family foursomes.
Crane’s Bend: The Perfect Executive Course
Not every round of golf needs to be a five-hour marathon. Crane’s Bend is a thoughtfully designed 9-hole, par-30 executive course that is perfect for a quick game, for those new to the sport, or for honing your iron play. The holes are beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, offering a picturesque and enjoyable walk. It’s an ideal setting for introducing children to the game or for squeezing in a round before dinner. Don’t let its shorter length fool you; the small, well-protected greens demand precision and provide a satisfying challenge for players of all abilities.
Legends Walk: Lighting Up the Night
One of the most unique and beloved features of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort golf is the Legends Walk. This 9-hole, par-3 course is fully illuminated for night play, transforming the golf experience into a magical evening event. It’s a fantastic, low-pressure environment perfect for families and couples looking for a fun activity after the sun goes down. The course, designed by Arnold Palmer, is a shorter version of The Legends’ back nine, offering a taste of championship design in a relaxed, accessible format. Playing under the lights with the warm Florida air is an unforgettable experience that sets this resort apart.
Beyond the Fairway: What Else Does Orange Lake Offer?
While golf is a major draw, the resort is a complete vacation destination in its own right. The centerpiece of the non-golf amenities is River Island, a 12-acre water park that is a paradise for kids and adults. It features a massive lazy river, multiple swimming pools, thrilling water slides, and interactive water features. Beyond the water park, the resort boasts seven pools in total, a beautiful 80-acre lake with a sandy beach and watersports, mini-golf courses, arcades, and a full schedule of daily activities. This incredible array of options ensures that non-golfers in your group will have just as much fun as those out on the course. It successfully eliminates the common vacation dilemma of choosing between a golf trip and a family holiday.
Accommodations: Your Home Away from Home
The resort forgoes traditional hotel rooms in favour of spacious, apartment-style villas that are perfectly suited for families and groups. These units range from studios to expansive four-bedroom villas, all equipped with modern amenities. Most villas feature fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, washers and dryers, and private patios or balconies. This setup provides a true “home away from home” feel, offering the flexibility to cook meals, relax in a comfortable living space, and enjoy a level of comfort and convenience that a standard hotel room simply cannot match. The resort operates on a vacation ownership model, which offers a unique proposition for frequent visitors. For those curious about the long-term investment, understanding how much is a timeshare at orange lake resort is a crucial first step in exploring this option.
Expert Insight from Arthur Penhaligon, Golf Travel Writer: “The true genius of the resort is its scale. A golfer can have a serious, focused round in the morning while the family enjoys a water park, and everyone can reconnect for a relaxed evening. It solves the classic ‘golf trip vs. family holiday’ dilemma completely.”
Dining and Refreshments: Fuelling Your Game and Your Family
With a resort this large, a diverse range of dining options is essential, and Orange Lake delivers. You’ll find everything from casual poolside cafes and grab-and-go markets to full-service restaurants. River Island Grilling Company offers classic American fare in a relaxed setting overlooking the water park. Paisan Pizzeria is perfect for a family-friendly Italian meal, while Breezes Restaurant & Bar provides a more upscale experience. Several other bars and grills are scattered throughout the property, including at the golf clubhouses, ensuring you’re never far from a refreshing drink or a satisfying meal after your round. The variety means you can easily find something to suit every palate and budget without ever having to leave the resort.
Answering Your Burning Questions about Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort Golf
When planning a trip to a destination of this magnitude, questions are bound to arise. We’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of your time on and off the course.
How many golf courses are at Orange Lake Resort?
Orange Lake Resort boasts an impressive four distinct golf courses. This includes two 18-hole championship courses (The Legends and River Island), a 9-hole executive course (Crane’s Bend), and a 9-hole, lighted par-3 course for night play (Legends Walk), offering a total of 54 holes.
Is the golf at Orange Lake Resort suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. While The Legends course is a stern test for experienced golfers, the other courses are incredibly welcoming to beginners. Crane’s Bend is the perfect starting point with its shorter, more manageable layout. The River Island course is also very playable for higher handicappers, and the lighted Legends Walk provides a fun, low-pressure environment to learn the game.
Can you play golf at Orange Lake without being a guest?
Yes, the golf courses at Orange Lake Resort are open to the public, not just for guests and timeshare owners. You can book tee times directly through the resort’s golf club. However, resort guests and Holiday Inn Club members may have access to preferential rates and booking windows, so it is always worth checking in advance.
What is the best time of year to visit for golf?
The best time to visit for golf in the Orlando area is typically during the spring (March to May) and late autumn (October to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with lower humidity and less rainfall than in the summer. The winter months are also popular, though they can be cooler and are considered the peak tourist season.
Ultimately, the resort offers an unparalleled blend of serious golf and comprehensive family entertainment. It is a destination that understands the modern family vacation, providing dedicated, high-quality experiences for every member of the group. The sheer variety of activities, combined with the spacious villa accommodations and diverse dining, creates a self-contained world of leisure. For anyone looking to combine a passion for the game with a memorable family holiday, the holiday inn club vacations at orange lake resort golf presents a compelling and remarkably complete package that stands out in the crowded Orlando landscape.
Guest Reviews
Marcus Bell
★★★★★
Played The Legends last October. The back nine was a real challenge, especially with the water hazards. Greens were rolling perfectly and the course was in championship condition. A must-play for any serious golfer visiting the Orlando area.
David Chen
★★★★★
Came with our two kids (8 and 11) in July. While I got in two rounds at River Island, they basically lived at the lazy river. The villas were a lifesaver with the full kitchen. The resort’s size is massive, but the shuttle service was surprisingly efficient. We’ll be back.
Sophie Carter
★★★★☆
My husband and I had a wonderful week here in early May. We played Crane’s Bend twice, which was a lovely and relaxing 9-hole walk. The highlight was playing the Legends Walk at night—such a unique and fun experience. The only minor issue was how busy the main pools could get.
Liam Gallagher
★★★★★
First time visitor and was blown away by the scale of everything. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. I’m a mid-handicapper and found the River Island course to be the perfect mix of challenging and fair. The practice facilities are also top-notch.
Eleanor Vance
★★★★★
We stayed for 10 days in February 2024. The weather was perfect for golf. The two-bedroom villa in the East Village was spacious, clean, and had a great view of the course. A fantastic setup for a longer stay.
Thomas Wright
★★★★☆
Great resort for a golf trip with friends. We played all 54 holes over a long weekend. The Legends was tough but fair, and River Island was pure fun. The bars at the clubhouses had a great atmosphere. It can be a bit of a trek between courses, so plan your time accordingly.
Isabella Rossi
★★★★★
As a beginner golfer, I was a bit intimidated, but Crane’s Bend was perfect for me. My husband, a much better player, loved The Legends. The fact that we could both have a great golf experience at the same resort was fantastic. The mini-golf was also surprisingly fun!
Benjamin Reed
★★★★☆
Stayed over the Easter holiday. The resort was very busy, as expected, but well-managed. The River Island water park was a huge hit with our teenagers. The golf was excellent, though getting an early tee time required booking well in advance.
Chloe Morrison
★★★★★
My favourite part was the flexibility. We could have a pool day, a golf morning, or just relax in our huge villa. The on-site grocery store was very convenient. We played the lighted par-3 course three times—it became our family’s evening ritual.
Samuel Jones
★★★★★
Travelled from the UK for a two-week stay in September. The quality of the golf courses for the price is outstanding. Arnold Palmer’s designs are brilliant. The entire complex is meticulously maintained. It’s a golfer’s dream with the bonus of being next door to Disney.
