The Spread:
Minutes from Orlando's theme parks, Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, opened May 2005, feels like stepping into a cartoon… a Nickelodeon cartoon, of course: it's the first Nick-branded resort in the world. Two- and three-bedroom suites, an evolution of Holiday Inn's KidSuites, feature a semi-private room with bunk or side-by-side twin beds. Each room is equipped with a TV and decorated according to a Nicktoon theme—Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron, for starters. Parents also get their own bedroom. Two-bedroom suites have a kitchenette and the three-bedroom suites come with an extra adult bedroom and a full kitchen. There are also accommodations without KidSuites.

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It's unusual for kids to spend much time in the suites because the 24-acre resort is like a mini-theme park with its slide-in pools, Kid's Spa, mini-golf, shopping mall, video arcade, character greetings, and several dining options, including Character Breakfasts.

Why Families Love It:
Anyone who loves Nicktoons will love this place, from toddlers to pre-teens. The older ones enjoy having their hair wrapped, nails done, or being tattooed (temporarily!) at the spa ($10 to $40 per service). Parents will additionally love that kids can eat free at the buffet and off special kids' menus (up to four children, ages 12 and younger, per full-fare adult; Character Breakfasts excluded).

Note that during family vacation "hot times," the 777-suite resort can get crowded. Complimentary shuttles take guests to Universal and Disney theme parks. The "Nick After Dark" supervised program keeps kids ages five to 12 busy with shows, games, and a hands-on introduction to Nickelodeon's trademark gooey, green slime, with which kids seem to love getting showered. The show runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. two nights weekly and costs $50 to $60 per child.

Special Activities & Events:
SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Dora the Explorer, and others show up for the daily Character Breakfast. Cost is $10 for children ages 12 and under; $17 for ages 13 and older. Reserve ahead.