When you think of an all-inclusive vacation, exotic destinations like the Caribbean or Mexico may come to mind. However, did you know that Florida has many resorts that offer the same pay-one-price benefits for vacationers? You can make an all-inclusive Florida vacation happen affordably, if you know where to look and book.
If you have stayed at an all-inclusive resort, you already know what a great experience it can be. Whether traveling with children, alone, as a couple, or with friends, nothing is more relaxing than knowing you have paid one price and everything is covered during your stay. In some cases, that even includes the tips.
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In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and benefits of all-inclusive Florida vacation resorts, share some popular destinations to consider for your Disney World vacation, and why many travelers choose this type of accommodation.
The History and Evolution of All-Inclusive Florida Vacation Resorts
Club Med was the first all-inclusive resort. It opened in Majorca, Spain, in 1950, and the concept revolutionized vacations worldwide. Gérard Blitz, a former water polo champion from Belgium, founded the resort.
Accommodations were rough by modern standards; guests stayed in straw huts and tents on the beach. The basic accommodations included an all-you-can-eat and drink service, which became a global sensation.
The Butlin Holiday Camps
Before the first Club Med opened in Spain, all-inclusive vacations originated in holiday camps in the United Kingdom. These were known as the Butlin Holiday Camps, and the first location opened in Skegness, Lincolnshire, in 1936.
Billy Butlin was a Canadian entrepreneur who wanted to make oceanside vacations affordable (and accessible) to working-class families. The Skegness camp included all meals and beverages, live shows, fitness equipment, dances, contests, and other entertainment.
The Benefits of Booking an All-Inclusive Florida Vacation
When you first start browsing the costs between basic accommodations and all-inclusive Florida vacation resorts, prepare yourself for sticker shock. There is a significant price variance between the two unique types of accommodations.
Just like buying certain things in bulk can save you money in the long run, consider the value you get from an all-inclusive resort. If you calculate the cost of meals, travel to restaurants, and time spent finding places to eat, there are many advantages to the all-inclusive vacation.
Despite the price difference, all-inclusive resorts can save you money.
All Meals Provided At All-Inclusive Florida Vacation Resorts
When running from one fun experience or attraction to another, you must make time to eat your three square meals (and snacks) daily. If you are a solo traveler or traveling with one or two other adults, that’s probably not a big deal. However, mealtime can be a marathon if you travel with a large group that includes young children.
Mediating mealtime can be exhausting when you are supposed to relax and have fun on your Florida vacation. Picky eaters? Finding food or restaurants that everyone likes can be challenging. Then, there are also cost considerations as well. Increasingly, dining out has become more expensive, and it can take a bite (pun intended) out of your vacation budget.
Most resorts produce fruit, fish, and agricultural products from local producers. Everything tastes better in the Sunshine State because it is fresh and locally sourced. Prepare to be impressed by the fusion of seafood and regional flavors.
Taking Full Advantage To Save Money
When all meals are included during your stay at an all-inclusive resort, you can plan a different itinerary that doesn’t involve dashing out to restaurants. For example, your family can head to the dining hall and enjoy a hot breakfast where everyone can find something they like. Buffets are a fabulous invention; they let everyone decide what they want to eat (and how much).
Depending on your planned excursions, you may (or may not) want to return to the hotel for lunch. Many families do early morning trips and activities, return for lunch, and take a siesta, allowing children to swim and nap before heading out for more fun. That allows everyone to recharge and enjoy meals and snacks available at the resort.
When calculating the cost savings, look at your average expense for dining at a restaurant. Multiply that by each traveler for the duration of the vacation. Many people find that all-inclusive vacations offer tremendous savings on the cost of meals.
Bottomless Beverages At All-Inclusive Florida Vacation Resorts
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages can quickly add up. The tropical heat and humidity in Florida, combined with your outdoor activities, guarantee you will drink a lot of beverages to stay hydrated. Wouldn’t it be nice if all beverages were included at no extra charge?
An all-inclusive resort will save money if you enjoy tropical drinks and cocktails. Resorts sometimes limit liquor to domestic only but also provide top-shelf or international alcohol products at a surcharge. If you are a non-drinker, ask for a discount. Some resorts have more affordable packages if you waive the bottomless adult beverages. You can always pick up supplies and stock your room to mix your own drinks.
Traveling with children? They will love the accessible juice, water, and soda bars, where they can independently grab a beverage anytime. That also means parents don’t have to stand in line paying for beverages whenever someone gets thirsty; kids enjoy helping themselves, and you get to relax a little.
Free Recreational Activities
Theme parks are magical and fun, but they can also be exhausting. To rest and recharge, create an itinerary that takes advantage of resort activities. Many all-inclusive resorts offer activities such as snorkeling, beach volleyball, and water sports like kayaking.
Quality resorts also offer live music and other types of evening entertainment free of charge as part of your all-inclusive Florida vacation package. Many Florida all-inclusive resorts have spectacular outdoor pool areas with a lazy river, and some have splash zones and waterslides for kids to explore.
Complimentary Shuttles to Attractions
While many hotels offer shuttle services, all-inclusive resorts consider it an essential amenity for your vacation. You will likely find free or very low-cost shuttles to all popular attractions and local theme parks, saving you time and money compared to other travel alternatives.
Discounted Rates for Children
All-inclusive Florida vacation resorts often offer a “kids stay free” or discounted rate for children under fourteen. This makes sense, as children consume less food and beverages on average, and those savings can be passed on to your family.
Some resorts have kids’ clubs, which are supervised activities for children. If you need a break from adulting, these fun day camps located safely on your resort can provide extra social time for children while you take a nap or enjoy lounging by the pool with a book.
Tips Are Usually Included
Many all-inclusive Florida vacation resorts insist you only tip for something after checking in. It wouldn’t be a one-cost vacation if you had to tip for every service you receive. You may find that some resorts still place a discreet tip jar on the bar or request a tip for salon or spa services. However, at most all-inclusive resorts, there is a no-tipping policy, which adds up to additional savings.
Top Ten All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida
Here are ten all-inclusive resorts in Florida that can provide a luxurious yet budget-friendly vacation experience:
1. Club Med Sandpiper Bay
- Address: 4500 S.E. 20th Pl, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
- Average Cost: $300 per night
2. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
- Address: 1220 5th St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Average Cost: $250 per night
3. Bungalows Key Largo
- Address: 1 Pigeon Key, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Average Cost: $750 per night
4. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
- Address: 14651 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32821
- Average Cost: $250 per night
5. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
- Address: 4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- Average Cost: $300 per night
6. Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- Address: 81801 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Average Cost: $450 per night
7. Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
- Address: 1050 Dreams Palm Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (close to Florida)
- Average Cost: $350 per night
8. Ocean Key Resort & Spa
- Address: 0 Waddell Ave, Key West, FL 33040
- Average Cost: $400 per night
9. The Shore Club
- Address: 9731 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108
- Average Cost: $300 per night
10. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
- Address: 455 Grand Bay Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
- Average Cost: $600 per night
Opting for an all-inclusive Florida vacation package is a savvy choice for travelers looking to save time and money. These packages simplify budgeting and planning by covering meals, drinks, activities, and even transportation so you can focus on making memories.
