The Fly Snooze Cruise and Snooze Park Cruise packages at the Florida Hotel Orlando provide everything travelers need for a convenient and stress-free pre-cruise or post-cruise stay near Port Canaveral. Located just minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and directly connected to the Florida Mall, the Florida Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and world-class shopping—making it one of the best Orlando cruise hotels for travelers sailing from Port Canaveral.
Whether you’re flying in before your cruise or driving to Orlando, these cruise hotel packages help you start or finish your vacation the right way.
Cruising from the Florida Hotel
he Florida Hotel isn’t like most hotels.
For starters, it isn’t a franchise. Everything you see throughout the property, from the guest rooms to the lobby and public spaces, has been thoughtfully chosen by people who work at the hotel every day. In fact, during your stay you might meet the very people responsible for creating the welcoming atmosphere!
Another thing that sets the Florida Hotel apart is how it treats its staff. Employee turnover is remarkably low, and many team members have worked at the hotel for years. Two of the hotel’s public venues are even named after longtime employees: Cricket’s Lounge, named for a beloved bartender, and Marcelo’s Bistro, named after one of the hotel’s original chefs.
Dining at the Florida Hotel
You don’t have to wait until your cruise to enjoy great seafood. Both Cricket’s Lounge and Marcelo’s Bistro serve excellent dishes including:
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Mahi-mahi sandwiches
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Lobster sliders
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Lobster rolls
Lunch and dinner are available at both venues, though Marcelo’s Bistro requires reservations for dinner. It’s an excellent choice for a romantic evening before departing on a couples’ cruise.
Amenities and Comfort
The Florida Hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing stay:
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Heated outdoor pool and whirlpool
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Large indoor fitness center
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Starbucks Coffee Shop in the lobby for convenient meetups
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Grab-N-Go shop for gifts and everyday essentials
You may find that you hardly need to leave the hotel at all. Still, the location is so good that you’ll probably want to explore at least a little.
The Perfect Location
The hotel is just 10 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and close to many of Orlando’s biggest attractions:
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Universal Studios – less than 15 minutes away
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Islands of Adventure – less than 15 minutes away
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International Drive – shopping, restaurants, and entertainment nearby
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Downtown Orlando nightlife – about 20 minutes away
Best of all, the Florida Hotel is directly connected to the Florida Mall. You can walk straight from the hotel lobby into the mall just like you would from major anchor stores like Macy’s or Sears.
The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall is enormous—1,849,000 square feet of retail space, far exceeding the typical size of a “super regional mall.” With more than 200 stores, it’s truly a destination in its own right.
Here are some highlights.
Crayola Experience
Families traveling with children will love the Crayola Experience, though adults might find it just as fun.
The attraction is all about creativity and color. Kids can:
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Color three-dimensional statues and figurines
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Watch demonstrations showing how crayons are made
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See their drawings come to life on a giant video wall
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Create their own custom crayon color and wrap it in official Crayola packaging
It’s a colorful and memorable souvenir for young cruisers.
M&M’s World
Another colorful stop is M&M’s World, where the store’s playful factory theme features overhead pipes filled with candy.
Visitors can create their own custom mix using colors not typically found in regular bags. There’s also plenty of themed merchandise and even a full-size M&M’s NASCAR race car inside the store.
Picking up a bag or two might be perfect for snacking during your cruise.
American Girl Store
The American Girl store is another favorite for families.
American Girl dolls are known for their quality and detailed backstories, each told through a series of books that explore historical events and real-world challenges. Unlike many doll brands, these characters are portrayed with diverse interests and ambitions.
The store offers special tea parties for girls, their dolls, and their families. While the menu is gourmet (and priced accordingly), it’s a memorable experience. The Florida Hotel even offers an American Girl package, allowing your child’s doll to have its own bed for the night.
Disney Store
You’ll also find a Disney Store in the mall, offering merchandise you won’t typically see in big-box retailers like Target or Walmart. With Disney now including Marvel and Star Wars, it’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
ThinkGeek
For fans of science fiction, fantasy, and gaming, ThinkGeek’s first brick-and-mortar store is packed with collectibles, gadgets, and novelty items. The store’s prank and “office warfare” section is especially entertaining.
Technology Stores
Tech enthusiasts may want to visit:
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Apple Store – try out the latest devices without sales pressure
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Microsoft Store – explore Xbox gaming and new technology
Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a great opportunity to try out products before making a future purchase.
Shopping for Cruise Essentials
The mall also offers plenty of practical shopping options before your cruise:
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Dick’s Sporting Goods – snorkels, goggles, and beach gear
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Zara and Forever XXI – clothing and fashion
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Numerous other retailers for anything you may have forgotten to pack
You might even find something new you’ll want to wear during your cruise!
All of this and more is now available to the Port Canaveral cruiser in a neat and easy package thanks to the Florida Hotel’s new partnership with Go Port.
