Allison Walker, Generation to Generation
A local hotel ranked Orlando Magazine's "Best for Children" in 2008 says its goal is to make grandparents happy too.
That is because it claims multigenerational travel is bigger than ever before.
As News 13's Allison Walker explains, a cartoon-themed hotel is offering the kind of things that might even get grandma to come back.
Tourism experts say 39 percent of grandparents rank Orlando as one of the top three cities in the entire United States to vacation with their grandchildren. That is why the hotel industry says now is a more critical time than ever before to accommodate these generations.
"It's not just geared for the kids," said Belva Hoover, of Oklahoma about the Nickelodeon Family Suites in Orlando.
Even while surrounded by cartoon characters at breakfast, Hoover says she is able to enjoy her vacation just as much as her grandkids.
Her son-in-law agrees.
"They have a bar that's open the entire time. And they have an adult swim -- or an area for the adults, too, as well, so they definitely have for both sides of the generation," said Carl Smith.
Orlando Magazine calls the Nickelodeon Family Suites the "Best for Children" in 2008. But it is competing with other hotels to get grandparents to check in.
An Orlando travel marketing firm has found multigenerational travel is a fast-growing segment of the leisure travel industry.
So, a hotel spokesman said amenities at a cartoon-themed hotel need to involve all ages, like shows.
"There are shows of 'Who Knows Best,' so the grandparents, the families, get to come in and it's where they get to know tidbits of each other as a family," said Tom Schwinden, director of sales and marketing.
But Hoover says having a little space to avoid family tension is good, too.
"We have a three bedroom. I had a room by myself," Hoover said. "I'll always remember this trip."
Also, according to the AARP, grandparents are younger than ever before. It said the average age is 48.
Hotel industry experts say younger grandparents means they will have more money to spend, and the energy and desire to travel.
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