Kissimmee, Fla. — When we arrived at Tropical Palms Fun Resort, we were stunned: The adorable pastel cottages looked exactly like the photos on the Internet.

And the wooden decks and canopies of trees provided a very relaxing spot for a getaway. Families who want a kitchen, extra space, a 24-hour heated pool, deck and a place that's within walking distance of entertainment and restaurants should check out this place.

Linda Haase / Palm Beach Post (ENLARGE)

Tropical Palms Fun Resort has 130 cottages in many different colors. The resort has a 24-hour heated pool.

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Unlike a typical hotel, you won't hear any kids running down the halls or doors slamming as guests come and go.

My son, Cody, 13, and his friend Jacob were thrilled when they realized they had their own bedroom — on the other side of the cottage from Mom. Our two-bedroom cottage had a full kitchen, a bedroom with two twin beds, another bedroom with a queen bed and a living room with a sofa sleeper. French doors led to a large wooden deck, perfect for stargazing.

I knew this was the right choice for our getaway when we ran into some friends from home, and soon there were four teens in the living room, chatting, drinking hot chocolate and eating cookies. My head would still be pounding if they were all crammed into a hotel room.

Our cottage (No. 13) was right across from the pool and a cafe that served inexpensive breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. But the normally ravenous teens forgot all about food when they discovered a field that was perfect for a football game right next to our cottage. Within 10 minutes, a group of kids joined in and they played for hours.

From my perch on the deck of the cottage, I could relax and watch them play. But the biggest surprise: They didn't even ask to go to nearby Disney World. "We could live here. It would be so cool," they said.

Although it wasn't noisy, if you want a more secluded spot, one that's surrounded by more trees, ask for a cottage toward the back of the property.

The 130 cottages sport every hue from lavender to yellow and range from studios to two-bedrooms with lofts. The "luxury" ones like the one we stayed in cost a bit more, but they're newer with upgraded appliances and furniture. They're all a bit different on the inside, so ask about lofts, bed sizes, etc. if you want something specific.

The property is also home to a recreational vehicle park. It's the kind of place perfect for bringing bikes and skateboards.

Besides the 24-hour heated pool, there's a kiddie pool, an arcade and volleyball and basketball courts. There are also scheduled activities, including bingo, croquet, hula-hoop and jump-rope contests, mini-golf and crafts.

There's a shuttle to the theme parks, but if you aren't planning on visiting the Mouse, it's a short stroll to Old Town, which has about 80 rides, shops and restaurants.

My son, who has stayed at nearly every Disney property, says this is his new home away from home.

"I want to come back next weekend," he pleaded. "Yeah, but can we have a cottage that isn't pink?" his friend implored.

IF YOU GO

Getting there

Kissimmee is about 450 miles from downtown Atlanta, about a seven-hour drive.

Information

Tropical Palms Fun Resort, 2650 Holiday Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34746. 407-396-4595, www.tropicalpalms.com. Studio cottages start at about $70 per night; packages available. Some cottages accept pets for an additional fee.

Old Town: 407-396-4888, www.old-town.com.