If you’ve ever had a long gap between a trip checkout and a flight, especially with kids, you know how stressful travel days can be. Sitting in an airport for hours, juggling bags, bored kids, and overpriced snacks (read: candy) isn’t exactly the relaxing end to a vacation.
That’s exactly why we decided to try ResortPass, a service that lets you book day passes at hotels and resorts without staying overnight, in Fort Lauderdale after a cruise, and it completely changed how we think about travel days. If you’re wondering “Is ResortPass worth it?”, especially for families, flight layovers, cruise disembarkation days, or staycations, here’s our honest, real-world review.
When we went on our first cruise last fall, we ran into a common post-cruise problem: we couldn’t find a flight home that lined up with our cruise disembarkation time. (If you’ve never been on a cruise, “check-out” is usually by 9–9:30am, which feels very early if you’re used to hotel check outs of noon or later.) Our return flight didn’t leave until the afternoon, which meant we had several hours to fill with the kids. Specifically 5 kids, and the oldest was 8 years old.
We needed something easy, relaxing, and kid-friendly while waiting for our flight. Specifically, we were looking for two non-negotiables: a pool and food – not too far from the airport. Our kids love to swim, so a hotel pool was a must. And since we were in Fort Lauderdale, where it was sunny and 80 degrees, sitting inside an airport for hours felt like a waste. That’s when we decided to book a ResortPass day pass at a Fort Lauderdale hotel. We chose the Marriott by the airport for ease of getting to the flights after some time in the sun. It ended up being the perfect solution for a flight layover, post-cruise downtime, or even just a fun day out with kids. Here’s exactly what we thought about using ResortPass in Fort Lauderdale and whether it’s worth it for families.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we’ve personally used and genuinely think make travel easier for families.
What Is ResortPass?
ResortPass is a booking platform that allows you to purchase day passes to hotels and resorts. Instead of booking an overnight stay, you pay for day access to amenities like:
- Hotel pools
- Beach access
- Cabanas or daybeds
- Hot tubs
- Fitness centers
- On-site restaurants and bars
- Room to nap in (only some hotels have this)
You choose the hotel, select your date, and instantly book access, often for a fraction of the cost of a full hotel stay.
👉 ResortPass is especially popular in destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, and San Diego, but it’s available nationwide.
Why We Used ResortPass After a Cruise
When we went on our first cruise last fall, we ran into a common post-cruise issue: our ship disembarked early in the morning, but we didn’t have a flight home until the afternoon. We knew we were going to have hours to kill before our flight, so we decided to figure out a solution that included two non-negotiables:
- A pool
- Food
Our kids love to swim, and since we were in Fort Lauderdale with sunny, 80-degree weather, we didn’t want to waste the day sitting in an airport. ResortPass ended up being the perfect solution! We booked the day we wanted to use the day pass, because we wanted to wait and see what the weather was going to be like before making the booking. (Otherwise I would have booked weeks in advance, but winter weather can be unpredictable.)
How ResortPass Works (Step-by-Step)
Using ResortPass is incredibly simple:
- Go to ResortPass.com
- Search by city or destination
- Choose a hotel or resort
- Select your date and pass type
- Book instantly (no membership required)
You’ll receive a confirmation email, and you simply check in at the hotel front desk or pool concierge on arrival.
👉 See how ResortPass compares in your city
Availability and amenities vary by location – check what’s offered near you (or wherever you travel).
ResortPass Pros and Cons
Pros of ResortPass ✅
- Access hotel amenities without booking a room
- Perfect for flight layovers or cruise days
- Family-friendly options available
- Can be much cheaper than booking a hotel night
- Easy online booking
- Great for staycations or special occasions
- Access to the pool with either chairs or a daybed (depending on availability)
- If the hotel has a restaurant on site, you have food available
- Hotel brands include some pricey options like Ritz and more affordable options like Marriott or Hilton
Cons of ResortPass ❌
- Availability can sell out quickly
- Most resorts I saw charge per person
- Not all hotels allow kids
- Food and drinks are usually extra
- No nap spot, unless you book a “day room” which gives you access to a hotel room for a set time period
Is ResortPass Worth It for Families?
Yes, I think that ResortPass is completely worth it for families if you choose the right hotel. Most of the ResortPass locations I looked at are family-friendly, offering large pools and casual dining. Some resorts, however, are adults-only or better suited for couples.
Before booking, always:
- Check age restrictions
- Read the amenity list carefully
- Look for “family-friendly” notes in the listing or reviews
For us, ResortPass was far less stressful than killing time at the airport and far more enjoyable for the kids.
I actually just looked up some hotels near us at home, and I love that for about $100 I can take my kids to a pool all day. While it’s not exactly what I’d call cheap, it’s far more affordable than joining a pool club which can be $$$$.
Using ResortPass for a Flight Layover
ResortPass is ideal if you have:
- A long layover
- An afternoon or evening flight
- Early hotel checkout or late hotel check in
Instead of spending hours in an airport, you can:
- Swim
- Shower
- Eat a real meal
- Relax in a cabana
The pool access and food alone made ResortPass worth it for us.
ResortPass vs Booking a Hotel Night
| Feature | ResortPass | Hotel Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Overnight stay | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pool access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Check-in flexibility | ✅ | ❌ |
| Perfect for short stays | ✅ | ❌ |
Tips for Getting the Most Out of ResortPass
- Book early, as popular resorts sell out fast
- Search by “pool access” if that’s your priority
- Check cancellation policies before booking
- Look for weekday passes for better pricing if you have flexibility
- Read reviews for family feedback
Final Verdict: Is ResortPass Worth It?
If you’re traveling with kids, dealing with awkward travel times, or just want a relaxing day without booking a hotel room, ResortPass is absolutely worth it.
For us, it turned a potentially exhausting travel day into one of the most relaxing parts of our trip — and that alone made it a win.
Whether you’re:
- Coming off a cruise
- Flying later in the day
- Planning a staycation
- Traveling with kids
ResortPass is a travel hack for families worth knowing about.
Leave a Reply