Unwind in Florida’s Premier Resort Escapes
By Tessa Winn
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a group, make your getaway unforgettable with a stay at one of Central Florida’s top resort destinations. We recommend two standout favorites: Orange Lake Resort and Windsor Hills Resort.
Orange Lake Resort in Orlando delivers a dynamic vacation experience across four distinct villages, each offering its own personality, amenities and charm. River Island is the resort’s tropical centerpiece, featuring an 80-acre lake, a 1,200-foot lazy river, thrilling waterslides, and vibrant dining at Anchors restaurant. It’s a favorite for travelers seeking aquatic adventure and upscale accommodations, including Signature Collection villas. West Village offers a more laid-back atmosphere with scenic golf views, two 18-hole courses, and a variety of dining spots like Breezes Restaurant and Legacy Sports Bar & Grill. With studio to multi-bedroom villas, it’s ideal for guests who appreciate tranquility and outdoor recreation.
East Village pulses with energy, perfect for families thanks to its splash pad, water slides, and access to The Legends Golf Course. Guests can grab a bite at River Island Grilling Company or unwind at Tradewinds Bar & Grill while staying close to the fun. For those seeking a quieter retreat, North Village offers a more intimate experience with a relaxing pool, hot tub, and comfort foods from Paisan Pizzeria. A complimentary shuttle connects all four villages, giving guests easy access to the resort’s wide-ranging amenities—from arcades and mini golf to lakeside activities and nightly entertainment.
If you’re looking for something more intimate yet equally fun-packed, Windsor Hills Resort in Kissimmee is a hidden gem just minutes from the area’s top attractions. Guests here enjoy the comfort of private villas with their own pools—a perfect retreat after a day of adventure. The resort also features a welcoming public pool, a small kids’ water park, and a mini arcade, creating a playful environment the whole family can enjoy. It’s an ideal mix of privacy and community, delivering all the essentials in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
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Group fun can be found just outside your resort room.
Vintage Fun & Arcade Energy: Fun beyond the Resort
Just five miles from Disney World, Old Town Kissimmee offers a quirky escape full of retro charm and lively entertainment. Its brick streets and neon lights set the scene for classic car shows, carnival rides, and arcades that blend nostalgic flair with modern thrills.
The Happy Days Family Fun Center delivers high-energy gaming—from pinball to racing simulators—creating a playful atmosphere for kids and grown-ups alike. Ride the towering Ferris wheel for panoramic views, brave the twists of the Hurricane coaster, or get your scare fix at the Mortem Manor haunted house with live actors and animatronics.
Weekly car cruises, delicious bites from local eateries, and live music under the stars round out the experience, making the Old Town a must-visit for adventure with a touch of retro.
Extend your adventure by visiting Margaritaville which is nestled in Kissimmee just minutes from Disney, Margaritaville Resort Orlando is a tropical escape that trades theme park frenzy for laid-back luxury. Inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s breezy lifestyle, the resort blends coastal charm with high-end amenities—think lagoon-style pools, beachy cottages, and frozen drinks on repeat.
Guests can unwind at the St. Somewhere Spa, splash into fun at the Island H2O Water Park (complimentary admission included), or stroll the Promenade at Sunset Walk, a lively district packed with restaurants, boutique shops, and even a dine-in movie theater. Whether you’re enjoying some great food at the Salty Rim Bar & Grill or dancing at a foam party by the pool, the vibe is pure vacation.
For families, couples, or anyone chasing sunshine and serenity, Margaritaville offers a slice of paradise—no passport required.
Three Parks, One Magic
Orlando isn’t just the heart of Florida—it’s the heartbeat of themed adventure. Walt Disney World is the masterclass in myth and magic. With four distinct parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—it weaves an emotional and architectural tapestry that spans fairy tales, futuristic visions, cinematic nostalgia, and wild encounters. Attractions like Flight of Passage in Pandora or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in Epcot transport guests with multisensory depth, while iconic experiences like Happily Ever After fireworks awaken collective memory and childlike awe.
By contrast, Universal Studios Orlando—along with its sister park Islands of Adventure—offers a thrill-forward, genre-blending playground. It’s a celebration of storytelling with sharper edges: high-speed coasters, immersive sets, and deep ties to pop culture icons. Guests walk through the cobblestone alleys of Diagon Alley, sip frozen butterbeer, then pivot to intense rides like Revenge of the Mummy or Jurassic World VelociCoaster. The park’s technical wizardry shines through its use of 3D motion simulation, animatronics, and live performance. Where Disney draws on nostalgia, Universal sparks adrenaline and wit.
Together with SeaWorld’s ecological immersion and conservation ethos, these three form a thematic trinity: the whimsical, the cinematic, and the natural. Whether you’re boarding a banshee in Disney, fleeing velociraptors in Universal, or marveling at orcas in SeaWorld, Orlando offers not just entertainment—but entry into worlds you didn’t know you needed.
Orlando and Kissimmee offer an incredible amount of attractions that will appeal to all ages.
Culinary & Shopping Delights
Orlando and Kissimmee serve up a vibrant mix of dining and shopping that goes far beyond the theme parks. At Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, located near Disney in Kissimmee, guests enjoy an immersive teppanyaki experience where skilled chefs prepare filet mignon, shrimp, and noodles right at the table with flair—think flaming onion volcanoes and playful culinary tricks. The family-owned restaurant offers generous portions, gluten-free and vegan options, and a festive atmosphere perfect for birthdays or group outings. Nearby, Tropico Mofongo Restaurant brings Puerto Rican soul food to life with dishes like Trifongo and lechon, while King O Falafel delights with authentic Middle Eastern fare, including standout falafel sandwiches and chicken tikka. Taste of Punjab serves up aromatic curries and sizzling tandoori specialties in a cozy, family-friendly setting, while Little Italy Restaurant in Celebration draws Italian lovers with hearty pasta, golden garlic bread, and welcoming hospitality.
Shopping is just as enticing, with standout stops like the Disney Gift Outlet, Jungle Falls, and the iconic Eli’s Orange World—a giant, orange-shaped shop offering fresh citrus, marmalades, and quirky Florida souvenirs. For those continuing their Florida journey toward the Everglades, Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead is a legendary stop, offering exotic fruits like guanabana and jackfruit, creamy milkshakes, and a petting zoo that turns the visit into a true experience.
Over two thrilling weeks, our family of six immersed ourselves in unforgettable adventures across Kissimmee and Orlando—from exciting resorts, and amazing food to whimsical gift shops. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a group of any kind, this vibrant region promises an experience you won’t regret.
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