Vacationing — Maybe Disney With The Grandkids — Beats Back Winter
By Ann Augunas
Contributing Writer
Winter’s on its way and I am reminded that, for multitudes of people, the only way they get through it is to start planning their next vacation. After this wet and wild, wacky weather, recently, it sounds like a plan. So, whether it’s for spur-of-the-moment “Let’s go!” type of getaways, or a trip that needs long-term planning, go for it now and away with all procrastination.
As a suggestion — have you ever promised your grandchildren a trip to Disney? Have you taken it yet? If not, I have some good news to share that you might want to place in your travel file for serious thought. And if grandchildren aren’t a consideration, the news is still good for everyone looking for great travel deals.
I bring up the kiddies because it leads to a recent experience of our own when, this past June, my husband and I took our grandchildren, along with their well-behaved parents, to Orlando, a trip we had been planning for over a year, if not more.
As timeshare owners, we had exchanged a week at our home resort in N.C. for one near Orlando. Our choice was the Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake in Kissimmee, literally minutes away from all theme parks and resorts. We hadn’t heard of this resort before but it came highly recommended as we made our searches on the web and spoke with representatives along the way.
We found it no wonder that the Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake is so popular. First, the place is huge, consisting as it does of four separate villages, each with its own pool, play areas for children, eateries, and shuttle service to take you around the property. Second, all guests are welcome to enjoy the amenities in all of the villages if they care to. Third, you don’t have to be a timeshare owner to rent at Orange Lake Resort, something I found very important to know and most attractive. And lastly, the price is more than right!
Our villa in West Village, near to the entrance and main check-in, was most convenient to everything. A very large pool, two nice restaurants, and a few feet away, a Market Place for convenience shopping, and offering coffee and pizza, etc. is all located in that one area and was just across the street from us.
As for our accommodations, they provided a comfortable, home-away-from-home experience. We had two large bedrooms, two baths, a fully equipped kitchen with laundry, large dining room and sitting room, TVs in each bedroom and in the sitting room, and internet service. Each villa has its own patio and our area was adjacent to a golf course.
Another big hit with the grandchildren was the large, lazy river-style pool that was attached to a big pool, in the North Village. With so much to do they actually enjoyed staying at the resort, making the whole theme park experience less stressful for everyone. A day at Universal (Harry Potter you know!), another at Magic Kingdom, and two evenings for exploring and shopping, and they were content!
Looking back over the years, we wish we had been aware of such savings and comfort before opting for one room with double beds at the big theme parks resorts. The other friends who joined us, rented the villa next to ours and were happy with the $1200 rate for the week, and if you share with another couple it’s a fantastic price! We understand it’s very popular with golfers!
Of course, staying close to home is another good option for most. We’re all aware that travel today is not as pleasant as it used to be given the current world climate, the restrictions and fees. But the world is a gorgeous place, given us to enjoy while we may. Why let an ever-changing political mess deny us access to its beauty? After all, there are ways to circumvent a lot of what’s going on. You might start with do-it-yourself driving.
Remember, car trumps plane. You’ll be in control. No hassles, hidden fees, bag limits, delays or cancellations to distress you. Get in, fill’er up and off you go!
It all begins with a plan. Choices will be limitless, just don’t consign them to paper and leave them there. Before you know it, and while you are still able (!), you’ll be on your way to making more lifetime memories, finding serendipitous surprises around each bend, and enjoying much laughter. As a value-added perk, you might even meet great people along your way! This time we chose Orlando and found terrific deals. They’re out there, many more that should suit your needs. You just have to look.
For more information about Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake in Kissimmee, FL visit http://www.discoverhcv.com or call 1-866-214-5045.
By Ann Augunas
Contributing Writer
Winter’s on its way and I am reminded that, for multitudes of people, the only way they get through it is to start planning their next vacation. After this wet and wild, wacky weather, recently, it sounds like a plan. So, whether it’s for spur-of-the-moment “Let’s go!” type of getaways, or a trip that needs long-term planning, go for it now and away with all procrastination.
As a suggestion — have you ever promised your grandchildren a trip to Disney? Have you taken it yet? If not, I have some good news to share that you might want to place in your travel file for serious thought. And if grandchildren aren’t a consideration, the news is still good for everyone looking for great travel deals.
I bring up the kiddies because it leads to a recent experience of our own when, this past June, my husband and I took our grandchildren, along with their well-behaved parents, to Orlando, a trip we had been planning for over a year, if not more.
As timeshare owners, we had exchanged a week at our home resort in N.C. for one near Orlando. Our choice was the Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake in Kissimmee, literally minutes away from all theme parks and resorts. We hadn’t heard of this resort before but it came highly recommended as we made our searches on the web and spoke with representatives along the way.
We found it no wonder that the Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake is so popular. First, the place is huge, consisting as it does of four separate villages, each with its own pool, play areas for children, eateries, and shuttle service to take you around the property. Second, all guests are welcome to enjoy the amenities in all of the villages if they care to. Third, you don’t have to be a timeshare owner to rent at Orange Lake Resort, something I found very important to know and most attractive. And lastly, the price is more than right!
Our villa in West Village, near to the entrance and main check-in, was most convenient to everything. A very large pool, two nice restaurants, and a few feet away, a Market Place for convenience shopping, and offering coffee and pizza, etc. is all located in that one area and was just across the street from us.
As for our accommodations, they provided a comfortable, home-away-from-home experience. We had two large bedrooms, two baths, a fully equipped kitchen with laundry, large dining room and sitting room, TVs in each bedroom and in the sitting room, and internet service. Each villa has its own patio and our area was adjacent to a golf course.
Another big hit with the grandchildren was the large, lazy river-style pool that was attached to a big pool, in the North Village. With so much to do they actually enjoyed staying at the resort, making the whole theme park experience less stressful for everyone. A day at Universal (Harry Potter you know!), another at Magic Kingdom, and two evenings for exploring and shopping, and they were content!
Looking back over the years, we wish we had been aware of such savings and comfort before opting for one room with double beds at the big theme parks resorts. The other friends who joined us, rented the villa next to ours and were happy with the $1200 rate for the week, and if you share with another couple it’s a fantastic price! We understand it’s very popular with golfers!
Of course, staying close to home is another good option for most. We’re all aware that travel today is not as pleasant as it used to be given the current world climate, the restrictions and fees. But the world is a gorgeous place, given us to enjoy while we may. Why let an ever-changing political mess deny us access to its beauty? After all, there are ways to circumvent a lot of what’s going on. You might start with do-it-yourself driving.
Remember, car trumps plane. You’ll be in control. No hassles, hidden fees, bag limits, delays or cancellations to distress you. Get in, fill’er up and off you go!
It all begins with a plan. Choices will be limitless, just don’t consign them to paper and leave them there. Before you know it, and while you are still able (!), you’ll be on your way to making more lifetime memories, finding serendipitous surprises around each bend, and enjoying much laughter. As a value-added perk, you might even meet great people along your way! This time we chose Orlando and found terrific deals. They’re out there, many more that should suit your needs. You just have to look.
For more information about Holiday Inn Resort at Orange Lake in Kissimmee, FL visit http://www.discoverhcv.com or call 1-866-214-5045.
