buena vista ship
For many families, a vacation to the Orlando area is a trip of a lifetime that requires months, even years of planning. For Floridians, Orlando is a nearby fabulous family vacation destination that can be bitten off in small chunks: a few days at a theme park on one trip, a shopping junket on another, a science and nature expedition on yet another.
In my 15 years as a Floridian I have gone on countless adventures to Orlando that have lasted from one day to nearly a week, and have stayed at a variety of condos and hotels in the area as well as several on-property resorts at theme parks. While staying on-property has its advantages, it comes at a high cost and it may not be as convenient for exploring other types of activities.
A great place to stay for any length vacation and enjoy all that Orlando has to offer is the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa.
Located five miles from Walt Disney World and 12 miles from Universal Studios, the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa has the distinction of being ranked number seven in the United States for Best Family Friendly Hotel by TripAdvisor. The Village has several towers comprised of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites that include fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, private balconies, luxurious bathrooms and televisions in every room.
The two-bedroom suite is 1,080 square feet and is comfortable for a family of six. The sprawling, 2,170 square-foot four-bedroom/four-bathroom suites boast two kitchens and a panoramic view balcony with lounge chairs that are perfect for multigenerational families.
Dine in
Offset the vast amount of chicken fingers and fries your children will consume at the attractions by beginning the day with a healthy breakfast in your suite. The granite-accented kitchens have basic cookware, dishes and glasses, and a dishwasher to help clean up the mess. A convenience store is on property for grocery basics and regular grocery stores are a short drive away.
While the theme parks are nearby, there is plenty to do in the Resort Village to make you feel that you truly are on vacation.
The lagoon-style Pirate Plunge pool has an impressive 61-foot long pirate shipwreck looming right in the middle with a spiraling waterslide that takes delighted children through the underbelly and ends with a satisfying splash in the water. Parents can keep cool by parking their lounge chairs in the zero-entry pool while their kids frolic in the water features that deliver continuous cascades of cool water with a cacophony of waterfalls and squealing happy noises that sing “you are on vacation.” Sweeten that sound by treating yourself to a fruity frozen concoction with an umbrella from Lani’s Luau poolside bar and grill and you might hear yourself saying “Mickey Who?”
The kids can have their own fun in the staySky Kids Club where activities include poolside fun, movie nights and arts and crafts.
Shopping or spa?
The Orlando area is known for its fabulous outlet shopping but dragging reluctant shoppers around acres of retail can ruin the fun. The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is situated right in the Resort Village and literally is steps from your condo. With more than 50 factory stores including Aeropostle, Converse, Calvin Klein, Old Navy, Gap, Nike, Justice and Rawlings, you can accomplish an entire back-to-school shopping haul or just pop in for a forgotten swim suit or comfy sneakers for the parks.
The Resort also features the 9,000 square-foot Reflections Spa-Salon that encompasses the entire floor of one of the towers. The elevator doors open into an unexpected oasis of herbal-scented tranquility with 10 treatment rooms, two couples treatment rooms, saunas and salon services. Even the smallest clients can be treated to a Princess Moments package featuring a pre-park royal treatment of a mani-pedi, up-do with tiara and a touch of sparkly make-up worthy of meeting Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty.
Family-friendly dining also is on property at Frankie Farrell’s Irish Pub & Grille. A sports bar, restaurant and arcade all in one, the evenings become a hilarious adventure in family karaoke with the whole restaurant cheering each other on.
When you do want to venture outside the Resort, you can purchase tickets to many Orlando attractions at the concierge desk. Make a reservation for the complimentary shuttle to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Universal Orlando and Sea World and leave your car behind. Check the transportation schedule to make sure the pick-up times fit into your family’s plans. The concierge also can recommend and book tours to some unexpected Orlando delights such as airboat rides, a day in the Orlando Science Center or a dinner show.
The Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa offers Florida Resident rates and packages that can run just over $100 per night in the off-season. Book online or call for reservations and plan the rest of your vacation when you arrive. Stay tuned for the projected expansion of the Resort Village over the next few years that will include more rooms, restaurants and a movie theater all in one convenient location.
Stacy Nicolau is the mother of 3 and is the Co-Publisher of Neapolitan Family.