The Omni Orlando Beckons Families
Experience a whole new world in Orlando – and skip the visit to see that little black-and-white mouse, because the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers enough attractions to satisfy every age: Dad can enjoy a round of golf, Mom can have a relaxing spa experience, and the kids can take a plunge down the 125-foot water slide or float along the lazy river. If grandma and grandpa come along, they can spend the day in the shade in a poolside cabana, and since the Omni is pet-friendly, your furry friend can come too.
After undergoing a $40 million renovation, the Omni has added more guest rooms, another zero-entry kids’ pool, and a wave pool. The additional 93 guest rooms are designed to accommodate families in a two-, three- or four-bedroom combination. Families may opt for a villa, which has a full kitchen. (Ask about Omni’s grocery delivery service.) Florida resident rates are available, as well as other packages that include golf lessons with tee times or spa treatments, and if you do choose to visit Walt Disney World, there is a daily shuttle.
My family stayed in adjoining guest rooms, overlooking the pools, in the main hotel tower. The king bed was luxurious and had more than enough pillows to go around. Ask for feather pillows for an additional comfort; the front desk was happy to honor my request. In the next room, there were two comfy queen beds, identical to the king bed. My family of five had enough space – and TVs – to keep everyone happy. Having two bathrooms made getting dressed for dinner a breeze.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Omni hosts its 102 Days of Summer Fun campaign. Guests can take part in dive-in movies, splash parties, cooking demonstrations, golf clinics, and more. On select days, the resort has a fireworks show. Other family-friendly activities include a miniature golf course, a par 3, nine-hole golf course as well as the recently renovated international golf course. (The national golf course is being renovated.) Take a golf lesson at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, even if you’ve never picked up a club before.
I took a golf lesson and in just one hour, I was swinging my club with more precision. The coach, Michael Sanabria, showed me simple ways to grip my club. That lesson really helped when I played miniature golf with my kids, but avoid playing in the early evening when the mosquitos come out in droves. Don’t miss watching the sunset outside on the golf course, but bring bug repellent.
The best way to enjoy those balmy summer days is relaxing poolside. The formal pool is an elegant escape for kid-free couples, especially if you reserve a cabana. The covered area has comfortable, cushioned chaise lounges and comes stocked with a refrigerator filled with beverages and a fruit plate. There is a TV and a ceiling fan, and Wi-Fi access. The new zero-entry pool also has cabanas, making it a comfortable – and shaded – place to relax, especially if you have a baby or toddler. The Omni sells swim diapers for $2 at the pool hut. That was a blessing for me, since I ran out.
Families can take a dip in the original zero-entry family pool, where older kids can ride the 125-foot corkscrew water slide or organize a game of water basketball with new friends. Try the lazy river too, where guests can float along the 850-foot river on an inner tube while dodging the water obstacles. Beware, those can strike, waking you up from a peaceful ride. Enjoy one of the three new water slides; little kids can sit on Mom or Dad’s lap while going down the largest, middle slide. Another must-do is taking a dip in the wave pool. The Omni is the first resort in Orlando to have a wave pool.
If you’re hungry, the Omni has plenty of options. At Trevi’s, guests can sample Italian fare served family style. (The meatballs are scrumptious!) It is an affordable option for large parties, but don’t miss the breakfast buffet served daily. It’s an enormous feast that is worth the splurge. Every morning of our stay, my kids couldn’t wait to pile their plates with bacon and get a specialty omelet from Ana, who will create any concoction imagined. The service was impeccable, like all of the Omni staff delivers.
On the main lobby floor, you will find David’s Club, an upscale sports bar, but the only thing resembling a sports bar is the large TV. I didn’t stay for cocktails, but our dinner at David’s Club was fabulous. Next time, I’ll send my kids to Omni Kids Escape ($12/ hour per kid) and eat a relaxing meal with my spouse.
Zen is another option for an evening meal, where guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine. For something different, sign up for the sushi making class, $12. It’s fun learning how to craft California rolls. I thought the class was a real treat, learning the precise amount of pressure it takes to cut a sushi roll. Even kids can get in on the fun, but those knives are very sharp.
If getting out of your chaise lounge is too much effort, dine at Croc’s while sitting poolside. Waiters will deliver your morsels to you, or if liquid libations are more your speed, choose from an array of cocktails, either frozen or on the rocks.
Grab a pack of s’mores at the Broadway Deli for roasting at the fire pit. My city kids really loved burning their marshmallows, but parental guidance was need to avoid poking other guests enjoying the fire.
While the hotel was spread out, it was not so big that you need transportation to get around. If you stay in a villa, which are situated away from the main hotel tower, it may be a trek to get your family, especially little kids who aren’t walking, to the pools.
LEIGH TAHIROVIC is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War History. She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in South Florida.