After my recent visit a little further north of the hot Florida sun, the cooler weather got me thinking about the holiday season, so I was thrilled when this announcement about the Gaylord Palms ICE! theme and other Christmas events came through. This year, ICE! will feature The Nutcracker, one of my favorite holiday tales and one with a personal connection – my mother (a former professional ballerina) played the Sugar Plum Fairy for the Boston Ballet many years ago and it’s always been a family tradition to watch or experience The Nutcracker somehow each year. I think The Nutcracker is a perfect theme for the amazing ice sculptures featured at Gaylord Palms and can’t wait to see it in person. I’ll have to bring my mom too! This year they’ve also added Alpine Snow Tubing to the ICE! festivities. Can’t wait!
Here is more about ICE! and the other Christmas offerings at Gaylord Palms, which is beautiful year-round, but even more so during the holidays:
ICE! Featuring The Nutcracker
Dreams of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King will come to life in a full-on frozen wonderland this winter during Christmas at Gaylord Palms. On Nov. 15 scenes from everyone’s favorite ballet, the Nutcracker, will be reimagined in nearly 2 million pounds of hand-carved vibrant ice sculptures. ICE! will feature four slippery ice slides and live carving stations inside of the Artisans in Action Frostbite Factory.
New in 2014
That’s not the only exciting happening during this year’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms. Guests can now experience the rush – Alpine Rush Snow Tubing – an 18’ 8-lane giant snow hill created with 1.5 million pounds of real Florida snow. Children and adults of all ages will frolic with delight as they speed down these snow covered hills.
The Christmas Experience
Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a mystical experience that boasts the true nature of the season all under a glass enclosed atrium. Lush gardens sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays and more than 2 million twinkling lights. Don’t forget the famous 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree; character dining and meet and greets; delectable holiday dining; Cookies with Mrs. Claus and awe-inspiring live entertainment that crowds have grown to love including the rhythmic Luminescence show.
With so much to see and do, the best way to experience Christmas at Gaylord Palms is to spend the night with us. Packages are now on sale at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.
ICE! is open daily from Nov. 15, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015, including holidays. The Christmas experience begins Nov. 21, 2014. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com. There are many specials, Florida resident deals and more to choose from!
On our recent sneak peek at the dining options at the Four Seasons Orlando, one of my favorite spots was PB&G, which stands for Pool Bar & Grill. Normally, I think of a pool-side restaurant as a sort of last resort for dining, but this is definitely not the case at the Four Seasons. Much like everything else at a Four Seasons resort, this is done right – you will not find an overcooked burger and fries here, this is fine dining with a southern smokehouse twist.
We sampled the Rotisserie Chicken, served on potato salad with dill, Beef brisket with sauerkraut coleslaw on rye , and Oysters “roc”a fella with spinach puree, smoked aioli, bacon breadcrumbs, as well as the deviled eggs with caviar. These are all things I would probably never have ordered on my own, but I always like to try things when offered like this so I can share them with you (like the seared tuna at Ravello!) and I was surprised at how much I loved everything.
The rotisserie chicken was fork tender and really easy to eat and the potato salad was a great texture and flavor, and wins points for the brown bag presentation. So adorable. The beef brisket was a little more challenging to eat, but no less delicious and a great combo of flavors. The oyster was fried (I probably would not have been daring enough to eat it raw) and tasted great. Coming from New England, I’m used to fried oysters and clams and this reminded me of that, but with a very light, unique breading. The deviled eggs were also fun, and the caviar on top was a great way to make a traditional bbq item more elevated. Families will be happy to know they have great kids options as well, from chicken fingers to bbq, served in a fun kids meal box with activity menu.
PB&G also has a full bar with beers on tap and a signature Absolut Thyme – iced tea with Absolut Peach and a sprig of fresh thyme. Refreshing for a hot Florida summer day, but also dangerously delicious! All seating in PB&G overlooks the lake adjacent to the adult Oasis pool and the family water park area. The hours are from 11am – 6pm presently, as the pool lighting as not been installed as of yet. Reservations are recommended here as well, as I’m sure it will be a very popular choice among guests. If I were staying at the Four Seasons, this would be a must-do for dining.
See more PB&G photos in this gallery (click to enlarge to slideshow):
The Four Seasons Orlando Resort is quickly becoming my favorite place to visit in the Walt Disney World area. The resort itself and the grounds are just so relaxing and inviting. And inviting is exactly what the Four Seasons Orlando is going for, for both locals and non-guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. When I first toured the property back in May, discussions were still underway regarding non-guests visiting the property or dining in the 5 restaurants the Four Seasons will eventually have open. At our recent visit we were pleased to hear that the Four Seasons welcomes non-guests to book dining reservations and spa appointments at their gorgeous resort.
To familiarize us with their dining options and spa, we were given a tour of some of their spaces (some are still under construction but will be completed August 3 or later in September) and samples of some of the amazing cuisine that will be offered. Here I’ll share my thoughts and photos on the first place we visited on our tour, Ravello.
Ravello is the Italian restaurant at the lobby level of the Four Seasons. To the right of the front lobby, you come to the Ravello lounge, tastefully decorated in modern design and colors, not giving a hint at all to the type of cuisine awaiting downstairs. You can enjoy lovely water views from Ravello’s large windows and there is comfortable outdoor seating for both the lounge upstairs and the restaurant downstairs. The lounge is open from 5pm – midnight and seats 70 inside and 88 outside, offering a full bar, appetizers, and pastry creations from the chef.
Ravello lounge
Ravello lounge
Ravello lounge outdoor seating
Ravello lounge outdoor seating
Ravello lounge views
Ravello lounge stairs
A beautiful set of stairs take you downstairs to Ravello’s main dining area, which features an open kitchen concept (as all their dining locations do), dark wood and light colors for a warm but elegant feel. This modern Italian kitchen offers a fresh pasta bar with housemade pastas, pizza with housemade dough and brick ovens, along with regional specialties from resident chef Fabrizio Schenardi, who has an extensive high-end hotel resume of experience and it definitely showed in the items we sampled that evening.
Ravello also offers two private dining rooms, where they will have cooking demos for adults and children as well as 114 seats outside. I have no doubt that Ravello will be a wonderful meeting place for friends to get together and share a great meal and enjoy some amazing cuisine at the same time. The seared tuna we tried is on the menu as Tonno – Pan Seared Tuna | Eggplant Caponata | Saba | Basil Oil, I have to admit, I have avoided tuna in the past because I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I tried this and loved it. It tasted more like melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon than fish. I would order it again in a heartbeat. We also sampled the Veal Ravioli – Veal, Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed | Wild Mushrooms | Truffle Essence, which left me wanting more. The pasta was so light and fresh, with just the right amount of cheese and sauce, an excellent combination of flavors. I will definitely be back to sample the full menu.
Ravello bar
Ravello bar
Pasta counter
Ravello dining space
Ravello dining space
Ravello outdoor dining
Ravello demo kitchen
Ravello private dining
Four Seasons exclusive wines – Iconoclast
Veal shoulder ravioli
Seared tuna
Ravello is open now at the Four Seasons Orlando Resort. You may book a reservation using Open Table. Parking at the Four Seasons is Valet only, but can be validated for a lower amount. I’ll have a full review when I experience the entire menu in a couple of weeks. I’ll also have upcoming posts on the PB&G pool area restaurant, Lickety Split dessert and coffee shop, and The Spa.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Four Seasons for inviting us out and offering us some tastes of what’s to come at the Four Seasons Orlando. My opinions and thoughts are my own.
After seeing the Four Seasons Resort Orlando in person during a construction tour, I fell in love and became an instant evangelist for this gorgeous luxury hotel. The Four Seasons will be opening to the public on August 3, and in celebration of that, they are offering a very special Florida Resident Rate. If you live in Florida, I can’t recommend enough that you run to the phone to book a stay here. It is simply beautiful and a wonderful addition the the Walt Disney World Resort area hotels. Here are the official details of the Florida Resident Rate:
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, opening on August 3, is pleased to extend a special rate exclusively for Florida residents. Situated in a breathtaking location at the Walt Disney World Resort, Four Seasons is located in a lushly landscaped area with many mature trees, lakes and wetlands. A Four Seasons “staycation” near the most magical place on Earth is now even more enticing for Florida residents, with this special Florida resident pricing. For the introductory period of August 17, 2014 through October 9, 2014, the Florida resident rate is USD 279.00 for a Golden Oak View Room, and includes valet parking for one car. A Golden Oak View room can sleep three adults, or two adults and two children. At 500 square-feet plus a spacious furnished balcony, the guestrooms include a king bed plus a queen-size sofa sleeper, and a 5-piece marble bath complete with in-mirror television and Bose surround-sound.
Guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will have complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios . In addition to enjoying all the nearby Disney attractions, a highlight of Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the five-acre (two hectare) “Explorer Island” water park, including a winding lazy river complete with a rapids section, two water slides, an interactive splash zone with water cannons, and much more. The Kids For All Seasons program offers organized activities for children ages 4-12, and is complimentary. Adults will enjoy the adult-only pool, 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Tranquilo Golf Club, and The Spa at Four Seasons. Recreational pursuits for guests of all ages are sure to provide ample entertainment.
The Florida resident offer is available exclusively by telephone reservation: 1-800-267-3046.
A valid Florida state identification will be required at the time of check-in.
My family and I LOVE LEGOLAND Florida. I’ve gushed about it many times, and while it’s definitely not the park for everyone, if you are a LEGO fan, or an old Florida fan, you will love it too. I personally think it’s a great addition to an Orlando visit.
It’s almost time for their annual Fourth of July celebration, so I thought I’d share all the details below. A very different but exciting experience and with the addition of the “Everything is Awesome” song, what could be better? Here are the details below:
LEGOLAND® Florida is celebrating the 4th of July weekend in 2014 with its annual Red, Brick and Boom event! Three nights of fireworks set to The LEGO ® Movie soundtrack will light up the sky for all guests to experience, along with fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. The event allows visitors to celebrate the weekend in style while experiencing LEGOLAND Florida’s more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.
What: LEGOLAND Florida is hosting a special 4th of July weekend. Activities for guests to enjoy include:
Fireworks choreographed to The LEGO Movie soundtrack, including such hits as “Everything is Awesome!”
Special viewing glasses to turn fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks at night
Collective, interactive build of a giant LEGO American Flag
Special scavenger hunt in Miniland USA to win a LEGO Prize pack and much more
When: Red, Brick and Boom will run from Friday, July 4th through Sunday, July 6th and is included in park admission. Park hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during the three-day event.
I will admit, I had no idea this place existed before now, but this place looks super unique and fun. I have been a fan of Westgate Resorts for years, they really have some great properties to stay at and usually offer tons of activities for guests. The Westgate River Ranch seems to take those activities back to the real Florida for a truly memorable experience!
The first resort to introduce the concept of glamping (glamorous camping) to Florida, Westgate River Ranch is now offering a sweepstakes for an all-inclusive glamping vacation. Sweepstakes winners will satisfy a craving for the outdoors in the comfort of a completely outfitted glamping tent (accommodating up to four guests) for three days and two nights, and will receive a complimentary golf cart rental, two rodeo tickets and a $25 resort credit.
Situated on 1,700 lush acres in the heart of Florida’s cattle lands and surrounded by approximately 400,000 acres of state and federally protected wetlands, Westgate River Ranch is distinguished as the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Located just 80 miles south of Orlando, the cowboy-themed resort offers a guest ranch vacation full of activities for adults and children, including the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the United States.
Following a multi-million dollar renovation and recent property re-launch, Westgate River Ranch introduced the concept of glamping for those who wanted to combine the fun and camaraderie of camping with the conveniences of a hotel room. Soaring popularity led to the creation of a glamping concierge, along with plans to double the inventory of tents and private bathrooms from 10 to 20 in July.
Glamping tents are pre-set on raised platforms and include deluxe interiors, a screened-in porch with two rocking chairs and access to private bathrooms. Amenities also include: a mini refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning, electrical outlets, a ceiling fan, private gas propane grill, private picnic table and various board games. The bathrooms are also fully outfitted with showers with hot water and hair blow dryers.
The Four Seasons Orlando. Image courtesy @FSOrlando
If you’ve driven down Bonnet Creek Parkway or Vista Boulevard lately, you’ve seen the luxurious monolith rising in the sky – for the future home of the Four Seasons Orlando. Nestled within Disney’s ultra-exclusive multi-million dollar residential community, Golden Oak, the Four Seasons Orlando will be unlike any other resort property at Walt Disney World. On Disney property, but not owned by Disney, the Four Seasons is a completely unique resort experience, offering many amenities that Disney Resorts offer, as well as some of their own. I was recently given two different tours, two weeks apart, of the property while it is under construction. Despite the incomplete state of the hotel, its beautiful future shone through.
The Four Seasons Orlando will soon be a glittering gem for those wanting to experience the ultimate in resort luxury. We were unable to take photos while construction is ongoing, but the resort was kind enough to let us use their photos of completed rooms and suites. On my second tour, we were permitted to take photos from the top floor of the pool areas.
Before we move on to the description of the amenities and all that the Four Seasons Orlando has to offer, I want to go over the overall feel of the resort. As mentioned above, even with construction taking place all around us, the elegance and impeccable design choices were already apparent. As you enter the resort, the gorgeous tile is all around you, and you are immediately drawn to the “fireworks chandelier” as you walk through the lobby. This sparkling multi-floor chandelier pays homage to the fireworks which will be such an integral part of the resort’s views. Designed in Czech Republic by Jozef Baca and Veronika Kopecna, the inspiration was a dark sky illuminated by a spectacular firework display – in much the same way, this magnificent chandelier lights up the entire grand entry of Four Seasons Resort Orlando. More than 30,912 crystal components in radiant hues of light topaz, light smoke, amber and honey are featured. The chandelier weighs more than 1,223 pounds (555 kilograms) and requires 250 sleeves of LED lighting.
The fireworks chandelier. This is even more breathtaking in person. Photo courtesy @FSOrlando
I was consistently impressed throughout the guest room and finished public areas with the attention to lighting and design details. The overall feel is one of timeless but contemporary elegance. Graphic shapes and a color palette that will stand the test of time. Relaxation and luxury envelop you with every glance around your guest room. The hallways are in pleasing yellow and grey tones, while the rooms are completed in either aqua blues or light oranges – it was hard to pick a favorite. The rooms feature state-of-the-art features including iPads in each room, flat screen TVs and in-mirror TV in bathroom, as well as digital touch buttons by the bed and the front door to request service, privacy, and more.
A Standard King Bed room with Fireworks View
Here are all the facts about the property:
444-rooms, with standard guest rooms offering the largest square footage in Orlando, open for reservations for stays beginning this August
King guestrooms all have a queen-size sleeper sofa bed in room (perfect for families) and the resort also offers many connecting rooms via an interior hallway and suites
Many accommodations offer spectacular vistas over the Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks display from the comfort of one’s furnished balcony
Gallery of guest rooms at the Four Seasons Orlando – click to enlarge. All photos in this section courtesy Four Seasons Orlando:
Enjoy world-class dining experiences, including:
Ravello: a culinary trip to the Amalfi coast – colourful, lively, and rich with the aromas and flavours wafting from the open kitchen.
Capa: named for the matador’s red cape, sets the stage for tapas and steaks with rooftop fireworks views. (Opening later this September)
PB+G: stands for pool, bar and grill, where guests can choose creative salads and poolside fare coupled with smokehouse BBQ specialties and hang out in the lounge with its central bar, dine on floating pavilions, or simply grab and go.
Plancha: in the golf clubhouse, all guests can savour Cuban American cuisine in a lakeside setting.
Lickety Split: a fast-casual, grab-and-go spot on the lobby level, Lickety Split will offer fresh juices, smoothies, lattes, cappuccinos, gelato, baked goods, sandwiches and more.
Additional Fun: Three Har-Tru tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an adults only pool surrounded by private cabanas.
I will admit, when I first learned of the Four Seasons building on Disney property, I wondered if they would even try to cater to kids or families. I was more than pleasantly surprised by what they have to offer at the resort:
Can have as much or as little Disney as you’d like as part of your vacation – can have the Four Seasons experience with Disney, or the Disney Experience, with Four Seasons
Complimentary transportation is provided to the main Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios) in plush motor coaches
This new property can accommodate large families – the 16th floor features the Royal Suite that can be configured with up to three separate living rooms and nine – yes, nine – bedrooms
We have our own amusement area for kids – Explorer Island. A five acre (two hectare) playground packed with fun for all ages, Explorer Island includes a 7,590 square foot (705 square metre) family pool with a lazy river winding around a “ruined” mansion, climbing wall, waterslides, and more. Look forward to beach volleyball, basketball, a video gaming centre, outdoor movie nights on the Starstruck screen, and more
Twice weekly on-site Disney Character Breakfast with Goofy and Pals, plus on-site Disney Planning Center
Complimentary Child Care: (Yes, you read that correctly.) Younger guests enjoy Kids For All Seasons, located on Explorer Island in the Mansion, where kids ages 5-12 will be entertained and supervised by our staff. Complimentary child care is unique in this market.
Just for Kids Amenity: A welcome amenity is provided, as well as child-size bathrobes and complimentary baby and children’s toiletries, as well as cribs, high chair, playpen, bottles, and toys at no extra charge
Views of the (still under construction) recreation areas:
Adult pool at the Four Seasons
Overview of Four Seasons recreation – golf course will be open in September
The Magic Kingdom in the distance
Lakes of the Four Seasons – the oval area is the wedding spot
Explorer Island water park area
Explorer Island “ruins” – so cool!
Family pool and kids area with lazy river
View of Epcot from the Four Seasons
View of Magic Kingdom from the Four Seasons
So as you can see, the Four Seasons Orlando will be a resort for everyone; the single traveler or couple, the family traveling together or with a nanny, or a group who need more space that the Royal Suite and additional rooms can offer. Another plus to this resort is the elegant and technologically advanced ballrooms. They can be separated into three smaller rooms or left as one large space, as well as making use of the outdoor terraces. The chandeliers outside the ballroom are just gorgeous, looking like twinkling crystal flowers intertwined. I instantly wanted to have an event in this space, and I’m sure it will be a popular choice for weddings and more once open.
As you can tell, I’m already passionate about this wonderful new addition to the Orlando resort line up – which is unlike any other resort, on Disney property or otherwise. I cannot wait to see the finished product and experience a resort stay myself. I know with the combination of luxurious accommodations, the views, the amenities, and what promises to be first class dining, I will not want to leave. I’ll be featuring more about the Four Seasons Orlando in the weeks to come, so keep checking back! Special thanks to the Four Seasons PR and travel sales team for the tours and special glimpse into this work of art .
Follow along with the Four Seasons Orlando team at:
Just announced today is the news that many Disney On Ice fans knew was coming – Disney’s Frozen is coming to Disney on Ice. A whole new show has been created around everyone’s favorite snow-bound sisters, which is sure to excited Frozen fans young and old. Disney on Ice presents “Frozen” will be touring the country, but information about the Orlando dates and tickets are below, from Feld Entertainment:
Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in producing live touring family entertainment, today announced that its 34th Disney On Ice spectacular will bring the Academy Award®-winning and number one animated feature film of all time,Disney’s “Frozen,” to life. Disney On Ice presents “Frozen” visits Orlando from September 5 – 7 for seven performances at the Amway Center. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. The Academy Award®-winning tale will be told live for the first time in this production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers. Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear. Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”
Producer Nicole Feld with the Disney On Ice Frozen set model
In Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “Finding Nemo” and Disney’s “The Lion King,” who come together to prove that true love is the greatest power of all. Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.” To create a completely immersive experience for the audience, the set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters. Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will tangibly experience the storm inside Elsa. Elsa’s magic will be enhanced by state-of-the-art special effects, while her emotions will be conveyed through powerful skating. Visit the Disney On Ice website for more information, (http://www.disneyonice.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access pre-sale codes for tickets, as early as today, May 20: {Edit: use pre-sale code “tweets” for tickets now!}
Dates and Times at the Amway Center: (400 West Church Street – Suite 200, Orlando, Florida 32801)
Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $16, $22, $30, $39 (Premium)& $65 (Front Row). Group sales, call 866.248.8740.Buy tickets at amwaycenter.com, Chase Box Office at Amway Center, Ticketmaster retail locations, charge-by-phone at 800.745.3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. For Amway Center box office and ticket information, visit amwaycenter.com (phone purchases are not available through the Amway Center box office). The Amway Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Amway Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue.
There have been so many changes in the Orlando area in the past few decades, many hotels and resorts have come and gone. Some in the Walt Disney World Resort area have completely changed, upgrading their 80’s roots to more modern styles and accommodations. Amid all of the resort choices, one stands out as an established, luxury choice for those wanting all of what central Florida offers. That resort, is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Celebrating 30 years of exceptional service, Orlando’s original luxury resort, Hyatt Regency GrandCypress, offers guests 1,500 acres of timeless fun just minutes from Central Florida’s most popular attractions. The Grand Cypress has really managed to combine the “old Florida” feel with state-of-the-art guest rooms and amenities.
I was recently given a chance to experience the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and after driving by it for the past 30 years, was pleasantly surprised with all they had to offer. I fell in love with the look and feel of the resort, the wonderful, luxurious rooms and the amenities that really made me say, “theme parks? what theme parks?” It is amazing how a place a mile away from Walt Disney World Resort can feel so private and secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of tourist life. I really didn’t want to leave.
GrandCypress offers families luxury amenities surrounded by a tropical oasis that features the resort’s signature lagoon pool. Inspired by contemporary design, the lagoon pool offers a tranquil escape coupled with vibrant activities for children of all ages. The 800,000 gallon, half acre, free-flowing pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated zones, two whirlpools, a rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. The secluded grotto areas with padded, ridiculously comfy lounge chairs were in a word: heaven. You could lay back and watch the world go by, or jump in and enjoy the fun in the sun.
Guests can also enjoy the new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations complement the resort’s numerous recreation activities including the family favorite S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails. Additionally, GrandCypress guests have easy access to 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. I was really blown away with how many recreation activities the resort offers, all included in your resort fee. Did you see the S’mores pit part?? The trails were great too, I love being reminded that there is more to Florida than just attractions.
From the lobby atrium and check-in with champagne, to the beautiful rooms, with stunning views, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress truly has it all. I loved having access to the Regency Club too – it was the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast or snack throughout the day, and the seating and views were wonderful – a great spot for seeing Disney fireworks too!
We enjoyed dinner at Cascade American Bistro, whose motto is: “Thoughtfully Sourced…Carefully Served” This translates to all the food which is offered in the restaurant is locally sourced and always fresh. I loved the table-side herb garden that they brought over, and the main courses and desserts were a delight. Worth visiting even if you aren’t staying as a guest.
SeaWorld has always been a local favorite for my family, and with the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration and Just for Kids events, they make it more fun than ever to enjoy. This kid-centric festival brings families together to enjoy fun rides, adorable animals and an all-new party zone. “Just for Kids” is included with park admission and takes place Saturdays from March 22 – April 12.
During “Just for Kids”, SeaWorld’s year-long 50th Celebration will be in full swing. Park pathways will come to life with oceans of spontaneous entertainment. Guests will enjoy a Sea of Surprises featuring new interactive experiences and shows, even more up-close animal encounters and the SeaWorld “Surprise Squad” treating park guests with prizes and special experiences every day.
Here are some photos of our recent visits to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and during the Just For Kids event:
Starting at 11 a.m., families can experience warm-hearted whimsical fun and make lasting memories as they dance along to family-friendly DJ’s at the Rockin’ Rock Hopper Party in Antarctica – Empire of The Penguin®, play games, such as Rock Hopper Ring Toss and Penguin Plunge, enjoy live penguin appearances, snow moments, snacks, face painting, caricatures and meet the one and only Puck, star of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.
ALL-NEW! SEA Garden
Share the wonder of close-up encounters with amazing animal friends and learn how we care for our natural world at our all-new SEA Garden.
Shamu Dance Party
Dance the night away with Shamu & crew at the Shamu Dance Party at the Village Square located at the front of the park. The party begins one hour prior to park closing with a stilt walker emcee who fills the square with music that the whole family can dance to, including popular line dancing songs and party favorites. The Shamu Dance Party continues until 30 minutes after park closing.
Ocean Adventures Kids Program
Kids can go on an educational, card collecting program, also included with admission, starting at 11 a.m. Children will look for the Sea Star icons inside the park, where they’ll discover fun, educational activities. At each location they will collect a stamp and a limited edition Explorer’s card. Once they visit all four locations, they’ll receive a coupon to redeem at select gift shops for a special SeaWorld prize. Limit one prize per participating child.
The best way to experience all of the fun, music and treats at “Just for Kids” and SeaWorld’s 50th Celebration is with an Annual Pass, starting at just $13 per month for Florida Residents. Pass Members can enjoy all four Saturdays of “Just forKids” fun and all of the amazing special events throughout the year, plus the unforgettable animal encounters, world-class thrill rides and family fun found only at SeaWorld.
Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about SeaWorld Orlando’s “Just for Kids” Festival. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #JustForKids.
