Restaurant tip: Camille's Sidewalk Cafe

When we were at Regal Palms Resort last month, we paid a visit to Camille's Sidewalk Cafe--which is located at the front of the giant Posner Park shopping complex on US-27 in Davenport.

I'd eaten at a Camille's in Morristown, NJ, and enjoyed the food at that location. The Posner Park Camille's didn't disappoint, either.

Much like a Panera Bread, Camille's is a great choice if you're looking for something relatively fast and inexpensive...but don't like to hear, "Do you want fries with that?"

Choose from delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our daughter opted for soup and a fruit smoothie--which was absolutely delicious.

The next time you're in the area, check out Camille's. And if you're interested in booking a stay at Regal Palms Resort, consider our privately owned four-bedroom, three-bathroom towhouse. Visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600 to learn more.

Regal Palms Resort: Favorite Things

Did you catch Oprah Winfrey's latest "Favorite Things" episode last week? Members of two lucky audiences went home with a huge collection of luxe loot--from gourmet popcorn to diamond earrings, sequined UGG boots, iPads, and even an "IOU" for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

We caught the show while staying at our townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. And that got us thinking: We may not be able to match Oprah's generosity, but we can offer you a tremendous value for your next vacation to the Orlando area.

So, without further ado, here's a recap of our Regal Palms "Favorite Things"--and the reasons why they might just appeal to you and your family, too!

Favorite Thing #1: Room to move

Ever stayed with your kids in a hotel room--especially for a week or more? For the most part, it's just not fun. There's never enough space, privacy, or flexibility. At our Regal Palms Resort townhouse, you get the privacy of four bedrooms--each with its own cable TV--plus three full bathrooms. So everyone has a place to get ready in the morning and a place to tune in (and turn in) as they wish in the evening.

Once you stay in a "home away from home" like Regal Palms, you (and your kids!) will want to forget about cramped hotel rooms.

Favorite Thing #2: Dive-in movies

One of our "favorite things" about the Regal Palms Resort pool complex is the free "dive-in" movies the resort hosts almost every Thursday. It's great fun to grab your innertube, float in the heated water, and check out a family-friendly flick. It's a special memory for children of all ages.

Favorite Thing #3: Packin' light

Our Regal Palms Resort townhouse has a washer and dryer. While they aren't large-capacity appliances, they'll help you keep your family's clothes clean. And they're right off the great room, so doing laundry is fast and easy.

With the convenience of private laundry, you can pack lighter. That saves your back--and cuts down on pesky baggage fees, too!

Favorite Thing #4: Tiki bar

In addition to the full-service restaurant in the Regal Palms clubhouse, the resort offers a tiki bar by the pool. Grab your favorite drink and then plant yourself wherever you choose: sun or shade.

Favorite Thing #5: Close--but not too close!

We love Mickey Mouse; we really do. In fact, we spend at least one day at a Walt Disney World park every time we visit Florida. Even so, we also love getting away from the House of the Mouse.

With Regal Palms, you're a quick 15-minute drive to the parks... but you're also a world away from all that tourist-y hustle and bustle. The town of Davenport--home of Regal Palms Resort--is definitely is close to the action. Yet it still retains a more open, peaceful, and tranquil feeling (which is another of our "favorite things"!).

Discover your 'Favorite Things' about Regal Palms!

Ready for space, flexibility, and convenience? Want to experience an Orlando vacation in a new, and better, way? For more information about our four-bedroom townhouse--including rates and availability--please visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Check it out: Orlando Premium Outlets--International Drive (formerly Orlando Prime Outlets)

If you love shopping--especially for high-end designer labels--you'll want to visit the Orlando Premium Outlets--International Drive near Universal Studios. We checked out this sprawling outdoor mall during our most recent visit. We were pleasantly overwhelmed by its size and the variety of shops it offers. Some of the highlights of the Premium Outlets Orlando--International Drive store line-up include:

• 7 For All Mankind
• BCBG Max Azria
• Columbia Sportswear Company
• Hugo Boss
• Juicy Couture
• Last Call by Neiman Marcus
• Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
• True Religion
• And much more!

From Regal Palms Resort, the mall is about a half-hour drive--most of which is on I-4.

Ready to book a stay at Regal Palms?
When you're ready to book a stay in our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort, visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Attention: Sports teams, cheerleading squads, church groups, and family reunions!

Are you planning a trip to the Orlando area on behalf of a sports team, cheerleading squad or church group? Or perhaps you're putting together a good, old-fashioned family reunion?

If so, consider the benefits of staying at Regal Palms Resort and Spa.

With three-bedroom and four-bedroom townhouses--plus a hotel-caliber pool complex, restaurant and sports bar, fitness center, and more--Regal Palms is an ideal venue for large groups. The townhouses give everyone just a bit more space to spread out without sacrificing the "together time" that so many groups seek.

The rates can be very cost-effective, too--especially when compared against comparable blocks of hotel rooms.

Although we own just one four-bedroom townhouse at Regal Palms, through our management company we can help you access numerous units--and put together the perfect group getaway.

Want to learn more?
To find out more about Regal Palms, call Susan at 1-888-353-6600 or visit our website.

The "Jamaica" floorplan at Regal Palms

At Regal Palms Resort, there are four models of townhouses. Two models (the "Jamaica" and the "Bermuda") have four bedrooms, and two models (the "Cayman" and the "Antigua") offer three.

Our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse is a "Jamaica" model, as pictured below:

This model features a first-floor master, which is ideal for guests who can't--or don't want to--go up and down steps. Our first-floor master has a queen-size bed (with upgraded pillowtop mattress), cable TV, and its own full bathroom, which can be accessed from the bedroom or from the foyer.

The second floor features another master suite, this one with a king-size bed (with an upgraded pillowtop mattress) and cable TV with DVD/VHS player. You'll also find two additional bedrooms--each with two twin-size beds (also with upgraded mattresses!) and cable TV. A full bathroom in the hall completes the second floor.

Want to see more? To get a closer look at our "Jamaica" model townhouse at Regal Palms Resort, take a peek at our Regal Palms Photo Gallery.

Ready to reserve? If you're ready to book your stay at Regal Palms Resort, please check out our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Does Regal Palms have a shuttle to Disney?

"Does Regal Palms have a shuttle to Disney?"

"Does Regal Palms have a shuttle to the airport?"

When people call us about our townhouse or the resort, these are among the most frequently asked questions.

The answer: No, Regal Palms Resort does not provide a shuttle service to Walt Disney World, the airport, or any of the other area attractions.

Townhouses at Regal Palms Resort are "self-catered"--meaning you'll want (and need) to pick up your own groceries, toiletries and other sundry supplies. (Check out our helpful list of what to buy before or when you arrive at Regal Palms Resort.) You'll need a car for that shopping, and for getting out to some of the area restaurants. Personally, we always enjoy the freedom of having our own rental car so we can go where we want, when we want.

Of course, when you stay at Regal Palms, you spend a lot less and still get more space--which we think more than makes up for having to drive yourself to the parks. (And if you still need to arrange for transportation to or from the airport, you can easily hire one of the many area taxi/shuttle services.)

Ready to book a stay at Regal Palms?
For more details about our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse, please visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600!

NEW: Regal Palms online photo gallery

When people inquire about our townhouse at Regal Palms, they almost always want to see photos of the complex and our unit itself. We've just created a Flickr photostream dedicated to our Regal Palms Resort townhouse.

The site makes it easy to see what to expect when you stay in our unit at Regal Palms. We invite you to take a peek now--and check back for updates as we add more pics and vids!

And when you're ready to learn more--or make a reservation--please visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Been to Busch Gardens?

When you think of Regal Palms Resort, you probably think about the Disney World parks--and with good reason. After all, Regal Palms is just minutes from Walt Disney World. However, thanks to its location southwest of Orlando, Regal Palms is also convenient to the sights and sounds of Tampa.

In fact, during our recent stay at Regal Palms Resort, we made the trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa. We clocked it at just about 50 miles, and it took less than an hour since most of the trip is high-speed I-4 driving.

If you're planning a stay at Regal Palms Resort, consider adding Busch Gardens in Tampa to your to-do list--especially if you love animals or roller coasters or BOTH. Busch Gardens doesn't disappoint in either category!

We had a ball feeding kangaroos, learning about Asian elephants and experiencing some of the award-winning coasters.

Ready to stay at Regal Palms Resort?
If you're planning a trip to the Orlando area, consider staying in our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. To learn more, check out our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Santa Fe Cattle Co.

On our recent trip to Regal Palms, we discovered a new-to-us chain restaurant called Santa Fe Cattle Co. Located on US 27--just past the intersection with US 192--it's only about 10 minutes from Regal Palms Resort & Spa.

Although the restaurant also offers "Chuckwagon Breakfasts" from 7:30 to 10:30 in the morning, we dined from its lunch/dinner menu. We were pleased with the selection of steaks, chicken, sandwiches and salads. The grownups shared chicken-steak combo fajitas, which were delicious. The kiddo had classic mac and cheese from the children's menu.

A Santa Fe plus: the basket of steaming-hot yeast rolls and cornbread that's brought to every table. Like Texas Roadhouse and other chain steakhouses, Santa Fe Cattle Co. also provides a bucket of peanuts in the shell. And the wait staff--who provide excellent service with a welcome dash of Southern hospitality--encourage patrons to toss the empty shells right on the floor.

If you're looking for a hearty meat 'n' potatoes meal with Southwestern flair, check out Santa Fe Cattle Co. And if you're ready to book your stay at Regal Palms, consider our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse. To learn more, visit our website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.

Night swimming at Regal Palms Resort

The pool complex at Regal Palms Resort & Spa stays open until 11 p.m. With the zero-entry pool, lazy river, and water slide, it's the perfect place to relax, unwind and soothe yourself after a long day in the sun.

Hair braiding at the Regal Palms Resort pool

Regal Palms has always offered an on-site spa, fitness center, restaurant and bar. Now there's a daily hair-braiding service, too.

We used the service during our recent trip and had a very positive experience. The braider, who is employed by the resort, offers half-head and full-head options, as well as decorative beading (there's an extra charge for beads).

Our daughter opted for a half-head-with-beads style that lasted our entire vacation--and beyond.

Ready to book?
If you'd like to book your stay at Regal Palms Resort, shoot us an email or give us a call (888-353-6600). You can always check rates at availability at our website -- http://www.regalpalmsresort.com/.

Time to think about Christmas? Already?!

Although it's still August--and most of us are still enjoying the final days of summer--the retail stores are already in full swing for fall. Fall clothes are on the racks. Halloween candy is on the shelves. And harvest-themed displays are gracing store entrances.

I don't know about you, but I never enjoy feeling "rushed" through the seasons! However, if you and your family are thinking about spending the 2010 holiday season in sunny Florida, you might want to act sooner than later.

From mid-December through New Year's Day is one of the busiest times in Orlando and the surrounding areas. The hotels and villas book fast. For the best selection, it's wise to book early!

Our beautiful four-bedroom, three-bathroom Regal Palms townhouse is still available. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 1-888-353-6600.

Put your iPhone to work at Walt Disney World

The iPhone rocks at taking and storing photos and videos, giving you convenient, on-the-go access to email and the Web, and letting you tap into a wealth of cool apps via the iTunes Store. As you plan your trip to Orlando, consider using the iPhone to make your days at Walt Disney World a little easier, too!

We're gearing up for our next trip to our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. In addition to booking our flights and our rental car, we're also downloading some new apps for the iPhone. From providing maps and menus to estimated wait times at Disney attractions, these apps make your days with the mouse a bit smoother and more relaxing. For a round-up of six iPhone possibilities, check out this article courtesy of About.com.

Once we're back from our trip, we'll let you know which apps we found the most useful.

We'll help you find an Easter egg hunt (but you'll still have to find the eggs!)

If you'll be spending the Easter holiday weekend in Orlando, you may want to carve out some time for a traditional Easter egg hunt. There are numerous options in Orlando, as outlined in this helpful article from About.com.

Of course, if you're staying at Regal Palms Resort, you may want to put together your own hunt. You can pick up cool (and inexpensive) supplies at the Publix at the intersection of US 27 and Sand Mine Road; at the Dollar Tree at Posner Park (near the intersection of US 27 and I-4); or from the Super Wal-Mart about three miles down US 27 (toward US192).

Either way, Happy Easter to everyone who's celebrating!

Planning a family reunion in the Orlando area?

We often get calls from individuals who are looking to reserve a block of townhomes for family reunions.

There's no question that Regal Palms Resort is a great place to get together! The townhomes accommodate about eight people each, so two families of four can share a single unit. And every unit provides a comfortable home-away-from-home environment--making it easy to kick back and hang out, or to prepare home-cooked meals if that's in your plans.

We have only one four-bedroom unit, so we aren't able to accommodate block bookings. If you need two or more units at Regal Palms Resort, we enthusiastically refer you to our property managers. Give them a call at 1-866-670-0255 (863-420-9122 is the local number) to get more details. Be sure to tell them that Susan and Steve sent you!

Traveling to Disney with a baby

Vacationing with a baby or toddler can be fun, but let's face it: It can also be a lot of work.

When our daughter was little, we learned the hard way that hotel rooms just aren't ideal environments for tots. Renting a "home away from home"--like a spacious townhouse at Regal Palms--is a much better option. You can spread out across multiple bedrooms (so you can put Junior to bed and still watch "grown-up TV"). You have the benefit of a full kitchen (so you don't have to wedge a quart of milk in the hotel minibar fridge). And you have a washer and dryer (so you can attack those inevitable stains before they set in for good).

But even with a vacation villa, you still face the challenge of all the "gear" a baby requires.

For a clean, convenient, and cost-effective solution, we recommend A Baby's Best Friend. They have just about everything you'd ever need--from full-size cribs to highchairs, strollers, and even Bumbo seats. Best of all, A Baby's Best Friend delivers to Regal Palms Resort at no charge.

Check out the website for all the details. And then get busy planning that trip. Call Susan at 1-888-353-6600 or visit our Regal Palms website for more information about our unit. February and March are almost fully booked. April is filling fast--and the phone is ringing for summer stays, too!

Worried about mixed reviews?

When people call about our townhouse in Regal Palms, they sometimes inquire about some of the mixed reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Consumers are wise to do research before they book a vacation, and TripAdvisor is a great resource for doing so.

If you look through the reviews for Regal Palms (which often includes reviews about private pool homes, too), you're likely to see a couple of commonly cited issues:

• The comfort of the mattresses
• The condition of the carpets

We want to make it clear that as private owners of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse, we have addressed both of these issues for the benefit of our guests.

The first-floor master bedroom features a new pillowtop queen mattress, and the second-floor master bedroom offers a new pillowtop king mattress. And we just ripped out the carpet in our great room and replaced it with ceramic tile. We also offer two additional TVs plus DVD/VHS players and a library of books to read and a collection of games to play during your stay.

The bottom line? While the reviewers may be right about some of the units at Regal Palms, such comments don't hold true for ours. Book with us direct by calling Susan at 1-888-353-6600 and be assured that you're getting a clean and comfortable four-bedroom townhouse. You can get more information about rates and availability by visiting our Regal Palms Resort website.

Guest feedback: 'Perfect home away from home'

Here's an excerpt of an email that Steve and I received from the family who stayed in our Regal Palms Resort townhouse over the Christmas and New Year's holidays:

Happy New Year to you both! We had the most fabulous holiday in Orlando... Your townhouse was spacious, well equipped, and clean with enormous and very comfy beds! The resort had everything required: a shop for essentials, a pool when we needed a chill day away from Disney, restaurant with very tasty food and friendly staff, and the Internet was accessible from the restaurant and pool areas. It was the perfect "home away from home." I will most definitely be recommending to friends!

Learn more
If you're thinking about a trip to Orlando, don't delay. Call us at 1-888-353-6600. We're getting a high volume of calls for dates in March and April--which means the time to book is NOW.

What are the best days to visit each Disney park?

As members of AAA Mid-Atlantic, we receive a fantastic magazine called AAA World. The most recent issue has a ton of great information about visiting Disney--including some valuable factoids about which days are usually the busiest in each park.

Though we've visited Disney numerous times, we'd never heard this information and thought our blog readers and Regal Palms Resort guests might find it interesting, too.

According to the article "Practical Magic" by Stacy Tillilie, during regular attendance seasons:

• Magic Kingdom tends to be busiest on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
• Epcot is usually busiest on Tuesday and Friday.
• Hollywood Studios is busiest on Sunday and Wednesday.
• Animal Kingdom is typically busiest on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ready to visit Disney?
When you're planning your next trip to Orlando, remember: Disney resorts aren't your only option. For more space (and savings!), consider our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. It's in Davenport, Florida--just nine miles from Disney's main gates. So it's easy to get to the mouse, but it's also easy to get away from the craziness, too! To check rates and availability, visit our Regal Palms Resort website or call Susan at 1-888-353-6600.