Looking for theme-park alternatives?

Most people visit Orlando because of its theme parks. After all, Orlando's collection of attractions is truly second to none. But if you're someone who's only lukewarm on roller coasters and water slides--or if you've simply "been there, done that"--you may enjoy this post from the Global Grasshopper.

The "Grasshopper" outlines a number of very cool options in and around Orlando:

• Café Tu Tu Tango on International Drive -- which bills itself as "Orlando's best and most entertaining restaurant"
• Lake Eola Park -- which gets some great reviews via Yelp
• Winter Park's Historical District 
• Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (also in Winter Park)
• Wekiwa Springs State Park -- a 7,000-acre Florida State Park in Apopka, Florida

Which one of these will you and your family be checking out? During our next trip to Regal Palms Resort, we will definitely be checking out Lake Eola. It looks beautiful...and who doesn't love feeding swans and ducks? :)

Need Somewhere to Stay in Orlando?
If you're looking for spacious, comfortable and affordable accommodations, take a look at our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. If you have questions or would like to make a reservation, call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600 or send us an email.

How to pinch pennies in theme parks

Do you read the posts and/or books of personal finance expert, Liz Weston? She's one of our favorites: clear, direct, thoughtful, and thorough. She's a great writer, too.

You can be sure we took note of her post entitled Penny Pincher Guide to Theme Parks. And we thought we should share it with you, too! She talks about the best (and busiest) times to visit various parks. She also discusses the pros and cons of staying on-site at resort properties versus saving a few bucks at a hotel farther from the parks.

Although she didn't mention it, another great penny-pinching option is a self-catering townhouse--like our four-bedroom, three-bathroom unit at Regal Palms Resort. For less than the nightly cost of a Disney or Universal hotel room, you can spread out...stay on top of your laundry...save a fortune on snacks and meals...and still enjoy a hotel-class pool complex!

Ready to book?
Summer is filling fast! If you're thinking of visiting the Orlando area in Summer 2013, check out our website and then call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-5500!

Coming Soon: Disney Springs

We've told you before: Downtown Disney is one of our favorite Orlando-area destinations. According to this announcement from Disney, it's about to get even better!

Disney says that Disney Springs will be launched in phases--with everything complete by 2016.

We can't wait to check out the new attractions as they're unveiled. And we certainly hope we love Disney Springs as much as we've enjoyed Downtown Disney over the years...

Planning a trip to Orlando?
If you're looking for spacious, comfortable and affordable accommodations, check out Susan & Steve's Vacation Villa at Regal Palms Resort. It's only 15 to 20 minutes from Walt Disney World--including Downtown Disney/Disney Springs. Check rates and availability at our site, or just call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-5500.

Great Roundup of 'What to Do' In and Around Kissimmee

Regal Palms Resort is just minutes from Kissimmee--which made us take note of this fantastic write-up of "What to Do" in this fave Florida town. Here's a quick summary of the writer's  recommended attractions:

1. Walt Disney World ('Nuff said!)
2. Wild Florida for Orlando Airboat Rides and Tours
3. Chocolate Kingdom: Factory Adventure Tour
4. Gatorland
5. Arabian Nights Dinner Show

The bottom line? There is NO shortage of places to visit and things to do near Regal Palms Resort.

If you're ready to learn more--or book your stay--please visit our website and then call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

A Fresh Perspective on What Orlando Offers

Before purchasing our Regal Palms Resort vacation villa in 2005, our family had already made several trips to Orlando for business and pleasure.

Since 2005, we've been visiting Central Florida--and all of its attractions--at least twice a year. We've found it impossible to run out of things to do. In fact, we feel like we've barely scratched the surface!

As veteran Orlando vacationers, it's refreshing to hear from someone after their very first trip to Orlando. That's exactly what we found in a great blog post from an Australian travel blogger.

Read about The Aussie Nomad's first experience at the theme parks of Central Florida... and consider when you'll be making a trip to the area (whether it'll be YOUR first, too, or your 40th!).

Regal Palms Resort
If you're looking for spacious and affordable accommodations near Disney and the other Orlando attractions, be sure to check our our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse in the Regal Palms Resort. We're fully booked in February and ALMOST fully booked in March. Dates still remain in April, May, and June. Call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600 today to learn more!

Coming to Orlando: Mango's Tropical Cafe!

If you've spent time in Miami, you may have visited one of the city's landmark attractions: Mango's Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. Mango's is a bastion of great entertainment and food... and Miami's Community Newspapers reports that Mango's is going from Ocean Drive to International Drive. 

"Mango’s is a South Beach staple, a must-see for tourists and a favorite of locals," writes Miami's Community Newspapers. "Mango’s exudes everything that is Miami Beach--its tropical theme, its location next to the beach and its Latin flair."

When we stay at our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort, we almost always take a ride over to International Drive. We're fans of the open-air shopping at Pointe Orlando and have enjoyed dining at Capital Grille, Cuba Libre and Taverna Opa. We're excited about the prospect of another dynamic destination in Orlando.

According to Miami's Community Newspapers, the Orlando Mango's is slated to open during the third quarter of 2014. So while the new Mango's is a little ways away, before you know it, there will be yet another reason to vacation in Orlando!

If you're planning a trip to Orlando and would like spacious, affordable accommodations for your family--up to 8 people, to be exact--check out our Regal Palms Resort website or call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

MyMagic+: Wonderful convenience or scary invasion of privacy?

Disney is making big waves with its announcement of MyMagic+--a program that merges an interactive website and mobile app with an all-purpose electronic bracelet. This "magic" bracelet acts as a guest’s room key, theme-park ticket and payment tool all in a single device. The bracelets, dubbed MagicBands, will also track which rides visitors use, which characters they interact with, where they go and what they buy within the park.

According to Disney, the perks of the program include unparalleled convenience and a more personalized experience (imagine Mickey or Minnie greeting your child by name, or a ride employee knowing where you're from as you approach the platform). However, according to some experts, the program has more benefits to Disney than to its customers. They cite the massive quantities of data that Disney will be collecting about those wearing the "magic" bracelet. Using powerful analytics, Disney will be able to transform all that raw data into powerful information about the effectiveness of its offerings, pricing, product placement, and much more.

And privacy experts are flat-out worried; one called the entire program a "slippery slope" that could contribute to an entire generation considering such tags "normal." Others assert that the bracelets will lead consumers to spend even MORE time and money at the Disney parks.

The program, which is supposed to roll out this spring, will be optional. After reading several of the articles, I'm not sure we'll be signing on for this program. While it would be a sweet moment to have a character greet our daughter by name, I just don't like the idea of her being "tracked" and monitored by Disney. Part of the magic of vacation is getting away--and getting a little "lost" in the action. I'm not sure you can do that when an inventory tag is strapped to your wrist.

No high-tech bracelets--just lots of space at an affordable price
If you're planning a trip to Disney and Central Orlando, consider our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. It's just minutes from Disney...and we don't monitor your whereabouts. ;-)

Disney: What do YOU collect?

If you've been to Walt Disney World, you know there's never a shortage of treasures to collect. Lanyards full of tradeable pins... empty autograph books just waiting to be filled... funky mouse ears... and the latest craze: Vinylmations.

One diehard Disney blogger has published a great post explaining this latest craze.

While our young daughter is still working on her pin, autograph and mouse ear collections, we're going to check out the Vinylmation figurines the next time we're in the House of the Mouse!

If you're planning a family vacation to Orlando, check out our privately owned four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. We're fully booked in February, with  March and April filling fast. If you're interested, give Susan a call today at 1-888-353-6600!

When will you get to see Disney's new-and-improved Fantasyland?

The Internet is abuzz with excitement about the new-and-improved Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

When we stayed in our Regal Palms Resort townhouse in November, we had the pleasure of checking out several of the new attractions--including the all-new Little Mermaid ride and the larger (and more efficient) Ariel's Grotto. We also got to meet other mainstay characters in the Big Top Souvenirs tent.

It's amazing how Disney can take something great...and make it even better!

If you and your family would like to visit Walt Disney World and you're looking for spacious and affordable accommodations just minutes from Magic Kingdom, take a closer look at our privately owned townhouse at Regal Palms Resort.

Three Orlando attractions make the 2013 "must see" list!

Are you a roller coaster junkie? Do you love high-tech special effects? Are you passionate about movies and entertainment? If so, chances are that you LOVE amusement parks. And you'd be hard pressed to find an area with more--or better--theme parks than Orlando! The parks are the primary reason that millions of people vacation in Central Florida every year. (The warm, sunny weather doesn't hurt, either...)

When we stay at our townhouse at Regal Palms Resort, we always make sure to visit at least one theme park. Walt Disney World. Sea World. Universal Studios. Even Busch Gardens in Tampa. There are so many choices. According to Behind the Thrills, the choices are about to get even better: Orlando has THREE new attractions on the "must-see" list for 2013!

Beyond the Thrills cites these new Orlando-area attractions as can't-miss choices for 2013:

• The $40 million, two-phase expansion of Fun Spot America (watch for the first phase to open in March of this year)
• Transformers--The Ride, which has been a huge hit at the Universal Studios Hollywood park, is coming to Universal Studios Orlando this summer
• Antarctica: Empire of the Penguins is coming to Sea World--marking the largest expansion in the park's history (get ready to say "Brrrrr" in the Spring of 2013!)

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a Mickey Mouse fanatic, Regal Palms Resort offers a great "home base" for you and your family and friends. Four bedrooms. Three full baths. Washer and dryer. Full kitchen. Plus TVs in every bedroom.

If you'd like to learn more about Susan and Steve's vacation villa, visit our website or call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

Regal Palms guests: Looking for good eats in Orlando?

If you've stayed at Regal Palms Resort, you know there are plenty of restaurants in close proximity. You can practically walk to Applebee's, Mia Pizza, Sunday's Fish & Chips, and a Chinese takeout place. On down the road--on the 192 corridor--you'll find just about every chain restaurant known to man. (Speaking of which, if you love salads, don't miss Sweet Tomatoes!)

For many families, such eateries are more than enough. But if you're a true "foodie" and would like to sample some of Orlando's off-the-beaten-path cuisine, you may want to read Orlando Weekly's great round-up of some of the city's newest restaurants, including:

• Peperoncino Cucina
• Spork Cafe
• Fresh
• Cask & Larder
• Galopin

We're putting these restaurants on our list for our next visit to our townhouse at Regal Palms Resort in Davenport! If you'd like to learn more about staying in our four-bedroom townhouse, call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

Bringing baby to Disney?

Will you be bringing a wee one on your trip to Walt Disney World and the other Orlando/Central Florida attractions? Even with diapers, wipes and bottles in tow, your family can have a wonderful time!

For tips on navigating Walt Disney World with a baby, you might want to read this terrific post from a seasoned "Disney Mom." In it, she provides some great recommendations on can't-miss rides, as well as a helpful pointer about "parent swaps." Since my hubby doesn't do rides, we never had to inquire about such options. He always looked after the baby while I had the fun! ;-)

While it's been a number of years since our daughter was a baby, we still vividly remember how much we appreciated the space, washer and dryer, and full kitchen in our Regal Palms Resort townhouse. It's AWESOME to be able to stock your own milk and snacks...wash baby's clothes, bibs and burp cloths while the stains are fresh...and put baby to bed in a private room so that Mom, Dad and older kids and adults are able to relax with their own conversations, favorite games and TV shows. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Regal Palms Resort is close not only to Walt Disney World, but also Universal Studios and Sea World!

If you're planning a trip to Central Florida, take a look at our Regal Palms Resort townhouse. And if you'll be flying to Orlando--and will need some key pieces of baby gear--check out our older post about A Baby's Best Friend. It can be a great resource!

Have more questions?
If you'd like more info about our Regal Palms Resort townhouse, call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

Regal Palms Resort: A great surprise, too!

Yesterday was Christmas, and for those who celebrate, there were probably lots of great surprises. We found this hilarious (and heart-warming) roundup of videos of children being surprised with a trip to Disney.

It got us thinking...and reminded us of some of the great surprises that await you at Regal Palms Resort:

1) Proximity. Although Regal Palms Resort is tucked into a quiet and peaceful residential area, it's just 15 to 20 minutes from the main gates of Disney World. So you can enjoy some true "downtime" and still visit Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and the crew quickly and easily.

2) Price. Whether you're a family of four, a family of four plus Grandma and Grandpa, or two families with four adults and four kids, you'll have plenty of space and privacy when you stay at a Regal Palms Resort townhouse. You'll also have the benefit of a washer and dryer and a full kitchen--so you can pack lighter (and save on baggage fees) and eat a few meals "in" (and save on restaurants!).

The pool at Regal Palms Resort

3) Pool. You'd never know it to drive down Sand Mine Road and pass Regal Palms Resort. But behind the clubhouse is a tropical oasis. Grown-ups love the tiki bar and abundance of sunbeds. Kids love the water slide. And everyone enjoys the lazy river!

Ready to learn more? Visit the website about our vacation villa at Regal Palms Resort, and then give Susan a call toll-free at 1-888-353-6600 to learn more.

Banana Jack's at Regal Palms Resort

Pizza? Check. A nice variety of games? Check. The chance to win lots of tickets? Check.

Whether you're staying at Regal Palms Resort or are simply vacationing in Davenport, check out Banana Jack's. (Kids of ALL ages enjoy it.)

If you'd like to learn more about staying in our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse, call Susan at 1-888-353-6600!

Discovering Discovery Cove

We've been vacationing in Orlando and Central Florida for eight years--but we just made our first visit to Discovery Cove. In case you aren't familiar with Discovery Cove, it's part of the Sea World (Anheuser-Busch) family of parks. But it's hardly a "typical" amusement park.

Discovery Cove offers the tropical atmosphere of a Caribbean beach plus the convenience of an all-inclusive resort (parking, food and drinks, towels, locker, and snorkel gear are all covered in the price of admission). While the price is inclusive, the atmosphere is quite exclusive: Discovery Cove is available by reservation only, and the park limits the number of guests who can visit on any given day.

The result: a tranquil, relaxing, and unforgettable day. And that's even before your dolphin encounter!

Indeed, Discovery Cove is perhaps best known for giving guests a chance to pet, kiss, and swim with one of the park's adorable and friendly dolphins. Our family got to interact with LaToya--and we all loved every minute of it.

If you're looking for a truly memorable day--and you're willing to splurge a bit--visit the Discovery Cove website and start planning your visit. You won't regret it!

Coming to the Orlando area?
Consider staying in our four-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. A quick ride down I-4 gets you from Regal Palms to Discovery Cove.

Wawa has come to Florida!

We live in metro Philadelphia, where the word "Wawa" isn't the sound of a baby crying but rather an immensely popular and much-loved convenience store.

For people in Philly and New Jersey, Wawa is the go-to place for terrific coffee, delicious (and super-customized) hoagies--"hoagie" is Phillyspeak for "sub sandwich" or "hero sandwich," by the way!--lottery tickets, fruit smoothies, and much more. We're lucky to have a bustling Wawa less than two miles from our house--and we're there at least once or twice each week.

Imagine our delight, then, to learn that this Philly favorite is heading south to Florida! This summer, Wawa is opening five new locations in Central Florida.

From the news release, it doesn't look like there'll be a Wawa around the corner from Regal Palms Resort--at least not right away. But when we head to Orlando next month, you can bet we'll take a quick ride to Kissimmee to get a cup of the world's best coffee (and some hoagies, too!).

We'll let you know how the Sunshine State Wawas compare to those in and around the City of Brotherly Love! :)

Coming soon: Banana Jack's

Have you heard the news? Banana Jack's is coming to Regal Palms!

If you're a fan of Dave & Buster's or Chuck E. Cheese, you're sure to love the food, games, and prizes that Banana Jack's will offer in a fun, family-friendly, and pirate-themed environment.

Best of all, if you stay in our four-bedroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort, Banana's Jack will be within walking distance. As if the Regal Palms pool complex weren't enough, now you'll have another reason to carve out time to enjoy all that Regal Palms Resort has to offer.

Banana Jack's is under construction now, and we can't wait to visit during our trip this coming August. You can see progress photos and stay "in the know" by visiting Banana Jack's Official Facebook Page.

Ready to book your trip?
If you're ready to plan your family's vacation in Regal Palms Resort, please check out our website or give Susan a call toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

Pack those iPods, iPads and Kindle devices!

By popular demand, we have added a wireless network to our four-bedroom, three-bedroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort. When you book directly with us, we will provide the network name and security key.

This service is FREE of charge to guests in our townhouse....and it's just one more example of the upgrades we've made to provide a more comfortable stay!

Our summer calendar is filling fast. If you're thinking about a vacation to the Orlando area, check out our website or call Susan toll-free at 1-888-353-6600.

P.S. Don't forget: Regal Palms is convenient to LOTS of attractions in and around Orlando!

Summer fun at Regal Palms: Booking up fast!

So far, 2012 is proving to be a very busy year for our four-bedroom townhouse at Regal Palms Resort!

We were very booked throughout February, March and April--and the summer months are filling up fast. We still have availability in most of May and June, and limited availability in July and August.

Speaking of May and June... If you have the flexibility to travel then, it's a great time to enjoy milder weather and lighter crowds.

Check out the photos of our unit and then call us at 1-888-353-6600 or visit our website to find out more!

Ascension Day Spa at Regal Palms Resort

If you'd like to enjoy a little pampering during your stay at Regal Palms Resort, be sure to check out Ascension Day Spa. Located in the pool/clubhouse area, the spa offers a full complement of services, including:

• Massage Therapy -- Choose from 30, 60 or 90 minute sessions using a variety of techniques (Swedish, Hot Sone, Deep Tissue)
• Skin Care -- Spa Facial, Re-Hydrating, Deep Pore Cleansing, Age-Defying, Microdermabrasion and even Chemcial Peels
• Nail Care -- Mani/Pedi, Spa Mani/Pedi or Polish Change
• Hair Care -- Cuts, Color, Styles, Highlights, Extensions, Up Do's
• Waxing
• Teeth Whitening
• Other Enhancements -- Foot/Hand Scrub, Paraffin Dip, Aromatherapy

You can even buy a Scalp Massage or Foot Reflexology -- just $10 for 10 minutes.

And if your little princess likes pampering, too, take advantage of the spa's "Under 14" offerings. Choose a Mini Manicure ($10), Mini Pedicure ($15) and/or a Mini Facial ($20). (On a related note, our young daughter got a mani/pedi at the nail salon by Publix, and their prices were WAY higher than Ascension's! Next time we'll definitely be taking advantage of the "Mini" services.)

The spa is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 352-200-2970 to learn more or to book your appointment! Then sit back, relax and enjoy...