The Orlando Vacationer Experience

Orlando’s Best Outdoor Attractions

Hey you! Are you bored? Discover Orlando’s best outdoor attractions while you can! 

 

 

Shopping & Dining: Universal CityWalk, Disney Springs, ICON Park

Professional Golf Resorts: David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Remington, Orange Lake

Miniature Golf Courses: Disney’s Winter Summerland, Fantasia Gardens & Fairways, Pirates Cove, Congo River

Nature: Bok Tower Gardens, Airboat Rides, Fishing Guides, Celebration Bike Rental Tours

Airborne Adventures: Hot Air Balloon Rides, Hang Gliding Guides

 

Shopping & Dining:

Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining & entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a great way to get your Disney fix without the price. All the restaurants comply with local guidelines regarding social distancing and regular sanitizing. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 11 miles

Distance from Orlando: 18 miles

 

Universal CityWalk is a beautiful place to walk around at night. The shops, restaurants & clubs all surround the CityWalk Lagoon. Famous restaurants such as Margaritaville, The Chocolate Emporium, & The Hardrock Cafe are right next door to Universal Studios. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 18 miles

Distance from Orlando: 9 miles

 

ICON Park advertises itself as the premiere entertainment destination. The 400 ft tall observation wheel is the eye catcher of this district. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of this iconic wheel. The views at night are the best when the wheel is lit up with bright colors. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 17 miles

Distance from Orlando: 10 miles

 

Golf:

David Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters offers students the very finest learning and practicing facilities to help them “Build a Lifelong Game.”

Distance from Champions Gate: 0.9 miles

Distance from Orlando: 26 miles

 

Remington Golf Club is considered one of the favorites of many locals. Remington has an 18-hole golf course with a complete practice area including a water driving range.

Distance from Champions Gate: 21 miles

Distance from Orlando: 21 miles

 

Orange Lake Resorts Golf provides two championship golf courses and two executive golf courses (one lighted for nighttime play) & offers a challenge for all golfers. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 8 miles

Distance from Orlando: 24 miles

 

Miniature Golf:

Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course is a winter themed miniature golf course open until January 30, 2021. Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf will open starting January 31, 2021. Anyime you visit, you will be able to experience the magic of Disney in a whole new way. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 9 miles

Distance from Orlando: 21 miles

 

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf takes your family on a swashbuckling adventure. The course takes you through a pirate ship, hidden caves, & over waterfalls in this eric mini-golf adventure. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 17 miles

Distance from Orlando: 10 miles

 

Congo River Golf transports you to the wilds of Africa. There are so many things to discover & explore while playing. There are also live alligator feedings every day. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 19 miles

Distance from Orlando: 8 miles

***Both Pirates Cove & Congo River have various locations. Both can be found on International Dr which offers rows of gift shops as well as restaurants. 

 

Nature:

Bok Tower Gardens is a historical landmark. There are so many things to see including Olmsted Gardens, Carillon Tower, & Pinewood Estate. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 31 miles

Distance from Orlando: 56 miles

 

Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides is Orlando’s highest rated Airboat Ride company. Highly experienced captains will take visitors on a knowledgeable tour of the habitat of Florida’s most famous resident-the alligator. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 20 miles

Distance from Orlando: 26 miles

 

Orlando Fishing Guides offers freshwater fishing & trophy bass fishing adventures. Their expeditions last from 4-8 hours.

Distance from Champions Gate: 20 miles

Distance from Orlando: 26 miles

 

Celebration Bike Rental Tours & More offers a unique way to explore the wonderful town of Celebration. Originally developed by the Walt Disney World Company, this little town is decked with cobblestone streets and a Disney-esque appearance. It looks like it was taken directly out of a Disney movie. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 7 miles

Distance from Orlando: 22 miles

 

Airborne Adventures:

Orlando Balloon Rides offers sunrise hot air balloon ride adventures that can last for 3-4 hours. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 14 miles

Distance from Orlando: 30 miles

Wallaby Ranch offers year round hand gliding fun with safety as their top priority. 

Distance from Champions Gate: 4 miles

Distance from Orlando: 30 miles

Be safe! Get outside! Have fun!

Orlando Magical Dining Month

Enjoy more food and fun this September with us!  

If you are staying in one of our Florida Spirit Vacation Homes and love exploring new types of cuisines around town, then staying with us in September is the month for you!  All September long enjoy delicious three-course meals from some of Orlando’s renowned chefs. 

Preview week begins Monday, August 21st—where you can get a head start on Magical Dining Month. Select Orlando restaurants will be participating in Magical Dining Month, and opening their doors to offer prix fixe dinners for only $35. For that price you will receive tasty appetizers, delicious entrees and sweet desserts.

If you are on a budget conscious vacation or a local looking for some great food in the area, Magical Dining Month is something right up your alley!  Several participating restaurants in the Disney / Lake Buena Vista area, Downtown Orlando area and Universal / City Walk area are great places to take the family, or enjoy a quiet dinner for two.

Plan ahead and book a Florida Spirit Vacation home soon! The month of September we are offfering you so many perks!

-FREE POOL HEAT

-Fall Back Save 20% off promotional pricing

-$40 VISA giftcard to any participating Magical Dining restaurant

Labor Day weekend is also just around the corner (September 2-4) and a great time to have a mini stay-cation!

Check the list of participating Magical Dining Month restaurants that are the closest to you, if you are staying in a Florida Spirit Vacation Home! 

For a full list of participating restaurants visit here.

We at Florida Spirit love the simple things that make us happy. Endless savings, amazingly good food and a relaxing vacation.  Do yourself a favor and treat yourself or your family to a little weekend getaway. Even on a cost conscious budget you can have a splendid time and not miss out on all the fun!

#EnjoyMore

5 Reasons To Stay in a Disney Area Vacation Home During Christmas

Orlando is situated smack dab in the middle of all the theme parks, but Florida Spirit Vacation Homes are located closer to Disney. Here are the top 5 reasons to stay in a Disney area vacation home as opposed to forking out a ton of money staying in a Disney resort.

1) Large homes for a great value

It is more economically efficient to rent a Disney area vacation home, instead of staying in the resorts because it is a great value. You get your own private home for a fraction of the cost and since you are saving on lodging, you are able to spend that extra cash in the theme parks.

2) Save on meals by cooking at home

In the vacation home, you have a fully stocked kitchen with dishware. Save on eating out everyday by stocking your fridge with foods that are easy to make. Make a lovely dinner at home and enjoy quality time with your family.

3) Private pool and patio area

All Florida vacation homes have a private pool, and typically a patio area for outside dining. This alone is such a great amenity for you and your family to enjoy. Families love to sit outside in the patio area and enjoy meals poolside. 

4) Space and Privacy

With vacation homes, you get the space and privacy that you cannot get in a hotel. Own room? Own bed? No problem! Family vacations don’t always have to be the blues. You can have your claim for space and privacy when you are in a vacation home.

5) Weather is Awesome

Sunny weather during Christmas? I’m in! Get out of the snow and come down to Orlando where the weather is absolutely gorgeous and the sun is always shinning. Spend your holidays at the beach  or pool side and let the warm sun tan your skin.  

Summer Nights at SeaWorld Orlando

The summer celebration never ends when you are in Orlando.

Have you been to SeaWorld yet to enjoy the Summer Nights extend hours and special Summer Nights Festivities?

Through August 9, you can ride your favorite coasters under the stars and every weekend you can enjoy all-American performances at the “Celebrating America Concert Series” in the Nautilus Theater.  This weekend – Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12 you can rock the night with Foghat (Concert times at: 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM)

The park will serve “all-American food” and hold daily happy-hours. Annual Pass Members will get some exclusive benefits.

After the concert, there is still time for more fun and thrills. You will be able to experience the Manta and Kraken after the sun goes down for an extra dose of excitement.

And there is more… You can’t go home without watching “Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up The Night” at Shamu Stadium followed by the fireworks grand finale.

For those who like to get wet, there is also a new nighttime event at Aquatica water park. Island Nights, a beach party, taking place every Friday and Saturday between July 3 and August 8 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  The party includes live DJs, dancing on the beach, interactive games, prizes and an evening menu from Waterstone Grill. All included in regular Aquatica admission.

You can learn more at SeaWorld website

Enjoy your Summer!!!

Reviews Help Vacation Guests Make Decisions

When travelers scroll through multiple listings for potential vacation home rentals, not only do they look at price, but they also look at the reviews.  Travelers are more confident in booking a vacation rental, when they have read positive reviews about the property. A high-star rating also suggests high quality, which essentially sways the customer to “Book Now”.

What kind of review to post

You’re monitoring your inbox and it is full of great reviews about your vacation home. The question is: Which reviews should I post?

Post:

-Reviews that have a strong star rating. 5 star ratings get bookings!

-Reviews that have positive, unique comments that make your vacation home stand out

-Reviews that show that the home is exceptionally maintained and provides a lot of amenities

-Reviews that are current

How to deal with the bad review

A bad review is bound to make its way onto your website or social media pages. How you handle that review is key, in helping to address the disgruntled customer’s review while trying to save and defend your company image. We are in the service industry and when guests stay in your vacation home, you want them to be happy and ultimately satisfied. The unhappy guest is already irritated at this point, and they are more than ready to write out everything wrong that they found during their stay.

Bad Wi-Fi connection.  Uncomfortable, squeaky beds. Bad location from Disney World. Poor customer service.  All of these “problems” should be addressed in a professional manner, so feel free to comment on their bad review. Let them know that you appreciate the time they took to shed light on all the problems they found during their stay. Lastly, thank them for their business and welcome them back any time. Always leave a good impression on behalf of your company with past and prospective guests.

The Bad Review Learning Tool

When guests stay in your vacation home, sometimes they may experience minor or major problems that may have gone unnoticed by you or your vacation home management company. Take the time to read the bad reviews and sift through the pertinent feedback. If serious problematic issues with the home are written in these guest reviews, take care of these problems immediately. Measuring feedback from the guest reviews can also help quantify that data and help you make smarter choices for your business.

Example: Your guest reviews keep giving zero to three star ratings for home cleanliness.

Call to Action: Monitor your cleaning vendor(s) to make sure they’re doing a thorough job with the home cleaning. Be specific with them regarding your expectations and the cleaning duties in the home that need to be taken care of. If the home continues to get poor ratings, consider trying out a new cleaning vendor that meets your expectations.

Example: Your guest reviews keep receiving a poor overall rating when it comes to customer service

Call to Action: Take the time to note the bad reviews regarding poor customer service with your staff. Hold a staff meeting and communicate to your employees the importance of excellent customer service with the guests on an interpersonal level is vital. Building relationships and rapport through good ole’ customer service effects the business tremendously.

Example: Your guest reviews suggest that your vacation home is completely outdated, with everything from the TVs to the home interior fixtures.

Call to Action: Take an in-depth look at the home, interior and exterior. See where you can make updates to the home that are cost effective and will still add value to your home. Add a large flat-screen TV in the living room for the guests to watch movies on. Replace old wood laminate countertops with marble countertops. Change light fixtures in the bathrooms, to help make the lighting more inviting and appealing. Keep up on the landscaping on the exterior of the home. All these changes add value to your vacation home and in return will generate bookings.

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