Trip2earth.com Travel Blog

The Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club in Orlando was phenomenal! While my family and I stayed, my children were extra excited that Mickey and Minnie were only five minutes away. The drive to Walt Disney World was ultra close that we spent more time trying to look for parking in the Disney Complex, then getting to the park! The accommodations are extremely nice! From decor to convenience, our two bedroom unit was fully furnished from ceiling to floor, with the master bedroom having it’s own jacuzzi! The second bedroom had two comfy double beds, while the sofa in the living room turned into a queen size sleeper! My wife was enjoying the great kitchen to cook in and remarked how helpful it was to have all the equipment needed to make all our meals! (Oh yeah, the unit’s washer and dryer was very convenient for washing our bathing suits!)

To our surprise, this resort has five pools. Each pool has their own tiki bar (bonus), but even better was that two of the pools have sparkling waterfalls! We did have to worry too hard about the little ones (while I was playing golf and my wife was tanning) because Mystic Dunes has an array of activities to offer! From the children areas, tennis courts or miniature golf, to basketball courts and bike rentals, everyone in the family found something to do the days we didn’t go to an Orlando theme park!

Did I mention the world class service and staff at Mystic Dunes!?! When we walked into the registration area we were immediately greeted with a warm smile. Everyone on-site was so friendly and helpful, a staff member even helped us with directions to Universal Studios and guided us to some local restaurants!

Not only the was the Orlando area a fun place to vacation, but the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Course were we stayed at was incredible! My suggestion; the next time your family goes to Disney, do like our family did and stay at the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Course!

Orlando isn’t just a kiddie playground. On our last vacation, my family and I were tired of the crowds at Disney World and Universal Studios; we craved experience and exploration into the area called Orlando! I packed the family in the car and head down I-4 to the wonder of Downtown Orlando! Cruising down Orange Avenue, a statue of a guy wrangling an alligator caught my eye! Stopping to get a better view, we noticed the Orange County Regional History Center. I thought to myself that is would be a great way for my family to learn about the roots that make Orlando so diverse! Entering the museum, the portraits and exhibits displayed of Orlando’s Seminole Indians and African American history were absolutely amazing! We were shocked to learn so much about Orlando’s rich culture that settled this land before Disney and Epcot were ever conceived!

After our tour into the past, we drove to a town called Winter Park. Like our home town, there was a huge shopping complex called Winter Park Village that was lined with local and big-box shops. We decided to keep the theme of the day going and grabbed lunch in a cute eatery. At the restaurant, our waitress suggested that if we really wanted to capture the beauty of Orlando, to take a scenic boat ride on Lake Osceola. Within a short drive we found ourselves tucked in the back drop of the Winter Park Village, and at the entrance of the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour! Admiring the swaying palm trees and delighted by the warm breeze, I thought to myself, “No concrete, no lines, no hassles; this is what vacationing is all about!”

After our boat ride down the luscious and tropical canals of Lake Osceola, we ended our excursion and headed back down I-4 to our hotel. Sitting in the car, I found myself reflecting about today’s adventure off the beaten path of Orlando. I realized that there is nothing as precious as making memories with you family like spending the day together away from the crowds! I’ll admit seeing your child’s face light up at the sight of Mickey Mouse or Spiderman is a picture perfect moment, but making an everlasting impression in your child’s mind without meet-up times, and overcrowded park benches; that’s the beauty of a family vacation in Orlando, Florida!