We recently visited Orlando to celebrate my daughter’s 8th birthday in a big way. We surprised her with a trip to Walt Disney World and LEGOLAND. We got to stay in one of the areas nicest resorts, the Omni Orlando, and it was decorated for the Christmas holiday when we got there.
The Omni Orlando is a Four Diamond resort located minutes away from all the major attractions but without the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s in a little area called Championsgate which is a golf community that has been rated as a “Top Resort Golf Course.” We were able to drop in after our long drive, drop all our luggage off, freshen up, and then hit the park in a matter of minutes.
After an evening at Magic Kingdom, we needed a day to recover from the long exciting day. So we stayed around the property and explored before the cold weather rolled in.
The Omni Orlando is really family friendly. There was so much for the kids to do that we didn’t get to try everything that was available to us. They have an arcade room with lots of great games to choose from like Ms Pac Man, Air Hockey and Need for Speed.
They also had these great family bikes that you can rent and ride around the resort on. The Omni also offers Camp Omni Kids Escape where kids can enjoy dinners, movies, video games, board games and other entertaining activities. Kids Escape is a great place for children to hang out while you enjoy an adults-only dinner or other activity. This program operates on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and welcomes children ages 4 – 12. Cost is $12 per hour, per child and includes the child’s dinner served at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time.
When you arrive your kids will receive the Omni Kids Bag, their own little “survival kit” that is overflowing with surprises, colorful bracelet, sunglasses, souvenir magnetic photo frame and kids cup to use for unlimited refills at any of the restaurants at the resort. With puzzles and books for youngsters and cards and video games for pre-teens.
They will also receive a special delivery of milk and cookies to their guest room on the first night and they can request to borrow a rolling backpack full of toys, books and games.
The Omni Orlando has a collection of great places to swim and relax by the water. In the back of the pool area near the volleyball sand courts, you’ll find a splash pad for the little ones to play in. You’ll also find the great waterslide they have! The family pool is great because it offers a walk in pool for younger kids and a fountain to play in as well. There is also a basketball net and ball to play in the water. Our favorite thing was the lazy river, it is heated and winds around with waterfalls and water cannons to dodge. We spent most of the day next to the pool relaxing and enjoying being together as a family.
While we were there in November, we got to participate in a fun Pie Making class in Trevi’s restaurant. The staff helped my kids create their own personal pies in the flavors they wanted. My youngest decided on a strawberry and blueberry pie. We also had apple to choose from. My kids love cooking and baking with me so this was the highlight of the day!
Some of the other great activities that you can participate during the holiday season are the Elf Tuck-in. Guests may call ahead and arrange for an Elf Tuck-in that includes a personal appearance by one of ChampionsGate’s resident elves, fresh-baked cookies with milk, a Christmas stocking and a bedtime reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas.
Here is what is included in the Christmas Stocking:
- Peppermint Candy Cane
- Christmas Tree Pop
- Hershey Candies
- Marshmallow Snowman Treat
- Small Plush Toy
- Glow Sticks
- An assortment of small toys
Make sure you roast marshmallows together by the fire pit as well!
If you’re in the area visiting parks or family during the holidays (which are the busiest times to attend) sometimes it’s nice to hang out at your resort and just relax during your trip. You can hit parks early, come back for a nap or a dip in the heated pools before heading back out for the lights and celebrations. Staying in a family friendly resort like the Omni Orlando is a great way to make the most out of your family vacation.
