Reunion Resort has hit yet another milestone. Condé Nast Traveler has recognized Kissimmee, Florida’s largest resort community as one of the “Top 30 Resorts in Florida“. Part of its Readers’ Choice Awards 2020, Condé Nast is known for highlighting top global vacation destinations, making this accomplishment paramount for Reunion.
On the list of 30 spectacular resorts, Reunion Resort snagged the 18th spot with a score of 96.21/100.
“Groups of all sizes will feel at home in a condominium, private villa, or vacation home at the Reunion Resort with onsite facilities to accommodate family gatherings and business meetings. With an “amazing water park,” three signature golf courses, “excellent, 5-star restaurants,” and an “all-around beautiful development,” there’s plenty for guests of all ages to enjoy.” – Condé Nast Traveler
Reunion Resort Has it All…
As a property management company with over 200 villas at Reunion, we are thrilled over the resort’s latest achievement. Reunion’s vast variety of villas offer unique rooms ranging from in-home theaters to riveting arcades. And with custom-built bedrooms inspired by everyone’s favorite characters, you’ll feel immersed in the entire Orlando-area experience.
With most properties featuring their own private pool and spacious layouts, Reunion has become overwhelmingly attractive amid COVID-19. This world-class location gives guests the opportunity to vacation, physical distancing style, adding to the comfort of this premier resort.
Beyond its custom-built estates and luxury condos, this magnificent community continues to one-up itself with seemingly endless new amenities. The AAA Four-Diamond rated destination is home to three award-winning golf courses, a water park, 10 resort-style pools, and more. With new additions like the Reunion Resort Miniature Golf course and a water park expansion in the works, it’s no wonder this destination continues to drive in guests to our sunny city of Kissimmee.
Whether you’re a Florida local or traveling to the state, Reunion Resort is a must-add to your destination bucket list. For golfers, families, retreats, and everything in between, take a moment to browse Reunion’s leading properties for your dream vacation.
And as always, until the next blog post, have a magical (vacation planning) day.
We have to admit (and not because we’re biased), Orlando is no stranger to putting on some of the best Halloween celebrations in Florida. And despite some of the setbacks we’ve all faced due to COVID-19, that hasn’t stopped Orlando from coming up with frightening fun ways to celebrate the spooky season. From drive-ins to trick-or-treating and some of the best haunted houses around, here’s your ultimate spooky guide to Halloween in Orlando for 2020.
A Touch of Fall at the Magic Kingdom® Park
If you’re having the fall blues over the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, turn that frown upside down for some daytime fall fun at the theme park. Feast on frightfully delicious treats and get into your favorite costume as the park welcomes daytime guests to dress up and enjoy the Halloween festivities.
Expect to see surprise Halloween floats heading down Main Street U.S.A. chauffeuring some of the most iconic characters from Jafar to Maleficent (and of course, we can’t forget Mickey Mouse and all of his pals)! And don’t forget to grab some of the exclusive Walt Disney World merchandise before you head out. With new items like the Madame Leota sipper and the Walt Disney World Halloween 2020 pins, you’ll go home with more goodies than you expected.
The Magic Kingdom® Park’s daytime festivities are in full swing and will go on through October 31st, 2020. Make sure to check out the full details here!
SeaWorld Orlando’s Flicks & Frights Drive-In
Get ready for a blast from the past and revel in the nostalgia of drive-in movies at SeaWorld Orlando! Flicks & Frights is SeaWorld’s first-ever Halloween drive-in experience and it’s sure to deliver both friendly spooks and horror without ever having to leave your car. This activity is great for physical distancing and caters to guests of all ages.
Choose from a family-friendly Halloween flick as the first showing, or come to the late-night showing for some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. Choose from popular films like Disney’s Frankenweenie, Beetlejuice, and The Purge. And what’s a good movie without a meal to munch on? Choose from the variety of food trucks on-site or stick with two soft drinks and two bags of good ol’ popcorn for $12.
Flicks & Frights can be reserved online at just $40 per vehicle (20% off for annual pass holders). Check out SeaWorld Orlando’s website for the movie lineup, dates, and to reserve your vehicle spot.
SeaWorld Spooktacular
The little ones will absolutely love this event! Head over to SeaWorld Orlando for its annual SeaWorld Spooktacular, an all-day trick-or-treating event at the theme park. Let the kids pick out their best Halloween costume and venture down the walkways of the Trick-Or-Treat Trail to collect the yummiest candy around.
Add onto your experience with Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast or visit the Cookie Monster and decorate your own festive cookie at the Cookie Decorating station. There’s also plenty of games, a live DJ, and face painting to add some extra excitement to your child’s already awesome costume! Spooktacular is a great way to experience all of the Halloween fun while still being immersed in the fun attractions SeaWorld Orlando has to offer.
To learn about the weekend event, including dates and hours, please visit SeaWorld Orlando online for more information.
Halloween at Universal Orlando
(Writers note: Events were added to the blog after the announcement from Universal Orlando Resort, 2:15 p.m., Sept. 22).
Halloween season at Universal Orlando Resort is going to be SCARY good this year. Though we won’t get the chance to experience the 30th year of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios will be hosting two haunted houses on Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-Nov. 1. Included with your day admission ticket, guests can brave Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives and Revenge of the Tooth Fairy all day long.
These two heart-pounding houses also have the option for Virtual Line™ through the Universal Orlando Resort app, giving you the chance to reserve your spot and enjoy the rest of the park.
For the shoppers, explore four terrifyingly immersive rooms inside of the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store. Here, you’ll discover the best merchandise and specialty food items themed around houses of Horror Nights past, present, and possibly future. It’s a great spot to visit for your ultimate Halloween fix.
For the little ones (12 years of age and younger), head over to Universal’s Islands of Adventure for trick-or-treating at participating retail locations! Keep an eye out for the pumpkin-marked locations to ensure every spot is visited! It’s time to fill their free trick-or-treat bag with the tastiest Halloween goodies.
And whether you’re visiting one park or both, guests can now come in costume throughout the day! Dress up in your favorite classics or match with your children’s Halloween attire.
With all of this and more, it looks like we’re going to be pretty spoiled for choice at Universal Orlando Resort. Check out Universal Orlando’s website for all of the details, terms, and conditions.
The Haunted Road: A Drive-Thru Halloween Experience
You don’t have to leave your vehicle for a good scare. Experience Central Florida’s first contactless drive-thru theatrical event at The Haunted Road. This immersive experience takes you through a “world of disarray” with terrifying encounters as you drive between scenes. Similar to a drive-in theater concept, you’ll turn on your radio to the corresponding station as scary tales tell the story of The Haunted Road. It’s a haunting drive unlike any other that has been one of the most anticipated Halloween 2020 events in Orlando.
For those of you who are interested in a family-friendly version, check out The Haunted Road’s daytime experience. This adventure takes you and your family through an enchanted forest where you’ll encounter some friendly fairytale creatures. This experience promises to provide music, storytelling, and plenty of fun (along with a contactless sweet treat) for the whole family!
Think you have what it takes to brave The Haunted Road? Visit The Haunted Road on select dates from September 25 through November 7, 2020 for the most unique Halloween experience around! Tickets must be purchased in advance, so please head to The Haunted Road’s website for more information on how to reserve your vehicle. (Photo Credit: The Haunted Road)
Fall at Southern Hill Farms, Festival
There’s something special about being on a farm during the fall season. Before you even ask the question, yes, even Central Florida has its own gorgeous farm for everyone to visit. Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival is a yearly event occurring between September 26 and November 8, 2020, just outside of Kissimmee in Clermont, Florida.
Take the kiddos down the dirt roads to discover a pumpkin patch offering some of the best variety of pumpkins grown in the U.S. If you’re dreaming of sunflowers and zinnias, Southern Hill is well known for its stunning sunflower and zinnia fields. Choose your favorite blooms and take them with you as a souvenir, or capture breathtaking photos to share with family and friends!
And what’s a day to the farm without treats? Munch on Southern Hill’s popular blueberry doughnuts and sip some of the best blueberry lemonade you’ve ever tasted. Guests may also visit 8 food trucks during the weekends and the gift shop offering homemade jams, candles, and more.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival and learn more by checking out their website and reserving your day! It’ll be one of the best fall days you’ll have all season.
Halloween Drive-In Movie at Old Town
For those of you exploring the Kissimmee area, Old Town now offers Halloween Drive-In Movie nights! Pull up in your car with your best snacks and food for an evening of jump scares and Halloween classics.
Choose from one of the four Sunday’s in October to face your fears with flicks like Scream and Hocus Pocus! Tickets are $10 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance to reserve your spot. Check out Old Town’s Halloween Drive-In event on their website to learn more.
Scream N’ Stream
You may have heard of Boggy Creek River Adventures, but you’ve never heard of it like this! Come for the candy or prepare for the scares at Scream N’ Stream, Kissimmee’s ultimate driving experience. Choose between the family-friendly trick-or-treating drive or the haunted drive-thru house. No matter which one better fits your group, you’re bound to have a ghoulish time.
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The events run every Friday and Saturday through the end of October and start at $56 per vehicle when booked in advance. Learn more about each frightful experience online and reserve your spooky (or candy-filled) evening today!
With all of the ghoulish things to do during Halloween in Orlando, your visit will be nothing short of eventful. Let us know in the comments which event you’re looking forward to the most and be sure to check out our available magical vacation homes on special for the fall season!
As always, we’ll see you in the next blog post! Have a magically frightful day.
*As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney*
When planning your Orlando family vacation, one of the main factors is location, location, location! We can all agree that choosing a place that’s both private (especially in 2020) and fun for the little ones is THE key to an amazing trip. For many years, Reunion Resort has been a prime destination for families looking to be in the center of it all while in their own luxury home. But while the home has plenty to offer, Reunion Resort itself has even more than you’d expect!
As veterans to Reunion, we know firsthand that there’s something special about this city-sized resort. With the plethora of activities on-site, it takes Orlando vacationing to the next level of convenience, keeping the kiddos entertained for days. So if you’re deciding between places to stay around Orlando, check out our 5 favorite kid-friendly Reunion Resort activities to see if this resort is destined to be in your future travel plans.
1- Reunion Resort Water Park
It’s no secret that most of Orlando’s most popular attractions are up and running again. However, water park options have become unfortunately limited. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach have both remained closed for the summer season. And non-Disney water parks like Universal’s Volcano Bay, Island H2O Live, and SeaWorld’s Aquatica continue to run on limited capacity and hours. This adds to the challenge of enjoying a day in the sun, which is why Reunion Resort Water Park is a fan-favorite amongst Reunion Resort families. Tackle the twisty water slides and relax as you float along the lazy river. Or even chill at your own private cabana!
The best part about this location is that it offers plenty of room to physical distance and doesn’t require you to leave Reunion. It’s the tranquil vacation paradise you’ve needed all summer, and your kids are sure to have a blast.
2 – Reunion Resort Miniature Golf
Honestly, no Orlando vacation is complete without a miniature golfing day with the family. Recently, Reunion Resort opened its very own Reunion Resort Miniature Golf for the entire fam bam to enjoy. The mini-course challenges family members to test their golfing skills with its provided golfing equipment available at the Tennis Shop. And as mentioned before, you don’t have to venture out to enjoy the fun! The location is open Wednesday-Sunday and welcomes guests of all ages to play.
3- The Sandy Ridge Splash Pad
No matter what your vacation plans are, there’s no way you can visit Orlando without a day at the pool. Reunion Resort offers many community pool areas throughout, but Sandy Ridge Splash Pad is definitely a family favorite. Just by the Reunion Resort Water Park, Sandy Ridge Splash Pad features built-in fountains, slides, and massive water buckets! Its beach-style entry also makes it great for families needing shallow waters for their tiny tots.
4 – Reunion Resort Bike Rentals
Reunion Resort’s acres and acres of neighborhoods and biking trails are great for the outdoorsy family. Guests can embrace the surrounding scenery while bonding with their loved ones with Reunion Resort’s Bike Rentals. Choose from single-rider bicycles or ride together on one of the Surrey bike options. Whether it’s a bright morning or a sunny afternoon, your family will enjoy every moment biking around Reunion.
5- Reunion Resort Playgrounds
A playground is such a simple activity but in kids’ eyes its hours worth of fun. Swing by Centre Court Ridge or Villas South to visit one of the two on-site playgrounds designed to help your little ones use up their energy with slides and monkey bars. They’re also conveniently near a few of resort pools, perfect for a day on-site.
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Planning a trip is never an easy task, but we hope that we’ve narrowed your mind down a bit with these awesome on-site amenities. Make sure to check out the best of Reunion Resort’s homes and condos and see which one best suits your family’s needs.
Until the next blog post, have a magical day!
Before you say anything, we already know what you’re probably thinking. A 2020 WDW vacation? That doesn’t even seem possible! Well, my fellow magical readers, the wonderful magic of Disney is a lot closer than you think. With all 4 Orlando theme parks re-opening their doors this past July operating on enhanced procedures and experiences, the Disney theme parks have made it possible for guests to re-discover the magic in newer and safer ways.
What we also know is that you do have to dive deeper into planning out your days. Park tickets are now requiring reservations and the Disney FastPass+ service is on hiatus until further notice. But don’t let this deter you from strolling down Main Street U.S.A, and don’t think you’re in this completely alone, either! We recently discovered a truly magical way to plan your visit to Walt Disney World® with the awesome WDW Park Planners and we wanted to give you the inside scoop as to why this MAY be the best way to say hello to the mouse!
What is WDW Park Planners?
So what exactly is WDW Park Planners? Well, we’re glad you asked! WDW Park Planners is the stress-free way to plan your entire WDW vacation, minus the hassle of planning. You’ll connect with your own full-service concierge and receive super exciting perks like customized itineraries that feature day by day, line by line, the BEST order to follow throughout your park visit, tailored to your family’s requests.
Your Custom Itinerary (Parks, Food, Stroller Rentals, and More!)
These customized itineraries also help optimize your time in the parks so you can get the most out of your vacation experience (with corresponding parks maps for added convenience). Your personal concierge will even put together the tiniest of details, like your daily stroller rentals for the little ones. At the moment, Disney FastPass+ service is unavailable, but once these are back in action you can trust WDW Park Planners to get these together for you as well!
And what’s a visit to Walt Disney World® without chowing down on their infamous meals and desserts? WDW Park Planners generates a reservation schedule for your favorite food stops to tie into your daily park visits, giving you peace of mind all the way down to the scrumptious meals you’ll feast on. Whether you’re ready to enjoy endless options at one of the many on-site character buffets, or you’re leaning toward a romantic dinner for two, your personal concierge will have it completely covered.
And with plenty of adjustments we’ve seen at the parks, there’s always a possibility that new policies or rules may arise. WDW Park Planners promises to constantly update you and your family with any changes the parks may have, keeping you in the loop at all times.
Meet the Owner and Founder
We were delighted to have an opportunity to chat with Colleen, the owner and founder of WDW Park Planners! An Annual Passholder and DVC Member herself, Colleen always finds time to venture from her Chicago home to our sunny Orlando. Colleen, who has recently visited the parks after their reopening, takes her personal theme park experience to create the most beneficial plans for your family.
In her words to us, she stated that “this is a once in a lifetime trip, so we want you to get the most out of it…” and we couldn’t agree more! As a vacation home business ourselves, we understand the importance of making the most out of your vacation experience. With all of the stressors of 2020, adding that touch of magic from a personal concierge can truly make a difference in your much needed Orlando vacation.
If you’re ready to make your magical Disney dreams a reality, book your Magical Vacation Home and head over to WDW Park Planners website to begin your Disney planning journey! You can also find WDW Park Planners on their Instagram and Facebook for the best theme park content.
And as always, see you in the next blog post and have a magical vacation planning day!
*All photos courtesy of WDW Park Planners*
As the sun rises on the Cinderella Castle and the Tree of Life, Walt Disney World® Resort welcomes guests to its theme parks once again. With two Disney theme parks now open and two more on the way on July 15, 2020, there have been many changes to ensure the safety of cast members and guests.
We knew that the Magic Kingdom® Park was going to be a must-visit during the opening weekend, so we wanted to give you guys a glimpse at its nearby neighbor, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. We had the opportunity to visit and gather some insight on what to expect, and while we were there to bring you the scoop, we realized how much fun the theme parks still are! So what can you expect in your future visit? We broke down some of the key changes you’ll notice on your trip to the theme parks.
Quick Notes Before Beginning…
Before guests may visit any of the four Disney theme parks, you must reserve your day online.
At this time, guests are only allowed to visit one park per day. The Park Hopper® and Park Hopper Plus® options are on hold until further notice.
The Disney FastPass+ service is on hold until further notice.
For more information on updated policies and procedures, please visit Disney Parks Returning to the World of Magic.
Park Entry and “Health and Safety” Notices
When you reach the park entrance, you’ll already begin to notice the stark difference in crowds just by the number of cars that enter. Upon our arrival, we didn’t even have to wait to pay for parking. It’s a nice change from the usual congestion we see and really does provide that peace-of-mind on arrival.
Once you hop out of your vehicle and make your way to the gates, you’ll be greeted with the new Health and Safety Notice sign that helps you determine if you’re able to enter the park.
As seen above, the notice notifies that they will be required to wear face coverings, undergo temperature screening, and practice physical distancing of 6 feet (2m) during their visit. The notice also states that “By entering Walt Disney World® Resort, you are confirming that you are not experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- You have not been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms without completing a 14-day quarantine
- You are not under any self-quarantine orders
If you are unable to confirm all of the above listed, you must not enter Walt Disney World® Resort. And while these newly enforced policies do seem a bit strict, they definitely aid in preventing the spread of sickness and we truly appreciate the effort that has been implemented!
Once you pass this notice, you will undergo a temperature screening prior to officially entering the park.
As long as your temperature falls below 100.4 after screening with a no-touch thermometer and you are wearing an approved face covering, you are granted entry (with your reserved admission, of course) into the parks!
Guests will notice upon entry that all Cast Members will be equipped with two types of face coverings, including protective masks and shields. Guests will also only be asked to scan their admission cards or MagicBand rather than scanning your thumbprint for sanitary reasons.
Physical Distancing and Inside the Theme Parks
The first thing you’ll come to notice when entering the theme parks is the stark difference in crowd size (for the better). Because of capacity limits in all four Disney theme parks, you’ll notice that entering the park and maintaining a distance between you and other guests will be a breeze.
This also makes for a fantastic opportunity to take amazing photos inside the theme park! Pose nearly wherever you’d like without interruption or heavy crowds walking by, just like below at Pandora: World of Avatar.
Attraction Wait Queues
It would only make sense that if the parks are less crowded, so are the queues, right? Well, that’s entirely correct. Over the weekend, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park rarely saw a wait time that jumped over 5 MINUTES.
Yes, we’re serious about this one. Most, if not all attractions at the theme park were practically walk-on’s, giving guests the chance to complete everything and still have plenty of time to re-ride their favorites.
And before you even ask the question, yes, this includes Avatar Flight of Passage, which is well-known for being one of the consistently busiest attractions on Walt Disney World® Resort property. Have you ever been able to walk onto this ride without a wait? It seemed near impossible in the past, but now it is a completely common occurrence. Time for those back-to-back attraction visits!
We’d also like to note that while fewer guests are riding the attractions, that doesn’t stop the Cast Members from ensuring that all rides are properly sanitized throughout the day as a way to minimize bacteria transfer on high-contact surfaces!
Quick Service Dining
Just like the rest of the theme park, the on-site quick service dining options were also extremely low capacity. This made it extremely easy to grab food and a physically distanced table without worry.
Walt Disney World® Resort is also recommending contactless payment by either paying with a tap debit or credit card, through a smartphone wallet or by completing a mobile order through the My Disney Experience app. All of these are additional ways to minimize the handling of high-touch surfaces for both cast members and guests.
Parade Viewings
Unfortunately (for now) parades and character meet & greet sessions have been put on hold in order to ensure guests have the chance to physical distance. BUT, you will have the chance to spot some of your favorite character friends and floats throughout the day! At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, guests may see water floats pass by during their visit, just like this one here!
And May the Magic Continue…
While things may be a bit different on your future visit to the theme parks, we guarantee that the magic still remains. We hope this overview gave you the insight you need for when you decide to plan your next vacation. And when you do, make sure to check out some of our extraordinary vacation rentals that may be ideal for your Orlando family vacation!
Thank you for coming along the Walt Disney World® journey with us! Until the next blog post, have a magical (and safe) day.
*As to Disney artwork, logos, and properties: ©Disney*
What’s not to love about renovations? We, the Magical Team, asked ourselves this just over a year ago and we immediately got to work. Over the past 12+ months, our staff has slowly begun introducing little changes, from a shiny new logo to exciting new email layouts. And now the day has arrived where we can introduce our greatest reno of all. We are thrilled to finally introduce to all of our guests the stunning new magical website revamp of MagicalVacationHomes.com.
We’ve taken your comments and suggestions and used these to bring you the best site yet. Rebuilt from top to bottom, our new magical website has been enhanced with a gorgeous modern layout, user-friendly features throughout, and added convenience to the guest booking process. Whether you’re browsing our villas on desktop or checking out property availability via mobile, we’ve worked to make sure that each visit experience is equally fast, convenient, and easy to understand.
Our Newest Features
Flexible Dates
We understand that there are times when you have a general idea of when you’re traveling, but you’re flexible on the set dates! This is why we’ve added the “Dates Flexible” tool, giving you the option to, well, weigh out your options! This tool not only allows you to view different check-in/check-out pricing, but it also may provide additional rentals to choose from.
Select from one to three days in flexibility and the timeframe you’re looking to travel around, and let our advanced property software do the rest. It’s that simple.
The Magical Blog
Read all about it (like you’re doing right now)! With so much going on in Central Florida every day, we know it may be challenging to keep up. Add ease to planning your getaway adventures with The Magical Blog, your guide to all things theme park, entertainment, holiday events, and more.
View our most recent posts on the main page for the most up-to-date news in the area and even within our company! Guests can also browse our organized categories to read about particular topics, like Walt Disney World® Resort or Universal Orlando™. We’ve also implemented a search box for those looking to go back to a blog they’ve already read.
Ready to read about the magic happening in Orlando? Head to our Magical Blog main page to view our other great posts.
The My Stay Guest Portal, Powered by Happy Stays
For the first time ever, your confirmed reservation will now be accessible through our new online guest portal, My Stay, powered by Happy Stays. Here, guests can view their property documents, booking information, add-on vacation services, and more.
To review an existing reservation on desktop, guests can locate the My Stay portal at the footer of our website. You may also head over directly to https://magicalvacationhomes.happystays.com/visitor-guide/#/login at any time. All you need to log on via desktop is your registered email address and check-in date.
For those using their mobile device, you can download the free Happy Stays app from the App Store and Google Play. Once you’ve downloaded the app, sign in with the access code provided in your Happy Stays email. You are now on your way to having all the information needed right at your fingertips. It’s that simple!
Once you’re in, you can click on any existing reservations you have on file and access everything you need to know for your upcoming getaway. From check-in and check-out times to the address and wifi password, you’ll be instantly prepared for your journey to Orlando.
Guests may also utilize our remote check-out option. Just let us know through the portal that you are on your way out and our teams will take care of the rest!
Have multiple guests in your party? Not a problem. Invite your family and friends through the “Invite Friends” tab so everyone can view the reservation whenever they please, keeping all guests in the loop 24/7.
For those deciding that they may want to add special services, such as pool heat, for example, may do so on the portal without having to call or email.
Our Magical Guest Moments
Each year we welcome guests from all over the world, and we are always thrilled when guests share their magical experience with us. With Our Magical Guest Moments, we are able to share with YOU the magical memories these families made.
We are always welcoming more guest experiences and would love to hear and see your vacation experience! If you would like the chance to be featured on our site or social media, just submit your favorite vacation photos and a small story about your getaway at the bottom of the page. We can’t wait to hear about your trip!
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These are only some of the amazing features you’ll encounter while visiting our new and improved website, and we cannot wait for you to witness it for yourself! See the best of it all at MagicalVacationHomes.com and while you’re here, feel free to book a vacation (or two) with one of our many Book Direct deals and specials.
Until the next blog post, have a Magical rest of your day!
For the past 13 years, we at Magical Vacation Homes have continuously worked to put our people first. Whether its the Magical staff or our thousands of guests from across the world, our top priority has always been to provide a clean and welcoming environment at every vacation rental we manage.
The cleanliness of our vacation rentals has, and always will be, held to the highest standards in the vacation rental industry. Keeping your vacation rental clean amid COVID-19 (and beyond) is no different and it’s our top priority to exceed the business standards in order to ensure your home and vacation is a worry-free one.
VRHP/VRMA Cleaning Guidelines
As we are following the recommended cleaning guidelines from the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) and Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA), we’ve begun an increasingly rigorous sanitization and disinfection protocol. These protocols protect both our guests and our staff, delivering peace-of-mind to everyone.
To provide our guests with more insight on what we’re doing before and during arrival and post departure, we’ve laid out a guide of our current practices below.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage
- For the safety of our staff (including housekeepers, inspectors, maintenance technicians, etc.), we are providing them with facemasks and gloves during all vacation rental visits, whether internal or external visits. All staff has been properly trained in correct mask and glove usage.
- Gloves will be changed between properties and during any in-property tasks. Our staff will wash their hands as soon as gloves are removed and between glove use.
- Any of our team members who arrive at work showing signs of illness, experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, or have come into contact with a person suspected of having the virus will be sent home and recommended to have themselves tested. Once we receive confirmation that this individual is healthy, we will welcome them back into our offices to continue serving our guests.
Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures
Gloves will be worn at all times while in the home and our staff will sanitize their hands both prior and post home clean in order to ensure no bacteria is spread.
Our team will also pay careful attention to high-touch surfaces including (but not limited to):
- Doorknobs
- Stair railings
- Telephones
- Remote controls
- Television buttons
- Sliding door handles
- Touch screens
- Kitchen appliances and fixtures
- Light switches
All of these surfaces will be cleaned with hospital-grade, EPA-approved disinfectants to ensure that they are disinfected to the highest standards.
Home Inspections
- Once these homes have been cleaned, our usual pre-arrival inspections will be performed to confirm that the villa meets the standards we have set. This final inspection confirms if a villa is show-ready and able to welcome its newest guests, making our procedures as thorough as possible.
Virtual Maintenance Assistance and On-site Maintenance
- All of our staff who may have to be on-site during your vacation have been properly trained on social distancing procedures, however, we have implemented new ways to lessen the chances that the maintenance team has to visit any properties currently housing guests.
- As part of our steps to provide guests the best service while maintaining a social distance, we are now beginning all troubleshooting via Zoom Chat. This will allow our team to troubleshoot any home issues with the guests. If any such case is not resolved from a virtual standpoint, the next steps will be taken for our staff or third-party vendors to visit the property.
- If any maintenance staff must enter the home while guests are in-house, maintenance will be protected in PPE throughout the visit. Our maintenance or third-party vendors may ask guests for the room or area to be clear from guests in order to perform their maintenance duties. This is for the safety of both our guests and staff members.
Virtual Welcome Meet & Greet
It is extremely important to us that guests get full usage of their vacation home. With that in mind, we have implemented a new Virtual Welcome Meet & Greet system via Zoom Chat, designed to give guests the chance to learn about their in-home amenities such as the Sonos music system, in-home theater rooms, and more.
Guests can opt-in for a Virtual Welcome Meet & Greet upon check-in and can choose a time that fits them best. Once scheduled, a member of our Magical Team will reach out virtually during the allocated timeframe to assist the guests with any questions they may have, and most importantly, welcome them to their home away from home.
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All of these updated rules are being implemented into our cleaning standards to ensure you and your family have a clean and comfortable home upon arrival. We thank you all for your ever-continuing patience and kindness during these times, and we cannot wait to have you back again! From all of us at Magical, we hope to welcome you into one of our clean Magical homes very soon and we wish good health and safety to you and your families.
For more information regarding any cleaning updates from Magical Vacation Homes, please refer to our VRMA SafeHome page.
There’s still a bit of magic in the air! See the BEST of Walt Disney World® and Orlando, virtually, from the comfort of your own couch.
COVID-19 has thrown a curveball at the entire world, leaving many of our favorite happy places at a standstill. As the days continue and the answers to many of our questions seem to be out of reach, we’re all beginning to discover ways to create our own joy in the comfort of our homes.
As avid park goers and Orlando lovers ourselves, missing out on the best of Orlando has caused all of us to be homesick in our own city. And with the thought that many travelers had to put a pause on their magical getaways, we wanted to find ways to create a bit of magic for locals and visitors alike, until we’re all able to return to the “most magical place on earth”.
Virtual Walkthroughs
We can bet that everyone is longing for the days where we can walk down Main Street U.S.A. with a Mickey Bar in one hand and a bucket of popcorn in the other. That feeling of utter childhood joy radiates throughout the parks with every visit and the magic of entering a new land sparks glee as you awe at the sights and sounds around you.
So what if I told you that you could still experience this from home? YouTube has been such a gift these days with virtual walkthroughs, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.
Magic Kingdom® Park
Marvel at the Cinderella Castle with a backdrop of endless blue skies in this full walkthrough tour of the Magic Kingdom® Park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Embrace the sights of Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia and more with this immersive walkthrough of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
Epcot®
Transport yourself to the future or see the world at the World Showcase with an amazing walkthrough tour of Epcot®.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Experience the Hollywood Glam, the land of Batuu, or even find yourself caught in “the twilight zone” as you watch this walkthrough of the ever-growing Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
A Little Bonus; Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in 360!
Haven’t been to Batuu, yet? Now’s your time to visit! This amazing 360 tour of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge provides you a daytime walkthrough of the newest land on all of Disney Parks’ property. Pop on your VR headsets or enjoy on your screen, the choice is up to you!
Virtual Attractions
Look out for that drop! It’s time to virtually ride your favorite attractions at Walt Disney World®. Check out the compilation of fan-favorite rides an attractions below that span across all four magical parks.
Magic Kingdom® Park
Splash Mountain®
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Peter Pan’s Flight®
Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Expedition Everest–Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
Kali River Rapids®
Na’vi River Journey
Epcot®
Frozen Ever After
Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet®
Spaceship Earth
Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Special Bonus: Virtual Orlando
Take yourself beyond the parks and walk through all of the Greater Orlando area’s most popular sights. With Visit Orlando‘s newest feature, Orlando Virtual Tour, online visitors can experience the city from their phone, computer or tablet. Stroll through I–Drive or visit Downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola Park. With over 10 locations to choose from, you’ll enjoy endless viewing of our “city beautiful”.
As COVID-19 continues to bring uncertainty to everyone, we hope that these bits of happiness help you get through the hard times we’re all facing. Check out YouTube for more of your favorite rides, experiences, walkthroughs, and anything else that sparks joy for you. As always, we continue to wish you and your families the best health and safety during these hard times, and we look forward to the days of exciting travel and making the magic happen.
Love is in the air here in Orlando, The City Beautiful, and Valentine’s Day events are no stranger to the area. From Kissimmee to Downtown and from the thrill-seekers to the romantics, there’s an endless variety of date ideas for the 2020 holiday.
Valentine’s Day is only a day away and we know that there are a few (or a lot) of you who are still trying to choose the perfect place, reserve the best dinner, or book that out-of-this-world Valentine’s event that will wow your other half. Not to worry! We’ve compiled a lovely list of date ideas that are guaranteed to make your partner swoon and, hopefully, love you forever (because we’re striving for true love this new decade).
A Valentine’s Dinner at Eleven
“Elevate your love to Eleven” at Eleven inside of Reunion® Resort. On Friday, February 14th, dine from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. with your partner and feast on a delectable four-course prix fixe dinner (view the menu here) prepared by Chef Sabrina Green with wine pairings chosen by Joel Vodola.
Your dinner will be complemented with breathtaking rooftop views of the entire resort grounds, making for an intimate evening surrounded by the beauty of Orlando. Prices range from $59 to $75 per person, depending on entree choice. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online or by phone at (407) 396-5397.
Wine Bar George
Situated in Disney Springs®, Wine Bar George is celebrating a weekend full of Valentine’s dishes (view the menu here) for those who can’t make it on Valentine’s Day. Enter this urban-style bar and restaurant’s warm and inviting dim-lit atmosphere and enjoy anything from small plates to fan-favorite charcuterie boards.
Choose from an assortment of over 20 different cocktails, beer, ciders, and frozen alcoholic beverages, or branch off of the Valentine’s Weekend menu by trying a wine from Wine Bar George’s award-winning list.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online, the My Disney Experience App, or by phone at (407) 490-1800.
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar
Join Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar in the “Tunnel of Love” this Valentine’s Day with a delectable dinner and dessert pairing inside of this intimate Italian restaurant.
Located in Disney Springs®, share a meal for two of a Stuffed Baked Maine Lobster complete with Lumache Pasta and finished off with a Torta Setteveli for dessert. Your date will be amazed by the collection of flavors in this one-of-a-kind Valentine’s dinner.
Those who like to dine with a glass of fine wine, Enzo’s extensive beverage menu is sure to satisfy all guests that enter.
Reservations can be made online, the My Disney Experience App, or by phone at (407) 560- 3696.
Love Month at ICON Park
Share your love high above the city of Orlando during Love Month at ICON Park. Until February 29th, 2020, surprise your love with one of two romantic Valentine’s packages.
The “I’m Sweet On You” Package (starting at $110) lets your special someone know that you’re “sweet on them” with its delightful touches of a private capsule for two, a rose, two glasses of champagne, wine or soft drinks, and a box of chocolate truffles to give or share. If you’re on a group date, reserve for extra guests in the same capsule for only $25 per person (includes ride and beverage). Want to share a full bottle of wine or champagne? You can do so starting at as low as $30.
Upgrade your night with the Romance Capsule Package (starting at $185) and have your capsule romantically themed with your full bottle of wine or champagne and box of chocolate truffles included with your package. Additional riders can be added as well for $25 including the beverage.
Reserve your romantic capsule online anytime before the end of February to secure your romantic evening with your significant other.
2020 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts
If you’re going to visit any theme park during Valentine’s Day, you’ll have to stop by Epcot® for the 2020 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts.
From now until February 24th, 2020, walk from country to country with your special someone as you try a variety of festival booths with small plates designed for the art enthusiasts of the world. You may even discover a piece of art too beautiful to pass up, making for a memorable and unique gift for your loved one.
Capture the moments with fun and exciting photo-op spots, visit stunning art galleries and so much more at the 2020 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts! Get your tickets with us here and add color to your heart this Valentine’s Day.
Cinderella at the Orlando Ballet
Enchant your date with the timeless tale of triumphant love at Cinderella, the ballet performance being held by Orlando Ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. With live music by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, this magical evening will take you back to your childhood while adding a sophisticated twist to the story.
Watch the art of ballet come to life with your partner from February 14th to February 16th, 2020. Times may vary, so please check the website for more details. Tickets start at $24 per person. Book in advance online or by calling (407) 426-1733.
Valentine’s Day at Island H2O Live!
While some look forward to a romantic evening, others plan for a day of thrills. Island H2O Live!, Kissimmee’s newest Water Park is offering a 2-for-1 special this Valentine’s Day.
Purchase a single-day ticket to the park by February 14th and receive one for your date for free! It’s a great way to enjoy the sun, relax down the lazy river or zoom down the slides together. Add some spark to your romance by spending your Valentine’s Day at Island H2O Live!
With these special places to visit and more beyond words, your Orlando Valentine’s Day, weekend, or month is sure to bring the magic of love to the two of you.
Looking to book a long-weekend getaway for your partner as your Valentine’s Day present? Make sure to swing by our website and see all of the Magical Vacation Homes we offer for your much-needed romantic vacation.
Until the next blog post, have a magical week and an enchanting 2020 Valentine’s Day!
New Disney Theme Park attractions you’ll want to visit in 2020? You know we prepared that list just in time for your next Orlando getaway.
With the dawn of a new decade and the welcome of a shiny new year, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney World® Resort is working on plenty of exciting theme park magic! It’s almost as if every time we log onto the internet we’re greeted with new rides, restaurants, and even stage shows. With all of the information to take in, it can be quite daunting when getting down to the nitty-gritty of vacation planning.
In particular, we’ve seen an endless list of “coming soon”‘s from both Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Epcot®! The two of the four lands are planned to introduce added experiences throughout the year which gives guests all the more reason to purchase their multi-day park tickets.
So without further ado, we’ve put together some of our picks for YOU to visit this year and every year after (because visiting once is never enough)!
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Alllll aboard! We bet you didn’t expect to see Mickey & Minnie star in their very own attraction, especially one like this! Hop aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the wackiest train trip any Disney Theme Park has ever seen. This first-of-its-kind adventure welcomes you with unanticipated twists at every turn with no telling as to where your train may be heading, and we think that’s the most exciting part!
Find yourself zooming through a world of waterfalls (yes, waterfalls), carnivals and more on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, opening March 4th, 2020 (Mouse rules apply).
Space 220
Unwind and dine in a space station situated 220 miles above planet Earth at Space 220. Set to open this winter, get ready for a journey like no other where you’ll feast on mouth-watering American dishes with a collection of fine wines and craft beer.
Visit Space 220 when it opens this winter at Epcot®!
New Epcot Films
January at Epcot® has been a whirlwind as it’s introduced FOUR spectacular shows to its guests.
Awesome Planet, which can be found in The Land pavilion, guides you through planet Earth with breathtaking visuals of the land and sea. It’s a wonderful show for children as it gives them the chance to embrace the remarkable beauty of the world around us (and it’s truly amazing for adults, as well).
The Canada pavilion’s classic 360 film that we’ve all come to know and love was an adventure, but it’s time to be greeted with new and improved cinematography. With the dazzling addition of Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, you’ll have the chance to explore Canada like never before. Take in the scenic views that surround you during this breathtaking presentation.
Warm-up your vocals, head over to the France pavilion, and get ready to sing along some of your favorite songs! Nestled in a cozy French cinema, enjoy a 15-minute film featuring songs from one of our favorite animated classic’s, Beauty and the Beast.
Before you leave the World Showcase, make sure to stop by the China pavilion to witness Wonderous China, the new movie that will also feature a 360-degree format with immersive music and eye-catching scenes of China’s natural beauty.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Speaking of the World Showcase, you may want to hang around there a little longer because along with the sing-along, you’ll have the opportunity to shrink to the size of Chef Remy and take on a WILD adventure.
Race through Gusteau’s restaurant with everyone’s tiny chef in the thrilling new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! We still have a little bit to go until this one opens in the summer, but for those of you waiting for school to finish for the kids, it’ll be the perfect time to experience the all-new ride! Get ready for France’s first ride attraction coming in summer, 2020.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
The magic of shrinking down to the size of a toy is about to get a touch more magical. Coming this year, Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will be home to Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant. Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at this table-service rodeo surrounded by some of Andy’s favorite toys, games, and playsets.
With all of these much-anticipated additions, there’s no doubt that this is the perfect year for a visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks!
So, what are you waiting for? Get that Magical Vacation Home booked, choose the perfect theme park tickets for your family, and pack those bags for the getaway of a lifetime!
Until the next blog, have a magical (and theme park-filled) day!