Soak up some famous Florida sunshine this summer in Orlando! Enjoy the beautiful sunny weather and keep cool at the same time at some of the area’s best water parks – conveniently located near our magical rental homes. Keep reading for useful info on the best water parks around. Walt Disney World is home to two award-winning Orlando water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both offer a unique theme and exciting experiences the whole family can enjoy.

Blizzard Beach

As legend has it, one year a freak snowstorm came to Florida. A ski resort popped up for all of the tourists to enjoy the slopes, but when all of the snow melted, Blizzard Beach water park made its debut! This ski-resort themed water park is home to the thrilling Summit Plummet – a 12 story free-fall body slide. If sliding down one of the highest and fastest water slides on Earth isn’t your thing – no worries! A leisurely lazy river winds through the park for total relaxation, as well as a whole kiddie section named Tike’s Peak, full of fun for the little ones.

Typhoon Lagoon

The other Disney water park is Typhoon Lagoon, themed as a tropical paradise after a crazy typhoon-storm. The centerpiece of this park is one of the largest wave pools in the world. This park also features plenty of places to relax along artificial white sandy beaches and family attractions like the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and Mayday Falls raft ride. This summer, the park is debuting H2O Glow Nights, staying open at night, for the first time in the 29 years since opening, for a nighttime party with the Toy Story characters.

Volcano Bay

Universal Studios Orlando debuted its new park in 2017 with the opening of Volcano Bay. The water park is themed around a 200-foot tall volcano named “Krakatau” and features a technology-driven experience with a wearable wristband called TapuTapu. The TapuTapu wristband holds your place in line so you can relax and enjoy the park instead of waiting in long lines for popular attractions. There’s a great balance for relaxation and thrills at this gorgeous Polynesian themed park.

Aquatica

SeaWorld Orlando’s water park continues SeaWorld’s themes of animal education and conservation. The most popular slide in the park takes a plunge through the dolphin pool, and the new Ray Rush family slide promises a thrilling slide, splash and soar with the whole family.

LEGOLAND Water Park

Slide, splash and build all day at the LEGOLAND Water Park! There’s some fun for everyone with attractions and slides to the all-new Creative Cove, where you can build and race your own LEGO boat! Beat the heat and still spend some quality time with the whole family at the LEGOLAND Water Park!

Reunion Resort Water Park

You don’t even have to go far from your gorgeous vacation rental home to experience a great Florida water park experience! The Reunion Resort Water Park is 5 acres of tropical Florida fun, with three water slides, a lazy river and a kids play park. In order to spend time at this park, please be sure to register in advance as a Reunion Resort House Guest if the option is available for your rental home – if you have any questions about this, please be sure to reach out to our Care Team and they will happily answer any questions you may have to ensure your vacation is magical!

Windsor Hills Splash Park

Enjoy the brand new community splash park and water slides in Windsor Hills! Windsor Hills Resort is located only two miles away from Disney with all of the amenities of a luxury resort paired with the comfort, convenience, and privacy of a high-end vacation home, at just fraction of the cost! Be one of the first guests to enjoy the brand new pool enhancements when you stay in one of our Windsor Hills properties!

Your Magical Vacation Home

Sometimes, you don’t even have to leave your backyard to stay cool and have fun in the sun with your whole family! Relax in privacy with your own backyard pool, soak up some Florida sunshine and spend quality time with your loved ones. This beautiful Reunion home, Designed for Vacations, even has a waterslide in this infinity pool with a spillover spa. Get details and check availability HERE Looking for some privacy and relaxation? Stay at The White House at Reunion to enjoy the LARGEST infinity pool in Reunion. To add to the ultimate relaxation, the property is bordering a nature conservation which adds to the feeling of privacy and has a private sauna  Learn more about this beautiful villa HERE I hope you’re ready to splash your way through the summer at some of Orlando’s finest waterparks! If you’re looking for tickets to these exciting experiences, check out this website for some great deals! Book your dream vacation with confidence now at MagicalVacationHomes.com! Until the next blog post, we hope you have a magical day!The city of Orlando is known for theme parks and family fun but there is more the city offers. Enjoy the night out with your loved ones with the Magical Dining Month which begins on August 25th, 2017 until October 1st, 2017 where you have over 100 restaurant options which offer three-course, prix fixe dinners for just $35 USD. Choose from some of the finest restaurants in Orlando such as The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Urbain 40, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, STK, and much more. You can view all the participating restaurants to make your selection. We recommend to call your restaurant of choice and make a reservation for your special night. This event can be a great way to spend with your family while conversating over dinner of your favorite time during your vacation. Not only will you have a great time with your family but you can also save on fine dining. This year the Magical Dining event support Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundations and all the participating restaurant will donate $1 USD from each meal. Not only are you spending quality time with your family but you are giving back to a great cause. If looking for a vacation home to experience Magical Dining Month, look no further. Magical Vacation Homes offers 2-14 bedroom homes to choose from. Our newest villa, The Magic Villa at Reunion features a lazy river, a private pool and spa, games room, theater room, secret playroom, fun kids bedrooms, and more. You and your family will enjoy every moment during your next vacation. Our reservations team is available 7 days a week to help you plan your vacation, you can also check out our website with live calendars available.   Until the next blog post, we hope you have a Magical Day!SeaWorld Electric Ocean is a new summer event running from June 17 through August 5, 2017. This event is included in regular park admission and features spectacular shows, fireworks, live entertainment, and glowing sea creatures. Let the rhythm take you away with a DJ and live performers inspired by sea creatures at Club Sea Glow. All ages will enjoy dancing the night away. Be sure to see POP, a unique show that brings you world-renowned bubble masters, lights, lasers, music and bubbles perfect for the whole family! Shamu’s Celebration: Light up the Night, is a crowd favorite incorporating Shamu, music, and production elements. Head over to Sea Lions Tonite to see your favorite sea lions in a night-time parody of SeaWorld’s best shows and attractions. End the night with Ignite, a firework display that is sure to WOW! The bright colors of the sea will fall down around in this nighttime show. Plan your summer vacation to Orlando and stay in some of the best vacation rentals while visiting world-class theme parks. Continue the underwater theme with this 8-bed vacation rental located in Champions Gate. Until the next blog post, have a magical day!Traveling as a family on a budget? When traveling with family, expenses can reach the ultimate high prices. According to Forbes, Orlando is the most affordable destination in the U.S. The warm weather, theme parks, water parks, and resorts make Orlando a perfect vacation destination for a family getaway.

When traveling on a budget, we have a few tips to help you stay on track. First, we recommend planning your travels ahead of time. Typically, during the summer season, you can expect the flight prices to be high. If you can travel during the off-season, spring or fall, you can see instant savings. Secondly, decide which attractions are most important for your family to visit. If traveling with children, it is likely Walt Disney World will be first on the list. Many attractions offer special offers for Canadian guests. Walt Disney World is offering a Special Ticket Pricing from now through May 20^th, 2017 for Canadian Residents. There are more attractions that offer discounts just for Canadians, such as, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, and more! We also recommend Kissimmee Guest Services to our guests looking for discounted park tickets.

When looking for accommodations, private vacation rentals offer the most for families on a budget. Vacation homes offer extra amenities, a full kitchen allowing you to prepare meals, and provides more space and privacy that you just can’t get while staying in hotels. With all of these key features, your family will save money enjoying the amenities in the home, the full kitchen allows you to prepare meals in the home so you can avoid eating out, and there is no need to reserve multiple hotel rooms to accommodate the whole family. Here at Magical Vacation Homes, we specialize in 2 to 14 vacation rentals with hotel-style amenities located just minutes away from major theme parks. Our newest villa located in Reunion Resort can accommodate up to 14 guests and was created with guest feedback in mind. Designed for Vacation is a 3,330-sq. ft. pool villa full of fun for all with theme bedrooms, a retro games room, movie room, extended deck with fire pit, and more. Save up to 40% on a last-minute getaway now through the end of May! Let us help you plan your next vacation with our reservations team available 7 days a week or check out our website with live calendars. Remember, Orlando is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world and has something for everyone to enjoy. Until the next blog post, have a magical day!Enter a world full of spring wonder, fresh flavors, incredible topiaries, and fun interactive activities for the whole family!  Take part in the annual International Flower and Garden running from March 1 to May 29, 2017, in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Eat tasty treats from the outdoor kitchens offering farm-to-table plates. Wander the World Showcase and sample dishes and drinks from around the world. Dance the night away to the Garden Rocks Concert Series that runs on weekends with different artists each weekend. Be sure to check the artist’s schedule to see which artist is performing each week!

Offering over 70 topiaries throughout all of Epcot. Highlights include topiaries of Anna and Elsa, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Enjoy special exhibits and gardens including Butterflies on the Go, Floating Mini-Gardens, and the Illuminated Gardens. While visiting the theme park capital of the world, stay in one of our new luxury villas. The whole family will truly unwind in a fully equipped villa with a private pool, theater room and themed bedroom for the little ones! Until the next blog post, have a magical day!Epcot is debuting a brand new festival and showcases three artistic areas including visual, culinary and performing arts. The International Festival of the Arts runs Friday through Monday from now until February 20, 2017! This event is perfect for all ages with tasty dishes, captivating performances, and incredible artwork. Culinary Arts You can visit Food Studios throughout the World Showcase. Tasty highlights from the Food Studios include the Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Trio of Savory Croissant Doughnuts, BLT with Crispy Pork Belly, and the Classic Reuben. Each different food station offers food in different artistic styles including Pop Art, Deconstructionism, Modernism, and Renaissance just to name a few. Performing Arts Be wowed by a variety of live performances! Your family can enjoy the Disney on Broadway Concert Series including Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tarzan, The Lion King and more! Be sure to view the schedules of concerts before visiting the park. There are other shows to choose from including the Community Arts Showcase, Art in Performance, and The Show Must Go On!. All of these shows are held at select times on select days, so be sure to check out the time’s schedule! Visual Arts Immerse yourself in Disney art with seminars, must-see exhibits, workshops, photo ops, and portraits. View exhibits from all over the world and even purchase some of your favorite pieces. Learn the basics of pieces from the artists themselves and even be the student in professional workshops. Be sure to visit Epcot for this new festival before it ends February 20! Call our reservationists today for help finding your perfect vacation rental! Check out this 9 bedroom villa with tons of upgrades, private theater, games room, and private pool! Until the next blog post, have a magical day!Join in the Mardi Gras fun at Universal Studios Orlando!  Florida’s biggest party doesn’t stop and runs every night from February 4 through March 25, 2017. This year’s Mardi Gras will have 12 amazing concerts, millions of beads and one over the top parade, and great Cajun food for you to enjoy! The concert series runs on weekends throughout the whole event. Concert dates include: Saturday, February 4th: Trace Adkins Saturday, February 11th: Ne-Yo Saturday, February 18th: Collective Soul Sunday, February 19th: X Ambassadors Saturday, February 25th: Fifth Harmony Saturday, March 4th: Kool & The Gang Sunday, March 5th: Olivia Newton-John Saturday, March 11th: UB40 Sunday, March 12th: Toby Keith Saturday, March 18th: Jason Derulo Sunday, March 19th: Earth, Wind & Fire Saturday, March 25th: The All-American Rejects Enjoy authentic Cajun food including jambalaya, Creole gumbo, Andouille sausage, red beans & rice and beignets. While strolling through the courtyard with your mouth-watering food, you can listen to musicians straight from the streets of New Orleans. Gather around the streets for a view of the parade running every night at select times. The whole family will be awed by the over-the-top floats, stilt walkers, and performers. Little ones will have their own viewing area so they are sure to see everything! The Little Jester’s Parade viewing area is right in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop. Don’t forget to find the perfect vacation villa for your family’s February getaway!  Our new 9 bedroom villa is the definition of luxury and will give your family enough space and entertainment options. You will even have an 81 ft parameter pool, 2 games rooms, and custom themed bedrooms! Until the next blog post, have a magical day!Walt Disney World recently provided a behind the scenes glimpse of the new rides in Pandora: The World of Avatar. The two main rides are Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage. Na’vi River will allow riders cruising aboard a boat through a glowing forest. Flight of Passage will take riders on a more immersive Soarin’ type attraction. This new area will open summer 2017 and be a completely immersive world with floating mountains, thrilling rides, and bioluminescent flora. 2017 continues to look like a great year for the theme parks in Orlando. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will expand with the addition of Pandora: The World of Avatar and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will grow with a Star Wars area. Be sure to stay tuned for more information on additions to the theme park capital of the world. With 2017, right around the corner, begin planning your new adventures and stay in any of our luxury vacation rentals. Stay in the magic in our recently furnished 5-bed villa in Reunion Resort complete with a custom Star Wars game room. Until the next blog post, have a magical day!The holiday season is here and there are a lot of activities happening in Orlando. For the months of November through December, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld are offering tons of Christmas fun! The Universal Orlando Theme Parks are featuring The Macy’s Holiday Parade, holiday shows for all ages, The Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular, and even a New Year’s Eve Party at Universal CityWalk. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take your breath away with fun balloons and floats just like the parade in New York City. You can also feel the spirit of Christmas with music and festivities of Grinchmas featuring a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale. From the dates of November 7 through December 22, 2016, Walt Disney World has a special ticketed event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. It is filled with holiday joy as Mickey and friends celebrate the season for guests of all ages. There are many celebrations happening such as Mickey’s Merriest Celebration, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and the most popular Holiday Wishes Dessert Party. The Holiday Wishes Dessert Party allows guests to have an exclusive view of the Wishes Fireworks with many dessert options to choose from. You do not want to miss this celebration and the beautiful Christmas lights decorating the Castle! Planning a last-minute holiday vacation? Magical Vacation Homes have brand new luxury homes now available for you to enjoy the holidays in. Our newest luxury rental, Castle Pine Villa, is an 8,300 sq. ft home with 9 beds and 10.5 full baths featuring south-west facing 48 ft parameter pool, games room, theatre room and more. Let us help you plan your next magical vacation with our reservations team available 7 days of the week or check out our website with live calendars available 24/7. Until the next blog post, Happy Holidays!With the reimagining of Disney Springs comes plenty of new entertainment possibilities. The Coca-Cola Store is an exciting new addition that is sure to please a variety of visitors. The new store offers 3 floors of everything Coca-Cola, ranging from home decor, clothing, and most importantly soft drinks from all around the world. The Coca-Cola store is perfect for any age. The little ones will enjoy the chandelier made out of recycled Coca-Cola bottles while the adults have a variety of unique alcoholic beverages to taste. The real highlight for everyone is the breathtaking view the 3rd-floor offers. On this floor, you will find a rooftop bar that serves soft drinks for everyone and Coca-Cola inspired cocktails for the adults. Just picture more than 100 drink choices to choose from! One of the most popular items on the menu is the International Tray that features 16 different flavors that take your taste buds around the world! Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream with 6 choices of soft drinks from Tastes of the World. Disney Springs has opened more retail stores such as Lacoste, Kate Spade New York, MAC, Sephora, Under Armour, Vera Bradley, Oakley, and more. The newly designed area also offers restaurants with a variety of flavors including American, Asian, Irish, Mexican, Cuban, and more. On your next vacation, visit the newly re-imagined Disney Springs for a night of fun, lots of food, and a more wonderful vacation! Planning a last-minute vacation? Make sure to visit our website to find the perfect villa for your family. Castle Pines Paradise is a brand new 4 bed and 3.5 bath luxury home in Reunion Resort with private pool, summer kitchen, a games room, and located off the 2nd hole of Tom Watson Golf Course. Let us help you plan your magical vacation with our reservations team available 7 days of the week and live calendars. Until the next blog post, have a magical day!