This past weekend I was able to take a break from everyday life and go on a little staycation with my friend Jenn. She was coming to town for a Best Damn Race event anyway, so the timing worked out perfectly. We we loaded up the car and headed to the Wyndham Orlando Resort on International Drive. I’m not usually one to spend the weekend on I-Drive, but I was excited about being a tourist in my own town for the weekend.
Check in at the resort was a breeze and it was no time at all before we were walking into our room. Each of their 613 smoke-free guestrooms are recently renovated, featuring sleek design and inviting amenities. Thoughtful touches, such as complimentary WiFi and in-room refrigerators, allow you to truly make the space your home base, whether for business or a family trip. The resort is also pet friendly, so even the furry members of the family are welcome to join the fun. Our room even had a separate area for the kiddos that included bunk beds, a beanbag chair, and it’s own TV.
After getting settled into our room it was time for dinner. When they tout that they are in a “walkable neighborhood” they aren’t kidding. Within a mile of the resort were tons of restaurants, shops, and even Icon Park where The Wheel is located. Our restaurant for dinner was less than a mile away so we decided to take advantage of the overcast evening and walk to dinner. It is always a good idea to burn some extra calories before a big Italian dinner right?
We decided to head to Icon Park after dinner and see if we could take a night ride on The Wheel. I’d only been on during the day and was interested to see what it was like at night. It was SO COOL! The ride takes about 27 minutes and you are in a fully enclosed, and air conditioned, pod that can hold up to 10 people. We lucked out and were able to get a pod to ourselves. Just about the time we got to the top of the wheel I looked over and saw that the Magic Kingdom fireworks had just started. We had a fabulous view of the entire show! If you are going to take a night ride, do what you can to get on between 9:15 and 9:30 – it is totally worth it.
The next day we had our Best Damn Race event to go to, but that didn’t stop us from spending some of our afternoon by the pool. The Wyndham has two beautiful pools and a hot tub, surrounded my ponds and plants. You definitely FEEL like you are in Florida when you are sitting poolside. It is officially summer in Florida which means you can bet that there will be an afternoon storm (or two) to mess up your day, but we lucked out and got in a bit of pool time before the showers hit.
Even if the weather does keep you from the pool there are plenty of other options on the property to keep you busy. The lobby offers a technology center with computers, giant family games, and plenty of space to relax with a cocktail or cup of coffee. You don’t even have to leave if you get hungry. Their poolside restaurant, Gatorville Poolside Bar & Grill, is open for all three meals and includes a bar of its own.
That night we took advantage of the weather once again and walked to dinner. Worried about the rain? That is what umbrellas are for! We only hit a tiny bit of rain on each leg of our walk, so it wasn’t a deal breaker at all. Walking definitely beats trying to catch a trolley or driving. I-Drive has a lot of things, including traffic. Take it from me – walking is the best option.
Sunday morning we decided to get up and hit the fitness center before checking out. Whether you need to unwind or gear up for a long day, their state-of-the-art fitness center has everything you need for a great workout, accessible via key card entry 24/7. Afterward, they even have a steam room and sauna to help you drift into total relaxation. For such a family friend resort we were REALLY impressed with the fitness center. Throw in the great views of the pool area and grounds and it ALMOST doesn’t feel like a workout. Almost.
It was so great to just “get away” for the weekend without having to really go anywhere. The Wyndham Orlando Resort had everything we needed to feel right at home during our stay. I have to say that one of my favorite parts was the fact that once we go there we parked the car and didn’t have to get back into it again until we left at the end of our stay. I love being able to stay places where I can walk everywhere. This was the perfect spot to play tourist for the weekend!
Want to plan your own staycation? Visit http://bit.ly/wyndhamidriveMOTM to save 20% off your stay!
*Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary stay and other perks by Wyndham Orlando Resort. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
