Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando NYE 2016

2017 is just around the corner. If you're going to be in the Orlando area, you might be overwhelmed with the options available to you. Sit back and relax we have done some of the hard work for you. Here are our Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando NYE 2016.

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Escape to Reunion Retreat: The Quintessential Orlando Luxury Vacation Home

The Holidays Have Arrived

Season's Greetings! After the constant reminders crowding your inbox, tv, radio, and your general field of vision, the holiday season is finally here. This is the time of year when the term 'busy' takes on a whole new meaning. It's a trade-off - with the stress comes excitement, and with all the planning, the happy anticipation of a joyful reunion with friends, family, and loved ones. 

A Holiday Dilemma with a Wonderful Solution 

Family and friends are coming to visit and they will see and explore your home. Perhaps adding to the excitement - they may choose to spend a few days... and saying 'no' becomes so difficult this time of year. You have your options: you might have a spare bedroom or two, or you can reconfigure your den, have them potentially sleep on your floors. Your guests can sleep on spare inflatable mattresses, your couch, or you can choose to think outside your 4 walls and bring them all comfortably together in 14,500 square feet luxury mansion. This spacious and elegant luxury villa is one of Orlando's most premier vacation rentals and has something to offer everyone. Each guest can have their own peaceful escape this season and still share moments together for entertainment and relaxation. 

A Vacation Rental With Something for Everyone in the Family

This villa home comes extraordinarily well-appointed and includes a home theater with a 100" projector screen and a 1080p HD projector, a private swimming pool, a spillover spa, a bbq, a fire pit, and a large patio perfect for an evening of relaxation after a long day at the parks. There's a 50' flatscreen tv in every bedroom, and wifi is complimentary. There's even Minecraft and a Hello Kitty themed bedrooms that are certain to be a hit with the kids. If there are new parents in the mix there is a pack 'n' play and a high chair available for your use. Do the kids have a little extra energy at the end of the day? Are they tired just sitting around? There's a full arcade room with a DiscGlo Shuffle Table, Skee-Ball®, 60-in-1 Multi-Arcade Machine, Arcade Legends 3, Pac-Man’s Arcade Party, Bumper Pool Table, and of course a Foosball Table to keep them busy and happy. 

Reunion, Florida is at the Center of Everything

The property is situated in Reunion, Florida, and it's close to everything. Disney World is a short six miles away and Universal Studios 19 miles away, and of course, there is plenty of shopping around the corner at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and the Florida Mall. Enjoy all the culture, dining, and entertainment that the downtown Orlando area has to offer. There's a magical balance of things to do to keep you busy. If relaxation is in the cards, this great holiday getaway has it in spades. 

Holiday With Business in Mind

This home is also the perfect place for a company or business holiday retreat. The dining and conference room has a large table with seating for 32, the ideal setting for meetings. Need to make a presentation or conduct a training? The theater room has a comfortable and professional setting with its large projection screen and ample seating. There are several areas where your company can entertain groups, clients, or colleagues in a relaxing atmosphere.

Take the Virtual Tour

Find Out More or Take a Tour

If you're interested in having a look around, why not have a "test drive" and go on a virtual tour? Interested in booking, but need to know the finer details? Visit our vacation rental page or give us a call us toll-free at 1-855-453-5400. Don't wait until the last minute. Book your luxury holiday before its too late! 

Enjoy a Most Festive Holiday Dinner at a Top Recommended Orlando Restaurant This Season

Image courtesy of Emeril's Orlando

Emeril’s Orlando

The atmosphere at Emeril’s in Orlando is always festive and located at the epicenter of Universal’s CityWalk. Its trendy modern interior is spacious and jovial. The thirty-foot ceiling adds to the energy of the room, and you can view skillful chefs at work in the open kitchen. Dine on the second floor for greater privacy.

Bold and exciting Creole-based flavors are served with contemporary flair. On the menu you’ll find traditional New Orleans cuisine with added delish: Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken + Andouille Gumbo or New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp for lunch. If you are a pizza connoisseur, try a wood-oven baked Duck Pizza with brie, arugula and honey crisp apples, or perhaps a Prosciutto Pizza with smoked tomato sauce, Maytag bleu and baby arugula. Entrees include Shrimp & Grits, Sweet Barbecue Salmon, and Grilled Pork Chop celebrity chef style. Match your mouthwatering choice with a unique wine from their 10,000 bottle wine gallery, or enjoy one of the restaurant’s creative specialty cocktails to top off your culinary experience.

Image courtesy of Emeril's Orlando

Spend Christmas at Emeril’s Orlando

Chef Doug's team at Emeril's Orlando has crafted the following Christmas Special served from noon – 9 p.m. on December 25.

·      Blue Crab Avocado Salad with herb buttermilk dressing & fried green tomato

·      Confit Duck Salad with kale, candied pecans & cranberry balsamic vinaigrette

·      Crab Crusted Trout with lyonnaise potatoes, meunière sauce & green beans

·      Smoked Holiday Ham Chop with a pineapple glaze and gulf oyster dressing

·      16oz Prime Rib with roasted potatoes & broccoli gratin au jus

You can also spend a spectacular New Years Eve at Emeril’s Orlando.

Call 407-224-2424 to make a reservation or visit EmerilsRestaurants.com

Mitchell’s Fish Market, Winter Park

The Italians celebrate their Christmas *Feast of the Seven Fishes, and so can you when you choose to dine at Mitchell’s Fish Market this holiday. Obsessed with freshness, from the market catch of the day to freshly squeezed drinks, this restaurant is an up-treat for every seafood lover. While the menu offers a vast array of seafood goodies, you can safely bring along a meat lover for a filet mignon or rib eye.

Mitchell’s Fishmarket is serving a special menu both Christmas Eve (11am-9pm) & Christmas Day (noon-9pm). How does this sound? Chef’s Lobster & Shrimp Stuffed Sea Bass with roasted tomato hollandaise, sautéed asparagus & smashed redskins, or a Holiday Surf & Turf – 6oz filet mignon, crab-stuffed shrimp, white wine garlic sauce, smashed redskins, sautéed asparagus & hollandaise.

Call 407-339-3474 or reserve a table online at mitchellsfishmarket.com.

Columbia Restaurant, Celebration

Dine authentic Spanish-Cuban cuisine at this historic restaurant only minutes from Disney.  From Cuban sandwiches to Spanish Tapas, this restaurant successfully serves unique dishes in old-world-style dining rooms. Sip wine from a splendid wine list before Celebration’s picturesque lake and savor every bite made from century-old family recipes.

Columbia Restaurant is open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Years Eve. A special menu with traditional Christmas features is offered on Christmas Day as soon as they open 11am.

Call 407-566-1505 or visit ColumbiaRestaurant.com to reserve a table.

Rent a luxury vacation property to extend your Holiday experience this season. Call 1-855-453-5400 or visit us online at ReunionVacationHomes.com to book now.

*The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration.

How to experience the Spookiest Halloween in Orlando Florida

No other city offers world-class year-round entertainment like Orlando. Each season or holiday inspires new innovative opportunities to thrill, and Halloween may be the most exciting time for thrill seekers to visit “O-Town”. The big theme parks offer incredible experiences, but they are not the only ghastly events taking place. The entire city becomes haunted with ghouls, zombies, and mutants in festive horror.

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights

Sept 16 – Oct 31

The most infamous of all Halloween events is no doubt the Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. Get your tickets in advance if you wish to hang with the most badass maniacs around. This years’ horrifying events include: The Exorcist, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, American Horror Story, The Living Dead Halloween – Hell Comes to Haddonfield, Krampus, Lunatics Playground 3D – You Won’t Stand a Chance, Ghost Town: The Curse of Lightning Gulch, and Tomb of the Ancients. Phew! Let me take a breath before my next paragraph…

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Sept 2 – Oct 31

If you are traveling with little ones Walt Disney World offers Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney After Dark is more magical than haunting, but the thrill-o-meter still hits the top notch. This is the time when all the villains come out to celebrate in The Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular. The habitants of the Haunted Mansion come out to play in the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. Shake it loose with Mike and Sulley from Monstropolis when you attend the Scream-o-Ween Dance Party, and don’t forget to dress in your finest Halloween costume to Trick-or-Treat Throughout the Park.

SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular

Oct 1 – Oct 30

SeaWorld offers park-wide Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets along with other Spooktacular Highlights such as the Cookie Decorating Station and the Frozen Fun Zone. Strolling Entertainment will accompany the Trick-or-Treaters: Gummy Worm Wanda, Swedish Fish Suzy, Salt Water Taffy and many more.

Other Boo-Town Scares

At Legoland you can Brick-or-Treat, and if you didn’t think there was anything scary about Lego, check out the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world and other scary Lego creatures.

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Zoo Boo Bash is a great family event that includes a haunted hayride to a Pumpkin Patch.

The Spooky Empire Horror Convention takes place October 7 – 9 and includes celebrity guests Millie Brown from the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” and Weird Al Yankovic.

A Petrified Forest takes you on two outdoor scare trails along with live music and food.

If you are looking for more traditional Haunted Houses you can visit The Haunt at Old Town in Kissimmee, (close to Reunion Vacation Homes properties). The event includes five haunted zones, two haunted mazes, and Zombie Tag along with entertainment performances, decorating contest, Halloween costume contest and more.

So, are you ready to bask in the sunlight while ghoul hunting in the moonlight?

Orlando is the place! From sunny & lazy days at the pool to thrills in the theme parks and extravagant entertainment at night, O-Town has it all. Come on over – we’ll hook you up with a not-so-scary-but-sweet-pad.

Many more Haunted Houses, Halloween parties, performances and events can be found throughout the Orlando and Disney areas. Check out our social media for additional updates and insights.

Stay in Fall of 2016 and Save!

Get 20% off when you stay at a select Reunion Vacation Homes property within Fall 2016. Must meet a 4-night minimum stay. Valid on NEW reservations ONLY. Only Applies to reservations departing before Dec 17th, 2016. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts. Subject to availability.

BROWSE PARTICIPATING PROPERTIES

Increase Your Vacation Property Bookings: Theme and Game Rooms Edition

 

We often receive the question “How can I get more bookings?” We understand that increasing your rental revenue is an important part of your investment. As your business partner, this is also an important aspect for us! Our motto has always been “if you are successful, we are successful”. So how can we both succeed in bringing more guests to your rental home?

With increased competition from new inventory coming into the market it is more important now than ever to stand out from the crowd by making your property memorable. One thing to keep in mind is that a great majority of our guests are families with kids traveling to theme parks, and Disney is one of the top destinations. Your rental property is in short proximity of these parks, so you are already on the right track of your investment plan! What’s next? To attract more families, why not make your rental property kid friendly? Here are a few things that could help:

Theme Rooms

As you may know, kids influence vacation planning. Theme rooms with the kids’ favorite characters would make their dreams come true and they would beg their parents to stay in one of those homes. We do not recommend wall stickers as they easily peel off. Instead, local artists can design and paint artwork that will stay on the wall for the years to come. Whether you own a condo or a large home, a theme room could help you make a statement!

Game Rooms/Areas

Families with kids do not always go out. Therefore, in-house activities are always a big plus. Here is where game rooms come into play. Air hockey, pool and Ping-Pong tables would keep the whole family entertained. Even if you don’t have a whole room to spare, sometimes adding games to a loft or a den can make great impact. 

Do you own a condo or townhouse and don’t have much space? A games console, such as PlayStation or Xbox can be a great addition. We will add this to the description of your property and advertise it. 

Already have a games room? How about adding a theme to it! Kids would have the best of both worlds when you combine their action characters with their vacation playground. 

Added bonus: Having kids play in the games room instead of the main part of the house could help you reduce wear and tear of the home! #justsaying

Can’t decide on what which theme to create? 

Star Wars is here to stay! Disney is creating a Star Wars themed land that will attract fans and get everyone into the galaxy battle hype. Want to keep it less adventurous? You can’t go wrong with the classic Mickey, Minnie or the now-trending Frozen theme. 

Ready to stand out and get more bookings? 

We truly feel that theme and game rooms will help your rental revenue, it has proven time and time again to increase rental activity and revenue. Feel free to reach out to us and give us your thoughts and plans. We have some portfolio ideas that can share with you.  We can also assist you with quotes from local artists and interior designers who could turn your home into an attractive family adventure!

What do you need to bring when spending a day at a Disney Theme Park?

4th of July 2016 in Orlando Florida - What a Party!

What's going on at Disney World during Independence Day?

Magic Kingdom

The iconic Cinderella Castle will light up with spectacular fireworks during the “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” The show will start at 9 pm on both July 3 and 4.

Epcot

Great American songs will be performed by Voices of Liberty at the America Gardens Theater at 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, and 3 pm. Head on over to the American Adventure if you wish to meet Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed as true American patriots. What will you wear to match them in the photo op? The evening ends with “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”, and the show will join the celebration with an addition of an all-American grand finale.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Ready for the “Coolest Summer Ever” dance party? The DJ kicks off at 5:45 pm and keeps the party going until the fireworks go off at 10:15 pm.

Be Prepared & Enjoy the Day Amidst Crowds, Humidity and Unfortunate Surprises

While in the midst of civilization, it helps to think of Disney as a Fort Wilderness (pun) to avoid unfortunate circumstances. Take control of your Disney experience by considering the small and simple needs that often arise when you're away from home. Pack for maximal comfort with minimal effort:

• Hair clip - A very small item you'll appreciate greatly when your hair is soaked from rain, a flume ride, or sheer perspiration from the hot and humid Florida climate.
• Rubber band - A small universal tool second only to duct tape. Coupled with some imagination, it can fix or replace items due to the most unexpected predicaments.
• Safety pin - Your #1 protection against wardrobe malfunction! It's already part of every woman's survival kit (aka purse), but carrying a purse is not the best way to experience a theme park.
• Lightweight Rain Poncho - It packs compact and can be purchased ahead of time if you wish to save money or when you first enter the park. You want to avoid standing in line...in the rain. It also makes for great flume ride wear if you wish to avoid getting drenched at the splashy final.
• Fanny Pack - So out of style, yet so useful! It's the perfect extra "pocket" when you can't bring a bag on a ride.
• Sun block - Many stores sell mini applicators that clip on to your belt loop.
• Hand Sanitizer -Because germs - yuck! Also comes in small clip-on applicators. You don't want to hunt down a restroom location to just wash your hands.
• Portable Phone Charger - So worth the money!
• Granola Bars - Kids have a knack for getting hungry on their own schedule.
• Tissue - Carry a few. They don't take up much room.
• Band Aids - Because you never know...

Vacationing in Orlando? What else is there to do in the Disney area during 4th of July?

You can also enjoy an "All American 4th of July" at the Celebration Town Center. Celebration’s downtown is designed to look like a small American 20th-century architectural style town. The town is directly connected to Walt Disney World resorts via World Drive, which begins near Magic Kingdom. Celebration hosts many more events throughout the year: an art show, an exotic car festival, a Radio Disney Holiday concert, an Oktoberfest Celebration, a "Great American Pie Festival", a "Posh Pooch" festival, and other downtown events for the Fall and the Holiday seasons.

Visit our Orlando Area Guide for more tips and useful information.

Reunion Vacation Homes Employees Enjoy a Day with Universal and U

A Universal Orlando Sales Training Program

When you visit Reunion Vacation Homes’ website and social media platforms, you will see that we are always keeping an eye on the Orlando entertainment scene. We’re eager to share our insight, special tips, and upcoming news with our guests. As locals we have first hand experience as well as special training provided by the large entertainment providers of Florida.

We recently enjoyed an opportunity to attend a Universal and U training session to learn all of the important pointers that will help us maximize your experience during your vacation at Universal Orlando®. We also partook in some very exciting news about upcoming events and new rides at Universal Orlando®.

What’s New?

Skull Island: Reign of Kong®

New Ride Summer 2016

The most exiting news this summer is the multi-sensory, multi-dimensional, colossal new thrill, Skull Island: Reign of Kong®. Your past movie experience will seem diminished once you’re immersed in the expedition of Skull Island, where everything is COLOSSAL, coming to life before your eyes. Thrill seekers can’t wait to visit this new ride when it opens at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® this summer.

If you wish to get a sneak peek of what to expect, the Orlando Informer incudes videos and an image gallery that is sure to give you a thrill teaser.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster®

Roaring Back in Summer 2016

Meaner and Greener than EVER they say. This roller coaster was already one of the best roller coasters in Orlando, so we can’t wait to experience the thrill-packed enhancements of this ride once it re-opens this summer. One of the reasons I personally enjoy this coaster is because it maximizes the thrill yet remains pleasant. I don’t enjoy getting jerked around or feel nauseous, but this ride is fast while smooth. I’m ready to join the line!

Wet’n Wild® Will Be Closing – Giving Way to Universal’s Volcano Bay®

Since Wet’n Wild® opened in 1977, it’s been an innovational trendsetter. It’s now scheduled to close December 31^st while a new exiting water park, Volcano Bay®, opens. Until its closing, Wet’n Wild® will continue to thrill and provide a great experience for the entire family.

Having had the opportunity to create a completely new water park, Volcano Bay®, Universal has redefined the experience to be highly immersive, surrounded by the tropical paradise so many seek when visiting from the rainy north. Volcano Bay® has also been built to cater to the entire family. If you’re vacation is scheduled around the closing and opening of these two parks, you’ll have the opportunity to visit both. Now that would earn some bragging rights!

Race Through New York, Starring Jimmy Fallon®

Sounds strange? Perhaps, but knowing Universal, this ride is bound to include cutting edge technology that will wow you as you speed off on adventure, visiting top landmarks of the Big Apple while enjoying laughter and excitement.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter®

From Hogsmeade® to Diagon Alley® on the Hogwarts Express®

The biggest draw for many when choosing to vacation at Universal Orlando® is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter®. It’s not just the rides that are immersive; you enter a completely different world when you visit Hogsmeade® and Diagon Alley®. This is also one of the best reasons to purchase a Park-to-Park ticket so you can visit both parks and be able to ride on the Hogswarts Express®. You’ll regret buying a one park ticket and find your access limited in the Wizarding World.

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights®

Universal is not only set on making everything bigger, better and faster, but also scarier. If you are vacationing Orlando during September 16 – October 31, you can purchase a separate ticket and experience true fright. This year they’ve added the Exorcist and Chainsaw Massacre movies to their haunting experiences. If you enjoy the likes of mutants, monsters and zombies, you can hang with them at Universal Orlando. Be sure to get your tickets early!

As Orlando is always growing and improving, don’t forget to check in with us here at Reunion Vacation Homes. We’re happy to hook you up with a nice place to stay to ensure your entire Orlando vacation exceeds your expectations.