Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy Hey Everyone!

Welcome back to Happily Adventures After!

Do you remember when I said we enjoy staying “Off Property” on our Walt Disney World vacations more than “On Disney Property”? Well, today I am going to explain to you why that is!

We do enjoy staying on Property at Walt Disney World Sometimes.

That sometimes being if we are doing a short weekend  trip, and/or is happening before a cruise. For instance, my husband and I have stayed on property before heading out on a Disney Cruise which provided exceptional customer services and ease of transfer from the Walt Disney World Resort hotel (Animal Kingdom Lodge will still be the best yet!) to the Disney Cruise Line terminal.

In most instances, my family and I enjoy staying  longer (3+ nights)we book off Walt Disney World property specifically at Reunion Resort and Golf Club in Orlando. This is going to be the focus of today’s post; I can’t wait to tell you why we LOVE it here!

Reunion Resort and Golf Club

From Reunion Resort and Golf Club’s website it says “Experience a Florida lifestyle like no other. Reunion Resort offers an endless array of features to explore including three signature golf courses, a 5-acre water park, tennis center, and a variety of dining options. Reserve your stay with us and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!”

For over 15 years staying at Reunion Resort and Golf Club, I can attest that memories will last a lifetime. Reunion Resort and Golf Club offers a vacation experience like no other. I cannot recommend this resort any more than I do!

A Resort Oasis

Something my family and I love about Reunion Resort, is that the possibilities for your family’s enjoyment is endless. 

My family and I, in the over the 60+ times we have visited, have not completed or seen everything that Reunion Resort has to offer. Reunion Resort is continuously adding new activities for each member of your family to participate in. If someone in your family enjoys golf (not me, not at all…I can’t do it), there are three signature golf courses designed by legends of the sport. 

Additionally, there are also seven wonderful restaurants and bars offering a variety of food offerings (my personal favourite is the Lobby Sushi Bar), a 5-acre water park for the whole family to enjoy endless fun under the sun, and seven inviting community pools plus Resort Resort Activities (for an additional fee) such as golf lessons, mini putt, tennis and so much more. 

The resort, a gated and secure community, offers an excellent atmosphere for family walks or individuals who enjoy running short or long distances (I’ll take 5k or even 10k runs any day here!). This family resort sets the stage for a truly luxurious and  memorable vacation experience.

Reunion Resort also allows Wedding Bookings, Golf Retreats, Business Conferences and Social Groups/Gatherings. 

Resort Living at Its Finest

During our April 2024  stay, we had the pleasure of residing in one of Reunion Resort’s luxurious 3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom villa (or condos) located in “Villa South”. These various Villas are scattered throughout six distinct communities within the resort. My personal favourite area to stay is either Center Court Ridge or Villa South. 

These villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, epitomize upscale comfort and convenience. From spacious living areas and fully-equipped kitchens, full size washer and dryer, the absolute best and comfiest beds I have ever possibly slept in, to private balconies offering breathtaking views, every aspect of the villa exudes elegance and tranquility.

Additionally, Reunion Resort also features various vacation homes to rent for your stay. 

The vacation homes, ranging from 3+ bedrooms, are developed to fit your family’s needs and wants on vacations. 

Did you know…? You can even book the specific property you and your family would like if you want. 

We have stayed in a few vacation homes within Reunion Resort and have LOVED them! The atmosphere is excellent, various themed bedrooms, coupled with having your own pool makes for a lovely time. 

I think my favourite vacation home we stayed in was back in 2011, on Excitement Drive! This was our first visit to Reunion Resort and made a lasting impression on us. Every time I run or drive by this home with my family we talk about this as the “home that started it all”. It is truly an unforgettable experience. Here is a link to see all of the homes you can rent!

Some things included with Reunion Resort (as stated on their website) are;

• Unlimited Water Park Entry
• Access to 3 Signature Golf Courses (fee per person to play golf and equipment/cart rentals)
• Complimentary On-Resort Shuttle Service to take you to and from Reunion Resort Areas
• 24-Hour On-Site Check-In
• One-Touch Guest Services
• Cashless On-Site Purchases Available (I will note that this is a BIG push – there are very fun to any areas within the Reunion Resort area that accept cash, even for tips)
• High-Speed Wi-fi
• Complimentary Business Center (ie. if you need a printer! I will admit I have used this more times than I thought I would to print things)
• On-Site Property Care

Not listed on the websites, but as seen from the countless times in Reunion Resort, the Resort has  24-hour Resort security that drive around the property in addition to the gated community screening. 

Reunion Resort Fees

I will note, Reunion Resort charges additional fees on top of your base rate to stay. These fees can include: 

• A Parking Per Day Fee of $25 USD/$35.25 CDN 
• An Occupancy Tax, 
• A 5% Processing Fee of your total stay, 
• A Villa Resort Fee $45.40 per night USD or $64.02 CDN for Resort Villas
• The Vacation Rental Homes charge an additional:
  • Departure Cleaning Fee of $200USD/$282 CDN)
  • Property Protecting Fee. 
  • The Vacation Rental Homes Resort Fee is $40 USD/$56.40 CDN per nightI find the additional fees charged at Reunion Resort opposed to a Walt Disney World Vacation comes out cheaper for what you get. 

I would highly suggest booking through Reunion Resort directly; not through something like VRBO, AirBnB or another vacation rental. This ensures you have access to all Reunion Resort amenities and are taken care of by the Resort Resort staff. The staff, when booking directly through Reunion Resort, can ensure that your vacation is up to par (how many puns am I at now?! I stopped counting haha). 

If you are booking through a 3rd party, there is no way to ensure that you have access to the amenities the Resort backing you if needed. I, nor my family, have and will not book through a 3rd party to stay here.

The Reunion Resort Surrounding Experience

One of the aspects my family and I appreciate most is its proximity to both the excitement of the parks and the convenience of essential amenities. 

Being just 25 minutes from the Walt Disney World parks’ main gate, 35 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort, 5 minutes from Champions Gate, 20 minutes from Celebration Florida, on average 35 minutes to the Outlet Malls and Mall at Millenia (ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE MALL!) 15 minutes from Target or Wal-Mart, Reunion Resort is a central hub to it all!  You are also very close to grocery stores (Publix), chain fast food and sit down restaurants, a hospital, gas stations pharmacies and so much more.

Did you also know…?

Reunion Resort allows you to purchase Theme Park tickets such as Walt Disney World on property. If you did not purchase your Walt Disney World Tickets in advance, this is a great opportunity to do so. Reunion Resort also provide, through Florida Bus Service, a complementary shuttle transportation on a schedule to and from Walt Disney World Parks (Ticket and Transportation area to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios).  

Transportation does need to be arranged 2 hours prior to departure on their schedule. If you have a wheelchair or mobility need, Reunion Resort can accommodate you, however they ask that you call Florida Bus Service Dispatch at 407-857-8557 to speak to/inform the drivers at least 24 hours to your departure. I have not done this before as we always rent a vehicle or drive our own but I think it is a great option!

If you are staying at Reunion Resort  you will need to provide yourself transportation (ie. Uber/Lift, Rental Car) to and from the Orlando International Airport and/or other airpots and areas such as any beaches.A Culinary Journey

Reunion Resort’s dining offerings are a highlight of our experience. 

With a variety of dining options and styles of cuisines, Reunion Resort offers excellent offerings that can keep you coming back for more. For instance, Drifters Bar & Grille at the Water Park provides a delightful array of snacks, light meals, and refreshing beverages, perfect for fuelling fun-filled days by the water. My favourite to eat at Drifters Bar and Grille is either;

• Chicken Tenders (yes I’m an adult who enjoys Chicken Tenders) for $10 USD (or about $14.10 CDN at 1.41 exchange) plus tax
• Chicken Nachos for $10 USD plus tax (or about $14.10 CDN at 1.41 exchange) also. 

Our Favourite drink is a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri or a Pina Colada without alcohol. The prices are not listed on the website, however I do think the non-alcoholic drinks are about $7 USD ($9.87 CDN at 1.41 exchange) plus tax per drink. 

I want to give a shout out to CeCe at the Waterpark’s Drifters Bar & Grille who was absolutely specular for customer service. She was a great server and wonderful at her job!

For a taste of exquisite sushi, excellent starters, wonderful sides, delicious desserts and creative cocktails, I highly suggest you check out the Grande Lobby Sushi Bar during your visit. The Grande Lobby Sushi Bar is located in the main lobby of the Reunion Resort Grande building (main building). Open Tuesday-Sunday in the evenings (hours may vary), I find this area notably beautiful. I think it is a great place to people watch; from individuals checking in, coming in from their rounds of golf, or wondering around the resort, there are many reasons to explore the Reunion Resort Grande Lobby. 

Personally, I suggest you indulge in fresh sushi rolls;

• Grande Reunion Roll which is “Shrimp tempura, cucumber, steamed shrimp, toasted sesame seeds & chef has special sauce” for $15 USD ($21.15 CDN) per roll (about 6 pieces) plus tax 
• Guamuchilito Roll which is “Shrimp tempura roll, cream cheese, avocado, tempura flakes, toasted sesame seeds, teriyaki & sriracha hot chilli sauce” at $16 USD ($22.56 CDN) per roll (about 6 pieces) plus tax

If you want to elevate (literally, seriously you are at the TOP!) your dining experience at Eleven, the resort’s rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Orlando. 11 floors on top of the Reunion Resort Main Building Eleven boasts excellent dining experience. You can savour small plates paired, large plates, desserts and tapas with craft cocktails while enjoying live entertainment, creating a truly memorable evening against the backdrop of Orlando’s skyline. I have not eaten here since the resort has changed it’s menu within the year, however, I will say this place is incredible!

There are 3 other restaurants on property including Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse “Traditions” offering Brunch and Dinner, the Watson and Palmer “Clubhouse” offering Breakfast and Lunch and the Resort Grande 7593 Chophouse which offerings dinner Tuesday – Saturday. These restaurants are absolutely great!

Much like Advance Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World, I would highly suggest going onto Reunion Resort’s Dining webpage and making advance reservations (other than the Lobby Sushi Bar which does not accept reservations) for these restaurants via OpenTable (there is a link per restaurant).

A Paradise of Activities

Aside from culinary delights, and wonderful accommodations Reunion Resort offers a plethora of activities to suit every preference. 

From tennis and pickleball courts for sports enthusiasts, many community pools to swim in, a mini golf course, a fitness center, excellent places to run or walk around the resort, award wining golf courses, and so much more… there’s something for everyone. 

If you and your family would like to rent a bike or golf cart to ride around property, Reunion Resort will let you do this. There are playgrounds for both you and your family to enjoy scattered around the Resort Community (I can attest that these are fun for adults and children alike). 

There is also many resort activities that are put on by Reunion Resort for members and visitors alike such as pool parties, and holiday based activities. Some of these activities are for a fee and some are complementary.Reunion Resort provides excellent signature designed, award winning golf courses by some of the greats. From the Reunion Resort website; 

“Whether you arrive for an early morning tee-off, a weekend tournament, or an afternoon round of 18 holes, Reunion Resort’s three signature golf courses will offer an unparalleled golf experience in Orlando. Reunion is the only destination in the world featuring courses designed by iconic PGA legends Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus all in the same place.”

I will be honest I don’t golf. My dad and husband do. I have not played this at any of these courses however they have. They have both said it is a great experience and wonderful course to play. I will note that the various Golf Pros have played these courses for work and personal enjoyment. They say that these courses are accessible for anyone and are very well designed.  

Memories Made, Dreams Unfolded

Our time at Reunion Resort and Golf Club transcended expectations, weaving together moments of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights. Whether lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or teeing off on world-class golf courses, every experience at Reunion Resort leaves an indelible mark, creating memories that last a lifetime. 

I am not kidding when I saw that my family and I as we pack up to go home, look at our calendar and pick our next dates to come back to Reunion Resort. There is something about this place that is always special to my family and I. We cannot wait to come back again and get to enjoy what the Resort and comment have to offer. 

Reunion Resort will always be home to me. I don’t care where I am or what I’m doing, this place is home and I would love one day to actually live here. It and the community  are truly what dreams are made of (Hey now, Hey Now this is what DREAMS ARE MADE OF! Thank you Lizzie McGuire). 

Well, that’s for today’s post but more will be to come on Universal Orlando, our Disney Springs evening and what we love to do around the Kissimmee and Orlando area; specifically on this trip.

Thanks so much for reading and listening.

As Mickey Mouse himself says, I’ll see you real soon!

Have a Great Day,

London

Note: Tax in the Kissimmee, Fl area is an additional 6.5%- 7% (depending on the area) on your bill

Note: The Canadian Exchange rate quoted above is 1.41 CDN on 1 USD. This is what we paid at the time, not including credit card fees added, if applicable