Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!
Welcome back to the Happily Adventures After blog. We’re almost at the end of our “Week in the World” series—just two more posts to go! But don’t worry, another adventure is just around the corner.
In today’s post, we’ll explore the fun and exciting activities my family and I enjoyed around Walt Disney World and the Reunion Resort/Kissimmee area. While we love staying in the Disney bubble, we also enjoy branching out and experiencing other local attractions.
Let’s dive into our favorite spots!
Celebration, Florida
If you haven’t heard of Celebration, Florida, it’s a charming, master-planned community originally developed by The Walt Disney Company. Known for its picturesque streets and friendly atmosphere, it’s often referred to as the “American Dream Town.” My family and I visit Celebration every time we’re in the area; it’s a place we truly love.
Here are some of our top picks in Celebration:
Kilwins Celebration Ice Cream
This delightful spot serves some of the best ice cream we’ve ever had. We always make a point to stop here, often enjoying a scoop after a walk or before a visit to Starbucks.
Starbucks
Located conveniently in Celebration, this Starbucks is a familiar stop for us. It’s not unique in its Disney design, but it’s perfect for a quick coffee break during our visit.
Upper Crust Pizza Cafe
For authentic New York-style pizza, Upper Crust is a must-visit. Whether you choose to dine in, take out, or enjoy their bike delivery service, the Diego pizza with ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and basil is a standout favorite.
Food Truck Friday
Every Friday evening, Celebration hosts Food Truck Friday at Lakeside Park. With a variety of food trucks and a lively atmosphere, it’s a fun community event we always look forward to.
Street Fairs/Celebrations
Celebration frequently hosts street fairs and festivals on weekends. The holiday events, especially the December ice rink and snow effects, are particularly magical for the entire family.
Woof Gang Bakery
Although my beloved dog passed away recently, we still cherish our memories of Woof Gang Bakery. This pet boutique offers treats and accessories for pets, and the community is very dog-friendly.
Promenade at Sunset Walk, MargaritaVille
Located in Kissimmee, just a short drive from Walt Disney World, the Promenade at Sunset Walk offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Here are some highlights:
Bahama Bucks Original Shaved Ice Company
This chain is perfect for refreshing smoothies and snow cones. With over 100 flavors, it’s a fun spot to cool down with a unique treat.
Ford’s Garage Famous Burgers and Craft Beers
Ford’s Garage in Champions Gate is a favorite for its delicious burgers and fun, vintage automotive-themed decor. The burgers, particularly the Estate Burger, are exceptional. The Champions Gate location offers better food and service compared to the Promenade at Sunset Walk location, which has additional fees.
Festivals
Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts various festivals throughout the year, including classic car shows and other community events. They’re always enjoyable, though not quite as established as the celebrations in Celebration.
Champions Gate
Just outside Reunion Resort, Champions Gate is a well-developed neighborhood with a mix of resorts, restaurants, and shops. It’s about 30 minutes from Disney World and features a variety of dining options, including Ford’s Garage. The area is ideal for a relaxed meal after a park day.
Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland
When it comes to shopping, we prefer the Orlando Premium Outlet on Vineland. It’s cleaner, less crowded, and offers better deals compared to the International Drive location. If you’re into shopping, this outlet is a must-visit.
Mall at Millenia
For a touch of luxury shopping, The Mall at Millenia is a standout destination. Located closer to Universal Orlando Resort, it’s a beautiful mall with high-end shops and a unique atmosphere. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a visit just to enjoy the ambiance.
With that, we have nearly come to a close on this Week in the World! I can’t believe this trip recap is nearly complete!
Last up in this series is our (very interesting and eventful) drive home from Florida to Ontario, Canada! I can’t believe it!
We can’t wait to “See Ya Real Soon” back on Happily Adventures After!
Have a terrific and blessed day,
London
Note: Tax in the Orlando area is an additional 6.5 to 7% 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.
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