The Orlando area theme parks really go all out when they decorate for the holidays.  Universal Orlando Resort does a fantastic job Christmasing up Hogwarts and the rest of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Magic Kingdom's holiday decorations are legendary.  And don't forget about the spectacular New Year's Eve celebration at Epcot.  This year, however, Disney's Hollywood Studios is going all in with the spirit of Christmas.  I'm looking forward to the decorations, fireworks and projections, as Hollywood Studios shows that it is in the holiday spirit just as much, if not more, than the other parks around Orlando.  This year, Hollywood Studios is introducing a holiday themed transformation of Sunset Blvd call "Sunset Seasons Greetings".  Along with some spectacular decorations along the Sunset Blvd section of the park, expect to see some amazing projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel (aka the Tower of Terror).  There will be four special holiday themed projections on the building, which include “Toy Story” as seen in the photo above.  Toy Story is just one of of the four special projections that will be shown on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The others will include:

• Mickey and Minnie reminisce about hometown Christmas as a romanticized, Norman Rockwell-inspired scene changes from black & white to color
• The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbles in front of giant gingerbread houses
• Olaf pines over his holiday wish and iconic music from “Frozen” plays as the scene transforms into a winter wonderland – complete with projected falling snow and dancing Aurora Borealis lights

In addition, don't be surprised to find yourself walking through snow flurries as you walk around the park.  Also returning this year is Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam!, a holiday inspired fireworks display.  While you may think that Disney's Hollywood Studios could be the park to miss during it's construction phase, these holiday offerings may be enough to entice you back.  These are only a few of the seasonal treats to enjoy at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios Christmas celebration available November 9 - December 31.

In other great news, we still have December booking dates available, including Christmas day, at our Kissimmee Orlando vacation rental villa!  The best time to visit Disney and Universal Orlando over the holidays are the weeks leading up to Christmas.  It gets you in the holiday spirit without the increased crowds that arrive between Christmas and New Years.  It's worth taking the kids out of school for a week and enjoy the relative calm before the storm!  Best of all, when you stay at our Encore Resort at Reunion vacation home, your holiday also includes unlimited free access to the Encore Club's amazing water park.  If your family loves waterslides, look no further.  If you have any questions, send us a note.

There is nothing like music to awaken the soul.  I recently had the pleasure of attending Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival and took in a few days of music at the Eat to the Beat concert series.  When I was there, Air Supply was the featured band.  They were playing over the course of 3 days and had three sets per day - 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm.  My plan was to watch one set and continue to enjoy my day at the Food and Wine Festival.  I ended up watching 4 sets over the course of 2 days!  Each set was different and the band was amazing.  I think the fun of being at Walt Disney World rubs off onto the bands and it was obvious they were having a great time.

​​After enjoying the shows, I realized how this would be a great opportunity for adults to visit Walt Disney World as a group and attend a free concert during their visit to Epcot.  And what a great time for a group of mature adult friends to attend Disney World.  During the Food and Wine Festival, the park is set up as a foodie paradise, where you can travel around the world and enjoy multiple dishes and beverages from around the world, take in a few seminars and maybe even see a taping of The Chew.  If you are a group of 3 - 6 couples, there is no better place to call home during this adult themed Walt Disney World holiday vacation than our 6 bedroom villa (each bedroom with ensuite) at the Encore Resort at Reunion in Kissimmee - Orlando Florida.  The best part is, after a day at Epcot enjoying the music, food, wine and rides, our vacation home is only an 8 minute drive from the park, where you can return to enjoy the private pool, theater room, games room and hot tub.  And don't forget to set aside a day away from the theme parks to relax at the Encore Club Water Park Oasis - enjoy poolside food and beverage service while you lounge by the enormous pool or, for the adventure seeker, head down one of the fun water slides.  Take a break and head inside the clubhouse restaurant or bar, or take your drink to the comfortable outside terrace's lounge chairs and couches. 

Let us help you arrange this adult getaway to Disney World.  Click here to book our Encore Club Resort at Reunion vacation home in sunny Orlando Florida!

Aldi Discount Grocery chain is building a grocery store near Reunion Resort at the corner of Osceola-Polk Line Road and Old Lake Wilson Road.  For those of you familiar with the Publix grocery store near Reunion Resort, this will be right across the road.  That's just 2 miles south of our Encore Resort at Reunion vacation home travelling on Old Lake Wilson Road.  This news comes on the heels of the news of the Old Lake Wilson Road Walmart Supercenter near Disney World opening this December.  The Walmart is just a couple miles north of our Kissimmee vacation villa.  It's clear to see that our home is not only in the best vacation home community near Disney World, but also perfectly positioned to be in the middle of some of the best grocery stores for vacation home guests.  More reasons to choose the Encore Club Resort when picking an Orlando vacation home!

In addition to the Aldi, the developer is under negotiation to build a Taco Bell and a Tire Kingdom store, as well as a fourth still to be named tenant.