Lake Buena Vista Resort Blog

Celebrate Independence Day in style at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa—your home base for 4th of July excitement in Orlando! Whether you're looking to relax by the pool, enjoy festive treats, or catch dazzling fireworks nearby, we've got everything you need for a red, white, and woo-hoo! weekend. And when it comes to fireworks, Orlando lights up the night sky with some truly spectacular displays. Here are some of the top spots near the resort where you can experience the magic this 4th of July:

Long before it became a place of relaxation and family fun, the site of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa held a secret.

Excitement is building in Central Florida as Orlando prepares to host multiple matches for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a global event that’s expected to draw fans from all over the world. This marks a major milestone not only for soccer in the U.S. but for Orlando as an emerging international sports destination.

Orlando is a guaranteed fun city for all family members, including Dad. So if your family is planning to spend Father’s Day with an Orlando vacation filled with family fun, we are sure Dad will have an amazing time.  But if you want to go the extra mile and ensure you plan an activity that is specially geared toward your main hero, here are a few recommendations:

“May the 4th Be With You” started as a pun and has turned into a full-fledged holiday known as Star Wars Day. Dive into the Star Wars universe with an array of exciting activities and experiences tailored just for fans like you. From themed events to special screenings, discover all the ways you can celebrate this iconic day in the City Beautiful. Join us as we honor the Force and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Star Wars galaxy!

If you find yourself in Orlando during the vibrant month of May, particularly on the cherished occasion of Mother’s Day, you’re in for a treat! Orlando, a city renowned for its enchanting theme parks, cultural attractions, and natural wonders, offers an array of delightful experiences tailored to celebrate the special bond between mothers and their loved ones. Here are some handpicked suggestions to ensure your Mother’s Day in Orlando is nothing short of magical.

Earth Day is the perfect time to step outside, explore nature, and teach kids about the beauty of our planet. The very first Earth Day took place on April 22nd, 1970 as a response to the oil spills, air pollution and water pollution found throughout the United States. It was recognized as “the planet’s largest civic event” and has led to the development of laws to help improve our planet’s climate. Orlando offers plenty of family-friendly ways to celebrate while embracing the great outdoors. Here are some fun and eco-friendly activities to make the most of Earth Day with your family!

Orlando, FL, is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers, families, and entertainment lovers. With exciting new additions coming to Orlando theme parks and world-class Orlando attractions, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for visitors.

Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! If you’re seeking the perfect way to celebrate your love in Orlando, we’ve got you covered. Explore these romantic Valentine’s Day ideas that are sure to make your heart flutter with joy and create lifelong memories with your special someone.

Check out the incredible lineup of holiday activities happening right here at the resort.

Updated November 4, 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Every year guests from all over the world visit Orlando during the holiday season to partake in what can only be described as magical, memory-making adventures! With cooler air, temperatures that range from 70-80 degrees (most days), our world-famous theme parks, diverse culinary scene, and scandalous shopping deals, Orlando is THE most coveted city to spend this joyful time of year! Check out some of the cheerful events you just can’t miss during your Orlando vacation.

UPDATED October 28, 2024, will continue updating until Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World® isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie; it’s a magical time where the spirit of gratitude meets the enchantment of Disney. As families gather to give thanks, the parks transform from Halloween, into a winter wonderland of festive decorations, exclusive parades, and special dining experiences that create unforgettable moments. Disney’s renowned restaurants take the traditional Thanksgiving feast and blend classic favorites and innovative culinary creations. From character dining experiences to lavish buffets, guests are treated to a delectable array of dishes designed to make this Thanksgiving truly memorable.

Looking to make Thanksgiving in Orlando memorable without all the cooking? Orlando’s vibrant restaurant scene has you covered with a variety of options for a delicious holiday meal. From traditional turkey feasts to unique, chef-inspired menus, check out our roundup of Orlando restaurants serving Thanksgiving to make this holiday both stress-free and satisfying.

Orlando comes alive with fall fun as pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and festive events take over the city! Starting this weekend, the fall festivities kick into high gear. Whether you’re exploring local pumpkin patches, getting lost in corn mazes, or enjoying food festivals and craft beer tastings, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular events you won’t want to miss during your Orlando vacation.

Updated September 13, 2024

Updated September 13, 2024

It’s time to experience September and October in Orlando! The scariest time of the year is right around the corner, and Orlando’s Theme Parks have plenty of Tricks and Treats up their sleeve! Fall is one of the best times of year to visit your favorite attractions. Fall crowds are smaller which means the wait times for your favorite rides will be shorter. Make sure to book your tickets early for special events at your favorite theme parks;  Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween and Halloween Horror Nights, are scheduled for select nights after the parks close throughout September and October.

Join us for an unforgettable summer fun! We have an array of activities and treats lined up to ensure everyone has a blast.

Spectacular Fireworks Viewing Spots in Orlando for an Unforgettable 4th of July
The 4th of July is a time of celebration, patriotism, and dazzling fireworks displays. And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa in Orlando for this year’s Independence Day, get ready for an incredible experience! Orlando is renowned for its sensational fireworks shows, and we’re here to guide you to the best spots to catch the sparkling spectacle.

Embarking on a journey to the enchanting city of Orlando? Whether you’re gearing up for thrilling theme park adventures, exploring captivating attractions, or simply unwinding in one of our resort amenities, proper packing is key to maximizing your vacation enjoyment. To ensure your trip is stress-free and unforgettable, we’ve curated a list of essential packing suggestions tailored specifically for your Orlando getaway.

There’s a buzz in Orlando and we have Halloween to thank for it! There are so many Halloween events, trick-or-treating spots, haunted houses, drive-thru experiences and more happening throughout the city that you’ll definitely want to plan a family staycation to relax and experience all of the fun!

Every year on the last Tuesday in January, we come together to celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day. It’s a day that encourages us to prioritize our vacations and take some time off from our busy lives. Vacations are not just about enjoying a break, but they also allow us to bond with our family and friends while rejuvenating our mental health. Plus, they bring a boost to the economy by promoting tourism.

It’s that time of the year when the flowers bloom, the birds start singing, the sun shines a bit brighter, and Walt Disney World^®  Resort’s Taste of Epcot^® International Flower & Garden Festival begins!

January marks the beginning of the year, and while we’re all just getting over the holidays, Walt Disney World® Resort, is still going strong! In January, EPCOT® will be hosting yet another amazing event in their collection of excellent, must-see, experiences, Taste of EPCOT® International Festival of the Arts!

Being sleep deprived: When was the last time you looked back on a vacation and thought, “Remember that awesome trip when we were exhausted, sleepy and grumpy?” Well, hopefully the answer to that is NEVER. We get that you want to enjoy every minute of your trip, but make sure you are getting enough sleep or you (and your kids) might get too burned out to be able to enjoy anything. Alternate longer days and shorter days to allow your body to rest. Attend a park that is open late one day and spend the next day morning at your hotel pool and do some afternoon shopping. It’s all about balance. Check park hours to help you plan it better. Animal Kingdom closes at sunset while Magic Kingdom is open very late, so even if you want to make every day a theme park day, you can still make a smart schedule.

Orlando’s restaurant scene is becoming an attraction in its own right. WalletHub ranked us as the #2 foodie city in the U.S. Not only that, but the first ever Michelin Guide to Florida was published in June of this year. As many foodies probably know, Michelin stars are some of the most coveted awards in the restaurant industry and serve as a guiding light to traveling foodies. The new Florida guide features three Florida cities: Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. To view the Michelin Guide full list, click here.

Looking to travel to Orlando in March? Well, there are a couple of things you can expect during this time of month: warmer weather, Spring Break, seasonal festivals and especially the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! You can always expect to find amazing events to enjoy during your stay here, but one event in particular, the annual Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Disney Springs® is definitely an experience you can’t miss! Luckily, when you choose to stay at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, you’ll be just a short drive away.

The fall season is already just a few weeks away, which means we can start expecting to begin the holiday fun at the theme parks, local attractions and throughout the city in Orlando, FL. As always, Halloween is the first holiday to start the season and this year, Walt Disney World® Resort is starting the celebration in August!

Summer has arrived and we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This means that not only will traveling be much easier than it has been in the last year, but that you’ll also be able to rest easy as restrictions at attractions are easing up as well. Walt Disney World® Resort has done a phenomenal job at making sure guests can experience the magic as safely as possible, and have even gone as far as restructuring the booking process to prevent the parks from being overcrowded. So currently, in addition to purchasing your Disney Theme Park Tickets, you must also make a Theme Park Reservation.

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and when you stay with us at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, there are plenty of activities you can do to create a fun-filled summer vacation for the whole family!

When it comes to planning the perfect list of activities to experience with the family, it can be overwhelming sometimes. Orlando is jam packed with local attractions, world-famous theme parks, popular restaurants, shopping areas and more. It can be hard to fit everything in the short amount of time you’re here in the area.

The holidays in Orlando, FL are upon us which means we are excitedly waiting as to what amazing events are in store at Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. We are still in the middle of the global pandemic, so you can rest assured that health & safety guidelines are of the highest importance. Also, now that some of our favorite holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Celebration and the Candlelight Processional, have been canceled, we’re more than eager to know what the world-famous resort will be doing to accommodate such times.

The family dynamic continues to change, and now that school is in session, parents now find themselves taking on the teacher role as well. This can be stressful at times, but it also gives more opportunities for adventure! Orlando is packed with experiences where you can educate, have fun and create memories along the way.

Let your adventurous spirit soar (digitally) as we celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week from May 3rd – 9th, 2020!

Yes, we’re getting cabin fever, too, and although staying home may seem like an inconvenience, it’s absolutely the right thing to do! We thank everyone who has chosen to stay home in order to remain safe and we are also extremely grateful for those who remain in the frontlines as essential workers who risk their own health to help transport goods, keep our grocery stores stocked, keep our neighborhoods safe, prepare delicious meals, and of course take care of those who are ill.

We are less than one month away from summer and couldn’t be more excited for the hottest time of the year in Orlando! Orlando really is a ton of fun no matter what time of the year you to choose to visit, but summer is definitely extra special as there are so many things to do in Orlando! The kids are off from school, the sun is shining brighter and all of the fun summer events are right around the corner! If you are planning a vacation to stay with us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, here’s everything you need to know about how to best enjoy your summer vacation in Orlando:

For almost 20 years, Orlando was home to one of the most amazing shows ever created by Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba was a permanent breathtaking show located at Disney Springs that was a certain destination to many tourists visiting Orlando. But in December of 2017, La Nouba had its emotional farewell show and said goodbye to Orlando and to its long-time home, Disney Springs for good.

The New Year is here and we want to make sure you don’t forget to add “Travel to Orlando” to your 2019 resolutions! If you have visited Orlando in the past couple of years you may be thinking that you have already seen everything there is to be seen and, therefore, be inclined to choose a different destination for your 2019 vacation! However, Orlando is one of those cities that no matter how many times you visit, you will certainly find different places to explore and different adventures to embark on!

Fall has finally arrived in Orlando and we couldn’t be more excited to have some color-changing… drinks and decorations. It’s Florida after all, so we don’t get any color-changing trees around here! But what we lack in fall-colored trees, we make up for in sunshine and perfect pool weather! Orlando doesn’t listen so well when it’s time to show some changing in seasons and that is why YOU, our guest at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, get to enjoy summer for longer.

The most Franken-tastic time of the year is fast approaching, so boo-lieve us when we say that you must boo-k your trip with us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa as soon as possible to join in the fun!

Take a Picture: Not a selfie, but a picture of your luggage! Everyone knows that you are supposed to attach a tag to your luggage in case the airline lose your luggage. But what most people forget is to take a picture of their luggage before checking it in. Having a picture of your luggage makes filling out a lost luggage report a lot easier. Instead of describing your luggage, you will actually have a recent picture of what your luggage looks like, which makes it way easier to locate it among the sea of luggage that airlines carry every day.

Orlando has been the place to visit when it comes to amazing theme parks and incredible shopping deals. People travel from all over the world to visit the city beautiful and they always have a busy vacation schedule between fitting in all the theme parks they’ve always wanted to go to, the shopping outlets with deals that nobody can pass up and the many other permanent attractions available in Orlando.

There is no reason why you should have to endure winter temperatures when you can choose to pack up and head to Orlando, instead! Visiting Orlando during February is one of your best bets if you are looking to escape the cold while finding the best Orlando hotel deals. February is no longer considered high season, so there are amazing Orlando hotel deals, airfare prices and fun events in town to attract more visitors.

December is the most wonderful month of the year with all the fun of the holidays, the many feasts and family gatherings! And right after all the magic of December, we all have the chance of envisioning what the brand new year that is about to arrive will look like for us! We have a clean slate ready to receive everything we are ready to build for that New Year. We looked up what the most popular New Year’s resolutions are according to Nielsen and here’s what we found:

Orlando has beautiful weather year round, but one of the best seasons to visit has got to be fall. This is the time of year when temperatures are a tad cooler and most Orlando attractions have lines that are much shorter compared to summer time. So if you are planning on visiting us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, here are a few reasons why we suggest you should do it SOON:

When it comes to packing tips, the biggest question to be answered has got to be:
Should you fold or roll your clothes to save more space? If you do a quick Google search, you will find countless blog posts and videos “proving” which one of these methods is “once and for all” the best one! Well, today we are here to put this debate to rest and tell you that you should do… BOTH!

Imagine a world where you would be transported by gondolas from one magical world to another. Well, that is exactly the kind of experience that Disney plans to provide guests with in the near future.

We often say that Orlando is not all about the theme parks and the Fringe Festival is living proof of that! This festival of arts it’s already on its 26th edition and continues to grow bigger and better each year. If you are visiting us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa in May, we suggest that you spend a relaxing day enjoying the art of theater and experiencing Orlando like a local!

The new “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” has just opened and we will like to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from it when you visit us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa. But don’t worry! We will do so without spoiling any of the fun that comes with riding a new attraction without knowing what you are in for!

When there is a holiday that encourages you to have a few drinks with friends, you should make sure to take advantage of it! Orlando has many fun places you should consider checking out this Saint Patrick’s Day, so we decided to share a few of our favorites with you:

It’s time to celebrate and spoil our loved ones!  Valentine’s Day is the one day a year that we reserve to be extra romantic and buy our loved ones fresh flowers, meaningful cards and a delicious meal! But we also know that sometimes the nice gesture can turn out to be a huge hassle. Restaurants are packed, lines are very long and service is often slow since all places are running at capacity.

Has The Elf on The Shelf been visiting your kids? Well, don’t let a vacation stop this nightly ritual! The suites at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa feel more like home than a hotel room, so, there is no reason to put a stop to the magic! In fact, Orlando is one of the most magical places on earth so the little elf will feel very comfortable around here! As you cans see, he already knows our hotel’s address by heart as he is a true fan of our Pirate’s Plunge Pool! He loves hanging out on our balconies where he can watch several kids at once by looking at the pool!

November 25, 2016

One of our favorite holidays is fast approaching and if you are planning on having a magical Thanksgiving this year by packing up your bags and coming to Orlando, we want to make sure you know how to best enjoy your time here! You may be used to spending Thanksgiving at home and having a traditional dinner with family and if that is your wish, you can easily feel at home right here in Orlando.

Here at the Lake Buena Vista Resort we are in the business of making guests happy and providing outstanding customer service, so we would like to share some insider tips on how to have a wonderful time in Orlando!

Many families come together for a Disney family reunion, or friends coordinate vacation time to do Disney together, because theme parks are so much more fun when shared with our loved ones! But when you have a large party, navigating the park can get a little tricky. That’s why we wrote this blog post with tips that you MUST remember to follow:

Today marks the second month of success of Disney Spring’s new Town Center. The area has been under renovation for about three years and was finally ready to debut this past May. Disney made sure to increase infrastructure with more highway exits to Disney Spring to ease out traffic and extra garages to allow for plenty of parking.

We are only a few days away from our summer solstice on June 20, but the summer fun has already started at Disney World. At Animal Kingdom for example many of the new attractions are already leaving guests in awe. You’ll be able to enjoy:

After a day spent at the theme parks, there is nothing more satisfying than having a delicious and fulfilling meal to end the day on a good note. Orlando offers a variety of restaurants to choose from, but many guests would rather head back to their hotel and relax without having to face the crowds to get a table at their chosen restaurant. Well, if you are staying with us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, we combine both of both worlds! We have three restaurants onsite, which means you can get a quick bite to eat, enjoy the convenience of getting your meal to go and bringing it to your suite or dine in one of our restaurants without having to drive anywhere else.

One of the busiest times in Orlando during the first semester of the year is the weekend of Memorial Day. A Monday holiday allows many people to travel for a long weekend without having to miss work or school. So if you are traveling to Orlando to spend this wonderful holiday with us, we would like to suggest a few tips on how o better navigate or avoid the crowds.

Disney is constantly innovating and surprising their guests with new attractions, shows and characters. That is exactly why here at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa we constantly have repeat guests that come every year or even every season to discover all the new events and activities Disney has to offer. So if you are wondering what is coming soon to Disney this year, we have gathered a few of our favorite news just for you.

Magic Kingdom is a favorite Disney park for many guests. That means that the park is usually pretty full regardless of season peaks. The new Disney After Hours ticket offers the opportunity for an exclusive visit to the park after all general admission guests have left.
We attended the event last night to give you the scoop and we were amazed with the value of this ticket, because you truly feel like you have the park to yourself. The park closed at 11pm last night and the event went from 11pm- 2am. During those 3 hours, only the guests that paid for the Extra Hours tickets were able to go in the rides and character meetings. That means that lines for rides were nonexistent. You just walked right up to it.

Public transportation in Orlando is not very complete or easy to use, so many tourists have to rely on other forms of transportation. Taxi, Uber and car rental are the best options available, but some guests have a hard time making a decision between car rental and Taxis because they are unsure of what the cost will be. So we wrote this blog post to let you know what our thoughts are and give you an estimate of what taxis would cost here in Orlando.

Have you ever treated yourself to whole a spa day before? Or even a single spa treatment?  Our guests at the Reflections Spa are often pleasantly surprised when they visit our spa. “The location, amenities, treatment rooms and therapists were excellent. It is located on the top floor of the hotel – great view and very peaceful and quiet.” – Beth M. posted on the Trip Advisor Forum about her experience.  We believe that a spa has to offer a relaxing atmosphere and be designed to radiate peace and quiet. Our Reflections Spa has a beautiful waiting room where our guests can enjoy some tea, admire our mesmerizing aquarium and lounge in our comfortable and calming space before starting their treatment.

When taking a vacation, the last thing you want is the stress of booking a hotel that you are unsure about. It’s so easy to get lost in the sea of online options and colorful brochures, that we thought we would share with you what we believe are some crucial points to take in consideration to ensure you will have a wonderful time at the hotel of your choice.

Visiting Orlando means endless fun at Disney World and all the other theme parks that make this city one of the most visited in the United States. However, if you have ever taken a Disney vacation you know how tiring the long days at the park can be if you don’t schedule in some down time to rest and recharge.

Coming to Florida, the sunshine state, most people expect to see SUNSHINE, right? Well, most days in Orlando are sunny, or at least partially sunny, even in the winter, so there is not much reason to fear missing out on a sunshine vacation!  If you are coming to visit for a few days you can rest assured that the sun will shine for you.

But we would like to point out that when a rainy day comes, you can also enjoy Orlando just as much! During summer we have the usual afternoon showers, so for those quick minutes of rain we suggest that you just embrace it! After all, it can be quite refreshing to enjoy some rain when it’s 100 degrees outside.

Being a resort in Florida, we often have many international guests coming to stay with us. Some are first timers and some are repeat guests, so come people know their ropes around Orlando more than others. But regardless if you have been to Orlando before or not, we are always willing to answer the questions our guests have. And a question we get quite often is, “Are pre-paid phones worth it? And, how much do they cost? And what provider should I choose?”

Nowadays so many places have Wi-Fi available that you might not need a phone at all. The theme parks have Wi-Fi and so does most restaurants in Orlando (even the fast-food chains).  But if you would still like to have a phone during your trip, we have gathered some helpful information for you.

The four major phone providers here in Orlando are AT&T, Verizon, Spring and T-Mobile. Most providers now offer unlimited minutes and text and what will make the prices go up and down is the amount of data you will be purchasing. That is still generally cheaper than using roaming data if you are traveling abroad. Here is what each provider has to offer as of January 22, 2016:

Orlando will be one of the most memorable destinations you’ll ever visit with your family! That is because Orlando offers fun for all ages and really allows plenty of family-bonding activities! But with so many parks, attractions and endless fun to experience, it can be easy to get very fatigued and come back home needing a vacation from your vacation! So, we narrowed down a few tips to ensure your trip to Orlando is filled with fun but also relaxation at the same time!

It’s safe to say that if you are coming to Orlando, you plan on visiting at least one of our amazing theme parks! And the holiday season in Orlando sure doesn’t disappoint. So, if you are planning to spend New Year’s Eve with your family in Orlando, here are some of the events you should consider attending to help you bring the New Year with the right foot!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And if you’re spending it at the land where wishes come true, you are a lucky one! Christmas time in Orlando is absolutely magical! Maybe you’re wondering if a trip to Orlando is worth it during this time of year since it’s usually pretty packed, and our answer would be YES!!!

Some people have visited Disney before and see no reason to visit it again during the holidays, but seeing Cinderella’s Castle fully decorated in silver lights, watching the special display of fireworks and seeing all of your favorite characters dressed up for this magical season during the parade is a very unique experience.

There is also no need to worry too much about crazy lines, because if you plan ahead you can schedule fast passes to your top three rides or character meetings and guarantee that you will get to experience them. It’s true that wait times will be longer overall, so you will need a little dose of extra patience and you may not get to go on all of the rides you would be able to during slow season. But there is NO time more magical than Christmas to be at Disney, so all of the decorations and special events will sure make up for the extra crowd! Here are some of the events you can’t miss:

As Thanksgiving approaches many families get ready to have an amazing dinner filled with delicious home-cooked meals, family, laughter and, of course, gratitude. This is a holiday that always makes great memories of fond family time that is forever treasured. But if you are coming to visit us at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa and would like to make this Thanksgiving an activity-filled one, we can guarantee you that Orlando has plenty of future magical memories awaiting to be made by you and your family! Here are some of our suggestions:

At Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa we offer beautiful suites with fully equipped kitchens. But what is a kitchen good for if it’s not stocked with your favorite foods? Well, we thought about that too. We have a convenience store onsite if you would like to pick up a few items, but if you want to go all out and purchase groceries for the whole family while you stay with us, then you must check out Orlando Grocery Express.

We have had a partnership with Orlando Grocery Express for a while and their service is absolutely amazing. They are an online grocery service that delivers to homes and hotels in Orlando. All you have to do is register on their website, pick your items, pay and wait for your groceries to arrive.

The new Disney Springs, former Downtown Disney, has so many options of amazing restaurants and entertainment that you can make several trips and still not be able to experience it all! You can dine, watch a movie, shop around or even take a balloon ride! But if you just want to stroll around, take some pictures and window shop, here are a few things that are FREE and fun:

A vacation is one of the most precious things you can purchase. Taking a few days to relax and unwind can lower stress levels and make you even more productive when you return to work. Traveling with your family will also create special memories that will last a lifetime and will always be treasured by you! The challenge is how to save enough money to be able to finally take a dream vacation to Disney World, for example! Here are some of our best suggestions:

If you have chosen Orlando as your destination for a last chance vacation before winter break is here, we want to make sure you have an unforgettable time with us here at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa. You are most likely going to the theme parks, but we want to provide a few more options of what you can do and places you can go that will make this mid-year vacation a memorable one!

There’s nothing better than going on vacation, but there are always several things that need to be resolved before a vacation can perfectly come together. We wrote this blog post to answer some of the questions you may have before booking our resort and, therefore, make it easier for you to plan your dream vacation to magical Orlando.

Going to Disney with your family will be an unforgettable experience for you and your children, but we all know that this trip of a lifetime can get quite expensive. That is why we wanted to write this blog post to help you save some money if you plan ahead and do some pre-trip shopping at local retail stores like Walmart, Wallgreens, Target, or even online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Even items at the Disney store online are also generally cheaper than buying the same items in the park. There are definitely certain things that you will want to buy at Disney, and you can check our suggestions for those must-have Disney items if you Visit Stay Sky Drive Blog. But if you are on  a budget and would like to save some serious money, here’s what you can buy prior to your trip:

One of the greatest advantages of staying in a hotel that has a fully-equipped kitchen like the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa is that you get to cook a few meals and save some money. If you are traveling by plane, your best option will be to stop at a grocery store and purchase the items you need when you get to Orlando. 

There is a Walmart and a Publix located near the hotel, so that’ll already save you some time. But if you are traveling by car, you can actually bring some stuff from home and avoid spending precious vacation time shopping for groceries.

Either way, we have gathered a list of things that we suggest you take with you if you are spending a vacation in a hotel suite. Use this list as your base and add or subtract items to your preference.

If you are taking a long trip with kids, you know you have a couple of choices:

Give them a tablet, a video game,  put on a movie or… engage with them and use that time to bond with your family! The easiest route is definitely to entertain the kids with some kind of electronic device. But if you remember having fun during a road trip with your family when you were a kid, then it’s only fair that you provide your kids with the same experience. Kids crave attention and parents are often too busy to give their kids the attention they deserve. So there’s no better time to make it up to them than when you are stuck in a car together for hours at the time!

Here are a few fun games that are a must try on road trips:

Summer is almost here! Well, for us Floridians it feels like summer has been here for a while now. But in the books, the Summer Solstice is June 21, so high temperatures are to be expected and if you are going to a theme park you must be ready to brace the heat.

Theme parks know that the heat can be exhausting on their guests, so water rides, queue fans and splash pads are a part of most parks here in Orlando. But to make sure you will have the “coolest” experience while wandering the parks, here are a few tips on keeping it cool:

Orlando is the home of unforgettable attractions, including plenty of thrill rides! We all have our favorites when it comes to roller coasters. Speed, fast turns, high drops, loops and length are just a few of the various characteristics some of our favorite roller coasters have. But did you know that coming very soon THREE major new coasters will be joining the team of jaw-dropping rides in Central Florida? Here is the scoop:

There is nothing more frustrating for a child than to get excited to experience a ride and not be able to because they’re not tall enough. Avoid this by setting expectations and showing the rides your child can ride on a map before you go in and really hype those rides up. Spend time talking about how great the rides are and then just casually point out the ones that they aren’t tall enough to ride yet and say that they have something to look forward to on their next visit!  To help make this easier on you, we have summarized the height requirements for each ride for all four main Disney World parks.

Chances are you came to Orlando to enjoy all the magic and excitement that our theme parks have to offer. Perhaps even shop ’til you drop on the days you decide to take a rest from all the theme park fun! But if you’re at our Orlando resort, and decide to take a day to just relax at the hotel, we would like to suggest a few things that our General Manager, Daryl Szelengiewics, suggests you do while enjoying your stay with us:

Traveling with a large group of people requires serious organization and puts a lot of pressure on the group leader. There are several things to consider when planning a group stay, so in an effort to make your experience more enjoyable we have some tips when selecting a hotel for your group.

Price, comfort, amenities, and location are important factors to consider when choosing a hotel for your group. In this blog post we will touch on what a property should offer if you are looking to book a hotel that would be a great fit to host sports groups.

We suggest you book a hotel that has a few particular features to make your trip easier. Our, Lake Buena Vista Resort is perfect to host sports groups. That is because our resort offers:

If you are coming to Orlando on vacation, we want to help you figure out how to get around. If you flew to Orlando and don’t have a car, this post is for you! First and foremost, Orlando doesn’t have a subway system and you’d be surprised to learn how many people aren’t aware of that. We do have a few other options, though. On this blog post you will find three of the options that are better to consider if you’re staying with us at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa. If you want to read about three more transportation options available in Orlando, please Visit Stay Sky Blog Post, our sister property located near Universal Studios and International Drive.

You’re finally on vacation and all you want is to send the diet off to space! But did you know that a poor diet can actually lower you energy levels and make you feel tired? If you you’re coming to Orlando and plan on going to the theme parks you’ll have a lot of walking waiting for you,  so you do not want to be lacking energy or downing loads of caffeine just to make it through the day. Plus, if you’ve been on a diet or have  been trying to eat healthier, you don’t want all your effort to be thrown in the trash can during your vacation. After all, you’re supposed to feel relaxed, and not guilty after vacation!

We picked a guilt-free meal from each major theme park to help inspire you to eat healthy while at Disney or Universal:

We all know Orlando is known for its theme parks, so we’re used to Disney and Universal always being the main topic in a conversation about our lovely town. But we believe this show should also take center stage in conversations about Orlando, because it’s just as amazing and magical as the theme parks! We’re obviously talking about the Cirque du Soleil, La Nouba! Visit Cirque du Soleil Website

Orlando is one of the few cities in the United States that has a permanent Cirque du Soleil location and you must take advantage of that while you’re here. If you have ever been to any Cirque du Soleil show, you know there’s no way they’ll ever disappoint you. And, La Nouba is not an exception.

September 16, 2016
We are so excited to share that Cirque du Soleil’s OVO will be touring Orlando soon. If you have previously visited Orlando, you probably know that Cirque du Soleil has La Nouba, a permanent show located right near us at Disney Springs. We always strongly encourage our guests at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa to purchase a ticket and make Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba a part of their Orlando experience, because there is no other permanent show in town that compares to it.

If you’re staying with us at Lake Buena Vista Resort you probably already noticed that we have an outlet mall adjacent to us. If you’re not a guest yet but it’s contemplating us as your lodging option in Orlando, then we’re just about to give you another reason to book. The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Outlet is just a few walking minutes from our hotel and has the most amazing stores and unbelievable discounts. The mall offers nearly 50 stores that include brand names like:

There is plenty to do in Orlando for the Christmas season. Spring into the holiday spirit with Orlando Theme Parks, delicious restaurants and cozy hotels. All these combine perfectly for a family-friendly vacation that will be remembered for years to come.
Universal Orlando is packed with holiday fun! From thrilling rides to festive shows, join the excitement and Visit Universal Studios’ Macy’s Holiday Parade and Experience the Islands of Adventure’s Grinchmas. After you’ve visited the snarky fun at Universal, head to Walt Disney World for a magical display of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Adults and children alike will be wowed by sparkling lights, beloved characters and joyful shows. Of course, you can also visit SeaWorld for their wondrous Christmas Celebration. It’s no secret these events are loved by all, and they are quite possibly some of the best ways to enjoy the season’s cheer.

The holiday season gets a snarky twist once you Visit Universal’s Islands of Adventure® for Grinchmas™. From a Character Breakfast to a Who-liday Spectacular, Dr. Seuss fans will rejoice in all the whimsical fun featured by the residents of Who-ville.
The Who-liday Spectacular is your chance to experience a retelling of everyone’s favorite Christmas adversary, The Grinch™! This hilarious spectacle is one you won’t want to miss! Watch in wonder as the Whos roam through Seuss Landing™ happily greeting those who come by.

Universal Studios Florida transforms into a holiday spectacular once December strikes. Join the Macy’s Holiday Parade and embrace holly jolly spirit as Universal Studios debuts their classic on Saturday, December 6th. Mimicking the holiday cheer and excitement from New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this joyful scene features authentic floats and balloons straight from the Big Apple.
The whole family will enjoy this festive sight as entertainers dazzle with marching bands, sing-alongs and Santa himself. The fun doesn’t stop when the Parade comes to an end! Watch in wonder as the Big Guy joins in a tree lighting ceremony with seasonal music, a beautiful presentation of lights, and the New York City Rockettes.

Looking for a Thanksgiving Day getaway in Orlando? Whether you are an out-of-towner or longtime local, we have compiled a list of the top places to grab your Turkey Day dinner for a convenient and delicious family meal. If you are short on time for Thanksgiving Day prep and still want to have an at-home meal, take a look at the below list and consider picking up a feast for the whole family to enjoy in the comforts of your home (or hotel suite). The best part about dining out or picking up food on this long awaited holiday? No cleanup!

Advice: Always call ahead to make your reservation!

There’s no better way to ring in the holiday season than with a trip to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” A visit to sunny Orlando quickly turns into a winter wonderland once the doors open for Magic Kingdom’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Watch in wonder as Walt Disney World transforms itself into a snowy sight with character greetings, awe-inspiring shows, and wondrous parades. We’ve collected some of the best tips for visiting this festive scene and have them here for your enjoyment. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party visit.

Hello, November! The eleventh month of the year has arrived which means it’s time to spring into holiday-shopping mode, if you haven’t done so already. Being surrounded by shopping outlets and malls, we have come to know that Orlando is truly one of the best places to kick-start any shopping trip. To assist you during this cheery season, we have compiled a list of our favorite places to shop in Orlando:

Scrambling to find something to do in Orlando for Halloween? There are tons of spooky events and trick-or-treat happenings on this frightful weekend; here is a list of some of our favorites:

With Halloween just around the corner, Orlando is brewing with all the eerie fun there is to offer. Visit Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the one event truly loved by all is. This Magic Kingdom spooktacular will have every man, woman and child filled with joy in this happily haunted Disney Park. Don your favorite Halloween costume and go trick-or-treating with beloved Disney Characters decked out in ghastly costumes themselves.

If you are not a fan of scary things and would like to enjoy a Halloween with kid-friendly themes and characters, then Disney has sure got a treat for you!  Walt Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held at the Magic Kingdom where kids are able to go trick or treating for the most amazing candy, go on rides and see their favorite characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes! If you are planning on visiting the most magical place on earth for Halloween, here’s what you need to know:

The fall season in Orlando is truly one of the most magical times of the year. There are so many things to see and do, and the weather is always beautiful. Visit Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, one of our favorite events going on at the moment. This event is the place to go when you want to have a unique, around-the-world experience. Get your comfortable shoes ready because the scope of this event will be walking around the world enjoying food and drinks exclusive to each country.

Leaving for vacations is just exhilarating! You’ve been counting the weeks, days and hours and now is finally time to come visit us and have a magical vacation with us at  in Orlando! But wait, you forgot your phone charger. Well… you always have to forget something, right? WRONG! We want you to be perfectly prepared when coming to stay with us at Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando. So here is what you will need to do before your Orlando vacation:
Start a list: a few weeks before your trip, start a ongoing list on your phone or notebook to jot down random thing you remember you want to take. Or, if you have the space, just leave a carry on luggage in your room and start placing those random things in it as you remember them.

Looking for an exciting spring break destination for the whole family? Check out Lake Buena Vista, the epicenter of Walt Disney World’s® theme parks. In addition to Disney’s® world-class theme parks, Lake Buena Vista also offers excellent dining, nightlife, and entertainment.
Walt Disney World is obviously the premier attraction in Lake Buena Vista, and at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa®, you’ll be right in the middle of all of your favorite parks. Take a walk around the world at Epcot®, with a delightful global experience of dining, drinking, shows and rides all themed after countries of the world. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park® is the home of more than 1,700 animals and 250 different species – a must see for lovers of wildlife. And that’s just the beginning – with Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon®,Disney Springs, and more, there’s enough here to keep your schedule full all through spring break.