You’ll never vacation in central Florida the same way again after a stay at ChampionsGate golf resort. Everybody knows about Walt Disney World, but another premier tourist destination in Orlando, full of magic and fun, awaits you.

The Retreat at ChampionsGate

Our home at 1406MVD is a prime example of the luxury that resides at ChampionsGate. This 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom property is a gargantuan living space, fit for sleeping up to 14 guests. The Retreat at ChampionsGate is an ideal home for multiple families that are vacationing in Orlando.

ChampionsGate offers 36 holes of championship golf. The course was designed by golf legend Greg Norman. The resort features a 35,000 square-foot clubhouse, featuring a pro shop, banquet facility and a full-service bar. Additionally, world-famous golf instructor David Leadbetter has chosen ChampionsGate as the headquarters for The Leadbetter Golf Academy.

Home Amenities

You can expect to find just about everything you could possibly need and more from a vacation home at ChampionsGate. The kitchen is fully stocked and finished with dark wood cabinets and granite countertops. State-of-the-art, steel appliances will ensure that your beverages for the golf course or pool will never go warm. Inside the main living room, you’ll find an extra-large leather sectional couch, and plenty of other seating space. The large flat-screened TV is sure to attract everyone after a long day outdoors. You may have to fight for rights to the screen once the kids’ find out there’s a PS4 game console in the home.

The garage at this home was recently converted into a game room, fully equipped with a dartboard, pool table, foosball table, and stainless steel fridge. This should be the first place you check if the boys go missing for a few hours.

Neighborhood Amenities & Nearby Activities

While staying at ChampionsGate, you’ll also have access to the impeccable Oasis Clubhouse. You’ll be able to float around the lazy river that winds around the clubhouse, or you can just relax by the pool and watch the kids play in the waterslides. Feeling like you need to work off some carbs from a vacation of good food and lounging? Don’t fret, the Clubhouse offers a fully equipped fitness center.

You don’t even have to leave ChampionsGate for your shopping and grocery needs. Champions Village is the neighborhood’s retail center, offering a Publix Super Market, McDonalds, Walgreens, PNC Bank and more. See a complete list of retailers and restaurants inside the Village at ChampionsGate.com.

Top Reasons to Turn Your Orlando Property Into a Vacation Rental

Thousands of people look for accommodations in Orlando, FL each year as they plan out their next family or friend getaway. As more and more vacationers realize just how convenient and economical it is to rent a home for the duration of their stay instead of booking one of the crowded, overpriced hotels in the area, property owners are finding it to be a wise real estate investment decision to turn their Orlando properties into vacation rentals for the following reasons.

High Demand

One of the biggest worries a property owner typically has when renting out a vacation home is how they’re going to keep it consistently booked. The good news with having a vacation rental in Orlando is that it’s a year-round destination that never goes out of style. There is a constant high demand for lodging in this part of the Sunshine State, where the weather can almost always be counted on to cooperate and all Disney theme parks have their gates open 365 days of the year.

Extra Income

Of course, the first benefit that usually comes to mind when thinking about becoming the owner of a vacation rental is the potential to generate extra income. If your property is in a great location, offers guests a spacious and comfortable home away from home setting, and has plenty of amenities to fulfill their needs, you may have the opportunity to make a nice profit and enjoy some great tax benefits.

Easier to Manage Versus a Long-Term Rental

If you’re contemplating between making your property a short-term or long-term rental, there are some pros and cons you’ll want to keep in mind. Short-term vacation rentals will still allow you some personal use time to enjoy with your own family or friends, whereas a long-term rental will restrict your use to whenever the rental happens to be vacant between tenants. There also tends to be less wear and tear on short-terms because of the constant turnover and ability to go in as needed for routine maintenance and updates before any serious damage occurs.

Property is Taken Care of Even When You’re Not There

Leaving a home empty for any length of time can open it up to vulnerabilities in its safety. Having renters on the property while you can’t be there helps to keep it safe and secure. In addition, most vacation homeowners choose to hire a management company that will assist in a variety of areas, but most importantly, will be around to keep an eye on the property and handle any disturbances or maintenance issues.

If you have a place that you think would appeal to a variety of travelers, whether they’re in town to experience the magic of Disney World, practice their golf game on any one of the city’s acclaimed golf courses, or spend time sightseeing and participating in the many adventures offered in and around Orlando, now is as good a time as ever to start thinking about why you should seriously consider converting your property into an Orlando vacation rental

Beautiful, Fun and Fascinating Orlando, Florida

Welcome to Orlando, Florida…home to vineyards, water parks, the amazing Orlando Eye and so very much more!  If you’re looking for something to do on your Orlando vacation that DOESN’T include a large mouse, then you’re in the right place! After all, we think there is so much more to Orlando outside of Disney World, so read on for more information about the top activities in Orlando for the non-Disney lover!

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Are you a nature and wildlife lover?  Do you love to hike and swim or snorkel?  If so, you can’t visit Orlando without touring Wekiwa Springs State Park!  View some of Florida’s wildlife while paddling down the Weiwa River, but watch out for alligators and hope to be lucky enough to catch sight of a Florida black bear!  Hike your way along the 13-mile trail to a beautiful picnic spot near crystal clear waters great for snorkeling.  Whatever you choose to do in this beautiful state park, we promise your nature loving heart will beat a little faster at the beauties that await you just a short drive outside of Orlando proper.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium

Ripley’s Odditorium is a 10,000 foot building that appears to be falling into a sinkhole!  It’s not…really…but the exhibits you will find inside are so unique and outrageous, you won’t care if you are sinking or not!  It takes about an hour to tour this bizarre place and you won’t want to forget a camera…Ripley’s encourages picture taking…and your friends back home will enjoy the photographic evidence of the time you spent exploring the freakish side of life!  (The shrunken heads are particularly grotesque and fascinating!)  Location: 8201 International Drive, Orlando.

The Orlando Eye

Vacationing can be a stressful time, filled with too much walking, too much eating, too much activity…just too much overall.  Why not take a 30 minute tour of peace and serenity, at the Orlando Eye?  Described as an observation wheel, not a Ferris wheel, you are able to view pretty much all of Orlando…and if the skies are especially clear…you may even catch a glimpse of Cape Canaveral as you fly above the city in peace and tranquility! Location: 8401 International Drive #100, Orlando.

Gatorland

Ok, you’re in Florida; home to the scary alligator…shouldn’t you stop in Gatorland and discover for yourself what all the fuss is about?  For over 60 years, this wildlife preserve and theme park has been teaching visitors from all over the world everything there is to know about crocodiles and alligators (including their rare collection of “white” alligators) Offering unique animal shows, an alligator breeding marsh, a petting zoo and their famous Screamin’ Gator Zip line (yes…you zip right over crocs and gators…make sure you are wearing closed toe shoes!)  Location: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.

Kennedy Space Center

And finally, another institution Florida is famous for is space travel and the Kennedy Space Center; while not located in Orlando; the Kennedy Space Center is close enough to make the drive worth it.  Have lunch with an astronaut, tour the entire center by bus and explore the Rocket Garden which exhibits all rockets from the first unmanned moon missions to the very latest examples of space flight…you will remember anew your childhood desire to visit other worlds when you explore this historic space center.

Want more info? Click here for more information on everything you need for your Orlando trip!

Orlando Is A Popular Destination, But When Is The Best Time To Visit?

Orlando, Florida is one of the kings of vacation hotspots, and this fact bears the resulting effect of people flocking to the esteemed destination. People want the best, but it’s an interesting paradox that the crowds can take away from an area’s prestige. Luckily, there’s a solution to throngs of people. Going in the off season to Orlando is a great way to enjoy all the classic locations and pampering of Orlando vacationing, without the crowds that can cause you stress.

The Best Alternative Vacations Times Revealed

Most people choose to travel during the summer. This vacation period staple provides warm sun on the beach and kids are free of school, but beyond these, there aren’t many items that give summer proprietary rights to vacation. The trending item to vacation goers looking to avoid the packed locations that summer cultivates is alternative-time vacationing. In remedy of summer, two periods are offered, January through April and September through December. The deciding factors between these two largely include weather and when the events you may be interested in are scheduled. Scratch out May through August on your calendar, this is the time to avoid Orlando if you don’t like crowds. Let’s look at these opportunities a bit closer.

Added Benefits to Avoiding Summer

The great thing about alternative-timed vacation, besides the lighter density of people, is the ability to get rooms cheaper than normal. In an effort to stimulate vacation going, many companies will mark down their rooms; a win-win for those avoiding crowds. These discounted rates are found most significant earlier in the year, with the exception of Spring Break. The September to December period is also advantageous, but with all the holidays like Thanksgiving and December, it may be harder to find the discounted rates. Also keep in mind that certain activities like Disney World will have a special draw during the holidays, so if theme parks are on the agenda, the earlier period of the year may be preferred.

Whenever you choose to visit Orlando, remember it may not be a period of time for tanning on the beach. It gets a bit cooler when it’s not summer, so a light jacket may be necessary. The cold is likely the least of your worries; a small price to pay versus having to fight crowds and pay a higher cost. Simply hop online whenever you are thinking of getting away, and check the forecast in advance.

Knowledge is Power

You now are primed in alternative-vacation knowledge. Pick out a time that fits well with your schedule and reap the benefits of a more personal vacation, free of the rush of the masses.

Click here for more information on everything you need for your Orlando trip!

Winter Festivities Abound In Orlando This Holiday Season

Although you won’t see any snow, the holiday season is filled with plenty of winter festivities in Orlando. Create holiday memories with spectacular festivities, celebrations, and events in a winter wonderland. The only thing that’s missing is snow.

While you’re visiting Orlando, be sure to take part in the DreamWorks Shrek the Halls, along with approximately 4.5 acres of winter landscape carved from two million pounds of ice.

Your kids will also love the gingerbread house, polar bear “hunt,” DreamWorks scavenger hunt, and a Kung Fu Panda Show.

Some of the Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch and the Whos, come to life to the music of Mannheim Steamroller.

Visit Walt Disney’s town of Celebration and enjoy snowfall without the cold between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Take a walk down Market Street and do some window shopping in the midst of horse-drawn carriages and carolers.

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Don’t miss Orlando’s number one event with Princess Scheherazade and her husband Prince Khalid as they dance to Christmas tunes. Santa and his elves also grace the stage, along with soldiers, gingerbread men, elves, and sugarplum fairies.

Celebrate one of the biggest parades in the country, the annual Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal, featuring balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Santa will be there too.

Enjoy an Arabian Nights dinner show, and then take a stroll through the Holiday Village and treat yourself to gifts, candy and crafts. There’s plenty of fun, food holiday merriment for the whole family to enjoy.

The best time of the year to visit Orlando is January to April. During that time, you’ll experience weather in the mid-70’s, for the most part. Early fall is also a nice option for you to enjoy the many of the Fall festivals. If you’re bringing the little ones, don’t forget to take part in the ‘Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.’ Just be sure to book early!

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style!

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Spend Labor Day Weekend at the Oasis Club in the Retreat at ChampionsGate. Family friendly activities for those of all ages! Hope to see you all there! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

The summer months are the most popular travel times for visitors in Florida. With the warm temperatures, in addition to desired attractions and breathtaking beaches, Florida is the place to be with your family this summer. Here are a few important travel hacks for your family vacation in summer in Florida.

Florida’s weather is unpredictably predictable.

It sounds contradictory, but it’s true. During the summer months, you can expect scorching temperatures, quick afternoon downpours, and humidity at all-time highs. Don’t worry, here are a few simple travel hacks to help you prepare for the unpredictably predictable weather, as well as some tips to make the most out of your stay.

Save Time, Book Ahead

Another way to save time would be to set up fast passes for your favorite rides at your favorite parks. You can secure up to 3 FastPass+ selections per day book in advance using the My Disney Experience app or at one of the kiosks in the parks. For more information on Disney fast pass click here.

We also recommend booking lunch or dinner reservations in advance especially if you want to eat at a special restaurant at Disney. Use the app called Urbanspoon to find the best-rated restaurants in Orlando, and near the beaches during your stay.

Bonus Hack for Summer in Florida

Apply sunscreen on the tip of your nose, tops of the ears, and feet – they tend to burn the fastest.

Enjoy our summer in Florida travel hacks, and we hope they’ll give you an opportunity to spend more time making memories with your family on your vacation!

You and your family will be treated to extended park hours so you can enjoy all of SeaWorld’s rides, shows, attractions and special summer night events!

Experience Seaworld summer nights in Orlando under the night sky starting June 20 – August 9, 2015!

Experience Seaworld Summer Nights Orlando

So come out and enjoy all that SeaWorld Orlando offers from 9 AM – 10 PM, it’s sure to be a whale of a time! Click here to browse our Orlando vacation homes!

Booking your vacation accommodations does not have to be stressful! The biggest obstacle families run into is deciding whether to stay in a hotel or an Orlando luxury vacation home. It may be a difficult decision to choose a vacation rental over a hotel IF you’ve never stayed in one before, but here are a few major factors on why vacation homes are a better choice for your next summer vacation to Orlando.

Orlando Luxury Vacation Homes are very spacious.

Vacation rentals are larger and much more open when compared to a hotel room. Vacation homes are capable of easily fitting an entire family–or sometimes even two! With the same number of vacationers, you would have to reserve multiple hotel rooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Staying in a vacation rental allows the whole family to stay in one home together.

Rental properties are better for extended stays.

If you are going on a long-term vacation, then a vacation rental home is going to be most accommodating for you. Vacation rentals often come with a full-sized kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a laundry room; this allows home cooked meals, warm showers, and clean laundry in the comfort of your own home.

There’s much more peace and privacy in your vacation rental.

Vacation rental homes also give visitors more privacy. Oftentimes, one of the biggest drawbacks to hotels are constant interruptions by room cleaning services, the family above you or beside you. Vacation rentals are self serve, but if you do need anything, a concierge service is just a phone call away.

Vacation rentals provide a comfortable and personalized experience.

Vacation rental homes, unlike hotels, are often set up like a home away from home. They allow guests to feel more comfortable, and less like every other Florida tourist. They offer the comforts of a home that hotels often lack, which makes them an ideal choice, especially if you are planning on a long-term vacation.

Hotel amenities can not compare to a vacation rental.

Vacation rentals have amazing amenities such as a private pool or personal home movie theater, which will be perfect for you and your family if you’re looking for quiet time. Most even have resort amenities, so you get the best of both worlds.

When planning your next vacation home say goodbye to the tiny hotel room and book you and your family in a Orlando luxury vacation home.