Early in our marriage, my husband and I discovered that we had very different vacation expectations. Luckily, after almost 18 years together we’ve been able to adjust, compromise, and enjoy vacations together, but it wasn’t easy.
When he’s on vacation, CandyMan likes to be busy all the time (that’s how he is at home, too). Sitting out on a porch reading a book is far from relaxing to my husband. In contrast, I dream of being able to watch tv in bed, lounge by the pool with a good book and nap in the shade.
For CandyMan, vacation = adventure. For me, vacation = relaxation.
Luckily, Global Resort Homes, where our extended family of 12 stayed during our recent family vacation, was perfect for both of our vacation “ideals.” There was a ton of room at the house for everyone to stretch out and relax (and sleep in…hallelujah!) and there was so much to do in the Kissimmee area that my husband was busy with fun things to do all day.
This was my second stay at a Global Resort Home, and from the first time I stepped through the door back in April, I knew that it would be a perfect place not only for my family to vacation, but for the whole extended family to get together. No one in the family has a house big enough for all of us to get together, and getting everyone together at the same time is pretty rare. I was thrilled when everyone was able to make it to Florida for Thanksgiving.
Our vacation home was located in the Windsor Hills neighborhood in Kissimmee, just a mile and a half away from the Disney World entrance. Talk about an ideal location! The gated neighborhood has playgrounds, a community center with a large pool, fitness center, 40-seat theater, and business center, and so much more.
Each house has it’s own private, enclosed pool and spa…which was probably the most critical factor for the happiness of my children and my husband and I. The little kids were in the pool every chance they got…while aunts and uncles were showering, while I cooked, and while everyone was winding down at the end of the day. I loved the fact that I didn’t have to walk or drive somewhere to enjoy the conveniences of the pool.
Our house, at 2603 Daulby St, was a 6 bedroom, 4 full bath house, so there were beds for everyone and no one had to fight over whose turn it was in the bathroom. Another one of our favorite features in the house was the spacious garage-turned-gameroom with darts, fooseball, and air hockey. Our house was also equipped with lots of child-friendly extras, like a porta-crib and two strollers.
The kitchen in our Windsor Hills home was incredible–from the fully stocked cabinets to the enormous pantry (which enabled us to save a ton of money on food by eating breakfast and lunch at home) to seating for 12 (there’s a breakfast nook, a dining room table, and a wet bar). Since we were there over Thanksgiving week, I put the kitchen to the test by preparing a full Thanksgiving meal in it…and I survived!
Another huge plus to staying at a Global Resort Home when vacationing in Florida is the LAUNDRY ROOM. Yes, being able to wash clothes and towels throughout the week was a huge bonus, especially when *someone* in the family brings a blanket that smells like pee in the car and you have to sit next to stink for 14 hours. Sigh.
We can’t wait to take our next trip to Kissimmee, and we wouldn’t even consider staying anywhere but Global Resort Homes for our vacation – regardless of the size of your group, Global Resort Homes allows you to spread out, enjoy private down-time outside of the parks, and relax on vacation without giving up the conveniences of home. And all for a price that is much more affordable than what a week’s worth of hotel and meals out would cost.
Most importantly, we were able to have the perfect vacation for us – plenty of relaxing, all of the conveniences we needed, and a ton of fun to keep us entertained for the entire week.
Note: We received a complementary week stay at Global Resort Homes but the thoughts and opinions are all our own!
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Tonya @ The Traveling Praters says
We just returned from Florida- and a stay at Global Resort Homes. We had a wonderful time and this was the first vacation that I could remember that my kids actually wanted to go back to the house and not explore the town. :)
Scarlet says
This looks so much more comfy than a hotel for a longer stay. Stumbled!
Carrie with Children says
What a fantastic vacation… and yay for swimming in November! This house looks like it was perfect for your family – so glad you all had a great trip.