UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CABANA BAY Universal Studios Cabana Bay Resort is the perfect place to reminisce about your own family vacations from the good ol’ days. The 1960’s vibe carries throughout the entire hotel—you’ll be jammin’ with the Beach Boys as soon as you walk in and watching “I love Lucy” reruns in the Swizzle Lounge while grabbing a cold one. Going bowling with the kids at the retro Galaxy Bowl or trying out the arcade games at Game-o-Rama are great ways to unplug. The spacious suites have room for six, a mini kitchen with microwave, fridge, sink, bar sitting area and coffee maker. The sitting room that can be closed off by an adjoining door made our stay so much more enjoyable because we could watch TV on the 40” f lat screen in the living room after the kids went to sleep. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort guests also enjoy early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme park opens (of course, valid theme park admission required).
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Pro Tip: With dining and entertainment for the whole family, Universal CityWalk is a great place to visit for an afternoon or evening to dine or see a show—and feel like you’re at a theme park without actually being inside one. We loved that Cowfish has a menu that everyone could agree on, with sushi for adults and edamame, sweet potato fries and burgers for the kids. Grab some Voodoo Doughnuts and bring them back to the hotel for breakfast! Don’t forget to stop and buy an inner tube or raft to bring when you visit. You y Ba a can buy them there n a at The Tube Shack for $8. Voodoo Doughnuts
GAYLORD PALMS RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER We stay here at least three times a year for a mom-and-girls weekend, whether for their Christmas celebration or just for fun. It’s located in the heart of Kissimmee and a hop, skip and a jump from Disney. The indoor atriums are stunning, and there is just something about an “indoor” hotel that is so fun to experience. In the real Florida thematic atriums, you can visit a replica of the Castillo de San Marco in the St. Augustine Atrium, feed the alligators in the Everglades Atrium or “sail away” on a sail boat in the Key West Atrium while you dine at MOOR. You can explore pools, water parks and a wide array of restaurants for poolside snacks or evening fine dining at Old Hickory (another one of my personal favorites). There is literally no reason to leave this resort. And make sure you download the Marriot Bonvoy App before you go to use all the contactless features for check in and Mobile Key features! Pro Tip: Attention all teachers: There is an amazing discount for you when you book your room via the Teacher Appreciation or Military Appreciation codes. Learn more at GaylordPlams.com
THE WATERLINE MARINA AND RESORT Quietly tucked away on Anna Maria Island, the Waterline Marina and Resort puts you in a spacious 2-bedroom villa with plenty of space and quiet rooms to relax in after a full day of sea shell hunting and sun bathing in the sugar sand beaches. A quick ride on the Anna Maria Island Trolley to the SandBar around 6 p.m. gives you time to get a reservation and watch the sunset from beaches while you wait for your table. Guess the right time of the sunset and win a bottle of champagne! Spacious rooms fit up to eight. We loved being able to bring our own food and drinks, which helped save on costs. We were one block from the beach; no parking required! Pro Tip: The more nights you book, the more you save. Inquire when booking a 3-night stay or longer.
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DISNEY SPRINGS RESORT AREA HOTELS Disney can be a mammoth of a vacation to plan, but if you want a fun, quick fix, staying in a Disney Springs Resort area hotel might be just what you need. Take advantage of special deals from six neighboring hotels, all within walking distance of Disney Springs. Just by booking, you’ll receive an exclusive savings passport to select Disney Springs merchants and restaurants. Disney Springs has so many unique places! At the new donut shop, Everglazed, you’ll crave more than just their awesome donuts—the Funky Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Fries will blow your socks off! Score some sweet treats from the newly opened M&M store or try the new Gideon’s Bakehouse for a delicious half-pound cookie. Flavors change monthly so it’s a must-do to go back! Grab a fancy custom art latte from Joffery’s, a $5 Margarita on Mondays from Frontera Cocina or a Froscato from Wine Bar George (think Dole Whip frozen cocktail).
PLANTATION ON CRYSTAL RIVER If you are up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, stay at the Plantation on Crystal River and enjoy swimming with the manatees as these gentle “sea cows” make their way from the cool waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the warm waters of Crystal River’s network of pristine springs. Leave on your excursion from the Plantation Adventure Center and Dive Shop just a short walk from your room. Enjoy the small town of Crystal River or venture out on their abundant waters for an adventure of another kind: paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking or snorkeling. Definitely fun for all ages! Pro Tip: Manatees begin to migrate back in March, so this month will be your last chance to see them until next January!
2021 SUMMER CAMP ISSUE TampaBayParenting.com
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