Staff PicksBonnet Creek Hotel, Orlando

Are you looking for a full service resort close to Walt Disney World that gives you the luxuries of a Disney property but even more amenities and extra spending money for your vacation? We had a staycation at Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek at Walt Disney World Resort this past weekend and it gave us all the magic we could possibly ask for!

With five pools, water slides, lazy rivers, toddler water play areas, miniature golf, fitness rooms, crafts and activities, restaurants, bars, a spa, and more, the luxurious Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek really has it all! Whether you’re looking for a one-stop vacation spot or a place to lay your head and relax between your park visits, this resort will absolutely leave you feeling like you’re getting all the bang for your buck.

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Located in the heart of Walt Disney World, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is just a short drive to all of the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. The family bunk bed rooms are ideal for families with smaller kids. They are furnished with one king or two queen beds and a set of bunk beds. Be sure to plan a day to explore the 62 acres of fun the resort has to offer, including five pools, a mini-golf course, two lazy rivers, and a spa for mom and dad.

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1. Take a Photo at the Park Entrance

Upon arrival, Guests can snap snap a photo with friends in front of this year’s festival signage. They can choose from a variety of fun locations including this iconic spot by Spaceship Earth.

2. Wave Hello to Favorite Disney Characters

There are ample opportunities for Guests to wave hello to some of their favorite Disney characters at the festival.

3. Shop 'Til You Drop

Guests can create their own Disney-inspired outfit by shopping exclusive event merchandise collections celebrating the festival. They can find the perfect accessory or piece of apparel to complement their personal style at the shopping locations around EPCOT, including Mouse Gear and Port of Entry.

4. Taste New Menu Items from Outdoor Kitchens

Guests can brunch all day long at the newest Outdoor Kitchen at this year’s festival. From avocado toast to cinnamon roll bites, the EPCOT Sunshine Griddle offers classic brunch favorites with a twist.

5. Check Out Beloved Attractions

We stayed at the jaw dropping Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek. Set on 62 acres of lush grounds, you will find five pools, a mini-golf course, two lazy rivers, and more! This resort is the definition of Grand – the staff is kind and helpful, the decor is beautiful with photo ops around every corner, the foliage made me feel like I was on a tropical island, I could go on and on!

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Come to the parks now through December 30 and the holiday spirit will be in full swing starting with the Epcot® International Festival of Holidays that began on November 27. There you can get a taste of delicious holiday dishes and customs from every corner of the world.

Over at the Magic Kingdom® Park, expect to be greeted by lots of tinsel and holly, as the whole place is decked out in spectacular Christmas attire. Head over to Main Street USA between rides for one of four holiday-themed parades that happen throughout the day. And while traditional meet-and-greets won’t be happening in 2020, expect to see all your favorite characters at all-new character experiences like the merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and festive flotillas at Animal Kingdom®.

And of course, the jolly old man himself will be paying a visit to all four parks and Disney Springs®. Try to keep a lookout for Santa Claus or his stand-in, Santa Goofy, make pop-up appearances wherever you go (and make sure you’re on their nice list, too!).

Another big reason to smile in September is that SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is about to begin! On September 19th, things will start to get a little uncanny at SeaWorld, as the staff and the animals are ready to bring you a little Halloween fun. If you are planning a family trip to SeaWorld during your stay, be sure to come dressed in your best costume with your kiddos, so that you will be able to participate in the trick-or-treating around the park and Halloween Dance Party that will take place each evening. You never know what kind of surprises you will find during this ghoulish celebration, there will be lots of tricks, but even more treats! Bring your candy bag and your walking shoes, it's time to start celebrating the best season of the year—Happy Halloween Spooktacular! To purchase tickets in advance or learn more information on this year’s event, which runs through November 1st, click here to visit SeaWorld’s official website.

On April 25, the Central Florida Fairgrounds is being taken over by the Oneness Food and Music Festival and you and your appetite are invited. This music festival is dedicated to bringing together local culinary talent and presenting you with their take on dishes from around the world. It’s amazing just how much culinary diversity can be found in Orlando and this festival wants to showcase it all.

Besides the amazing food, the Oneness World Food and Music Festival will also feature numerous live performances across many genres of music. Dance along with live performers and even help yourself to some fine hand-made jewelry. Plan to spend a couple of hours and come hungry.

This festival blends the Epcot® we all know and love with stunning visual masterpieces constructed from flowers and other plants. The whole family can marvel at giant topiary displays that bring to life everybody’s favorite characters. Pose for pictures or let them be the stars: it’s up to you.

Dozens of expertly crafted topiaries are fun to witness in person, but this festival is also a great learning experience. Explore Gardens of the World and see how different parts of this planet arrange their gardens. You’ll notice unique cultural tastes and also the similarities. Kids can learn how to create their own gardens and how to properly care for flowers.

Disney Springs® has some of the best shopping experiences on this side of Orlando. You will be able to find themed merchandise as well as boutique stores offering the finest and most luxurious brands around. Accompany your shopping with a quick bite to eat or sit down for a full dinner and wine pairing.

Make sure to save some room for entertainment. Disney Springs® has a full movie theater showing the latest blockbusters and even runs more magical shows like Cirque du Soleil's® Drawn to Life show. However you choose to spend your time at Disney Springs®, it will become a treasured memory.

This event introduces so many new events and decorations to Magic Kingdom®, that the hardest part of your trip will be deciding where to begin. If you find yourself by the Castle at 6:15 pm, you and your family can marvel as it is transformed into an ice palace featuring a two-hour Frozen-themed live show. Speaking of new live shows, there will definitely not be a shortage as you make your way around the park. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is one of the merriest shows around, and your family will get to meet all of your favorite classic characters.

Of course, the start of the show is the twice-a-night Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade that will take over the streets and create a lively, unforgettable experience. No celebration would be complete without a 10 pm grand fireworks show above the lighted castle. With so much to see and do, add an extra trip to Magic Kingdom® on your holiday roster!

The Festival of Trees has been enchanting Orlando for over 30 years. Each year, this festival overhauls the museum into a showcase of sparkling trees and other holiday-themed decorations. See for yourself the captivating designs that have stunned hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the years.

The festival will last for 10 days, from November 15 to November 24, so you have plenty of opportunities to see it for yourself. Every day will also be filled with unique special events for the whole family, so plan to stay a while! You’ll also be happy to know that all funds raised during this 10-day festival will go towards the continued supporting of Life Long Learning at the museum.

On October 31 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, The Florida Mall wants your family to join hundreds of others for a giant trick-or-treat Halloween party. Local retailers will be handing out all sorts of treats, so dress the kids up in their favorite costumes and let them roam around a safe, air-conditioned, trick-or-treat paradise. There will be plenty of face painting, live appearances, and performances so make sure to get there early and have a blast.

First, this festival features new food and drink pairings that are not normally available. Epcot seeks to take your culinary experience to another world. Sign up online for a cooking demonstration from world-renowned chefs and learn how to prepare your own international delights. Cheese lovers will have the option to sample new batches that are rarely available outside of the festival. Wine lovers can taste the finest selections and learn how to properly pair them with food. This festival encourages guests of all ages to come along and experience the tastes of the world. Kids can even sign up for candy sushi classes! With discounted ticket bundles and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek’s always love prices, this festival is one you won't want to miss.

This massive expansion to Hollywood Studios will usher in a new age of theme park design. You’ll have to do a couple of double-takes to make sure those animatronics are not real people and be ready, they’re absolutely everywhere! The word "interactive" will take on a whole new meaning as you will swear you’ve been transported to another planet in another time.

Along with the grand opening will be the release of the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride. This fast-paced rocketship ride will take you through space aboard the one and only Millennium Falcon. Zoom through hyperspeed as you evade the law and experience for yourself what it’s like to be a space smuggler. The second major attraction will be released later in 2019 and is sure to be just as much of a crowd-pleaser.

When you visit Gatorland, you open up a door of opportunity. You have the opportunity to see a gator, touch a gator, watch a trainer touch a gator, and maybe even meet a gator. See exactly what 2,000 pounds per square inch of force looks like and get ready to meet more gators than you ever thought existed.

Make a day out of Gatorland and enjoy tons of other attractions like the zip line and the Gator Gauntlet. Book an off-road adventure or even become a trainer for a day. Start your adventure today!

You will have the opportunity to meet your favorite characters and hop around over 20 attractions - all of this with very little wait. A brand-new villain stage show will be unveiled as well as villain inspired food, drinks, and activities. Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean will even be redesigned to feature new darker elements during the event. This is definitely not an experience you will want to miss!

For the month of June, event dates will be the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th with additional time slots in July and August. Admission to the park begins as early as 7:00 pm, but the real party is from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am. Grab your tickets early and join the excitement!

The party officially lasts from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm but guests who have already purchased their event tickets are welcome in as early as 6:00 pm. As the sun sets, the electric celebration begins with a DJ-hosted dance party and glowing decoration galore. You will be thrilled to see the shortest lines of the season for all of your favorite rides and slides and you don’t have to be shy about soaring down Crush ‘N’ Gusher 2, 3, or maybe 7 times. The kids can enjoy meeting their favorite Toy Story characters as we celebrate the summer release of Toy Story 4 and parents can enjoy the adult-only party area and bar, The Wharf. Whatever your reason for celebrating, be sure to check out Disney H2O Glow Nights this summer and see your local favorite in a new, glowing, light.

Madame Tussauds is sure to be a great time for anyone in the whole family. Superhero fans can spend some time with Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Superman at the Justice League: A Call For Heroes exhibit. See your favorite crime-fighting legends up close and personal and maybe you can manage to get an autograph (but don’t count on it). Party it up on a replica of Pitbull’s Miami Yacht or say hey to Brazilian soccer superstar, Neymar.

Come be a groupie and take hundreds of realistic photos with your favorite famous people. Combo tickets are also available for those who want to also visit either Sea Life Orlando Aquarium or Legoland Florida and don’t forget to take home your own pair of wax hands as a souvenir.

With so much to do and see, you’ll be glad to know that Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has complimentary resort shuttles to Epcot so you can stress less and smile more. The topiaries will leave you and your family breathless as you experience classic Disney characters in a new light. From March 6 through June 3, the only way to get the full experience is to come on down and feel the spring magic for yourself!

Located at the core of downtown Orlando is the best example of old and new—a blend of historic homes and a hip-lifestyle. It is a great walking neighborhood from beautiful Lake Eola to the boutiques and restaurants of Washington Street. Stroll along brick-paved streets amongst the bungalows and towering Live Oaks. These bungalows are well known for their verandas and gardens—Orlando’s first ‘Garden’ district. The homes were mainly constructed between 1880 and 1930, and throughout the years many have been restored under the shade offered by the stately oaks that line the streets – some standing close to 175 feet tall!

Tucked in amongst boutiques, bars and the many fine eateries—the center of all the action on Washington Street is the Baroque-style stone and tile fountain. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a stroll down the avenue accented with this European flair! Next time you are in Orlando, explore Thornton Park.

Getting there: We have several great options at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. You can hop on the shuttle (price included in your resort fee) or you can drive there. Parking is free! If you do drive yourself, we recommend parking on the second level – there’s direct access to Disney Springs from the second level. The parking garages are very tech savvy which makes parking on a busy day a breeze.

Shopping: Disney Springs is certainly a shopaholic’s dream. They have just about every store that you would see in a regular high-end mall. But you can always shop in those stores. Here are a few of our favorite one-of-a-kind stores:

If you’re looking for that perfect Minnie mouse t-shirt, the BB-8 backpack, or practically anything Disney related you could ever want—World of Disney is the perfect spot. They also serve TONS of candy. Who doesn’t like candy?

Disney's Days of Christmas is open year-round and is the perfect location for that gift to bring back to friends who wish they were in your shoes. It smells of Christmas—cinnamon and happiness.

The Art of Disney is a very interesting place to walk through. The different types of Disney themed art are quite entertaining. They even have Caricaturists waiting to draw you and your family!

Did we mention the candy? There are a lot of those stores.

Dining: There are countless options for dining—even if you don’t count the candy stores! There is quick service, full service, and snacks. Here are some of our favorites:

Raglan Road: This is an Irish pub that does not disappoint. They have traditional entertainment each night and the entertainers are authentic! But it’s not just them - the owners, the chef, and even the actual building came from Ireland. Not to mention their food is fantastic.

Earl of Sandwich: If you’re looking for a quick but delicious meal, look no further. Earl of Sandwich serves great sandwiches without blowing the budgets. And they’re unique! For example, feast on the Holiday Turkey made with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and mayonnaise. Most of their sandwiches are $6.99.

Entertainment: Looking for a special night event? Enjoy one of a kind entertainment less than 3 miles away from Wyndham Grand Orlando!

House of Blues regularly plays fun, smaller-sized concerts that are sure to please. They also have happy hour!

Cirque du Soleil is always a crowd pleaser. If you have never seen it—now is your chance. And you won’t be disappointed. The acrobatics, choreography, and music will dazzle you and your family. Keep an eye on their website, they like to offer discounts!

Now, let’s say you want to see all of Disney Springs at one moment. Look no further than the world’s largest tethered helium balloon. Yes, that’s a real thing. You can ride for 8-10 minutes and catch every view of the area from 400 feet. Not into heights? There’s also a bowling alley and movie theater. Everyone likes bowling. And movies.

So now that you have a small taste of what Disney Springs has to offer—GO! You won’t regret it.

P.S. Did we mention the candy? There’s also a cupcake ATM. Because cupcakes.

Beginning January 18 and running through February 25, 2019, this 39-day festival is a celebration of all things artistic, from visual arts to culinary arts to performing arts. Get creative with a guided painting class, find inspiration in some world-class cuisine, or learn from the pros in an interactive workshop. There are a variety of artful activities for the whole family!

New to the festival this year, Broadway comes to Walt Disney World with an extra special concert series, featuring seven days a week of Disney Broadway tunes and singalongs. Kick off the new year right and purchase your ticket today!