Orlando Vacation Homes INSIDER

Personal Chef

One of the beautiful features of a Global Resort Vacation home is having your very own fully equipped kitchen. Many of these kitchens offer state of the art appliances and amenities fit for a chef.  However, if you are like me and are culinary-challenged, or if you simply don’t feel like preparing a meal after a long day at the park, how about hiring a personal chef?

We are proud to recommend Linda Page, a member of the USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association) and owner of the chef service, “A Chef of Your Own”.  Linda graduated first in her culinary school and did a 3 year 6,000 hour apprenticeship with Westin Hotels and the American Culinary Federation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She has served as an Assistant Pastry Chef, junior Sous Chef at a gourmet restaurant, and teaches a variety of cooking classes.

Just imagine coming back home from a busy day at the parks, opening the door and smelling the aroma of chicken marsala with rice pilaf, fresh baked rolls, and homemade lemon pie.  Linda’s menus are vast and can satisfy a variety of palates.  If you are more of connoisseur of gourmet foods, you might want to try her Greek chicken with raisins and feta, or maybe a specialty salad made of romaine lettuce, goat cheese, and toasted almonds. If you are in the mood for good old’ comfort food you might request a menu with broccoli cheddar soup, pigs in a blanket, barbecue pulled pork, homemade baked beans, and potato salad, then finish the meal with some of Linda’s homemade cookies.

So, next time you vacation with Global, treat yourself to “ A Chef of Your Own” Bon Appétit!!!  Visit http://www.mychefsite.com/achefofyourown .

Add comment August 12th, 2008

The Ormondy Penthouse

I received the ever- important, overly informative  “end of summer” letter from my child’s school today making me aware of all the new and exciting changes that were going to take place this upcoming school year.  There will be new uniforms to purchase, new classes offered and new teachers assigned to these newly offered classes.  Yes, there are big changes in store for the students. 

In fact we’ve been hearing the word “change” a lot these last couple of months.  Truth be told, the word “change” can symbolize to some “the uncharted and unexplored possibilities” but to others it symbolizes “the uncomfortable or overwhelming possibilities.”  Since summer is quickly coming to an end, why not make a change in your vacation? 

Our guests have become familiar with the beautiful Orlando vacation homes Global offers close to all the Orlando attractions, but many of our guests might not be familiar with Global’s Ormondy Penthouse with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and inter-coastal waterway.  Most of our guests, when planning an Orlando vacation, might not be aware that they could enjoy a luxury condo steps away from the beach or that they could spend an afternoon salt-water fishing or parasailing in the Ponce inlet.  An Ormondy vacation could include enjoying a race at the Daytona Motor Speedway, or walking along the boardwalk, taking in an outdoor concert, and ending the day with an evening cruise.

Now that summer is ending and our schedules are changing, why not consider a change in your Orlando vacation plans?  Schedule a few days at Global’s Ormondy penthouse, for more info visit www.ormondy.com .

Add comment July 25th, 2008

The Best Times to Visit Orlando

Having just returned from showing some people around SeaWorld, with the park near capacity, I realized that someone needs to get the word out on when the best times to visit the theme Parks in Orlando.  On certain days, Orlando guests plan to visit a park and arrive only to find that it is closed due to full to capacity.  Everyone I know that lives in Central Florida avoids the theme parks during these busiest periods like summer and spring break.  Most of us relish the slowest periods where you feel like you have the entire theme park to yourself.  The kids can get off a ride and get right back on it with no lines.

The ideal time to come and experience the parks is August 25 - December 15 (excluding Thanksgiving)  The weather is cooler than summer and you will experience very little traffic, no lines at restaurants and feel like you are royalty because everywhere you go there will be more staff than needed to serve you.

Another benefit of visiting Orlando during off-peak months is that Global Resort Homes offers incredible savings of up to 40% off our normal peak season rates.  Not only do we offer discounts for your stay but you will find that the parks also offer savings during that time - some even offer a second day free!

Privately owned vacation homes are one of the best ways to visit and experience Orlando.  Whether you are coming to golf, shop, visiting the parks or are planning a family reunion, you will be sure to find an Orlando vacation home to fit your needs.  Prices start at just $79 a night for a luxury 2-bedroom property. 

Come during the fall and experience Orlando in a whole new way! 

Add comment July 18th, 2008

The True Cost of a Vacation

The soaring gas prices, the surging cost of groceries, and a housing slump have been the continual topics of discussion lately.  We talk about it over breakfast, we debate about it at lunch with co-workers, and we hear about it as we watch the evening news at dinner.  Then, as we sit down to watch our favorite reality show, we see a commercial with a smiling family of four walking towards a magical castle - mom and dad holding hands, Johnny sitting on dad’s shoulders, little Suzie gazing with wonder at fireworks - and our hearts sink because the idea of a family vacation seems not just unlikely, but truly impossible.  As we reason to ourselves, we simply can’t afford it.

However, the reality is we can’t afford NOT to go. According to a report in the October/November issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, vacations are actually vital to our physical and mental health.  They protect our health by reducing stress. In fact, people tend to exercise and rest more while on vacations and they provide opportunities to interact with family and friends.

The Travel Industry Association of America has reported that the average American family of four plans on spending approximately $1000 dollars on their longest trip this summer, which is a 7% decrease from what they spent last year.  People are calling these vacations, stay-cations, and they are afraid to venture too far from home.  But, you don’t have to stay home this summer, it’s possible to still enjoy a wonderful vacation.

I can remember one of the best vacations my family and I ever enjoyed in Orlando was during a time we were on a limited budget, so we decided not to go to all the attractions that year and to stay on the resort property.  It was great!!!!  There was no rushing to get ready, no standing in line for hours with two tired toddlers, no spending $150 for hamburgers, cokes, and popcorn all in a day.  Instead, we slept in, my husband made his famous pancakes, and we ate our breakfast on our terrace.  We laughed, talked, and listened to one another.  We walked around the beautiful property, swam for hours in the pool, played family volleyball and challenged another family in an intense game of Ping-Pong.  We had friends over for dinner - everyone brought a dish, the kids watched movies, and the adults played cards. It was one of the best vacations and also one of the least expensive we’ve ever had.

Stay tuned for how Global Resort Homes can help you plan an affordable and memorable Orlando Vacation!

Dana

1 comment June 2nd, 2008

Moving Day: Cypress Pointe Resort

As I mentioned in my first entry, I was asked by Russ (Global’s General Manager) to come and stay at a few of their Orlando vacation homes and write about my experiences and opinions about their various vacation homes and the Orlando area in general.  Up until now, I have been staying at an amazing, 6 bedroom vacation home in Windsor Hills Resort.  As much as I loved my accommodations, I knew if I wanted to get the “full” feel for all the properties Global Resort Homes has to offer its guests, I would need to stay at a few different communities.  As such, it has come time for me to relocate to Cypress Pointe Resort, Global Resort Home’s newest community made up of 4, 5, or 6 bedroom detached vacation homes.  

My first observation as I pulled into Cypress Pointe Resort was that the community was quaint and quiet – Florida wetlands and mature trees form the background for most of the homes in Cypress Pointe, offering its guests a sense of privacy and tranquility while being only miles away from Orlando area attractions.  Every home comes with its own pool, spa, and game room in addition to a fully equipped kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and all the luxurious of home.  As I settled into my new Orlando vacation home, I knew (yet again) I was in for a totally different experience then if I were to be staying at a typical Orlando hotel or resort. 

As I unpacked and settled into my new home I began planning what I would do the next day.  After much thought, I decided I would go check out Wet ‘N Wild as I had yet to experience any of Orlando’s renowned water parks.  I checked the weather and it was predicted to be another beautiful day in Orlando so I headed to bed and set my alarm for 8am so I could hit the water park bright and early!!  Waterslides and sun – what could be better???

Jordan

Add comment May 16th, 2008