I can't believe it! Lauren is now 16 years old! Wow, I'm getting old!
Lauren turned 16 on Oct. 12th, and for her big day, we returned to Orlando, like we did last year for her birthday, and celebrated in a big way at Walt Disney World, and she had a luxury shopping spree.
Usually, when one turns 16, they have a big Sweet Sixteen birthday bash and even get a new car. However, Lauren didn't want any of those things. All she wanted was to stay home and have me watch anime shows with her. She actually didn't want to go on a trip; it was Mr. M's idea.
Yes, an idea that came very last minute, like two days before we went to Orlando.
Mr. M needed a change of scenery and same with me. We both work for ourselves, and with both of our businesses keeping us busy, we need time to unwind and relax. And since it was Lauren's birthday weekend, plus the girls' fall break, it was the perfect time to do a quick getaway celebration.
Two days before the trip, I went on a hunt online to find a condo deal that would be room for the four of us. My quest landed me on my favorite travel discount website, Priceline.
I narrowed it down to two vacation rental condos I was interested in during my search, Reunion Resort and Golf Club, and Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas.
Marriott was the clear winner since we had stayed on their properties before and enjoyed our stay each time.
We booked a two-bedroom condo with a master bedroom and guest bedroom that offered two pull-out sofa beds. So, this condo had room for 8 guests.
Hotel Details
Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas is an upscale resort on a private lake off of I-4 is 1 mile from SeaWorld Orlando and 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort.
These beautiful, 2-bedroom villas have a tropical-inspired look that features a full-size kitchen, living and dining rooms, laundry room, and free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. In addition, all villas offer a whirlpool tub in the master bedroom, screened balconies, and pull-out sofas.
Parking is complimentary. There are multiple dining options, three outdoor pools, a hot tub, a spa, and a game room. There's also a fitness room, a grocery shopping service, and a 9-hole mini-golf course.
This resort has it all! There is no need to leave the property since there are so many amenities and daily activities.
Unfortunately, we didn't stay long enough to do anything on the property. We basically were there to sleep.
For a three-night stay, the total was a little over $800, which is an excellent deal for a 4-star condo in Orlando near all the main attractions. Also, you have to factor in that it's the slow season, plus with COVID still lingering, people are not traveling to Orlando as they used to, especially Internationals.
But, with fewer people, there was no traffic on the roads, making for a pleasant drive throughout Orlando.
When we got to Orlando Saturday night, we made our plans then. I wanted to go back to Universal Studios; however, the girls wanted to visit Disney World.
Lauren wanted to go to Epcot, and Michelle wanted to go to the Animal Kingdom.
Well, hey, let's do both!
On Sunday, Mr. M paid for the park hopper to do both parks in one day.
When it comes to vacationing at Walt Disney World, it's best to plan ahead instead of what we did, go on a whim.
First of all, there is no way to see and do everything hopping parks. Plus, doing so much in one day is very overwhelming. Thankfully, both Epcot and Animal Kingdom weren't packed, so the lines weren't long. Fast passes were only needed for the popular rides, with wait times a little over an hour.
Also, you save more money if you go 3 or more days since Disney World ticket discounts kick in.
With it being Columbus Day weekend, we were charged a bit more for tickets. Ugh, the total was $1000 for the four of us with 1-day park hoppers and preferred parking! I swear Disney World gets more and more expensive every time we visit!
The first stop at Disney World was the Animal Kingdom! Our first time there!
And guess what!
Michelle saw a couple of friends from school while there! So I guess it really is a small world after all! (Like my pun? Ha!)
I mentioned last year that Disney had strict COVID-19 rules of mask-wearing, but now you only wear a mask while indoors and on rides.
Lauren thought the Animal Kingdom was nothing more than an overpriced zoo. But I thought it was fun, entertaining, and educational. I enjoyed the safari ride the most. Plus, I love how the park got that jungle feel as if you were in an authentic safari.
Now, we've been to Epcot before, but it's been years since our last visit.
I like Epcot the most out of all the Disney World parks because I'm not into thrill rides, I'm more interested in food, especially from different countries.
And with the festival going on, I was in foodie paradise, hopping to each country from around the world trying out a variety of cuisines.
I must say, Disney's Food and Wine Festival is by far the best! Sorry, Dollywood!
It was hard to choose what foods I liked the most; they were all equally good. Check it out below.
Again, we felt rushed trying to do it all. If we go to Disney World again, we would need to do Epcot all day.
Oh, and did you know that Disney World is celebrating its 50th Anniversary?
There were desserts and souvenirs keepsakes to celebrate the momentous occasion. I'm happy we were able to be in attendance to celebrate. I grew up on Disney, visiting both Disneyland and Disney World as a child.
I can't believe how long Disney has been around, bringing so much joy to people. But, I always wondered would Walt Disney himself be proud to see what his dream has become? What do you think?
On Monday, we did what Lauren loves best...SHOPPING! And boy did she do some shopping!
When visiting Orlando, we usually do our shopping at the outlet stores; however, we went to the Mall of Millenia that has high-end fashion stores. So, Lauren got a taste of the high life.
She, as well as Michelle, was burning through my wallet. And Mr. M caught the shopping bug too, purchasing shoes from Prada and Gucci.
Me, I'm frugal. I'm not into designer clothing. You will catch me trying to find bargains when it comes to my clothes. Having teen girls is expensive, so almost all my money goes to them.
Tuesday, Lauren's 16th birthday!!!! We checked out of our villa and walked around the resort to enjoy what was there. Then, we went to the pool bar to cool off, sip on refreshing smoothies, and get a bite to eat.
It was a hot day in Orlando, and to get out of the sun, we went to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. So far, I've been to Las Vegas, Hollywood, Nashville, and now the Orlando location. So I guess I'm making my rounds.
The Orlando wax museum was okay; I thought the Hollywood one was better.
To finish off Lauren's birthday, before we headed home, we went to the Florida Mall, so she could spend some of her birthday cash.
Boy, I need a vacation, from my vacation! Everything felt rushed, and we needed a day or two more in Orlando to stretch out our activities.
But I'm happy that Lauren didn't want a glamorous Sweet Sixteen party and was delighted to spend her special day with her family, creating memories together. It won't be long before she is an adult, so we cherish the moments we have left with her as a teen.
If you are wondering how to celebrate your teen's 16th birthday, Orlando is a great option filled with family-friendly things to do. You don't even have to visit the amusement parks; just stay at an upscale resort with amenities to stay entertained.
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What a great way to celebrate a sweet sixteen birthday. Disney makes everyone happy. I love that place too.
ReplyDeleteSure was Janet! A time we will never forget! I wish we were at Disney for several days for a better experience though.
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