Recommendations from the owners.

Welcome to sunny Florida, I hope you will enjoy your stay here in Reunion. I am Canadian, my wife is Irish and are kids are young so we have a lot of different perspectives on things. As there is so much to do and see in Orlando we decided to put together a quick list of recommendations for you to enjoy. We have tried to include as many of our favourites as possible (no kickbacks I promise) but would love to hear if there is something we missed or should amend. Enjoy your time and remember to have fun and relax in our home.

Eating in Reunion

1. Eleven -  On the top of Reunion Grande Hotel. Best way to enjoy sunsets and Disney fireworks in the distance (my favourite the Mongolian Lamb Pops followed by the Cowboy Steak)
2. Forte -  Fine dining in the ground floor of the Grande with Steaks and more.
3. Clubhouse – Good for breakfast buffet or lunch on the patio.
4. Reunion Bar – Great Sushi rolls by Chef Ha. Reunion Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll are my favourites
5. Water Park and Seven Eagles pools – Lunch fare pool side that’s good for kids. Usual burger, hot dogs and chicken strips menu but good to feed the kids while you work on the tan.

One of the real advantages of dining within Reunion is the on resort shuttle bus. It is free and will take you anywhere on resort. You are on holiday and if you’re like me you may enjoy a relaxing cocktail. The shuttle bus allows you the freedom to have another and save you lots of money on taxis. To book call the front desk at 407 662 1000. It is usually about a 10 minute wait. All the establishments including the water park will be more than happy to call it for you to return.

Outside Reunion

1. Celebration – This on Disney property community is fashioned after a 1950’s town. The main centre is quaint and has at least 10 restaurants. I’d recommend the Market Café for breakfast and Columbia (Latin, Cuban) and Café D’Antonio for lunch or dinner. There is also Thai, Japanese, Seafood and an Irish Pub. It is well worth doing a morning breakfast and stroll around the lake as you may catch sight of some small Alligators.
2. Chili’s – Cheap and cheerful chain that’s right at exit 58. Its great for kids and the prices are right. I go for the ribs with Shiner Bock sauce.
3. Manny’s – Locals steak house that’s located about 10-15 minutes south on highway 27 which is exit 55. Loved by locals for its value you can easily expect an hour wait during busier seasons. They allow you to call in advance to put your name on their list when you are leaving. The atmosphere is relaxed, kid friendly and very easy on the wallet. Its an experience for how busy it is. Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays and its early bird before 6 during the week.
4. Alehouse – A local chain that is a sports bar and restaurant. Its located on 192 just off the 429 toll road. Great for wings, beer and other pub food.
5. Sand Lake Road – This area is called restaurant row by locals. Its off I-4 at exit 74. There is the choice of virtually anything you want from chains to various ethnic food. We like Roy’s which is a Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Its also very busy so I recommend reservations.

Parks and Entertainment

When purchasing tickets for many of the below take a look on Google for discounted tickets or coupons. Many have them and even buying online will save you money. It is advisable to plan your day with schedules of shows and parades to give you both a break and to get some shade. The schedules are online and sometimes change times in different seasons. Enjoy!!

1. Disney- It’s what most people come here for so lets start with that. There are 4 theme parks Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Most of them are pretty self explanatory or you’re read about them previously so I won’t bore you with that. My advice would be to plan your day beforehand. Know the show schedules to use for shade or a break and make sure you use the fast passes. You can get these for very popular rides that lets you skip most of the line. Grab the passes, do other things then return at your allotted time. Look on your fast pass and it will say when you can get the next one. This will allow you to make better use of your time and get on the popular rides without a 2hr wait. For younger kids I think Magic and Animal Kingdom have more for them and Hollywood is a little older. The Magic Kingdom night parade and fireworks are a must.
2. Universal – My personal favourite and a very popular spot these days. Harry Potter is giving the mouse a run for his money. The rides are much newer and make greater use of technology. It makes Disney look quite dated and is definitely the place of choice for older kids (and kids at heart). There are two parks here called Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The latter is the better one and has Harry Potter themed area. Universal has its version of fast pass called express pass but it costs to purchase. It makes for a very expensive day but if you can do it its well worth it. You will wait no longer than 10 minutes for any ride and could do both parks in one day. The express pass price depends on how busy it is and is cheaper when booked well in advance. The main Harry Potter ride is not included so you will need to line up so try to get there early or late in the day. They do make good use of the line going through the castle so have lots of things going on such as mirrors talking back to you to keep you entertained. Not great for kids under 7 but any above that will love it.
3. Sea World – In combination with Busch Gardens it’s the cheapest of the 3. You can also get buy one day and get one free. Its good for all ages and has something for everyone. You can also get reduced prices to Busch Gardens or there Water Park Aquatica if you do it all at once.
4. Legoland – The newest park just opened in Oct 2011. It is aimed at younger kids and is great for the 3-8 year olds. There are 4 smaller roller coasters that are good enough to give the adults a thrill. It’s a trek as about 40 minutes south of here.
5. Water parks – Disney has Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard beach then there is Wet and wild and Aquatica. Our favourite is Aquatica for the size of their beach, ease in getting a lounger and the rides. Its located next door to Sea World.
6. Old Town – This is like a visiting town fair. Older rides that you pay for per ride and there are no lines. It has a great little kids area that you can be in and out in an hour that is sooooo much easier than the parks. There are some bigger rides for older kids including my favourite the Sling Shot and some small go karts and bumper cars. Its not fancy but easy. Its off 192 at exit 64.

Little ones 4 and under:

Sometimes doing the parks of Orlando is hard on those who are under 4 and those that accompany them so here are a few suggestions for that age group:

1. Reunion Water Park – Its great for all ages but the kids over 8 will want to hit the bigger water parks as well. It has some small slides and a lazy river. Admission is by pass only so you need to request one from us. It cost us (and you as a result) $50 fee for up to 6 people then others are $10 each. There is food and towels are provided
2. Green Meadows Farm – Shaded farm where you take a tour to see lots of animals. Very interactive as you get to pet, pick up, hold and feed many animals. There is a pony ride, train, hay ride and you can even milk a cow
3. Old Town – See above
4. Celebration – A walk around the lake or besides it is nice and there is a splash zone should the weather be conducive. There is a great playground that is shaded that you will need to look on a map to find.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. If you have any questions please feel free to speak to a representative at Jeeves Management as they will assist you with your enquiry.

From myself and my family I hope you have a great time in Orlando and we hope you will return in the future.