Tampa Bay area moms and dads are fortunate to live as near as we do to the world-famous attractions in and around Kissimmee. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World – these are once-in-a-lifetime destinations for many families around the globe, and they’re right in our back yard.
Our family has taken full advantage of this proximity over the years. We always budget carefully, and we factor in the savings we enjoy because we don’t have to fly in and because we can squeeze in a ton of fun during an over-and-back day trip.
When we look eastward for recreation, we typically are drawn to one of the big theme parks. We know people around the world dream of coming to Florida to experience those magnificent places, and we never take for granted our ability to incorporate them occasionally into our family lifestyle.
This summer, we made the economical decision to limit our theme park activity to our hometown park, Busch Gardens Tampa. We focused on local educational experiences, like Brooker Creek Preserve, and family road trips to North Carolina and Cape Cod.
The summer is almost done. It has been a dream for me. It was the first time I was able to spend an extended amount of time at home with my two sons. Unencumbered by school demands, unrestricted by office hours, we bonded during “Camp Dad” and made memories for a lifetime.
There is plenty of time for more memories, though, and we soon will head to Kissimmee to finish off the summer right.
Last year, Jay and I were invited by Experience Kissimmee to spend a late-autumn weekend enjoying a “Snowy Holiday.” We made new friends and were exposed to a lot of new experiences, like “ice skating” on a plastic rink in Celebration.
This week, our entire family will return to Kissimmee for one last summer blast. What’s most intriguing for us is that the itinerary is full of experiences that veer from the familiar, comforting embrace of Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter.
Rather than spend our days at Magic Kingdom or Universal, this time we will:
- Take in a jousting tournament at Medieval Times
- Immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the Sunshine State at Wild Florida
- Gawk at giant reptiles at Gatorland
- Splash away a Saturday afternoon at Aquatica waterpark
- Nourish our creativity at the Crayola Experience
- Witness a whole new view of International Drive from the top of the Orlando Eye
- See everything the new I-Drive 360 complex has to offer
One big takeaway for us during last year’s Experience Kissimmee event was the choice of lodging. When we do stay overnight in Central Florida, we typically find a deal at a Marriott property or stay at a Disney or Universal resort.
These trips with Experience Kissimmee have opened our eyes to some of the best, if less-known, accommodations in the area. Last year, we stayed at Encantada and were duly impressed with the size of our condominium and its many amenities. The price was right, too – far less expensive for far more space and comfort than the typical Orlando-area hotel.
This time, our base of operations will be the sister resort of Encantada, Regal Oaks (both are owned by European vacation resort company CLC World). Regal Oaks looks similar to Encantada in most respects, and we can’t wait to check it out.
It all starts Thursday. Follow along at Instagram and Twitter, and look for the hashtags #GoodbyeCrowds and #MyKissimmee.
Goodbye Crowds Vacation Giveaway
Our trip’s host, Experience Kissimmee, would like me to spread the word to my fellow Central Floridians that the fall is a great time to find economical deals on activities and accommodations in and around Kissimmee. The summer high tourist season is just about done, and we have not yet hit the busy holiday season. It’s a good time to make the quick drive over and see what’s up.
Starting today (Aug. 17, 2015) and running through Oct. 18, Experience Kissimmee also is conducting a sweepstakes for a vacation for two. It’s a bit different in that you have a choice of how you want to spend your four-day, three-night getaway – go for the thrill, or sit back and chill.
Enter using the form provided on this link or by texting ChillsFL or ThrillsFL to 313131. All those who enter also become eligible to win a weekly prize package to I-Drive 360.
Disclosure: My family and I were invited by Experience Kissimmee to partake of a variety of activities in Central Florida for review purposes. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Carter Gaddis, Writer & Editor 
2 responses to “Tampa to Kissimmee: One Last Summer Blast”
That adventure sounds so amazing! Your family is going to have such a blast! You have had one truly incredible summer! Way to end on a high note!
It is amazing. What truly interesting is even though we’ll have a full weekend, we aren’t going to any of the big parks. There’s A LOT to do over there (including just chilling at the resort)!