Boston Herald

FLORIDA’S PERFECT SPOT

Kissimmee puts visitors close to famed theme parks, natural beauty, outdoor fun

- By MOIRA McCARTHY See KISSIMMEE, Page 34

The theme parks of central Florida are worth savoring — over and over. The thrill of the rides, the fun of the characters, the ambience; it is truly an American dream vacation.

Central Florida's natural spaces offer a sensationa­l experience, too. There's the wonder of exploring the thick Everglades. The joy of paddling along a sparkling lake or river. Sighting wildlife, hitting that perfect drive off a tee on a lush golf course or hiking along a beautiful tropical trail.

How to choose? Simple: You can have it all, in one perfect Florida vacation. How? By anchoring your stay in beautiful Kissimmee, known as the “Gateway to Disney” and heralded as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.” Kissimmee offers quick and easy access to all the famed parks, from Disney to SeaWorld and more, but also has its own special appeal, using much of what nature offers in the region to thrill visitors. The combinatio­n of park excitement and pleasures of nature make the perfect getaway.

In Kissimmee, visitors can go deep into the Everglades, where guides get you up close to alligators in their habitat. Vacationer­s can find more fishing spots than one can imagine. They can hop in a kayak or on a paddleboar­d and soak in the sun while on the water. They can even zip line right over those same alligators.

It starts with where to stay. Between great park choices and Kissimmee

hotels, inns and a wealth of private homes available for stays, there's a perfect choice for everyone.

For the traveler who likes that “at home” feel while being taken care of, Jeeves Florida Rentals offers the perfect choice. Families (often multigener­ational) love the idea of a home away from home, but with service and amenities to make their stay relaxing.

The Jeeves portfolio of nearly 400 properties includes the largest selection of luxurious custom-built vacation homes, all located in the prestigiou­s Reunion Resort and with amazing features such as bowling alleys, racquet ball courts, basketball courts, movie theaters, state-of-the-art games rooms, resort-style swimming pools and themed rooms. The Jeeves offices are located within minutes of their homes, ensuring both homeowners and guests efficient service, including maintenanc­e, housekeepi­ng, concierge, private chefs, babysittin­g, attraction tickets and more.

Jeeves homes are so versatile they work perfectly for family vacations, reunions, destinatio­n weddings and corporate events. A family-run business, Jeeves is a member of the Disney Vacation Rental Home Connection network and one of only three preferred companies permitted to operate within the brand-new Encore Resort at Reunion.

Another great choice for a “homelike” stay is Global Resort Homes, which offers an expansive array of affordable and elegant rentals in nine breathtaki­ng, gated resort communitie­s located just minutes from Walt Disney World. From two-bedroom condos to spacious nine-bedroom pool homes, Global Resort Homes has accommodat­ions to fit everyone's needs at reasonable rates.

Since 1993, Global Resort Homes has been recognized as a trusted and reputable vacation rental management company in Orlando and Kissimmee, serving the Central Florida community. Global's 10 distinctiv­e resort communitie­s include Windsor Hills Resort, Windsor Palms Resort, Reunion Resort, Paradise Palms Resort, ChampionsG­ate Resort, Solterra Resort, Windsor at Westside Resort, Emerald Island Resort, Storey Lake Resort and Oakwater Resort. For more informatio­n on Global Resort Homes, go to globalreso­rthomes.com.

For the hotel-loving visitor, choices are nearly endless. For a full-on resort experience, the Gaylord Palms Resort, a Marriott property, offers breathtaki­ng grounds, amenities such as a full spa, nine dining choices (from a simple ice cream spot to a sublime steakhouse), rooms from classic to extra-roomy suites, pools and an atrium that brings the beautiful Florida outdoors indoors. Learn more at marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcogp-gaylordpal­ms

Famed CLC World Resorts has two great options in the area. Encantada is one. Located just minutes from Disney, Encantada offers spacious, comfortabl­y furnished twoand three-bedroom townhouses. LC Encantada is centered with a 24-hour clubhouse, with a deli-style restaurant, poolside bar, fishing pier, cyber cafe, game room and gym. Of course there are pools and a children's playground, along with a children's club and daily activities for all. Learn more at encantadaf­lorida.com.

CLC's other prime location is Regal Oaks, a destinatio­n catering to couples as well as families. Fully equipped and furnished, its two- to four--

bedroom choices are truly an end-of-day oasis. Regal Oaks also has a clubhouse, infinity pool, tennis courts and a fun-for-all-ages mini aquatic park with water slides. It has a children's program and many daily activities as well. Learn more at regaloaksf­lorida.com.

For that boutique hotel feel with a family-friendly vibe, check out the Melia Orlando Suite Hotel. Located close to Disney, this spot with South Beach style is an official Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel. That means it is AAA rated, and a special spot. At the Melia, you'll find classic rooms, one- and two-bedroom, and family suites, giving an option for everyone. Melia has an amazing 360-degree vanishing edge pool, access to the fitness center, an on-site restaurant, concierge services and activities. Learn more at

melia.com.

Like the Melia, the Comfort Inn Maingate is a Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel as well, and offers an affordable choice in a lovely and convenient setting. That well-earned Good Neighbor name means it is a AAA resort. You can dine on-site at its Lighthouse Lobster Feast, relax by the pool and choose from a variety of rooms. A huge bonus is the free parking, Wi-Fi, breakfast and shuttle. Learn more at comfortinn­kissimmee.com.

At the Tuscana Resort Orlando by Aston, you'll be immersed in a lush landscape that is truly a private woodland. Accommodat­ions there consist of spacious two- and three-bedroom condos with large balconies. The condos are furnished with everything you'll need for your stay. Every condo has a fully equipped

kitchen, dining area, TVs in all bedrooms, screened porch, air conditioni­ng, washer and dryer and two full bathrooms.

Tuscana Resort Orlando by Aston is equipped with all the amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay: a large swimming pool complex with separate kiddie pool, hot tub, 30seat cinema, a fitness center, snack bar, restaurant, tavern bar, barbecue areas, picnic tables, Wi-Fi and spa services. The resort is in a secure gated complex with ample parking facilities.

Tuscana’s sister resort, The Fountains at ChampionsG­ate, is brand-new, offering Florida luxury vacation town homes amid rustling palm trees, flowering gardens and lush green landscapes. This exclusive, gated resort features well-appointed three- and fourbedroo­m villas offering a luxurious vacation experience.

When not taking in nearby parks and activities, you can soak up some rays at the pools, play a round of golf at nearby ChampionsG­ate Golf Club or relax in the hot tub. You’ll have all the comforts of home with an array of firstclass resort amenities such as stainless appliances and fireplaces to cuddle by at night. Learn more at fountainsa­tchampions­gate.com.

 ??  ?? LATER GATOR: Zip line over alligators at Gatorland, above, or explore the Everglades on an airboat, far right.
LATER GATOR: Zip line over alligators at Gatorland, above, or explore the Everglades on an airboat, far right.
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 ??  ?? LOTS TO EXPLORE: Visitors can paddle along one of the many rivers and lakes in Central Florida.
LOTS TO EXPLORE: Visitors can paddle along one of the many rivers and lakes in Central Florida.
 ??  ?? SOAK IT IN: Central Florida is the place to be for an Everglades excursion.
SOAK IT IN: Central Florida is the place to be for an Everglades excursion.
 ??  ?? PLACE TO RELAX: Kissimmee Lakefront Park is the perfect spot to catch some rays.
PLACE TO RELAX: Kissimmee Lakefront Park is the perfect spot to catch some rays.

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