Champions Gate Resort – Kissimmee, Florida

OK, I’m super late to the party, but I finally stayed at a vacation home! Growing up in Canada, I always heard my friends raving about their Florida vacays and wondered what all the excitement was about. Well, on my recent trip to Kissimmee I had a chance to find out. But I didn’t stay at just any vacation home, we were fortunate enough to spend our week unwinding in a billion dollar community…

Yup! Champions Gate Resort is an absolute dream. I guess when I pictured vacation homes in my head, I thought they’d only have basic features (bedroom, kitchen, living room etc.), but the 900-acre community in Osceola County blew my socks off. First of all, the homes are ginormous — some have up to 9 bedrooms…

They all have private swimming pools and covered lanais…

Rooms with plenty of space and adjoining washrooms (ours had 5!)…

Fully-equipped kitchens that come with upgraded cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances so you can prep meals with your family and friends…

But don’t worry, if you don’t feel like cooking, you can hire a personal chef or slip out to dine at the clubhouse…

Yes, you read correctly. There is clubhouse onsite for all guests to enjoy — and it’s 20,000 square feet!! It features a splash park, movie theatre, fitness centre, volleyball courts, resort-style pool with luxe, air-conditioned cabanas and – my favourite – a lazy river…

Global Resort Homes have taken vacation home rentals to a whole new level! They certainly made my first experience a memorable one. Not only was our rental super clean, but it was only minutes away from the theme parks (more about my epic Disney experience later) and had everything we needed for a fab trip. To be honest, I’m not sure why large groups or families would stay anywhere else. It truly felt like a home away from home. I’m trying to think up all kinds of reasons to head back — family reunions, girls trips, b-day getaways… Until then, I shall daydream about the glorious lazy river and great memories we made at our vacation home.

Things To Note…

• The home we stayed in (which sleeps up to 16 people) rents at approx. $500-$700 a night depending on the season (for exact rates check here). That’s a pretty great deal if you do the math. Oh AND you’ll save on food costs because you can cook at home (there’s a BBQ in the backyard too).
• You don’t need to pack towels or toiletries, the kitchen is fully equipped AND WiFi is included — woot!
• A car is essential if you’re staying in this community. There is plenty of free parking at/around your home.
• There are tons of amenities in addition to the ones highlighted above (like an 18-hole golf course) so take time to escape from the busy theme parks and enjoy the resort!

Our stay at Global Resort Homes in Champions Gate Resort was paid for by Experience Kissimmee as part of a press trip to Kissimmee, Florida. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.