Tiny Travelers, Big Adventures: A Four-Day Family Escape to Kissimmee

Encore Resort at Reunion offers a variety of spacious accommodations for large families and groups. Every stay is designed to feel like life at home with the amenities of a resort. The best part is you can stay your way. You might like a day spent unwinding while watching movies and spending some quality time together, or maybe you’ll spend your first day here like the Scott family did — unpacking, relaxing, and playing in your own private pool.  No matter what you do, be sure to take some time to recharge from your journey for all the activities on the horizon. 

To start the day, the Scott family went with a classic attraction in Kissimmee, Gatorland! This iconic Kissimmee attraction has plenty of activities for adults and kids and is home to all kinds of cool animals. Iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, you’ll find them all at Gatorland. Oh, and of course, hundreds of gators! Check out their reptilian shows to keep the kids entertained, like the Legends of the Swamp, Gator Jumparoo, and, if you’re feeling brave enough, the Up-Close Encounter Show.

After a morning packed with animal encounters, it’s time to chill with a relaxing family bike ride through the town of Celebration with Celebration Bike Rental. The Scotts thought this was a perfect activity to wind down in the middle of the day. You’ll take in the colorful architecture and picturesque neighborhoods of Celebration, as well as enjoy the beautiful native wildlife from a different perspective.

Following a day chock-full of adventures and biking around, it’s time for a little replenishment with a farm-to-table meal at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs! While most of the menu focuses on chicken and traditional Florida cuisine, there’s plenty of options for vegetarians, so everyone feels right at home at this eatery!

Following a delicious dinner, the Scott family headed for an equally delightful dessert. Stop by Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew for handcrafted specialty donuts that’ll make your jaw drop. That’s a good thing, by the way, since you’re about to enjoy a fantastic treat! Want to take your dessert to the next level? Top everything off with one of their delicious cold brews — it’s perfect for anyone who craves a little caffeine to go along with their sugar rush!

Splash into the day by heading over to Island H2O Water Park. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, this waterpark features all the fun under the sun that you could ever want. There are multi-guest waterslide races, a lazy river for those who take relaxing on vacation very seriously, and even a live DJ supplying groovy vibes all day. You can also reserve a cabana ahead of time, so you have a place to chill in between activities and to safely store your belongings.

Next, the Scott family visited SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium for a new wave of underwater adventures. The aquarium's interactive and dynamic underwater world lets you get face-to-face with creatures like seahorses, octopuses, jellyfish, turtles, and even sharks! Plus, there's a 360-degree ocean tunnel where you’ll feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor. 

After all those underwater adventures, it’s dinner time, according to Dr. Laura. Stroll over to Café Tu Tu Tango, where their specialties are small plates meant to be shared by the table, and their cuisine is as experimental as their décor. This is a unique and eclectic spot to spend an evening while enjoying live entertainment throughout the night and resident artists painting patrons as you enjoy a delicious dinner!

There’s no better way to start your day than by having a tall glass of orange juice and visiting the family-owned Showcase of Citrus orange farm! Don’t be fooled, however, this isn’t your average farm tour. You’ll be able to tour this citrus farm just like the Scott gang did — aboard a monster truck that’ll take you through the 50 varieties of citrus trees! Not only that, you’ll also enjoy a swamp safari tour showcasing the native flora and fauna of Central Florida.

It’s lunchtime (time sure flies when you’re having fun!), and you’re headed to Columbia Restaurant, overlooking the picturesque Lake Rainhard in Celebration Town Center. This restaurant serves up tasty traditional Spanish and Cuban cuisine and has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years! We definitely recommend the mojitos and sangria pitchers — they’re perfect for parents looking to unwind. 

Walk off that delicious lunch like the Scotts did and grab a sweet treat at Kilwins Chocolate & Ice Cream, providing handcrafted chocolates and ice cream since 1974. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab one of their signature gift baskets as souvenirs for loved ones back home, as well as one of their self-proclaimed ‘perfect’ caramel apples. You know, for the road! A perfectly sweet end to an amazing culinary tour of Kissimmee.

Finally, the Scott family went for an airboat ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, where you’ll get to experience the unique wildlife that calls Central Florida home. This wild ride will bring you up close and personal with some of Florida’s most famous residents. Then, afterward, explore the Native American Village, visit the Gator Oasis Pond, and give the young ones in the family a chance to dig for fossils, gems, and even alligator and shark teeth in the Gem Mine. You can choose to either have an airboat adventure during the day, sunrise, or night, which is perfect for the sunrise chasers, night owls, and everyone in between!