As promised, I am back this week with more details about my experience at Grand Lakes Orlando, where as you know, a few Macaroni Kid Publishers and myself were invited to see Orlando in a whole new light. When you think of Orlando, I bet your thinking mouse ears, lines, princesses, park passes, and ... did I mention those lines? Not this time my friends! Grand Lakes is minutes from the fun, but miles away from the madness!
Lets talk food. Let's talk some major NOM NOM NOM's. If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge foodie. I have tasted and enjoyed all different kinds of food from all over. To be honest, it can be pretty tough to impress me. Yes, self proclaimed food critic I am.
They welcomed us.... with chocolate!
This picture really does no justice. It was art. It was almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
They had me at chocolate. I could hardly wait to experience first hand their farm to fork dining. What is farm to fork dining? Primo, a restaurant in the JW Marriott, sources much of thier food from their own and other local farms. We were able to tour their farm Whisper Creek, a 7000 square-foot fruit and vegetable farm. My simple definition? Going to the farm and seeing first hand the squash that was on your dinner plate. Yes.. this was my squash. 'Farm to Fork'!
As soon as I found out that we were going to enjoy a cooking class and private chef's table dinner by the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Team, I could hardly contain myself. How about making your own pasta or fresh mozzarella they ask? Yes please!! Ok, I'm impressed and my inner critic is giddy. Although I enjoyed every thing we were able to experience at Grand Lakes, I have to say that this was my favorite.
After dinner we rolled headed down to the lazy river, grabbed a tube and floated away reminissing about the dinner we just enjoyed. I couldn't help but think about how much my kids would love this. Or how much I loved the idea of coming back from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks...to floating in tube on a lazy river. Again I say.. yes please!
The major theme parks are known to be pricey, and a family of four can add up quick. Just another reason to stay at Grand Lakes. There is so much to do with out even leaving the resort. Pools, lazy river, fishing, eco-tours, children's programs, spa, kayaking, golfing and more. Let me just say two words. Spa and Children's Programs. Ok, that was four words...
#1 Spa. Time for mama bear to relax! Sit in the hot tub, get an amazing signature pedicure, or my favorite ~ head on out to a cabana and enjoy a refreshing drink or swim. I know what your thinking. How can I relax with my children pulling me in every direction? That takes us to #2.
#2 Children's Programs. Your kids are going to LOVE this and so will YOU! Kids are greeted at a separate check in at the lobby with their very own amenity kit. The Ritz Kids program is a supervised children's program exclusively for younger guests. Guess what that means? Parents get to enjoy a quiet dinner, read a book in a hammock, or dare I say ...take a nap pool side. Kids will have a blast and you get a little time to relax.
If you missed my story about my eco-tour experience, it is a must read! I am so happy that I listened to my publisher friends to go on this tour. It was truly was an adventure that I can not wait to do again, and next time with my family.
So, am I sold? YES! Do I recomend Grand Lakes? YES! Will I be going back? Yes, yes...and YES!
If you would like to see even more of my pictures from this trip, please visit my photo album on facebook! Warning... don't look if your hungry! ;)
The writer was a recent guest of Grande Lakes Orlando for three nights during which accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary.
As soon as I found out that we were going to enjoy a cooking class and private chef's table dinner by the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Team, I could hardly contain myself. How about making your own pasta or fresh mozzarella they ask? Yes please!! Ok, I'm impressed and my inner critic is giddy. Although I enjoyed every thing we were able to experience at Grand Lakes, I have to say that this was my favorite.
After dinner we rolled headed down to the lazy river, grabbed a tube and floated away reminissing about the dinner we just enjoyed. I couldn't help but think about how much my kids would love this. Or how much I loved the idea of coming back from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks...to floating in tube on a lazy river. Again I say.. yes please!The major theme parks are known to be pricey, and a family of four can add up quick. Just another reason to stay at Grand Lakes. There is so much to do with out even leaving the resort. Pools, lazy river, fishing, eco-tours, children's programs, spa, kayaking, golfing and more. Let me just say two words. Spa and Children's Programs. Ok, that was four words...#1 Spa. Time for mama bear to relax! Sit in the hot tub, get an amazing signature pedicure, or my favorite ~ head on out to a cabana and enjoy a refreshing drink or swim. I know what your thinking. How can I relax with my children pulling me in every direction? That takes us to #2.
#2 Children's Programs. Your kids are going to LOVE this and so will YOU! Kids are greeted at a separate check in at the lobby with their very own amenity kit. The Ritz Kids program is a supervised children's program exclusively for younger guests. Guess what that means? Parents get to enjoy a quiet dinner, read a book in a hammock, or dare I say ...take a nap pool side. Kids will have a blast and you get a little time to relax.
If you missed my story about my eco-tour experience, it is a must read! I am so happy that I listened to my publisher friends to go on this tour. It was truly was an adventure that I can not wait to do again, and next time with my family. 
So, am I sold? YES! Do I recomend Grand Lakes? YES! Will I be going back? Yes, yes...and YES!If you would like to see even more of my pictures from this trip, please visit my photo album on facebook! Warning... don't look if your hungry! ;)
To learn more about Grande Lakes Orlando, please visit their website at www.grandelakes.com and find them on Facebook.
The writer was a recent guest of Grande Lakes Orlando for three nights during which accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary.
