Video Tour of Hyatt Regency Orlando

Recently our family was invited* to take a tour of the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Spacious rooms, impeccable grounds, a beautiful spa, and delicious dining add up to a wonderful place to stay when in Orlando!

 

 

Some of our favorite moments:

The 24-Hour B Diner — My husband swears if I make broccoli rabe like they do he’ll eat it every night. Their meatloaf is amazing. Don’t forget to try the blackened fish sandwich and pretty much ANY dessert in the huge case!

Pool — There’s a slide, waterfalls, and a splash pad, plus ample lounge chairs and cabanas in which to sit while the excellent staff from Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill serve you tastes of the tropics. Relax with a Lounge Chair Lizard if you’re so inclined.

Event Space — I’m often asked about venue event spaces, and the Hyatt Regency Orlando does not disappoint. They have meeting space for groups of all sizes and configurations. The Give Kids The World Black and White Gala, which I attended there last year, was over-the-top. The staff did an excellent job. GKTW will be having the event there again this year, it has been so successful. (Buy your tickets for this year’s May 9 event.)

Spa — Though I didn’t get a chance to get any treatments personally, I was impressed with their spa and salon offerings and peaceful decor. I watched the staff interact with customers, and they were really attentive (without being obtrusive, if you know what I mean). I’d definitely suggest a ladies’ event there! There’s an outdoor spa section, and I can just see a bride and her maids relaxing together before the “big day.” Fun!

Whether planning a visit to one of Central Florida’s great theme parks or arranging a company-wide retreat or trade show, the Hyatt Regency Orlando should be on your list. Don’t forget to check out their Spring dining specials including some unique wine pairing events with world-renowned winemakers.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando is located at 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida, USA, 32819. Book now or call for more information: 407-284-1234.

*Disclosure: I have stayed at this property as a “regular” guest, an event patron, and
as a hosted guest to film the footage for this video . On that particular day,
the hotel provided our family with meals and the opportunity to enjoy the facility
we know and enjoy so much in exchange for an honest review.

Not Spooky at All: SeaWorld’s Spooktacular

Halloween is, for some, a time to get scared, to play “tricks,” and to dwell on the… shall we say… creepy things of this world… and things other-worldy. (Insert Vincent Price maniacal laugh here.) For me it’s none of those things. It’s about playing dress up, making new friends as you “forage” for candy and other tasty treats, and having an excuse to be just plain silly.

Last year my then 2-year-old really enjoyed Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld. He wore a pumpkin T-shirt since it was a bit hot for his “real” costume, but there were kids fully decked out as well as wearing street clothes. All were welcomed and treated as if they were the most adorable child there.  (In case you were wondering, his “real” costume was Smarticus the gladiator. His mom (yours truly) was “Mother of Boy” instead of Helen of Troy. Dad was… wait for it… Dadius Gladius–pronounced: Dad he is, glad he is. Yes, we’re that nerdy. And yes, he was adorable!)

Walking down the entrance to the “Spooktaclar walkway” (as we call it), we were greeted by bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles. For a toddler, this is one spectacular way to be welcomed to the festivities! Whoa. A fish on roller skates just whizzed by us. Or was that sea weed? And a butterfly catcher?!

Down a ways we came to the first candy stop. Big inflatable barrels shaped in an anemone-type shape are practically overflowing with tiny, tasty treats. Mister Shy-when-he-wants-to-be is hesitant to go up at first. “Hey there, little guy,” the SeaWorld worker says. Smiles are exchanged, and my young man is loosening up. He gets a bit more comfortable as he continues on and even gets “brave” enough to have his picture with a beautiful mermaid. (Usually mommy is the only girl lucky enough for this.) Fully acclimated to the sights and sounds, we were off to fill our goody bags. (Yes, parents are allowed to sample, too. Score!)

On the way to Abby Cadabby’s maze we pass by dog fish. And catfish. And other assorted creatures of the deep (and some from someone’s fabulous imagination!). Photo opportunities abound, and I took them up on every one!

Older kids were not as impressed with the maze as my toddler was, but for his age-group it was perfect. At different way points, Abby’s friends posted signs about which way to go. Parents read aloud and kids answered silly/cute questions. Eventually they reached the finish line and they all, including mine, seemed pleased with themselves.

Along the shore you can find the hysterical Longshoremen at SeaWorld

One of the highlights, however, was watching the Longshoremen perform their pumpkin routine. You won’t find their schedule posted on the daily map (rats!), but you can find them “along the shore” most afternoons making people laugh. I think we sat down for their show every weekend of the event. FYI: “pumpkin guts” can be made using rope, shaving cream, and a tiny bit of orange tempera paint. Who knew?

Next stop: Shamu’s Happy Harbor where Penny Penguin, Opie Otter, and other strolling characters show us their costumes. Shamu (the character version!) can also be seen donning a fanciful getup. (Say, I wonder what he’ll be for Halloween this year!) After a few photos, and rides!, we made our way to the Pets Ahoy theater.

Seasonally, the fun is changed for a couple of shows a day and the Sesame Street gang, not the pets, are the stars. The Count takes over for the “Countdown to Halloween” and delighted fans sing along. OK. Their parents sing along, too.

While no frightening laugh track is piped in over loudspeakers and the only things jumping out at you are the dolphins and whales out of the water, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is our kind of fall festival. Good, clean fun. Adorable children. Smiles. And pop! More bubbles.