For Spring Break, I decided it was time to ditch the cold weather and head off to find some fun in the sun. And for this trip, I didn’t want to take it on my own, but share the experience with two of the most important women in my life – my mom and my sister. We decided to take a slightly unconventional Mommy + Me trip to Orlando. It was a much-needed trip for all of us.
When we originally started talking about this trip, it was supposed to be one that also involved my niece because I needed someone to come with me and make me feel like I was allowed to act like a big kid this entire trip. And though my niece was not able to come, my sister stepped up and both of us acted like the big kids that we still are while hanging out with mom.
So, first I want to share with you where you should stay and eat when you take your trip to Orlando. Make sure to stay tuned and check in for the next few posts where I’ll also be sharing our experience for the one day that we took to visit all four parks at Disney and part 2 of our trip where I’ll be sharing suggestions on things to do while in Orlando.
W H E R E T O S T A Y
LAKE BUENA VISTA RESORT & SPA
For our trip, we stayed at the Lake Buena Vista Resort and Spa. This resort was a quick drive to many of the main attractions such as Disney and Universal, so taking an Uber or Lyft to the places we had to go was quite inexpensive.
We had arrived a little earlier than what check in time was (4pm), but we were able to store our bags and hang out by the pool bar where the bartender, Rick, was quite the hospitable person who I highly recommend asking for when you visit this resort.
Our room was so great. There was a kitchen and living room area, and then a master bedroom with a jacuzzi and walk-in shower and then an additional room had two full-sized bed and an adjacent bathroom.
The beds were super comfortable and we had an ample amount of space for all of us.
Our stay here was quite pleasant even though we didn’t spend much time at the resort after we finally got checked in and went off on our adventure.
W H E R E T O E A T
DRAGONFLY ROBATA GRILL & SUSHI
Our first complete meal in Orlando was at the Dragonfly Robata Grill.
My sister and I were super excited to go as we both love sushi, but mom was a little hesitant since raw food scares her, but she was up to trying a few items.
We all a started off with some tea because the day had gotten a little chilly, and as we warmed up we were ready to take on the menu. On the menu there was a variety of different types of sushi and other popular Asian cuisine items. There was plenty to choose from based on your personal preference, but the menu was not too overwhelming to the point where you can’t figure out what to eat.
Our server was very helpful on making recommendations and the chef even sent over one of the special dishes of the season for us to try. It was raw fish, so sis and I dove in, but mom took one bite, and though she liked it, didn’t finish it because of her nerves.
After our meal, we decided to try out a sake flight. Now, mom had never tried it and sis and I only had tried warm sake before, so it was an experience for all of us. You can check out the video at the end of the post to see a look into our meal and our reactions to trying the sake flight.
HAMILTON’S KITCHEN
While on our Mommy & Me trip, we were able to have a wonderful, and much-needed brunch, at Hamilton’s Kitchen located at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park – which is only a short drive away from Orlando.
One of the great things that I noticed when we first arrived at the location was the unique decor and the comfortable aesthetic that they keep in the hotel and maintain the restaurant. When we sat down at our table, I felt like I was sitting at the dining table in my home for a weekend get together with the best ladies in my life – which was more than true.
After our first bite, we all looked up and talked about how good the food was. My sister was so happy with her waffles that it ended up being one of the few photos that she actually shared on her own personal Instagram.
Each meal was prepared fresh and tasted like the brunch that you imagine in your dreams when you get the deep down hunger for a good brunch with the ladies.
Whenever I head back to Orlando, I will be making a stop over to Hamilton’s Kitchen for another wonderful brunch.
Featured Outfit:
Thank you to Lake Buena Vista for the hotel accommodations and Visit Orlando and the restaurant partners for hosting us on this trip. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.