Family and Spa Time? Buena Vista Palace Makes It Possible

The last few years have been financially difficult for many families, with job layoffs and home losses adding to the challenges of maintaining a home and budget. Quality family time is something most families desire on an ongoing basis, but has proven challenging due to budget constraints. The age of ‘staycation’ (where a family vacations near or at their home) and vacationing together as an extended family (grandparents, uncles, cousins) has risen significantly, due in part to a desire for quality family time within a budget. Regardless of budgetary needs, most do not want to sacrifice quality when on a vacation with their families. The idea is to get the most out of your dollar while enjoying the much-needed time with your family. We recently had the opportunity to stay at the conveniently located and beautifully spacious Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa. #MOMBVPalace

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
The Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa is an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel. It is ideally located directly across from the Downtown Disney area at 1900 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830. The amenities are truly for adults and children to enjoy, from a children’s playground and arcade to a full-service salon and spa. On-site amenities include the following:

• Tropical Recreation Island offers fun family activities (family volleyball, painting, sand art, etc) and a pool concierge.
• Three heated pools & whirlpool spa
• Lighted tennis court (and a basketball court and sand volleyball)
• Four championship Disney golf courses offering preferred privileges
• Seven on-site restaurants and lounges (including The Outback Restaurant, specializing in fresh and delicious seafood and steaks)
• Full-service Spa and Salon (a soothing and comforting 10,000-square-foot facility with over 60 Spa services)
• Fully equipped fitness center
• Children’s playground and video arcade
• Official Disney store

SPACIOUS ROOMS & SUITES
As a wife, mother (to a teen boy and preschool identical twin boys), daughter (to my parents, who we often include on our travel plans because we live near each other), and business owner, it’s essential for me to have enough space to provide the most comfort possible when traveling with my family or on business. Whether on business when office-type services are needed (internet & printer access, wi-fi in guestrooms) or on a family vacation (where room to ‘spread out’ is highly desirable), the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa guestrooms and suiterooms are truly compatible for any traveler.

• One thousand fourteen guestrooms throughout the property offer a generous 400+ square feet each, with private balconies. Choose from either a water, resort, Downtown Disney, or Disney Fireworks view room. Rooms come with two beds (over 600) and feature queen beds (as opposed to the standard double beds).
• 92 family suites are available that feature the following:
  • One king (or two queen beds) with a sleeper sofa
  • One bedroom with a separate living room area
  • 800 square feet of functional and modern decorated living space
  • One full master bath (and some have in conjunction), one half guest bathroom
  • Wired and wireless AT&T internet access
  • Private balconies
  • Choose from water, tower one, and penthouse suites

​We were able to stay in several of the family suites (including a connecting guestroom), and from firsthand experience, the rooms were wonderfully accommodating and very spacious. The boys had plenty of places to run around and relax in a separate living room with a television. The bedroom area was quite big with a lounge sofa and a full-sized master bath. The entire suite was very well suited for a large family or a business traveler needing to work and unwind.

DINING FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
As parents, we love spending quality time together as a family and creating memories. Though we almost always strive as parents to spend ‘alone’ time together with our partner to connect as parents and as a couple, it can be challenging to achieve this with children in the home. The dining choices at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa create a wonderfully inviting atmosphere for families and couples.

The Outback Steaks and Seafood Restaurant
Not to be confused with the chain restaurant of the same name, The Outback Steaks and Seafood Restaurant is an Australian-themed eatery with decor, steaks, and seafood, featuring a waterfall, koi pond, and an open-grill display kitchen. From market-fresh fish to filet mignon, the menu selections are complimentary for a date night, a business meeting, or even family dining. My parents can be harsh critics of restaurants – in part because their former executive jobs gave them access to some of the best restaurants in the world –  yet they really liked the food and quality of service at The Outback Steaks and Seafood Restaurant. Reservations are recommended, and the menu can be viewed by clicking HERE.

RELAXATION
The Spa at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Vacations should be relaxing, and there is no better way to be comforted than at a spa and salon. The Spa at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa boasts over 60 comprehensive spa and salon services from massages to haircuts. Amenities also include a secluded outdoor whirlpool, a lap pool, and a complimentary fitness center. Parents can enjoy a couples massage in the same room, or moms and daughters can get a mani-pedi together in the salon—it’s all truly a soothing, relaxing experience.

The Watercress Café
The Watercress Café offers a beautiful lakefront scenery and a full-service breakfast buffet featuring omelets, eggs, waffles, fruit, baked goods, and other tasty dishes. The buffet is well stocked with favorite breakfast foods (for children and adults). Menu selections are available, and the staff is helpful. A special treat for families: Sundays are Character Breakfasts, where Disney characters are available for photos while you eat a buffet breakfast with the family and receive extra hugs!

DATE NIGHT FOR PARENTS
When not traveling with the grandparents or extended family, parents looking for a date night can visit kidsniteout.com to hire in-room sitters and care at Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa.

Family looking for a local getaway in the Central Florida area?
A couple wanting a romantic weekend?
Business traveler?
Need accommodations for the upcoming holiday season?

The Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for everyone!

Connect at http://www.buenavistapalace.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BuenaVistaPalace
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BVPalace
Check out special deals and packages at http://www.buenavistapalace.com/specials-packages-en.html