Family vacations don’t need to be complicated. We are getting back to simple vacations for more #SmilesAhead. Here’s Why Changing The Way We Vacation Gave Us the Best Orlando Staycation. This post is sponsored by Holiday Inn. All relaxing travel opinions are my own.
Changing the Way We Vacation Gave Us the Best Orlando Staycation
Living in the “Tourist Capital of the World,” I always feel the pressure to plan the best vacation ever. There’s a theme park around every corner and grand vacation ideas within arm’s reach. Oh, and there’s that Type-A parent tendency to plan every little detail – down to scheduled bathroom breaks. I knew that I needed a family intervention the moment I told my kids that we had an Orlando staycation planned.
“Are we going to theme park?” “What rides are we doing this time?” “Mickey! Minnie! Mickey! Minnie!”
The moment my kids assumed that there was a theme park attached to our vacation at Holiday Inn at Orange Lake Resort, it was my breaking point. That’s NOT how I’m raising my kids. So here’s how we changed up our vacation game in six easy steps, and still had the best Orlando staycation ever. Spoiler, we didn’t miss the mouse.
We Unplugged
I feel a little embarrassed to admit that we needed this blunt reminder, but there it is. We unplugged from the world. We traded TV time for board games, smartphones for tickle fights. And in that quiet stillness and boredom bloomed beautiful moments like these. My kids were perfectly happy doing nothing. I didn’t have to entertain, overstimulate or amuse them. They found contentment in simple vacation moments, all by themselves. And guess what? Not one whine.
We Relaxed
Multiple pools, water slides, waterfalls and this incredible winding lazy river were all included with our Holiday Inn stay. Floating for hours on a lazy river, we quickly learned how to truly relax. No complaints here.
We Appreciated the Little Things
It’s not always majestic castles and spectacular firework shows that leave the lasting memories. When you take away those high vacation expectations and pressures, those little moments (the ones that normally get overlooked) become the big ones – the ones that kids remember forever.
My kids were thrilled to discover the free Holiday Inn Chocolate Milk Happy Hour during our stay. They ran for the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and freshly planted milk mustaches. It’s the little things, those little extra smiles that made a difference.
We Snuggled
I couldn’t remember the last time the four of us were cuddled in bed together. But this staycation, we snuggled in bed more times than I could count. Without a crazy schedule to keep up with, there was more time for snuggles, hugs, and kisses. We found more excuses to be close by. We had more time just to love each other.
We Connected
We live in a world of digitally distracted parents and instant-gratification kids. Where is the time for connection? It’s during family vacation time. Without the busyness and distractions around us, we found ourselves talking freely and communicating more effectively. In short, we connected in those deeper thoughts and conversations that would have been missed with a crazy vacation schedule.
We Made The Best Vacation Memories
What started as a family intervention ended with “That was the BEST vacation, Mom.” It wasn’t a vacation that was gift wrapped with events, overflowing with stimulation and stressed to make perfect. We simplified and got back to what a family vacation truly means – togetherness.
We spent an extended weekend at Holiday Inn at Orange Lake Resort, only minutes away from the theme parks, and never missed a moment of the action. I can honestly say we had the best Orlando staycation, thanks to a little family intervention. Book your next vacation at Holiday Inn, where the little extras mean more #SmilesAhead for your family vacation memories.
Follow Holiday Inn: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
When was the last time you had the best vacation ever?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Holiday Inn. The opinions and text are all mine.
Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more easy family recipes, kids crafts, travel tips and memories.
Looking for more Orlando staycation tips?
Melissa Chapman says
It is amazing that you live in Orlando and do a staycation at a simple resort and look to be having the greatest time. it shows that a nice hotel means everything and you get that change that you need.
Colleen Lanin says
The last time we had the best vacation ever was also a staycation. We stayed home and toured all the places in our are that we kept meaning to see but never made the time for. Staycations are always great because there’s none of the stress you have when making travel arrangements.
Rosey says
I have been deliberately not taking my computer when we are on a mini vacation, and I put my phone up unless I need it for a call. It is definitely freeing. 🙂 Glad you had a nice time.
Vera Sweeney says
Staycations are my jam. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE to travel, but staycatinos offer the least amount of stress you could ever have.
Pam Wattenbarger says
Sounds like a great staycation. It’s so important to just take time to just relax and unwind sometimes.
Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says
I too love a good staycation! Since travel can be a big stressor – especially with kids – being able to relax without having to go far is a real treat!
Debra says
I feel like my family needs to do this too. We live right outside NYC and we never come in to explore because it’s always here. It would be fun to check out our local sites and then be able to go home and sleep in our own beds!
robin rue says
We will be back in Orlando next month! This sounds like a great place to stay!
Liz Mays says
I love having relaxing vacations like this! Your stay sounded really nice. Sometimes it’s good to get away from home and hang out.
Kelly Hutchinson says
We have not had a staycation in a long time. I love that you unplugged and just hung out together. That is the best way to get back to your uninterrupted family time.
Travel Blogger says
This sounds awesome! You don’t have to spend tons of money and go on epic vacations to have fun. It is those easy simple things that really make vacation fun. Overscheduling and running around all day doesn’t always make for the ultimate vacation.
Mary Edwards says
This sounds amazing. We LOVE that we live in a place that we can have staycations like this. Local and super fun with our family. We like to get away like this and disconnect a few times a year as well!
Shannon Gurnee says
That’s so awesome that you and your family had a great staycation with Holiday Inn. Looks like everyone had a blast!
Kita Bryant says
This is how we often do vacation. Literally just a lot of relaxing and enjoying each other. I love this!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This is better than going to theme parks that sometimes give you more stress than enjoyment. We have to do this before summer is over. I will check out good hotels in the area or maybe rent a cottage in the woods near a lake. Thank you for sharing your photos. You have a lovely family!
AnnMarie John says
It’s definitely the kind of vacation that families need right now. I love that you mentioned togetherness. It’s one of the best ways to spend a vacation. Just by simply being together. Nothing too fancy!
My Teen Guide says
This is one of the best ideas to bond with your kids. A staycation allows for more cuddles and less stress! My kids love staycations, and their only requirement – the hotel has to have a pool. 🙂
Janet W. says
Looks like you made a ton of wonderful, special memories together as a family! What fun activities!
Kimberly Flickinger says
It looks like lot of fun. It has been awhile since I have been there, but hope to get back there soon.