Food

I Hate Disney World!

Disney World: the mere mention can spark joy in some and trepidation in others. If you’ve ever heard Jim Gaffigan’s hilarious bit on Conan’s show about his Christmas Day experience at Disney World, you know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of navigating this iconic destination. Disney World isn’t like jalapeños—it can be great if you know what you’re doing, but it can also go terribly wrong if you don’t.

@teamcoco

#disneyworld #jimgaffigan #conanobrien

♬ original sound – Team Coco

Here’s the truth: many tourists experience Disney the wrong way. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes, the weather can be unpredictable. But with proper planning, a little education, and the right approach, your Disney trip can be magical and memorable. Staying at a nearby retreat like Lelani Beach Club at Windsor Island resort with its Disney resort theme can further elevate your experience and help you save on your accommodations.

Top Tips for an Unforgettable Disney World Vacation with a Stay at Lelani Beach Club

Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your Disney World adventure:

1. Plan Ahead and Educate Yourself
Disney World is not a place to wing it. People who show up at the gate and buy tickets without preparation often leave disappointed. There’s a wealth of information available—from websites and blogs to podcasts and advice from seasoned Disney travelers. Take the time to learn about the parks, attractions, dining options, and logistics before your trip. Think of it as an investment in your enjoyment.

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Disney World is massive—43 square miles to be exact, making it the largest Disney resort in the world. Trying to tackle a park in one day or all four parks in four days will leave you exhausted and frustrated. Instead, consider staying for a week or more, allowing you to spread out the fun and avoid burnout.
Pro Tip: Stay close to the magic at Lelani Beach Club. Its serene setting and luxurious amenities make it the perfect base for a week-long Disney escape.

3. Visit During Less Crowded Times
Crowds can make or break your Disney experience. Use crowd calendars to plan your visit during off-peak times. Fewer people mean shorter lines and a more relaxed pace.

4. Make Use of Disney’s Photopass
Capture the magic without spending all day behind the camera. The Disney Photopass service allows professional photographers to take pictures of you and your family throughout the parks. These photos can be cherished keepsakes of your trip.

5. Mix Park Time with Rest Time
Disney days can be long and tiring, so balance your time wisely. Arrive early for “rope drop” and enjoy several attractions before the crowds build up. Then, head back to Lelani Beach Club to relax by the pool or enjoy a nap. Alternatively, sleep in, visit the park in the afternoon, and stay late for the fireworks. The key is to avoid overextending yourself.

6. Take Breaks in the Parks
Don’t underestimate the power of a good rest. Schedule sit-down meals to enjoy a leisurely dining experience and recharge. Many restaurants offer immersive themes and excellent food, making your break part of the fun. Make these dining reservations ahead of time to anchor your days.

7. Slow Down and Smell the Roses
Disney World is full of hidden beauty and details. Rushing from ride to ride means you’ll miss the magical touches that make the parks so special. Take time to appreciate the landscaping, architecture, and small surprises scattered throughout.

8. Prepare for Florida’s Weather
Florida’s weather is notoriously fickle. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring rain. Be prepared with lightweight rain ponchos, sunscreen, and breathable clothing. For more tips on handling Florida’s heat and rain, check out this resource: Florida Weather Tips.

9. Stay Close to the Magic at Lelani Beach Club
After a full day at Disney, nothing beats retreating to a peaceful and comfortable home. Lelani Beach Club offers spacious accommodations, a private pool, and all the amenities you need to recharge for your next adventure. Its proximity to Disney means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying.

10. Cherish the Memories
Disney World is all about creating lasting memories. Whether it’s your child’s first hug with Mickey Mouse or sharing a romantic moment during the fireworks, take the time to soak it all in. Staying at Lelani Beach Club ensures you have a tranquil haven to reflect on these special moments.

Final Thoughts
Disney World can be an overwhelming experience if you’re unprepared, but with a little planning and the right mindset, it can be the trip of a lifetime. Avoid the common pitfalls and enjoy the magic by following these tips. And remember, a stay at Lelani Beach Club provides the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

Booking

Showcase of Citrus a Fun Florida Family Adventure

Just up highway 27 towards Clermont, Florida is The Showcase of Citrus. Since 1989, Showcase of Citrus is a family owned and operated 2,500 acre estate with over 50 varieties of citrus. They’ve created a place with unique outdoor fun. You can pick your own oranges, browse through the gift shop, mine for gems, have a picnic, or get some ice cream or smoothies. It’s a great place to spend a couple hours.

Showcase of Citrus
15051 Frank Jarrell Rd Clermont FL 34714
352-394-4377

Note: They recently moved their location and so you may see the older buildings as you arrive. Google maps doesn’t show the new buildings in photos yet.

Don’t Travel with a Disney Adult

For the last 20 years we’ve been a Disney family. We have loved traveling to “the World”, Disneyland, and Disney Cruises at least a couple of times a year.

It’s become a running joke for us when we visit places around the world we comment on how much “they are like Disney”. For example,
– When we visited Yellowstone National Park, it felt like the Disney Wilderness Lodge. They even have a geyser there!

– When we went to Paris…it felt like Epcot’s France pavilion. When the kids were young we posted a Christmas card photo from Epcot in Florida Disney World with the Eiffel Tower in the background. We had people comment that it was so great to travel with our kids around the world when they are so young. Well it was…just a bit easier due to being in Florida!

Disney is art imitating the world…and it’s so realistic that actually visiting those places “feels like Disney.”

Well Disney World is a lot like traveling all around the world but with the convenience of staying in the US, having a lot shorter plane ride, and not spending as much to do it.

So the question is “Why travel anywhere else?”

At least if you have a limited budget…skip the trip to Europe, Japan, China, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Italy, Norway, England, Canada, etc. and visit the Epcot World Showcase at Disney World. The buildings are amazing, the foods are authentic, and they even employ people from the original countries that speak the language. Take the time to enjoy the restaurants and shop for the full experience.

These videos express the comedy in this situation…

In Venice…”But they have that at Epcot”

In Paris…”This is so cool, but it’s cooler at Epcot.”

Here are some shots of Venice from Epcot in Orlando, Florida…

and Paris at Epcot in Orlando, Florida…

Now with the vacation home “Lelani Beach Club” near Disney World in Orlando, you can escape for a reasonable lodging cost with you and up to 20 of your family and friends to the amazing Windsor Island sunny Florida resort with quick access to Disney and all it has to offer…including all the many countries represented at Epcot center. Check out availability and make it happen.

Hire a Private Chef for Your Special Meal at Home

If you have a large house full of guests and you are looking for an amazing eating experience for everyone, it can be a challenge to get a table at a restaurant. But your vacation rental home has plenty of seating for all. Why not have a private chef come in-house and prepare the meal for you at home?

There are several chefs/restaurants that provide private catering services. Below are a couple that have been recommended…

Wine & Dine US – Provided the most wonderful private chef experience. The food was fabulous and the chefs and servers were so kind, friendly and considerate. We were able to plan a custom menu ahead of time that worked for our large group of 10 adults and 9 kids and they handled all clean up. It was affordable and so much fun!
Cali King Cuisine and Catering – Chef Cali provides an amazing experience in Hawaiian style. A former Disney chef, he’s grown in popularity over a few short years. Great food and great personality!
Foreigner Restaurant
The TakeAChef web site will take information about your needs and match you with an available chef.

Restaurants and Food Near Windsor Island

There are so many options for food and restaurants near Windsor Island and Lelani Beach Club it’s a little overwhelming.

There is world class dining at Disney World. Some restaurants are within the parks and require a park ticket but there are many restaurants at the resorts that are open to anyone with a reservation which you can make through the My Disney Experience App. You can park right at the resort for free with your reservation.

Below we list a few of the closer eating establishments we’ve enjoyed. It’s a list that is by no means complete but some of the places we have tried and like.

First, the closest one of all… Windsor Island Clubhouse Blue Marlin Grille and Bar

Then across the street near Publix you have Mia Pizza and Adler’s Burgers.

There are many restaurants located a few miles away on Hwy 192 and Rolling Oaks Blvd including Bahama Breeze Caribbean, Olive Garden Italian, and Cracker Barrel American.

Up north on Hwy 27 you have several fast food places including Chipotle, KFC, Arby’s, etc.

Adler’s Burgers Near Windsor Island

If you’re looking for a good hamburger check out Adler’s just across the way from Windsor Island. They have a great menu of specialty burgers and hand cut French fries. It’s easy to take to go if you like as well.

Windsor Island Blue Marlin Grille and Bar

If you’re looking for a nearby bite to eat, the clubhouse at Windsor Island has it’s own Blue Marlin Grille and Bar. It’s a great place for a relaxing meal by the pool. There is plenty of seating and good food.

Here are the official menus…

Note: These menus may change and images below are representative…not the most current.

…and a sample of some orders. The menu includes burgers, pizza, tacos, sliders, and many other food items.

Great Seafood at The Crazy Crab

Right around the corner from Lelani Beach Club at Windsor Island we have The Crazy Crab.

They have a great to go menu so your whole crew can have a special dinner at our massive dining table. Make it an event!

Visit our booking page to check on availability and get a free quote for your dream vacation getaway.

Waffle House American Breakfast Any Time of Day

Looking for a great breakfast any time of day nearby Lelani Beach Club at Windsor Island? Check out the Waffle House. Open 24 hours, these little restaurants provide a truly American diner experience. Try the waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, coffee, and hash browns. You’ve got to have the Florida orange juice as well!

From Windsor Island, go north or south on Highway 27 and you’ll get to a Waffle House in about 10 minutes.

Waffle House #363
44215 HWY 27 DAVENPORT, FL 33897
(863) 424-1426

Waffle House #2053
720 CAGAN VIEW RD CLERMONT, FL 34714
(352) 241-8924

Visit our booking page to check on availability and get a free quote for your dream vacation getaway.

Pizza Nearby Windsor Island

If you’re looking for quality Italian pizza nearby Windsor Island just look across Highway 27 to Mia Pizza at 2440 Sand Mine Rd Davenport FL. Call ahead to order at 863-420-3336. We love their thin crust with fresh toppings. Our favorite is “The Works”.

If you’re waiting for the pizza you can take a try at identifying all the celebrity photos on the wall.

Another favorite pizza and Italian food place is located just a couple of miles away called Flippers Pizzeria. They have several locations and the closest one is at Rolling Oaks/W192 3216 Rolling Oaks Boulevard Kissimmee, FL 34747 by the Target store. You can call for delivery as well 407-390-0552

Try their authentic Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella and a delicious red sauce.

They have many treats on the menu other than just pizza as well. Dining inside is casual and they have outdoor seating options as well.

If you’re looking for a quick pizza late at night stop by Little Caesar’s and get a hot-n-ready pizza to go. 120 Kersey Street Davenport FL 33897

Seven Eleven on the corner of Sand Mine Road and Hwy 27 also has good pizza to go. They can bake it fresh in 5 minutes!

Visit our booking page to check on availability of Lelani Beach Club at Windsor Island and get a free quote for your dream vacation getaway.