Orlando is a favorite family destination because of its vast array of theme parks, amenities and eateries that appeal to every family member. But theme parks and themed-eateries are only part of Orlando’s allure.
The Reunion Resort, part of the Salamander group of upscale resort properties, is a perfect place to get away from the hubbub, high entry fees and crowds of theme parks and treat the whole family (grandparents included) to some great golf, a spa experience, good food and on-site amenities including several restaurants and a water park.
Best of all, the whole family can enjoy elite-class luxury and service at mid-level prices.
The Reunion is a 2,200-acre luxury golf and vacation resort on the outskirts of Orlando, convenient to all of the local attractions. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from one-, two- and three-bedroom villas plus multi-bedroom vacation rental homes, which include large living and dining areas, full kitchens, patios, and balconies.
The resort is built around its prime attraction — 54 holes of golf. There are Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus signature courses and a golf academy within the resort.
Unlimited golf packages are available.
There is an on-site spa salon with five treatment rooms and a full menu of spa services at the resort.
The Reunion has a water park on-site, bicycle rentals and fitness classes to appeal to family members of all ages. Dining options include the upscale Eleven restaurant on the 11th floor of the main tower, the Forte Italian restaurant, a sushi bar and three more casual eateries, including one adjacent to the water park.
Before You Go, Check Out:
Getting There:
- The Reunion Resort can be reached by car. Once there, shuttle service on-site is provided.
- If you fly in, the nearest major airport is Orlando International (MCO), 29 miles distant. Tampa International (TPA) is 70 miles east via Interstate 4.
- By train, Amtrak serves Orlando on its New York to Miami route. The Orlando station is 26 miles away and the Auto Train southern terminal at Sanford is 50 miles away. SunRail commuter trains serve the Orlando area, and an expansion to nearby Kissimmee is under construction.
- By car, the resort is close to exit 60 on Interstate 4.
- The nearest cruise ship port is Tampa at 62 miles and Port Canaveral is 72 miles away.
Must-Sees for a Short Trip:
- Dining at the rooftop Eleven, Forte Italian or one of Reunion’s varied restaurants ranging from elegant to casual.
- Playing a round of golf, taking a golf lesson at the golf academy or enjoying a spa treatment.
- Tubing down the lazy river and cooling off at the on-site water park.
If You Have Two or Three Days:
Recommended for a slightly longer stay are:
- Playing more than one of the three courses if you are a golfer.
- Upscale shopping at Millenia Mall or one of Orlando’s outlet malls.
If You Have Several Days:
- Visit one or more of Orlando’s many theme parks, shows and museums. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and the Orlando Science Center are popular now. Disney World’s many offerings are perennially popular, including La Nouba Circque du Soleil through 2017.
- Try the Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Alligator Encounter (Orlando pickup available).
Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For Reunion Resort:
- Resort and country club casual are appropriate. Dressing up is not required for men or women, but avoid T-shirts, jeans, cutoffs and tank tops. Wear a collared shirt in the clubhouse. Winter nights can get cool enough to merit a jacket or sweater.
This Destination at a Glance:
Over 50 Advantage: The ambiance is luxurious and calm, far less frenetic than the typical Orlando theme park. It is also a great place to bring the kids and grandkids since there are activities for everyone in the family and great dining and pampering choices.
Mobility Level: The resort has handicapped-accessible van service. Carts are available for golf. Limited walking is required to reach restaurants and shops.
When to Go: Anytime. Florida summers are long and humid, but golf can be played year-round. January and weekdays in September and October are usually less crowded at theme parks.
Where to Stay: Either the main building of the resort or one of the many vacation homes on site are convenient to all resort amenities.
Special Travel Interests: Golf, nearby theme parks, spa treatments.
Jewish Orlando
Although the Reunion Resort is secular, the adjacent Orlando area has a vibrant and growing Jewish community. This provides those who seek a Jewish experience while they are visiting the resort and Orlando easy access to a comprehensive range of Jewish services and places of worship.
The original Jews came to Orlando with other pioneers, drawn by cattle and cotton, and eventually got involved in the citrus industry. There were about 16 Jewish families at the end of the Civil War. When the Disney boom came to Orlando in the 1970s, it attracted many Jews as part of the new population boom. Today, there are about 19,000 Jews out of a population of 277,000.
Jewish places of worship are scattered throughout Orlando. These include seven Orthodox congregations, four Conservative congregations and six Reform congregations.
The Orthodox community has a significant presence, with an eruv, a mikvah, synagogues, day schools and ample access to kosher food, including at some Disney World restaurants and at least six other restaurants in the greater Orlando area.
Conservative and Reform congregations also are well represented in the greater Orlando metropolitan area. And there are a wide range of regional Jewish institutions serving the Jewish population.
Jewish organizations in town constitute a broad cross section of typical urban Jewish institutions, plus a newspaper and educational organizations including a Hillel Foundation at the University of Central Florida, a Jewish day school and senior housing. The Roth Family Jewish Community Center website orlandojcc.org contains an up-to-date list of Jewish organizations and synagogues and a calendar of events.
