Impressing my three teenagers is difficult these days. Getting those teenagers to spend time with my husband and me, even more so. So when I had the opportunity to spend a few days at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate recently, I invited two of those teenagers to tag along (my 19-year-old twins). And let me tell you, the Omni delivered all I was hoping for.
First Impressions
From the moment we stepped into the grand lobby we felt like we had stepped into another world that catered just to us. We were greeted by four, yes four, kind and attentive staff members who pointed us in the direction of check-in. The check-in was quick and seamless, and before heading to our room my kids and I took a second to admire the lobby. It was expansive, yet cozy, with little sitting areas throughout, a bar for the grownups, and a busy concierge desk. But what left the kids and I with our mouths open in awe (and I swear I heard one of them let out an exaggerated “Wow”) was a wall of windows overlooking the resort grounds — two championship golf courses, two large pools, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Note: There is also a children's pool area with sprinklers, mini slides, and more that can't be seen from the lobby.
Let's just say, the teenagers were massively impressed already and we hadn't even left the lobby.
Accommodations
Upon entering our room we were immediately struck by the gorgeous view of its own (the sunsets from which, we found out later, were amazing). The bathroom was the perfect size for three or four, the beds comfy and calling to us after an early morning flight, and a bonus welcome basket of goodies from the resort. My son claimed a bed immediately and tucked himself in for a nap, my daughter plopped herself on the other, and I browsed the snacks — and maybe even ate an M&M or two. Although the bed was just what we needed at that moment, we didn't stay there for long. We were anxious to explore ... at least my daughter and I were.
The Grounds
The sun was shining, the pools calling, and with my son snoring in the bed next to us, my daughter and I threw on our suits and headed outside. As we made our way to the pool we stopped to admire the courtyard, complete with fountain, seating area, and a view of the lobby from the outside, with a grand staircase, reminiscent of the Gilded age mansions from home in the Berkshires, leading up to it. It really was spectacular. We also passed a firepit, Trevi's Terrazza (an outdoor bar and dining area), on our way to the family pool area. Upon entering we were again greeted by a group of friendly staffers who armed us with towels and then went in search of the wave pool. The pool was quiet, and after settling into some lounge chairs, and lathering up with sunscreen, we simply relaxed, taking in the serene sounds of the simulated ocean before us. A little later we floated in the wave pool, rode a few waves into "shore," and then we took a lap around the lazy river. I was in relaxation Heaven.
Family Bonding
After grabbing subs from the Broadway Deli for a late lunch/early dinner, yum, and a much-needed night's sleep (oh, that bed), I spent the morning by the children's pool with a cup of coffee from Morsel's while the kids snoozed, and later met up with a fellow MacKid Mama and we headed back to the pool for a little breakfast conversation before we headed “to work” (AKA to our rooms with wifi).
The twins were already up and had eaten, and they were ready for the pool. They headed out and I met that at the wave pool a little while later. My son took off back to the room as soon as I got there to charge a phone, so my daughter and I showed him. We treated ourselves to a couple of tropical cocktails (hers virgin, of course, mine not so much) delivered to our chairs by a charming waiter with a big smile — hey, it was vacation and “5 o'clock somewhere.” When my son returned we all hung out together for the rest of the day, laughing and relaxing in the wave the pool and even got a few pics and a selfie to prove it.
The Food
That evening the kids stayed in the room and ate (Publix is conveniently around the corner and a short drive or walk). I, on the other hand, attended an adults-only dinner at David’s Club with my MacKid Sisters. I'm a big foodie — my future retirement plans involve eating my way around the world with a little guidance from the Food Network — and the savory short ribs I ordered did not disappoint. They were super tender and flavorful. Combine that with the mashed potatoes and fresh steamed veggies that accompanied it, and I was a happy mama. My kids were pretty psyched, too, when I returned to the room with leftovers because the portion size was massive. Note: I was so full that I forewent dessert, but those around me seemed pretty content with theirs. That's on the list for next time.
For breakfast the next morning, I had the opportunity to try the buffet at Trevi’s. I was given a tip earlier that if I was having an omelet the woman at the station was the one to go to, and I'm telling you, it was like I was a kid again and grandma was whipping me up a breakfast sprinkled with pure love. She chatted a bit, helped me create the perfect omelet with a few extra ingredient suggestions, and then stopped by my table after to see what I thought. It was delicious. My son experienced her omelets later and echoed my thoughts. The fruit was also fresh, the coffee just what I needed, and if I was a muffin girl I'm sure I wouldn't have been disappointed. There were even gluten-free options on the buffet, but I had my fruit and omelet and was completely satisfied.
More Fun for the Teens
The rest of my day was spent in a workshop (except for the fabulous family-style lunch prepared for us at Trevi's ... so good!), but the kid's enjoyed a round of mini-golf and a soak in the hot tub before the rain came. I wish there was more time, because my son and I really wanted to explore the golf options, and we all wanted to take a ride around the property on one of the surrey bikes. There's also a sports training complex on the property that we didn't even venture to see, and complimentary shuttles to Disney World that we might take advantage of in the future. We inquired about passes to Universal Studios Orlando at the concierge desk, too, but decided there was so much to do at the resort, why leave?
A Family Destination
The great thing about the Omni Orlando at ChampionsGate is it's the perfect vacation spot for families with kids of all ages. For the younger children, there's the Camp Omni Kids Escape and arcade, daily activities by the pool, slides, and sprinklers, mini-golf, and the wave pool was hit for kids of all ages. There are also tennis courts, a basketball court, an arcade, and a nine-hole par 3 family golf area, so you'll never be bored. My teenagers didn't complain once, and they didn't have time to do half the activities they wanted to, but both agreed they'd come back in a heartbeat. I would definitely come back with all three kids and my husband in the future, but I think I might return first alone with my husband. Take in a little golf, a massage treatment or two at the spa, satiate ourselves at the restaurants and definitely partake in a few cocktails and relaxation at the adult pool (and perhaps a dip in the hot-tub, too). Or maybe a girls trip ... But that's a whole different review for another time.
The Final Scoop
So here it is. If you've got somewhat unimpressed teens (because isn't that just the stage they're in), get them to the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. I promise it won't disappoint, you won't hear "I'm bored" once, and you'll be leaving with memories, and a few "wows" of your own.
Disclosure: I received a discounted rate at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. All opinions in this review are my own.
