Little Ms. Crafty Pants: Staycation Getaway that won't break the bank!

Summer has arrived, and for some of us Teachers it is really the only time we KNOW we can get away without having to use any of our precious PTO. For my family and I it is Staycation time, though we have yet to venture out more around the state now that our toddler is able to appreciate things a bit more. However, our Home away from Home is Kissimmee/Orlando. We are a Disney family and take advantage of our annual passes and the 1 hour-ish drive. But staying on or near property can be challenging when it comes to wallet. The ideal hotels would be those on Disney property, right in the heart of everything. But when it comes to getting more bang for your buck you usually look towards staying off property somewhere between Irlo Bronson Hwy (I-192) or SR-535. Today I will share with you a little gem that Marriott has provided near Disney Springs.

Many travelers familiar with SR-535 and Hotel Blvd. know that just beyond (west) that intersection stood a hotel that was eclectic, once painted yellow with pineapples on the building is now unrecognizable! Marriott purchase the 12490 Apopka Vineland Rd. property in January 2016 and with a facelift and fresh paint, it is now a beautiful high-end feel property. And with this new modern feel and fresh paint comes with a new name- Delta Orlando. You are now a mear 6 mile drive away from EPCOT and walking distance to Disney Springs!

The hotel offers both self-parking and valet, a fitness center, bar/lounge, restaurant, Kid-Zone and pool area. The rooms are spacious and inviting with the perfect modern touch. The staff will go above and beyond for you, but please remember when there are hiccups things can easily be fixed - you will get more flies with honey than vinegar. And no one wants there vacation to turn sour! I can share with you that our first stay at this property we paid $121/night plus taxes, and $20 for self-parking. But over time we have learned to look with the nightly deals that will include breakfast (for those registered to the room). Now I know what you are thinking when you see "breakfast included". But, it is not the usual of muffins, Danish, and fruit. There is a self-serve area with the following items offered: Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Grits, Potatoes, Cereals, Fruits (Watermelon, Cantaloupe..) Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, Toast/Muffins/Danish, Made to Order Pancakes/Waffles/ Omelets. There is a wait staff to tend to your order and beverage needs - the coffee is fantastic! Now looking back and knowing what is included in the "breakfast/room" package, we chose to include valet parking in this stay and our total cost was $175/night (room/taxes/breakfast/valet) for our family of 4. Below are photos I have taken on our last trip - though I forgot to grab photos of our room, so those will be stock photos with credit provided.

*Currently the hotel is building onto the Pool area with a Pirate theme splash pad area with the kids.