It’s no secret that our founder’s favourite park is Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida has always been a favourite destination for those seeking a blend of future-forward innovation, cultural experiences, and thrilling attractions.

The park is constantly evolving. 2024 and 2025 are no exceptions, bringing a host of new updates and events that will delight visitors of all ages.

Here’s a rundown of what’s new at Epcot and a schedule of exciting events you won’t want to miss.

New Epcot attractions and experiences

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Prepare for an intergalactic adventure with Epcot’s newest roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This thrilling ride features a reverse launch and 360-degree rotation, taking you on a high-speed journey through space with your favourite Guardians characters. The storytelling, combined with cutting-edge technology, makes this a must-visit attraction.

2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Shrink down to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous Parisian restaurant in this 4D experience. Located in the expanded France Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure offers a family-friendly ride that combines stunning visuals and fun surprises.

3. Luminous: the Symphony of Us

Feast your eyes on an all-new nighttime spectacular as it lights up the sky over World Showcase Lagoon. This new night-time spectacular is one of the largest ever created for a Disney park. It features massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. The show celebrates how Disney music inspires people worldwide, with reimagined classic songs in various languages performed by a diverse group of artists.

4. Space 220

Dine among the stars at Space 220, Epcot’s newest out-of-this-world restaurant. Located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, this dining experience simulates a journey 220 miles above Earth, offering breathtaking views of space and a delicious menu inspired by futuristic cuisine.

Exciting Epcot events in 2024

Here’s our pick of the events coming this year.

1. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Dates: March 6 – July 1, 2024.

Spring comes alive at Epcot during the International Flower & Garden Festival with stunning topiaries, vibrant gardens, and live entertainment. The festival also includes outdoor kitchens offering fresh, seasonal dishes and beverages. Our personal favourite event!

2. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates: July 15 – November 20, 2024.

This fan-favourite event brings global cuisine, fine wines, craft beers, and spirits to Epcot. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.

3. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Dates: November 25 – December 30, 2024.

Experience holiday traditions from around the globe. The International Festival of the Holidays features holiday kitchens, the Candlelight Processional, and festive decorations throughout the park.

Exciting Epcot events in 2025

Epcot is already looking forward to next year!

1. Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Dates: January 10 – February 18, 2025. Returning with more art, music, and culinary experiences, this festival continues to showcase the best of the arts with new workshops and performances.

2. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Dates: March 5 – June 30, 2025. Expect more vibrant gardens and creative topiaries, along with new outdoor kitchens and entertainment options that celebrate the beauty of spring.

3. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Dates: July 17 – November 22, 2025. Expanding its culinary offerings, the festival will introduce new global marketplaces, enhanced beverage seminars, and an extended Eat to the Beat Concert Series line up.

4. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Dates: November 24 – December 29, 2025. The 2025 edition will feature even more international holiday traditions, new festive entertainment, and expanded holiday kitchens for a truly global holiday celebration.

Our visit to the Flower & Garden festival

Our team recently visited the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and were blown away by the stunning flower displays. The intricate designs and vibrant colours made for a truly spectacular experience.

The food offerings were equally impressive, with a variety of fresh and delicious dishes to try. Epcot remains a firm favourite with our team, and we highly recommend visiting during this beautiful festival.

Your visit to Orlando

Epcot’s ongoing transformation promises to enhance the guest experience with new attractions, dining options and entertainment that celebrate innovation, culture, and storytelling.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or someone who loves immersive cultural experiences, Epcot has something for everyone in 2024 and 2025. Plan your visit today and be part of the magic as Epcot continues to evolve and inspire.

Stay tuned for more updates and insider tips on making the most of your trip to Epcot. It’s these exciting new experiences and events that will make your visit to Florida truly unforgettable.

Ready to book?

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A homeowner’s culinary journey

We’re delighted to share our first guest blog post since we launched our initiative asking our wonderful home owners to share their Florida adventures and travel tips.

Many thanks to Liz Prowse who shares her recommendations for steakhouses in Orlando here.

Exploring Brazilian steakhouses in Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its theme parks and tourist attractions. For food enthusiasts, it also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene.

Among the many dining options, Brazilian steakhouses, or “churrascarias,” stand out as a must-try experience. Two of the most notable churrascarias in Orlando are Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.

These restaurants offer more than just a meal. They provide a unique dining adventure that combines rich flavours, cultural heritage and impeccable service.

The Churrascaria experience

What makes a Brazilian steakhouse special? The concept of “rodízio” is central to the churrascaria experience.

It is all-you-can-eat style dining. Your waiters, known as “gauchos,” roam the dining area with skewers of various meats, carving portions directly onto diners’ plates.

The meats are seasoned and cooked over an open flame, a technique which references the style of the Brazilian gauchos of the Pampas region.

In addition to the endless meat offerings, Brazilian steakhouses typically feature an extensive salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread which is actually gluten free!).

Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil seamlessly blends the cuisines of Brazil and Texas, offering a unique twist on the traditional churrascaria. Located on International Drive, this restaurant is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Upon entering Texas de Brazil, guests are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is elegantly decorated, with dark wood accents, soft lighting and a spacious dining area that can accommodate large groups, making it perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.

The star of the show at Texas de Brazil is, of course, the meat. The gauchos serve a wide variety of cuts, including filet mignon, lamb chops, picanha (top sirloin – my favourite!) and Brazilian sausage. Each cut is expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive salad area with over 50 items, from fresh vegetables to international cheeses and specialty salads.

You will get a table token either red / green and you use this to attract the servers to bring you the meats. When you have had enough… turn it over to red side. You will get the same type of token in Fogo. If you are anything like my kiddos…. they will wave the token in the air to get them to come quicker!

Texas de Brazil has an extensive wine cellar, offering a diverse selection of wines from around the world to complement the meal.

Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão is another top-notch Brazilian steakhouse. It has established itself as a premier dining destination in Orlando. Situated on International Drive as well, it offers an authentic and luxurious churrascaria experience.

Fogo de Chão exudes sophistication with its modern yet comfortable design. The restaurant’s interior features sleek lines, high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to flood the dining area. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger social gatherings.

Fogo de Chão prides itself on the quality and variety of its meats.

Guests can indulge in premium cuts like ribeye, fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and Cordeiro (lamb). The restaurant also offers a “Market Table” and “Feijoada Bar” which include a selection of fresh salads, imported cheeses, cured meats and traditional Brazilian dishes.

They currently have a special offer at $44 for dinner. My tip is to sign up online for their special offers so you are first to receive notifications about their discounts for Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

Fogo de Chão differentiates itself with its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant imports many of its ingredients directly from Brazil, ensuring a true Brazilian dining experience.

Fogo de Chão also offers seasonal menu items and specialty cocktails, providing a fresh take on traditional flavours.

Why visit a Brazilian steakhouse in Orlando?

Orlando’s Brazilian steakhouses offer more than just a meal; they provide an immersive cultural experience.

The combination of high-quality meats, exceptional service and inviting atmospheres makes places like Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão stand-out dining destinations.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a unique and delicious meal, these churrascarias deliver an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Brazilian hospitality and culinary excellence.

Pricing varies and it can be expensive, but for a special occasion it is a unique experience. Lunch options offer a better value dining experience but they do have a more limited selection of meats.

Next time you’re in Orlando, I recommend that you venture beyond the theme parks to explore the rich flavours and vibrant cultures of Brazil at Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.

Your taste buds will thank you!

About our guest contributor Liz

Liz was lucky enough to be born and bred in Devon, UK, and then moved to Iowa, USA, in 1999. This history is the inspiration for the name of her vacation rentals “Pilgrims Paradise Florida Villas”.

Liz is mum to two boys and has a wonderful husband who supports her in her holiday lettings venture. As a family, they have enjoyed many happy vacations in the USA. They have stayed in hotels, motels and villas but, following a horrible stay in 2014, Liz decided she could do better!

The family secured their first vacation rental villa in 2014, choosing the lovely community of West Haven. They added a second villa to their portfolio in 2019, this time in the fabulous gated resort of Solterra.

Liz says the experience of becoming a short-term rental owner has a sharp learning curve but she takes pride in creating an excellent experience for her guests. Both villas meet high standards for cleanliness and are professionally decorated.

She says of her guests, “We have been blessed to be able to share our lovely villas with our guests from all over the world and excited to welcome them return back each year….. So we must be doing something right!”

View Liz’s homes

You can view Liz’s homes on the White Rose Villas property management website.

The White Rose Villas team works so well together because of our exceptional people. Here, we share how we celebrated Sue’s birthday in Celebration.

A special day for a special team member

The White Rose Villas team is bursting with incredible people who help to make our guests’ and homeowners’ experiences wonderful.

Sue is one such member of our close-knit team. She’s been with us for an impressive five years and last month we treated her to a birthday brunch to celebrate her special day.

Sue’s journey with White Rose Villas

Sue started her journey with White Rose Villas as an inspector, diligently ensuring that every property met our high standards. Her exceptional attention to detail and dedication to her work quickly made her an invaluable part of our team.

Over the years, Sue transitioned into the office, where she now assists with the day-to-day running and manages reservations. Her versatility, commitment, and cheerful disposition have made her a beloved member of our team.

A birthday celebration at Celebration Hotel

To celebrate Sue’s birthday, we decided to make the day truly special with a gathering at the beautiful Celebration Hotel in Celebration, Florida. The hotel’s charming atmosphere and welcoming staff set the perfect backdrop for our festivities.

With its charming location, tempting food and great service, the Celebration Hotel is a great place for a celebration when you are visiting the Disney World area.

A delicious Celebration breakfast

We kicked off Sue’s birthday celebration with a delightful breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

The breakfast menu at Celebration Hotel is nothing short of spectacular, offering a variety of delicious options.

Here are some of our team’s favourites:

• Breakfast Tacos: A flavourful and satisfying option, these tacos were a hit.
• Waffles: Light, fluffy, and served with an array of toppings, the waffles were a sweet treat enjoyed by everyone who ordered them.
• American Breakfast: A classic choice, the American breakfast treats guests to a hearty start to our day.

Sue had a lovely time and we highly recommend this breakfast spot to our owners and guests. Whether you’re looking for a treat to start your day or a special occasion breakfast, Celebration Hotel offers a menu that won’t disappoint.

A stroll around Celebration

After a delicious breakfast, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll around Celebration and its picturesque lake.

The serene environment and beautiful scenery around downtown provided the perfect setting for reflection and relaxation. It was a wonderful way to spend time together and appreciate the lovely community of which we’re a part.

Why we love Celebration

Celebration is more than just a beautiful town; it’s a place that embodies community spirit and charm. With its quaint streets, scenic views, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that our team love spending time here.

The combination of great food, beautiful surroundings and good company made Sue’s birthday celebration truly memorable.

Looking ahead

Celebrating Sue’s birthday was a wonderful reminder of the importance of taking time to appreciate and honour the people who make our team so special.

Whether you’re an owner, a guest, or a team member, it’s important to make time for these moments when we celebrate the special people in our lives.

As we look forward to many more years with Sue on our team, we also want to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work, dedication and the positive energy she brings to White Rose Villas. We’re grateful for her contributions and excited to see what the future holds.

Your own Celebration

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from White Rose Villas.

Maybe the next time you’re in Celebration, you can also check out the delicious breakfast at Celebration Hotel. It’s a team favourite and comes highly recommended!

Happy Birthday, Sue! Here’s to many more years of success and joy with White Rose Villas.

Want to get in touch? Email us at: admin@whiterosevillas.com

 As many of you are no doubt aware, earlier this spring, the Florida legislature passed SB 280 which will affect vacation homeowners throughout Florida.

We wrote a blog about this in March, when we asked you to take action to register your dislike of the bill.

What is SB 280?

The legislation is due to come into effect on July 1, 2024.

The legislation could:

• Have damaging effects on Florida’s tourism economy
• Diminish the tax revenue that vacation rental activity generates for the state and local communities.
• Increase the regulatory burden on hosts
• Undermine private property rights and empower local governments to add inspection requirements and revoke your state licence.

You can find more information here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/280

Airbnb is asking you to take action!

We’ve received an email today from Airbnb asking us to register our discontent about the legislation and its likely effects going forward.

As homeowners, this legislation will affect you. 

That’s why we’re sharing the information we received from Airbnb with you, our homeowners. We invite you to also register your thoughts about the legislation.

What is Airbnb asking homeowners to do?

Airbnb is asking you to make your voice heard. It says: it’s vital that Governor DeSantis hears from you today.

Let the Governor know:

• You are a Florida resident and voter (if applicable)
• He should veto SB 280
• Why you host
• How hosting benefits you and your family/community

You can use the following link to send an email to the Governor via the Airbnb website: https://actnow.airbnbcitizen.com/vpDiPIi

Airbnb has created this process to make it as simple as possible for you, as a homeowner, to register your unhappiness about the legislation with Governor DeSantis.

After filling in your information, the next page will have a question with space to write three or more sentences and then it will insert your message into a longer email which you can edit on the following page.

Airbnb says: thank you again for taking action as part of the vibrant host community across the Sunshine state.

Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to our team if you have questions about this issue. We are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Email us: admin@whiterosevillas.com

How does White Rose Villas use real-time booking insights to help our home owners to maximise returns from their vacation rental properties? Discover more here.

The White Rose Villas team is constantly reviewing how we work and how we can help you to maximise the return from your vacation rental property.

We’ve recently introduced a new Booking Insights tool which is helping us to optimise the rates and promotion of your properties.

What is Booking Insights?

Booking Insights is an online tool which provides real-time information about the performance and optimal booking rates for the homes we manage.

It gives information such as:

• Number of quotes generated per week
• Percentage change in number of quotes generated
• Most popular arrival dates
• Pricing anomalies
• Dynamic pricing comparisons against the major listing sites, VRBO and Airbnb

This information can be used in a variety of ways to optimise the performance of each home.

How are we using Booking Insights?

We use the information in the booking insights during our weekly dynamic pricing reviews.

This way, we can make sure that you are attaining market-optimised prices – maximising value during busy periods and maximising competitiveness during quieter periods to boost occupancy rates.

We will always action the dynamic pricing reviews within the parameters you have already agreed with us.

This way, we optimise returns and occupancy within the remit and conditions you have set.

How does Booking Insights benefit guests?

Using booking insights in this way helps us to ensure that it is always cheaper for guests when they book direct with us.

Using the comparison tool with Aibnb and VRBO, we can ensure that our prices are always cheaper.

This benefits the guests because they aren’t hit with unexpected or unwanted extra fees or charges that they often experience when booking with the third-party sites.

It also ensures a better guest experience because they come direct to us with problems and queries. This means that we can take action or provide answers sooner.

How does Booking Insights benefit homeowners?

Booking Insights helps our homeowners to maximise the returns from your vacation rental properties.

As we’ve already discussed, by keeping a close eye on prices, we can also boost direct bookings.

As well as preventing unwanted extra fees eating into your margins, this helps you as owners because when guests book direct we can establish a closer relationship with the guests.

And these relationships aren’t governed by the restrictive terms laid down by the listing sites. There’s more flexibility. You and your guests can reach agreements that suit you both better.

Got feedback?

If you have any comments or queries about booking insights, please reach out to our team.

Contact Us

Universal is set to open a new park in Orlando in 2025. Interest in Epic Universe should boost tourism and benefit vacation-home owners.

Universal is delivering its most Epic park yet in 2025. And it has kicked off 2024 by releasing exciting new glimpses of what we can expect from the forthcoming Universal Epic Universe.

What can homeowners expect from Epic Universe?

A new park opening is great news for vacation homeowners in Florida, especially an epic park of this scale and ambition.

Universal is set to open its doors to Epic Universe in 2025. Owners should expect to see an uptick in bookings during 2025 and beyond. The excitement generated about Epic Universe is already reaching epic proportions – so we are confident that, even allowing for the extra hotel rooms Universal is building in the park, we’re going to see a surge in bookings from guests visiting Epic in 2025.

What can park visitors expect from Epic Universe?

Epic Universe is Universal’s most ambitious park yet. It nearly doubles the size of the Universal resort in Florida with five Epic worlds and more than 50 fabulous attractions.

Visitors can look forward to five different amazing and immersive worlds. They include:

• Celestial Park
• Super Nintendo World
• Dark Universe
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
• How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

With incredible rides and some of the most immersive experiences Universal Orlando has created, we cannot wait for the doors to open to Epic Universe.

What details has Universal released about Epic Universe?

Universal is building excitement by feeding information out slowly to its excited guests and fans. The trailer on the Universal website is a great introduction to what we can expect.

Universal says that when creating Epic Universe, it asked its audiences what they wanted. Guests told them that they want to see more of what Universal already does well.

It’s not a surprise, then, that one of Epic Universe’s new worlds is a new horror-themed world. Dark Universe will bring together characters from Universal’s classic horror films. It builds on the success of one of Universal’s most eagerly awaited annual events, its Halloween Horror Nights.

The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter world is themed on the Ministry of Magic and will bring together elements and characters from both the original Harry Potter stories and the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

We can’t wait to see more of the new world based on the How to Train Your Dragon films. Together with the Nintendo world, it is going to be a big draw for kids of all ages. 

Looking forward to an Epic 2025

This news is great for the local economy in Florida and especially for vacation homeowners. The increased capacity at the parks and the interest this exciting new launch will generate will help to boost bookings through 2025 and 2026.

We cannot wait to find out more about what we can expect from the park. If you are eagerly awaiting news, you can sign up for updates direct from Universal here: https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/things-to-do/whats-new

We are certain it is going to be an Epic adventure!

Ready to book for 2025?

Browse our homes here.

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Find out more about how White Rose Villas is using YourWelcome, a digital welcome book service, to offer a five-star service to guests.

Most of you are already using YourWelcome.

If you aren’t, let me explain: YourWelcome is the leading digital guidebook platform offering a premium solution across entire guest journeys.

Getting important feedback at check-in

One of the most useful features from a property management point of view is the feature that allows guests to rank the home upon check-in.

If a guest provides anything less than a 5-star rating, we take immediate action to address any concerns. The digital notification we receive enables us to ensure that our guests are happy on arrival.

If the review highlights any issues, we can act fact to take remedial action.

Early reviews ensure fast action

Our goal is to ensure that every guest has a 5-star experience, and we proactively reach out to guests to resolve any issues.

Our fast response doesn’t only benefit the guest. It also helps you because it protects the ratings and reviews the guest is likely to give your home at checkout. If a customer complaint is handled well, it will earn you trust and a better overall review.

Guest management made easy

YourWelcome offers a number of brilliant features for you and your guests:

• Digital Guidebook
• Contactless check-in, guest surveys & video property guides
• Fully customisable guest check in
• Reduce guest queries with video or text property guides
• Chat directly to  guests via the tablet

It also helps you collect guest reviews and will be an important part of our ratings and reviews analysis moving forward.

Why choose YourWelcome? 

YourWelcome is more than a digital guide. It’s your secret weapon for creating unforgettable guest experiences while boosting your property’s revenue potential.

Here’s how:

1. Seamless Guest Engagement: Provide guests with instant access to everything they need, from property details to local hotspots. Say goodbye to unnecessary enquiries with all-encompassing information at their fingertips.

• Tailored Recommendations: Make each stay unique by offering personalised recommendations based on local insights.

• Revolutionise Revenue: This is the exciting part: YourWelcome opens the door to additional revenue streams! Guests can effortlessly add extra services, covering the costs and even surpassing them. YourWelcome makes it easy for your guests to opt for a late check-out – enhancing their experience and contributing to your bottom line.

Why we’re introducing YourWelcome

Since the onset of COVID-19, guests have moved to preferring digital formats. This is great for homeowners because it saves you the cost and hassle of printing, updating and replacing physcial welcome books.

YourWelcome Digital Handbooks are insured and will be replaced free of charge in case of any mishap. This not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also provides peace of mind.

To bring YourWelcome to your vacation rental, we’re offering an exclusive annual subscription for $195 (normally $250). This investment covers ongoing support, updates, and the potential for remarkable increases in guest satisfaction and revenue. 

During our trial period, we witnessed first hand how costs associated with the YourWelcome subscription were not just covered but exceeded by guests adding extra services.

The improved ease of management for you, the better experience for your guests, and the boost to revenue to your home all add up to a great solution which will positively impact on your property’s profitability.

Contact our team for more information

If you aren’t already using and benefiting from YourWelcome and you would like to give it a try, please get in touch and our team will be happy to assist.

Return to our contact page.

Imagine our surprise when the White Rose Villas team stumbled into Florida’s premier snowing event in downtown Celebration. Our tips on enjoying the holiday festivities!

As we sat down for breakfast at the cozy Downtown Diner in Celebration, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Little did we know that our ordinary breakfast outing would soon transform into a magical experience, complete with unexpected surprises and the enchantment of a winter wonderland.

Amidst the chatter of fellow diners and the clinking of cutlery, we noticed an unusual commotion outside. TV cameras were capturing the excitement and a buzz of anticipation hung in the air. Intrigued, we couldn’t resist the urge to investigate, stepping out into the crisp Florida morning sunshine.

To our great surprise, we weren’t imagining things! Snowflakes gently drifted from the sky, creating a surreal scene in the heart of sunny Celebration. It turns out, our visit coincided with an extraordinary holiday tradition — the town’s nightly snowfall extravaganza which starts on the 25th of November.

We were lucky enough to get a preview – along with the film cameras – because the town was testing its snow-making equipment.

As we strolled through the charming streets adorned with festive decorations, the town revealed its winter makeover. Celebration, known for its picturesque setting, had transformed into a snow-kissed paradise, the snowfall adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.

But the surprises didn’t end there. In the heart of Celebration, where ice is a rarity, an ice-skating rink had been set up. Families and friends twirled and glided, laughter echoing through the air as they embraced the joy of ice skating in the heart of Florida. It was a testament to Celebration’s commitment to creating a holiday experience like no other.

You too can delve into the delightful winter festivities that unfold in Celebration during the Christmas season! From the nightly snowfall that captivates visitors to the whimsical ice-skating rink that brings a touch of northern charm to this southern town, Celebration proves that, even in Florida dreams of a white Christmas can come true!

Explore the unique and magical Christmas celebrations that make Celebration a destination unlike any other during the most wonderful time of the year.

Calendar of Events: Christmas in Kissimmee 2023

As you plan your visit to Kissimmee this Christmas season, it’s essential to mark your calendar for the exciting events happening around the city.

Here’s some useful information about the festive calendar to help you make the most of your holiday experience:

EVENT DETAILS

Join Celebration Town Center for their 25th Anniversary of Now Snowing Nightly, November 25th through December 31st.

Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season.

Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens-style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, a snow village, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.

It’s a true throwback to the traditional family-style holiday.

In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, the event will feature a special holiday-themed Art Festival (Celebration Art Walk) on December 16th.

The event is brought to you by Lexin Capital, and sponsored in part by the Celebration Town Tavern, and Experience Kissimmee. Now Snowing Nightly parking and admission are free.

Celebration is conveniently located between Highway 192 and Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World. For more information on Celebration Town Center and Special Events visit us on the web at www.celebrationtowncenter.com or call (407) 566-4007.

Enjoy breakfast and holiday fun in Celebration 2023

We loved our breakfast at Downtown Diner in Celebration. The Downtown Diner is bringing back a place in the wonderful town of Celebration where sitting at the counter or meeting family and friends for breakfast and lunch becomes part of a daily routine.

This being Florida, even at Christmas you can sit inside or out. The service is fantastic. John, our waiter, was amazing.

The menu includes all our breakfast favourites – French toast, waffles, pancakes, muffins, omelettes and skillets of traditional breakfast fare: eggs, bacon, fries, sausage patties, corned beef hash, peppers, onions, etc. There are also healthier options, like oatmeal and avocado toast, and sharables, such as sliders and loaded fries.

Amongst our delicious breakfast choices, we tried – and loved – the “Dutch Baby”.  For the Brits amongst you, it looks like a big Yorkshire pudding, but it’s sweet. And oh-so-delicious!

After breakfast, we went for a stroll around the lake. 

It’s gorgeous, with views across to the lakeshore hotels and the pretty streets of Celebration.

Kids will love spotting wildlife, we saw a whole variety of different water birds and even an alligator! It’s a beautiful place to take a gentle stroll in the Florida sunshine.

We enjoyed a really special, fantastic day.

Embrace the Kissimmee magic!

Kissimmee at Christmas is a truly magical experience, blending the charm of the season with the city’s unique flair. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor planning a holiday getaway, the festive atmosphere, dazzling decorations, and a plethora of activities make Kissimmee a top destination for creating cherished holiday memories.

Embrace the magic of Christmas in Kissimmee and let the enchantment of the season fill your heart with joy and wonder.

Cindy Miller and her husband own a fantastic family vacation home on the Indian Wells community in Kissimmee. Her home has received some wonderful reviews over the past year – and she’s kindly agreed to share her experience on our blog.

“The first time we stayed in our Orlando home we rented it – because we were visiting Disney. My husband and I lived in Florida and we’d been going to the parks for a while, but we really stepped up our Disney trips once we’d had our son!” explains Cindy.

Soon afterwards, the homeowners at that time decided to put the three-bed, two-bath property on the market. They emailed all the guests on their mailing list with details of the sale. The news came at just the right time for Cindy and her husband.

She says, “It was the right opportunity at the right time. We lived 45 minutes away at that time, so we felt like it could be a good investment for us. The family who owned it were renting it out for vacation rentals already. And we were familiar with the home. We knew it was really close to Disney, so it was perfect.”

Choosing to buy the property

Because Cindy knew the home and its location, she felt very comfortable about purchasing it.

She says the features that guests love most about the home are:

• Proximity to the parks.
• It’s such great value – between $115 per night in low season to $145 over peaks seasons, such as the Christmas period. This is great value for families when compared to a hotel.
• It’s pet friendly.
• The pool.

“This house was just perfect, very clean and had everything you might need. Cindy was extremely helpful and on top of everything. The location is unbeatable! Everything you need is close by, grocery stores, gas station, restaurants, and the neighborhood was very clean and quiet. The pool was amazing, we were able to enjoy it everyday throughout our stay. Overall experience was amazing. Thank you for letting us stay in your house!!!”

When Cindy and her husband purchased the home in 2016, they chose to stay with the existing property manager. The previous homeowners had used them, so it made sense not to change too much.

However, Cindy says, “We were with that property management company for three or four years. Over that time, the service depreciated. Changing property managers seemed like a huge risk because we’d been with the existing company for a long time. However, I didn’t feel they shared my commitment to the guest experience.”

 Switching property managers was a tough decision

“I am part of several Facebook groups dedicated to Disney and sometimes questions about accommodation pop up,” Cindy explains. “I reached out to people on those groups and got a few recommendations, including for White Rose Villas property management.”

The family began investigating local property management companies and talking to the companies that had been recommended.

Cindy recalls, “One of the homeowners I’d spoken with had been through the ringer with their property management companies too and he told me White Rose Villas are the most professional company he’s worked with.”

“I definitely had concerns,” admits Cindy. “I’d only worked with the one property management company, so I was jumping into the unknown. I spoke with White Rose Villas at length and going with them felt like the right decision. Even so, I was worried about the sales situation: could they live up to their promises? And would their service also decline over time?”

Despite these concerns, Cindy and her husband knew it was time to move on. The service from the incumbent property management company had declined so much, she knew she couldn’t stay with them.   The transition process away from the incumbent property management company was a hurdle that Cindy was nervous to take on alone.  Cindy and White Rose Villas created a transition plan together, which was executed with full support and guidance from White Rose Villas. In 2020, the family successfully switched to White Rose Villas for the management of their vacation home.

“It was a tough decision, but there’s been a huge payoff,” Cindy says. “I’m so happy I made the change.”

Alignment on the issues that count

The key differences in the property management service delivery have been in communication and the general ethos.

Cindy explains: “Overall, White Rose Villas are 100% more professional. I’d say the value they place on guest satisfaction and happiness is on a par with me. With my previous property manager, I felt like I had to fight for the guest. With White Rose Villas, it’s the opposite. They put the guest at the heart of what they do too. As a result, we work much more smoothly as a team.”

She says that the White Rose Villas team quickly helped her overcome any reservations she had about making the switch.

“They earned my trust. And they maintained that trust by keeping the lines of communication open. They tell me about issues. And they help me resolve them quickly. If I ever raise anything with White Rose Villas, someone will be over there the same day or the next day having that facetime with the guest and fixing it. They are attentive. They have the right staff to understand the issue and what needs to be done. And they execute on that plan and make sure the guests are satisfied.”

Managing from a distance

Cindy has now moved out of state. Instead of being 45 minutes away, she is now several states away. Not being able to attend the property herself in the case of an emergency has made the relationship with her property management company even more important for Cindy.

“The White Rose Villas service has definitely been consistently positive,” Cindy says. “If anything, I have more trust in them now. I turn to them for advice – and 99% of the time, I go with what they recommend.”

She lists the main benefits of making the switch as:

• Maintenance: White Rose Villas are really on top of the cleanliness and the repairs and the aesthetics – and that’s really important to guests.
• Communication: It’s always timely and thorough for me and my guests.
• Representation of our home as a brand: White Rose Villas are always friendly and professional and I feel like we are on the same page.

“Bringing money in isn’t part of the dynamic for me,” Cindy explains, “because I market the home myself on VRBO. I do a lot of my own bookings. Because they are mostly local, we’ve seen a steady occupancy, even through the pandemic.”

“It was a great stay! Our son loved the pool so much he asked if we could take it home with us! It’s very convenient to many shops and outlets and a very easy Uber/Lyft ride to any of the Disney parks! Cindy was wonderful in her communication and the house felt very Covid safe!”

Excellent feedback

Cindy is a super host on VRBO. Her home now has a 4.7 star rating on the website.

“I have 72 reviews and most of them are five star,” Cindy says. “It has been a turnaround from what I was hearing from guests prior to switching. Things are now perfect and kept to the standards I expect. I feel like I can sleep well at night, even though I live many states away. My guests are now free to focus on having a good time and creating great memories.”

See more of Cindy’s home here.

We’re so pleased to bring you tips from our homeowners about their favourite days out in Florida.  The first blog in this series has been kindly written by Ruth Moriarty.

Why should you go?

If you are searching for a complete change of pace from the Parks, space to breathe and quietly appreciate nature, then Bok Tower Gardens awaits.  The gardens are centrally located in Lake Wales between Tampa and Orlando in Polk County and they have been welcoming visitors since 1929.

What can you expect?

You quite simply relax and slow down.  The stunning gardens cover more than 7 acres and include a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion to visit and the unique Singing Tower Carillion, from where you hear the tinkling of bells drifting through the air as you wander around. 

You can also sit and appreciate a free half hour concert at set times of the day. The Tower is located at the side of a Reflection Pool and creates fabulous opportunities for taking photos or watching the Koi Carp as they gently swim around in the tranquil waters.

How much does it cost?

Entrance per day costs $15 per adult and $5 for children aged 5-12… quite a bargain when you consider entrance to many other places in Florida!

Who should go?

Bok Tower Gardens is for everyone.  If you are looking for something a little quieter than the theme parks, you will love this day out.

Is Bok Tower Gardens accessible?

There is good access for people in wheelchairs or scooters and a little “train” runs from the Tower back to the entrance for those whose feet may be a little tired and who may be in need of some refreshment.

Will children enjoy Bok Tower Gardens?

There are all sorts of active and creative things for children as well.  Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden incorporates cooling water features, a boardwalk, play areas with climbing features, a stage for little performers, paintings and plenty of space to dig, create and explore.

On arrival at Bok Tower Gardens

When you arrive you pass through a gate with the founder, Edward W Bok’s grandmother’s words inscribed on it: “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it”.  You then pass into the most peaceful of spots and one of my favourite spots in Central Florida.

Owner’s visit: Ruth’s day out at Bok Tower Gardens

We had lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, where there is a wide choice of light lunches and ice-cream! I had the Avocado Tuna Salad, which was delicious and filling but there are burgers, dogs, sandwiches, wraps etc… oh and did I say ice-cream?!

The Shop at Bok is a lovely way to end your day, to collect a few souvenirs.  There is a good choice, many items are a little out of the ordinary if you are looking for a slightly different gift.   You don’t have to walk through the shop to get out of the gardens, which I liked, but it didn’t stop me going in and buying a couple of things.

We came away from Bok Tower Gardens feeling refreshed, revitalised and inspired.  It’s a very special place and I recommend it highly for people of all ages.  Take your time, slow down, sit a while and think a little about the ethos behind the gardens: Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.

Ruth’s “don’t miss” attractions at Bok Tower Gardens

• Pinewood Estate – view from the back of the Mediterranean-style mansion.

• The Tower and Reflecting Pool – there are tantalising views of the Tower from many areas of the garden – the Carillion bells were tinkling as I took this photo – which was quite magical.

• The beautiful flowers and trees – these photos were taken during my visit in January 2020.  If you enjoy taking photos of nature, then you couldn’t come to a better place.  There are so many varieties of flowers and trees and everywhere you turn there is somewhere to sit, to think and to Be.

Coronavirus update: What is the situation at Bok Tower Gardens concerning COVID-19?

As with so many places, the Gardens have been closed due to COVID-19.  They are rescheduled to open as of 1 June, though do check the website for updates.  As I write this, they will only be accepting pre-booked entrance tickets.  Find more details here.

About Ruth’s home

If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy Bok Tower Gardens and central Florida’s other wonderful attractions, please check out our homes here.

Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree.  See more – and book – here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team.