A Vacation Insiders Guide
Orlando & Central Florida
MEET OLIVER AND RAYLSI BALLHATCHET Contact Oliver and Raylsi: US: +1-(888)-653-0293 UK: +44 203 287 7449 BR: +55 219 9974 3833
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Oliver and Raylsi Ballhatchet, owners of Solterra Sunset, a luxury 6 bedroom villa in Florida's Orlando. Think theme parks, of course, but Oliver and Ray will show you that this area has way more to offer!
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR The lure of the mouse has ensured that there are thousands of vacation rentals in the Orlando area. In fact, if you head to HomeAway and search for "Disney / Orlando" you'll find over 18,715 rentals (May 2016). If you narrow it to 6-bedrooms you still face over 3,000 different homes. So how on earth do owners differentiate themselves in such a competitive market? What does it take to stand out from the crowd, just as Mickey does?! Meet Oliver and Ray, a husband and wife couple who have traveled the world, yet decided to own a villa in Orlando. Why such a mainstream choice for world travelers? The reality is that they see past Disney, to an area which
E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
has so much more to offer. Great walking, huge local sports teams, pristine beaches, culture, and so much more. Oliver and Ray are owners who see Orlando through a wider lens, and that's how they stand out! So, if you're in search of that all-important balance many families seek between high paced fun and restful recharging, then you've found your villa. And, more importantly, you've found the right owners!
ABOUT OLIVER, RAYLSI & THE REAL ORLANDO... My wife Raylsiyaly and I have spent our lives traveling the globe. I grew up in Windsor, UK, where I delivered the morning newspapers to Queen Elizabeth II. After University, the traveling bug took over and I have since picked fruit in Australia, taught children in the Punjab, India and started a newspaper in Cusco, Peru. Ray grew up in Venezuela, and spent time at high school in Washington DC. We met in New York and currently live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a stone's throw from the amazing Ipanema beach. When we decided to buy a vacation home, we wanted somewhere to bring our families together, such a challenge with so many different preferences to cater for. Ray has amazing memories of the Disney area as a child and many friends and family in Florida. I am a sports fanatic, my claim to fame is that I've played cricket for two different international sides, Peru and Brazil. We wanted somewhere we could indulge our passion for the outdoors, where we could bike and hike, where we could eat well and shop for all those bargains we can't get in Brazil. We are delighted we chose Orlando.
We love our vacation home at the amazing Solterra Resort. I took some convincing with Central Florida. I thought it was all about the theme parks. Boy was I wrong! Firstly, it turns out the parks are incredible and not just for kids. But more important is the endless adventure you can have in the area. Within an hour we can be sunbathing or surfing at the beautiful Cocoa Beach or being inspired at Cape Canaveral. The opportunities to watch sport are abundant. For NBA there is the Orlando Magic, for NFL the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and for football (ok, soccer!), the MLS's newest team, Orlando City. And the walking trails in the area are second to none. What we love most after a busy day enjoying all that the Orlando area has to offer is coming home to Solterra Sunset, a peaceful haven where we can relax by our own pool having a BBQ with family and friends. We are looking forward to creating many happy memories in our second home and hope many others can too, people from all the countries we have visited and those we haven't got to yet. We know how important it is to have a comfortable place to stay while on vacation, and are determined to offer the best service in the area. I hope you enjoy this guide and Solterra Sunset.
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
Winter Park
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Bok Tower Gardens
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Green Meadows Petting Farm
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Sponge Docks
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Solterra Resort
Winter Park, with its cobblestone streets and farmer’s market, is not to be missed. Our friend and property manager Laurie used to buy beautiful caterpillars there for her son, then raise and release them as butterflies. Winter Park has yearly Film, Arts and Jazz Festivals. Take a boat tour through a chain of lakes and indulge in Winter Park’s boutique shopping, bars and restaurants. Check out the 4 Rivers for BBQ. Winter Park is just a 40 minute drive from Solterra Resort.
A 45 minute drive south of Solterra is Bok Tower Gardens. The Tower itself sits atop Iron Mountain, at 298 feet, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida. Walk the Pine Ridge Trail through the forest that once covered millions of acres of the Southeastern U.S. Look out for the gopher tortoise, landlord of the forest, who protects 350 animal species living in its burrow. Near Bok tower is Spook Hill, where you put your car in neutral and it goes uphill. Don't believe us? Check it out on YouTube.
Green Meadows Farm is a sweet petting farm just 20 minutes from Solterra Resort. Learn about pigs, goats, turkeys, ducks, donkeys, Elmer the Asian water buffalo and more! You can milk a cow and ride a train, tractor or a pony. You can bring your own lunch to the picnic areas or buy snacks at the General Store. There are plenty of seasonal events, so check out the farm's website before you go. If you want a more upscale animal adventure, Safari Wilderness is 30 minutes west of Solterra.
Tarpon Springs Florida, home of the historic Sponge Docks near Tampa, is a lovely family day trip, 90 minutes away. This Greek community is famous for its sponges and the best Greek restaurants outside Athens, Greece. Visit the Aquarium, take a sightseeing cruise, fishing trip, or even go sponge diving. We defy you to come away without a sponge or some of the great wines, cheese, handmade soaps or lotions. Clearwater Beach is 30 minutes away.
The first time we went to Solterra, we enjoyed the house so much that we forgot to walk to the clubhouse for three days. What a mistake! With tennis courts and a fantastic gym, huge pool with slide, cabanas, volleyball and football, there is so much to do. There is even a log fire for those cooler winter months. With your own private pool and games room to enjoy, you will be tempted to never leave the house. Don't make the same mistake we did!
CENTRAL FLORIDA'S SPORTING SCENE... Baseball
Basketball
Raylsi's sister is called Raylim and their dad is a Venezuelan baseball fanatic, so we just love that the local MLB team is called the Tampa Bay Rays. They play in the American League with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Tampa is just an hour down the road and you can buy your tickets from the club's website. The baseball season runs from late March to October.
We love having an NBA franchise just 30 minutes from Solterra Resort. From October to May, the Orlando Magic play their home games at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando, where you can watch the game from a table at Jernigan's, a local hot restaurant. There is also an indoor kid's playground. For tickets, visit the special section for tourists on the website.
Soccer
American Football
A World Player of the Year in Orlando? You bet! With the great Brazilian Kaka playing in its inaugural line-up, the Orlando City Soccer Club is the newest team in the MLS. The new stadium, two blocks from the Amway centre and open from the start of the 2017 season, is a 30 minute drive from Solterra Resort. Until then, the team play at the Camping World Stadium, 35 minutes away. The season runs from March to November.
The Super Bowl winners in 2002, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are owned by the Glazer family, who also own the English football team, Manchester United. The NFL season runs from September to January, with the Buccaneers usually playing at 1pm on Sunday afternoons. You can buy your tickets online. The Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium also plays host to Monster Jam, a big truck show that is great fun to watch.
SOMETHING MORE ACTIVE... Biking
Boating
Golfing
Whether you bring your own bike or rent one, you will love the trails. West Orange Trail Bikes Co delivers road or trail bikes for a reasonable fee or you can collect and ride the 24 mile West Orange Trail starting at their door.
You can't visit Florida without seeing the Everglades. Boggy Creek airboat rides, 30 minutes away, gets you up close with alligators and other wildlife. You can canoe at Wekiwa Springs National Park or paddleboard at nearby Waikiva Island or at Winter Park.
There are over 50 golf courses within 20 minutes. Providence has seasonal specials for $12. Champions Gate offers two Greg Norman-designed courses. Check out Ridgewood Lakes, Southern Dunes and Highland Reserve. And Disney Golf courses are just 15 minutes away.
THE FAMOUS FLORIDA THEME PARKS... LOOKING TO ESCAPE THE PARKS? The vast majority of visitors to Orlando come for the theme parks and there's no denying they are world class destinations that should not be missed. But be sure to leave some time in your vacation for exploring some of Florida's other charms and attractions.
A NOD TO PARKS... Walt Disney World Disney's incredible parks are just 20 minutes from Solterra. The Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom has an impressive 100acre Savannah, with many exotic species. EPCOT offers a multicultural experience, including a snack tour ‘around the world’. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney Hollywood Studios is one of the best attractions in the park. And Magic Kingdom has the best shows in Disney, like the New Year’s Eve light show and the Christmas day celebration.
Universal Studios Universal Studios is 30 minutes from Solterra up the I-4. The diversity of attractions in this park includes everything from 4D movie theaters, a special ride through the set up of the movie Jaws, experiencing the incredible special effects of a tornado in the Twister attraction and of course a full immersion in the spectacular Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Water Parks There are many great water parks within 25 minutes of Solterra and Adventure Island is only an hour away in Tampa. Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Island are two of the best. For more adventure, Wet ‘n Wild is the largest water park in Orlando. Sea World Aquatica combines water with beautiful animal themes. Next to Sea World is Discovery Cove, an interactive educational park where you can swim with dolphins.
Cape Canaveral Oliver knew all the planets and their moons by heart as a kid and his Dad always promised to take him to Cape Canaveral. So imagine our delight to now own a home just 75 minutes drive away. The U.S. space program began at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, home to the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, before operations moved to the Kennedy Space Centre. Canaveral also boasts the historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. And if you leave early enough, you can spend some time at the nearby Cocoa Beach.
Beach Time What better way to recover from the theme parks than with a day at the beach. And the best beach near Orlando also happens to be the closest. Just 80 minutes from Solterra Resort, Cocoa Beach is a great place to play golf, do some water sports, go deep sea fishing or take an extraordinary eco-tour adventure on a kayak to get up close and personal with Florida's awesome wildlife. Or you could simply relax on the beach. On the other side of Florida, the Tampa Bay area has some excellent beaches. Our favorite is Clearwater.
Shop 'til you Drop You will need to bring empty suitcases to Central Florida, such is the array of shopping available. Two Premium Outlet Malls, one at 8200 Vineland Avenue, 20 minutes from Solterra, and another on International Drive 32 minutes away, offer great savings, especially if you join the VIP Shopper Club. Florida Mall, 32 minutes from Solterra on Orange Blossom Trail, is Central Florida’s largest mall. Orlando Outlet Shopping at Lake Buena Vista, 20 minutes away, offers coupons on its website. Artegon Marketplace at 5250 International Drive, 30 minutes away, is an artisan mall, hosting galleries to showcase local artists. The Mall at Millennia, 32 minutes from Solterra, has more luxury brands.
OLIVER & RAYLSI'S FAVORITE DINING...
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Manny's Chop House
Just 20 minutes from Solterra in Haines City, Manny’s fantastic steak house is a laid back, fun and lively place with deals for every day of the week, including their 4pm to 7pm happy hour. Manny’s doesn’t take reservations but recommend you give them a call on your way and they will work out a table for you. Manny's is famous for steaks and we still haven’t tried the bacon wrapped filet with crab stuffed shrimp, but will be ticking that box pretty soon.
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T: (863) 3422-3910 | Reviews | Directions
Le Rouge Wine and Tapas Bar
Somewhere between high-end and casual, Le Rouge is a great option if you want to share some tapas and have an evening out. Their salads and wine selection are highly recommended and we love the live music Le Rouge often puts on. The easy to use online reservation system is also a good feature. The bar is located on W Sand Lake Road, one of Orlando’s most popular restaurant spots and very close to Universal Studios.
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T: (407) 370-0909 | Reviews | Directions
Fama’s Italian
A local friend of ours swears that Fama’s has the best pizza in Orlando, and we don't disagree. It is a very casual Italian restaurant that offers really good service and wonderful food, perfect for the entire family. Their cheesy garlic bread is delicious and vegetarians have various options here as well. Fama’s is on 5474 Central Florida Pkwy very close to SeaWorld. T: (407) 239-1500 | Reviews | Directions
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Junior Colombian Burger
Love burgers? Then this restaurant is what you are looking for. Burger fillings range from funky sweet sauce to crushed up crisps. You won’t resist trying them, but you should also check out their hot dogs and empanadas. This place is very casual and you won’t need to make a reservation in advance. Only a 25 minute drive away from Solterra up the I-4 towards Orlando. T: (407) 745-9216 | Reviews | Directions
OLIVER & RAYLSI'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Orlando has a number of options depending on your needs. Below is Oliver and Raylsi’s very own villa, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Oliver & Raylsi’s Very Own...
Solterra Sunset is a peaceful cul-de-sac six bedroom villa with its own pool and games room. The amazing Solterra Resort has a large gym, tennis courts and huge pool and sits in the heart of the action, 20 minutes from the theme parks, 30 minutes from the airport and surrounded by the endless beauty of Central Florida. The house will sleep 14 (including crib), has two entertainment areas and comes fully equipped with plenty of kitchen appliances, utensils, sheets, towels and six TVs. See for yourself on www.solterraresortdavenportfl.com.
Oliver & Raylsi Suggest...
If Solterra Sunset is booked or you are coming with a larger party and need an extra villa, our property manager Laurie also offers another lovely six bedroom home sitting on a large lot with an extended pool deck. The house comfortably sleeps 14 and has all the same facilities and creature comforts as Solterra Sunset and of course everything the resort has to offer. For more information, contact Laurie Wahrenberger on +1 407 455 0090.
Oliver & Raylsi Suggest...
Solterra is only 20 minutes from the Disney Parks and a tranquil retreat after a long day out. But if you would rather stay in the Disney Village itself, and we must admit it is a lot of fun to do so, then Disney offers a range of accommodation, from resorts to villas to hotels. The Disney website is the best place to find the right accommodation for you. With so many different themes and options, you will not know which one to choose!
OLIVER AND RAYLSI'S Area Practicalities Grocery Stores
House Practicalities
Orienting Yourself
The house is five minutes by car from a Publix supermarket, Walgreens pharmacy, 7-Eleven, gas station, and a range of restaurants, including fish and chips! If those don't have what you're looking for, then head left out of Solterra Resort and you'll find Target, Best Buy, Staples and more. You should find all you need close by, but should you struggle, just ask!
The house has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of towels and linens. There are extra towels and crockery for the pool deck and BBQ. You'll also find a crib and high chair for young children, plus a games room for some added fun! Should you have any special requests please ask!
Solterra Sunset is located just off the CR 54 Ronald Reagan Parkway with good access from both the main I-4 and I-27 highways. It is 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport, 20 from Disneyworld, and 30 from Sea World or Universal Studios. Heading west along the I-4, the Tampa Bay area is an hour away, making the gulf coast beaches an easy drive!
Thanks for staying with us!
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