Some weekends feel like a breath of fresh air, the kind that refuels your soul and fills your heart with laughter. My pre-birthday weekend in Orlando was exactly that, one that I spent with my husband and two amazing friends.
Joined by my friend Taylor and her husband David, I packed my bags for a couples’ getaway that doubled as a mini celebration at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
A Villa That Felt Like Home, But Better
From the second we stepped into our newly renovated two-bedroom villa, it was love at first sight. The space radiated warmth, with airy, sunlit rooms and modern touches and just the right amount of homey charm. The living room quickly became our gathering hub, with its cozy sectional sofa, oversized TV, and open layout that invited conversation and taking time to relax.
One of my favorite nights happened when we took a moment to unwind in the area, which feels very much like your own living room. It’s a spot for laughter, indulging in favorite drinks, and to catch up with your favorite people. Our villa had all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen for morning coffee and late-night snacks, a spacious dining area, and a private patio perfect for unwinding, making it a great spot for not only friend groups, but families looking for a spacious place to stay and enjoy everything that greater Orlando has to offer.
Los Amigos: Tacos, Fajitas & Tiki Cup Cheers
Dinner that first night was a highlight all its own. We wandered over to Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar, where bright colors, sizzling plates, and the sound of upbeat music created an instant party atmosphere.
Taylor and I kicked things off with margaritas served in souvenir tiki cups which were bright, tropical, and delightfully over the top. (Yes, we brought them home as keepsakes!) The table soon filled with an irresistible spread: steaming fajitas, crispy tacos, yummy burritos, and endless chips and salsa.
We made dinner a celebration, and the restaurant is not only inviting, but its spacious, beautifully decorated, and has a tequila and mezcal list that fans of the spirits will find expansive, featuring a lot of favorites and rare options to sample while you dine.
A Feast for Every Mood: Dining at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort
One of the best things about being on vacation is the food, and what sets Westgate Vacation Villas Resort apart is the options right at your fingertips, each crafted with care by talented chefs who clearly know their way around flavor and flair.
In addition to Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar, guests can indulge in classic American comfort food at Sid’s American Kitchen, a welcoming eatery that serves hearty breakfasts and timeless dinner favorites with a modern twist. Those with a sweet tooth will adore Sweet Dreamery, where handcrafted ice cream and desserts make every afternoon feel like summer vacation.
If you’re craving variety, MEGAbites Food Hall is the resort’s casual hub for quick bites and shareable snacks, perfect between adventures or poolside lounging. Need a caffeine fix or a few essentials? The Marketplace has you covered with everything from fresh pastries to grab-and-go meals.
And when the Florida sun sets, guests can unwind at one of the poolside bars, where tropical cocktails and friendly vibes make the perfect pairing for a warm Orlando evening. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, pizza, pastries, or margaritas, the resort makes it nearly impossible to go hungry, and you’ll find options for everyone in your group to enjoy.
A Water Park Meant for Lazy Morning Vibes
Those looking for a different kind of fun and relaxation can visit Shipwreck Island Water Park. Visitors can acquire daily passes to the park, one of the resort’s biggest attractions. The water park offers classics such as a lazy river where you can simply float, thrilling water slides, and it’s a great spot for plenty of sunbathing.
While that weekend’s rain did not allow us to visit the park, we do recommend enjoying it when you visit. It’s a great way to unwind under the sun and the park looked like a lot of fun for both kids and the kids at heart.
Mystery Fun House: Where Nostalgia Meets Neon Lights
After dinner, we ventured to the resort’s ultimate playground: the Mystery Fun House. If you’ve ever missed the charm of old school arcades mixed with modern energy, this spot is a must. It literally feeds the energy of your inner child. That inner child will immediately reappear, excited to play video games, run around and cause a little innocent trouble.
We immediately gravitated towards Chuck’s Arcade, an arcade full of top-notch games and sophisticated gaming machines. The ambiance was filled with, music, and the cheerful chaos of kids and adults picking their favorite game to play with tokens under the flashing lights. We dove straight into the arcade area, hopping from one machine to another like kids on a sugar rush.
Taylor was a pinball wizard, and David joined her for the challenge. I spent far too long at the claw machines, but my persistence paid off when I won an adorable Hello Kitty plushy that I have sitting on my dresser.
Then came one of my favorite discoveries with Taylor: Strike Up Some ’80s Fun! This is a neon bowling alley that’s purely retro. Think glowing pins, pulsing music, and electric lights that make the whole room shimmer in pinks and blues. Every roll came with cheers, laughter, and a bit of friendly competition with Taylor, and it was the kind of nostalgic fun that reminds you how good it feels to let go and just play.
There were some strikes, gutter balls, and lots of glowing lights, and I realized this was exactly how I wanted to celebrate my pre-birthday. With a little friendly competition, good food, laughs and fun.
A Great Quick Weekend Escape
That weekend at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort was more than a getaway, it was a memory stitched together by friendship, laughter, and little moments of magic.
From cozy nights at the villa, a tequila toast or two at Los Amigos to neon-lit fun at Mystery Fun House, everything about it reminded me to slow down and savor the now.
Birthdays aren’t just about getting older. They’re about collecting moments like these: bright, warm, and unforgettable. And here’s to realizing that life is all about these types of moments.
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort is located at 7700 Westgate Blvd. in Kissimmee, FL. For more information visit westgateresorts.com.
