Another Getaway In-State, This Time in Orlando at Westgate

Another Getaway In-State, This Time in Orlando at Westgate
Treasure Cove Water Park, Westgate Resorts

ORLANDO, FL – January 18, 2022 – Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit like an in-state getaway. InFlorida was thrilled to stay at Westgate Resorts and soak up the sun for a long weekend right before the holidays!

Our first night at Westgate Resorts was unforgettable, as we pulled up to our home for the weekend. A spacious One-Bedroom Deluxe Villa with a welcome package waited for us upstairs. We had a full kitchen, living room, and even a jacuzzi tub in our bedroom. Our screened in balcony was where we spent the end of our nights before we hit the hay, looking out on the lake, watching other guests cruise by on boats, beautiful and tranquil.

On this particular getaway, we had the privilege of spending time with other magazines and bloggers, as well as the wonderful women who organized this getaway. Dinners and daytime activities were spent with great people who we hope to meet again on future trips!


Villa Italiano Chophouse was our first dining destination, and it was sensational. First, we were given a tour of the flagship Orlando resort where the restaurant was located. Outside, sat a carousel beside a giant tree decorated with ornaments and lights. The lobby was decorated from wall to wall, holiday music echoed through the building. We were instructed to walk down a special corridor filled with trees and lights, inspired by the Narnia films. It was a winter wonderland, imaginative and whimsical. We were definitely getting into the spirit of the upcoming holiday.


It was now dinner time. We were seated at two large tables, wine glasses were filled and then, our food. One dish after another was placed in front of each of us: charcuterie boards, bread service, calamari, meatballs. If you can dream it, it was on our table. Each dish was as creative and delicious as the last. I’m surprised we had room for our entrees. I ordered the frutti di mare. It paired fabulously with a glass of Chardonnay.


Our eyes widened as the kitchen doors swung open once again, and our table was taken over by gelato, pastries and dessert cocktails. It was probably one of the smoothest, richest gelatos I've ever tasted. Paired with an espresso martini, my palette was dancing. Every item was carefully curated and absolutely stunning. The service was impeccable and Villa Italiano Chophouse is the place to take someone if you want them to feel well taken care of. We sat for a while, finished our sweets and chatted amongst our new friends. What an amazing way to start the long weekend.

The next day, we had a lot of downtime. We decided to spend the first half of our day at Universal Studios. It was so close to the resort, we got there in no time and beat all of the lines! After a fun-filled day, we headed back to Westgate Resorts and relaxed before joining our media group for another delicious meal.


Bartaco was on the agenda for dinner, and boy were we impressed. As taco lovers, we couldn’t wait to try everything on the menu, and that we did. I couldn’t enjoy tacos without a drink to complement, so I ordered their house margarita. It was super refreshing. Their menu replicates a sushi menu, as you check off what you’d like to order on each box with a pencil. We ordered a salsa trio with fresh guacamole, street tacos, ceviche, and countless others. Everything was made to order with 100% fresh ingredients. Churros for dessert, of course. After dinner, we relaxed on our balcony. We needed to be well rested for the next day’s activities.

We started our day right with some coffees from Starbucks. Sid’s Bistro is located in the Pavilion of the resort. They served Starbucks coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. They also made smoothies from Jamba Juice. Talk about a one stop shop!

Treasure Cove Water Park was on the list this day and we were ready to get our toes wet. With dual 30 foot water slides, an epic 41,000 gallon wave pool and the Castaway Creek Lazy River that wrapped around the Riki Tiki Tavern, we claimed our lounge chairs under big umbrellas and hopped in the water. Our day was well spent laying in the sun, listening to music and sipping cold beers and cocktails. 



We took a long walk back to our villa, strolling through the village shops, admiring all of the holiday decorations. Joe's Marketplace & Deli sat tucked away in the cozy village corridor, so we took a look inside. They had everything from snacks to souvenirs, as well as alcoholic beverages. The deli made delicious sandwiches that we ended up grabbing before our long drive home the next day.

Before dinner, we grabbed a drink at WestGate’s onsite restaurant, Draft’s Sports Bar & Grill. I noticed they had a little bowling alley in the back, we were definitely circling back to that! Then, we headed to American Social for dinner, where our table split appetizers family style and I enjoyed a delicious burger with truffle fries. The atmosphere was lively, with great music and even better conversation. We were too full for dessert this time, I’m afraid. I know that’s hard to believe since we InFlorida gals love dessert.

We then headed back to the resort where we found ourselves at Draft’s to do some bowling. Like I said before, it was a little bowling alley. The bowling balls were like ski balls and the pins were hung up by strings. I could see myself having a bowling alley like this in my house, I thought. We bowled, we laughed, we ended our getaway on a fantastic note.

The next morning we grabbed our last Starbucks from Sid’s Bistro and were on our way. As usual, we were sad to leave and we’re looking forward to another incredible in-state getaway.

A huge shoutout to Westgate Resorts for hosting InFlorida and spending an amazing weekend with us, we can't wait to be back for more delicious eats, drinks & fun in the sun!