Now that my kids are grown, I seek out family lodging options with a residential layout. That way we can make our own little breakfasts, play Bananagrams at the kitchen table and watch movies in the living room. Now The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando offers that option -- plus it will soon have a water park.

The IV Lounge Infuses Guests with Energy -- and Also Rejuvenates Ladyparts

May 2, 2017 Rona Gindin

I'm sitting in a doctor's office-like chair, eyebrows up in skepticism, as a nurse with a healthful glow finds my vein and sets me up for an intravenous infusion of nutrients. I'm at the IV Lounge Orlando, concerned. Is this a medical facility? A scam? A blessing-to-be?

The Polite Pig Ups the Food Game at Disney Springs

April 25, 2017 Rona Gindin

Maybe it was a fellow foodie's disappointed Facebook posts. Possibly, sheer pragmatism. But with Orlando's Swine Family restaurant group expanded so quickly in recent months, I couldn't imagine that its new restaurant, The Polite Pig, could be extraordinary.

Sample Latin Fare at the SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival

April 20, 2017 Rona Gindin

Midway through its multi-weekend SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival, the theme park has added several Latin-inspired foods and drinks.

Dine Alfresco with All-Star Female Florida Chefs

April 14, 2017 Rona Gindin

Orlando has so many food events that I post about only a fraction, and of those only a few turn to to be spectacular in terms of food, drink and ambiance. I am betting that Women in the Kitchen: A Celebration at Lake Meadow will make the cut.

Tour the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace

April 13, 2017 Rona Gindin

About a fourth of my work involves this: telling readers how to get the most for their money in Orlando. One of the always-valid tips involves choosing hotels that are on Disney World property but owned by others. Today's feature: Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.

Lobster Tail Frittata, and Other Orlando Easter Brunch Meals

April 1, 2017 Rona Gindin

See this? It's twin, shelled, baby, butter-poached lobster tails nestled onto a delicate egg frittata, which itself is atop crispy hash browns. A pitcher of truffle Hollandaise sauce stands on the side. This exceptionally delicious dish is one of the Orlando Easter brunch meals on offer at Capital Grille for the holiday on Sunday, April 16.

This Is What to Expect at the Edible Orlando Field to Feast Dinner with Disney Chefs

March 28, 2017 Rona Gindin

A recent Field to Feast dinner prepared by the theme park complex's tippy-top chefs was so -- errr ... magical, that I concede and use that most overused-in-Orlando adjective.

Trying Blowguns with a Tribal Warrior

March 12, 2017 Rona Gindin

I was beyond lucky to have as a leader Juan (not his original name), an Adventures by Disney guide who grew up within the jungle, in the Shuar tribe (I believe). Among his people's practices is shooting prey for dinner with a blowgun.

Special Valentine Celebrations in Orlando

January 19, 2017 Rona Gindin

It'll be that time again soon. The pressure! Here are some of the more special Valentine celebrations in Orlando that have come my way. Check back regularly, as I'll add on newbies.