Instead of gifts, why not enjoy a fun filled Orlando birthday staycation this year?
*I was given a complimentary stay at the Wyndham International Drive in order to facilitate my Orlando birthday staycation post. All opinions are my own*
Every yeas in September, the month of birthdays begins. It seems like everyone in my family has a birthday this month! Nephews, nieces, cousins, parents, and even my own son! September seems like the battle royal of birthday party planning. Everyone seems to fight for weekends to throw birthday parties. So that’s why I decided to put an end to it. Instead of trying to plan a big epic party, we decided to do an Orlando birthday staycation this year.
Birthday Party or Birthday Experience?
Now, I am by no means against throwing an epic birthday party. I love a good birthday blowout once in a while. We did a magical unicorn party for my daughter a while back and a donut themed birthday another year. But I just can’t go all out on a Pinterest birthday every single year.
In order to avoid the chaos of party planning for every birthday, we decided to only do birthday parties every other year. On years that we don’t do parties, we do a birthday experience. My kids, love this! We will usually do a theme park or some other local adventure. It allows us to stay away from the crazy party planning, avoid getting a ton of toys that the kids don’t really need, and lets us enjoy time as a family to make some pretty epic memories!
This year, we decided to take a trip to Orlando and stay at the Wyndham International Drive. We had no plans other than to just lounge by the pool, eat good food, and explore Icon Park. Not only was it my son’s birthday, but my mom’s as well. So it was a double celebration!
The Wyndham International Drive
This isn’t the first time we have stayed at the Wyndham I-Drive It is one of our favorite hotels to stay at in the Orlando area. They have two pools, which are amazing, a delicious poolside restaurant & bar called Gatorville, and rooms that are perfect for a larger family.
We got the large family room. It had two beds and a bunk bed for the kids. Even with 6 people staying in the room, we never felt overcrowded. Of course, the kids loved the bunk beds. Any time I can stay in a hotel with bunks, I am all about it!
Most of our first day was spent by the pool. Watching my kids play with their grandparents and enjoying just relaxing instead of planning a large birthday blowout was probably the highlight of our trip.
Since we went in September, the pools were pretty empty. It really felt like we had a huge private pool all to ourselves, and I really loved having that experience. So if you plan to book a trip, I highly recommend you do it during “off-season”. You will feel like you have your own private resort and be able to really enjoy everything the hotel has to offer without crowds.
If you are looking to book a trip, you can get 20% off of their best available rate here with NO minimum nights required!
Walk to Icon Park
Another reason that we decided on the Wyndham I Drive for our Orlando birthday staycation is because Icon Park is within walking distance of the resort. With so much to do at Icon Park, we never felt the need to drive anywhere else.
If you want to leave the pool for a bit, you can walk over to Icon Park and check out all of the family friendly attractions. There’s the Wheel, an Aquarium, Wax Museum and a ton of amazing restaurants. You can really spend a whole day exploring Icon Park.
So, Should I Skip the Birthday Party and Take a Family Vacation?
In short, yes! Take the vacation! Birthday parties are great, but there is nothing better than a good family vacation. I personally feel like most kids don’t remember their birthday parties as much, but they will always remember the memories made on a family vacation.
It doesn’t have to be far away or lavish. Ours wasn’t! We loved being about to do an Orlando birthday staycation with our kids and my parents, and were able to make memories that will last a lifetime!
So what will you do? Take the trip? Plan the party? Alternate years like we do? Let me know, and stay tuned for more family travel ideas coming very soon!
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Oh my goodness I love a good staycation. It’s the perfect way to get your life back in order. Thanks for sharing!
I have been doing experiences instead of gifts for years now. It is so much better to make memories rather than buy things.
Staycations are kind of the best vacations IMO. Far less stress from flights and packing, etc! And it seems like you had a wonderful time for your birthday 🙂
What a cool place to stay! I love Orlando, so I’ll keep this in mind. We normally go and head to Walt Disney World!
We normally do Disney too but sometimes it is nice to do something other than the parks. I do love Disney though lol
I love stay cations. They can be the best because there is often very little stress involved in comparison to going abroad.
yes, I am all about the less stress the better!
Your stay cation looked very relaxing and so lovely. It will be my 40th next year and I am certainly pting for a birthday stay cation.
That’ll be awesome for you 40th!
A staycation is my idea of a great birthday! Much better than presents because you get so many lovely memories 🙂 Happy Birthday!
So true! a Staycation is great to make memories and not be overrun by toys.
I have to agree with you. It is a lot better to do an experience like a vacation or a weekend at a spa with my children. They are older but they like their food and pool.
A weekend away is always nice! I love that the kids enjoy it too.
I too like to do a family outing for birthdays. So easier and way more fun.
I agree! Less stress, less cleanup lol
Sounds like a wonderful idea. I like that because it’s less stress and you can save a lot of money. Planning a birthday can be overwhelming and expensive. At the end of the day what matter the most is to be surrounded by your loved ones.
I love the stay-cation idea instead of gifts and a party. Kids have so much stuff. Experiences can be so much better!
Memories are precious and beautiful memories last for ever in hearts. I wish I could visit Orlando; it’s a beautiful city.
Looks like you had lots of fun. The hotel sounds amazing
Birthday experience any day! Thanks for sharing this staycation idea! 🙂
I live across the country so Orlando would be a vacation for us! That said, I really like staycations to unwind and get the vacation experience without the added flight costs!
Staycations are such a nice way to enjoy a little rest and relaxation without having to travel too far. Orlando definitely offers many options to take one.
Yes! Vacations and staycations are great for birthdays! Making memories is the best gift!
Good for you taking a staycation for your birthday! I’ve decided I just want to go on vacations for my birthday from here on out … and my daughters birthday is three days before mine, so I think she and I can team up to convince my husband it’s a good idea 😉