Orlando is a great place to visit for a girls’ getaway. The weather is usually bright and sunny. Here are some things to plan for your Orlando girls’ getaway.

The best-laid plans don’t always work out how we imagine, but somehow, things do work out for the best. This was the case as I set out to visit Orlando. What started as a trip with the girls turned into a girlfriend trip with my Mom after a couple of my friends had to cancel. Our Orlando girls’ getaway turned out fantastic. I’m so lucky that at 86, my Mom is still fun and enthusiastic about traveling. 

Orlando Sheraton Vistana Resort 

After we landed in Orlando, we grabbed our car and hit the road to our hotel, the Orlando Sheraton Vistana Resort Sheraton Vistana Villages. This spectacular property checked all the boxes for a week in sunny Orlando. We reserved a two-bedroom, two-bath condo and could not have been happier. We have a timeshare property, so we requested an exchange for this resort, although they also have rental units. The unit’s space is pretty unbelievable and can easily accommodate four adults.

We enjoyed everything about Sheraton Vistana Villages. The grounds are lush and very well maintained. The three outdoor pools are crystal clear, with plenty of lounge chairs, so there is no need to go early and “save” a spot as some resorts require. We also enjoyed the pool bar at the main pool.  There’s something special about having a daytime cocktail at the pool while on vacation. It just feels right.

Vistana has everything you want or need on your vacation, including tennis courts—where you can take tennis lessons to improve your skills. There is also basketball, shuffleboard, multiple gyms, a sauna, a convenience store, and multiple restaurants. I can’t think of anything we needed that we couldn’t get on the property. Check-in was fairly quick, too. I recommend this property for a convenient, upscale stay close to the Orlando attractions.

Lush gardens at Orlando Sheraton Vistana Resort. Photo by SJ Morgensen

Disney Springs Entertainment Area is Perfect for an Orlando Girls’ Getaway 

We had the best time wandering through Disney Springs. We had no real agenda and didn’t even know what to expect. But when you’re in Orlando, Disney Springs is something to check out, if for no other reason than to say you’ve been there. After visiting, I can say that I’ll go back. With over 60 restaurants and fast-food establishments, there is something here for everyone. We started with dessert at Amorette’s Patisserie. This French pastry shop specializes in creating magnificent goodies with Disney themes. Both kids and adults love this place because you can watch the bakers as they create masterpieces. 

Beautiful Disney Springs. Photo by SJ Morgensen

After dessert, we wanted sustenance and headed deeper into Disney Springs. Beware that Disney Springs is very busy, so there will likely be crowds. We did not have reservations and wished we would have. Every restaurant we visited had at least a 45-minute wait, so I’ll make reservations next time. I wanted to try The Boathouse Orlando after several friends recommended it. The restaurant is located right on the lake, with indoor and outdoor dockside seating, and I’ve heard the views are to die for, especially at sunset. We checked the menu and saw plenty of good-looking options, including grouper, lobster rolls, and oysters on the half-shell. 

Fun Shop Stops

My niece turned me onto Free People, so we had to stop inside when I saw they had a store there. There are so many beautiful things here. I came away with lots of good ideas for future online shopping. Their stuff is just so fun and fashionable. Another fun boutique is Johnny Was. The women’s clothing here is jaw-dropping. It’s so well done and beautiful. It’s refreshing to find eclectic pieces different from what you see at every mall in town. 

Dinner at Disney Springs. Photo by SJ Morgensen

Sea World

Of course, if you’re in Orlando, you may be tempted to visit one of the parks. Go for it, even if the kids aren’t with you. These days, the parks are way more than just rides. I’ve been to most of the Orlando theme parks more than a few times, and my favorite is SeaWorld. There’s something priceless about seeing those beautiful sea creatures up close and watching them interact with each other.

The vibe here is way more “chill” than in other parks, which appeals to me. You can walk through the park leisurely and enjoy yourself rather than rush from attraction to attraction, which is what we did. We found that for something different to munch on, it’s hard to beat a giant turkey leg.

Sea Otter at Sea World Orlando. Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos.

A Day Trip To Cocoa Beach is a Fabulous Addition to an Orlando Girls’ Getaway

The Atlantic Coast is only about an hour from Orlando. With the ocean this close, there was no way we would miss having a beach day. We decided on Cocoa Beach, the closest and best beach to Orlando. We drove east, about an hour, to the surfing capital of the United States. The sunny skies and warm weather made this a perfect beach day.

A windy day at Cocoa Beach. Photo by SJ Morgensen

We found a spot near the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. The pier boasts shops and restaurants and is a hub of activity along this stretch of Cocoa Beach. We grabbed some cold drinks at Pelican’s Bar and Grill and my favorite peel-and-eat shrimp. As good as the food and drink were, the best part of our beach time was watching the surfers ride the waves. How those guys can hop on their boards and glide along the water is mesmerizing. They make it look so easy. But I know it’s not. 

Quaint Cocoa Village

While in the Cocoa Beach area, don’t miss a trip to the village of Cocoa. This village has an adorable downtown full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. We loved wandering through the art stores. I bought the cutest handmade nightlight. Now, I get to see the Florida seascape every evening. Many local artists share their creations around town. Make time to visit the Village Bier Garten, an authentic German beer garden with wonderful food and beer. We had the scrumptious Wienerschnitzel, and I highly recommend it.

Fabulous German fun at Village Bier Garten in Cocoa, FL. Photo by SJ Morgensen

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Orlando Girls’ Getaway Wrap-Up

Orlando is a great place to visit for a girls’ getaway. The weather is usually bright and sunny. The non-stop flight options from just about anywhere in the U.S. make it super convenient. And the abundance of hotel rooms and condos makes it easy to find affordable accommodations no matter what you’re looking for. Our weekend wrapped up way too quickly, and we will be back soon. Let Wander With Wonder be your guide when planning an Orlando Girls’ Getaway, a trip to Florida, or any other fabulous sunny vacation.