From Boca Magazine: Margaritaville Resort Orlando: A Personal Connection to Jimmy Buffett’s Spirit
Long before I checked into Margaritaville Resort Orlando, I had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the legendary Jimmy Buffett himself back in 2016, and it was a special meeting and total surprise.
It happened just a few miles from home at the 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar & Grill at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. There he was, casually enjoying chicken wings—approachable, warm and exactly the way you’d hope your favorite artist would be. He talked openly about life, music and his career, smiling and laughing without a trace of ego. He even posed for a photo with my mother and I, sealing a moment that felt full of joy and authenticity.
When he passed, I thought about his legacy and how I felt like this man really wanted people to enjoy life to the fullest.
When I stepped onto the property at Margaritaville Resort Orlando with my good friend Melissa, I immediately recognized that same spirit Jimmy embodied. A genuine love of life, family, music, and connection.
First Impressions
Located just 15 minutes from Disney’s Animal Kingdom and close to the rest of the Disney and Universal Orlando theme parks, Margaritaville Resort Orlando feels like its own tropical destination.
Lush landscaping, island music, pastel colors, and a relaxed pace welcomed us as we arrived, setting a tone of instant vacation mode. The main hotel itself is beautiful, with rooms that channel breezy coastal vibes, but we were put somewhere even more special. I was super excited to check in and find out that I was going to get to experience the resort’s own cozy cottages.
The resort’s private cottages through Cottages by Rentyl are gorgeous, and the charming, pastel-hued homes lined cozy streets that felt more Key West than Central Florida. Everywhere we looked, there was a sense of ease and warmth, and we were walking distance from the main hotel building and everything else that the resort offers, making the cottages a nice homey spot that’s also close to all the action.
Our Cottage Stay
Our cottage was nothing short of a dream. Spacious and inviting, it offered a full living room where Melissa and I could lounge, sip wine, and laugh over episodes of “Doctor Who” after long, sun-soaked days or visits to the theme parks.
We are Disney girls, and getting together with our friend Taimara, an Orlando local, to visit the parks was an amazing bonus to the weekend spent exploring the resort, its amenities, and thinking about how to best explain what guests would expect.
The cottage was equipped with a full kitchen, making it easy for us to whip up breakfast one day when Taimara came to visit and see the cottage. We enjoyed eggs, sourdough bread, ham and mimosas before heading to Animal Kingdom.
Having a kitchen, washer and dryer, and multiple bedrooms made it feel like we were truly at home, but without any of the daily stressors. Each bedroom had its own private balcony, perfect for quiet moments with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine. The cottage’s patio was another favorite spot, offering plenty of space for us to sit outside and savor the warm Florida breeze, and a hot tub for those wanting a little dip in warm water. With tropical landscaping all around and a soft, tranquil vibe, it really did feel like we were tucked away in our own island paradise.
A Stay Full of Heart and Happiness
Our weekend at Margaritaville Resort Orlando was more than just a getaway, it was a reset for the soul.
Staying in our cozy cottage, floating in the pool, dining under the stars, and simply sharing laughs and memories with close friends reminded me just how important it is to slow down and celebrate life’s simple joys. From the welcoming staff to the laid-back luxury all around, the resort truly captures the spirit of Jimmy Buffett, highlighting warmth, connection, music, and the magic of being surrounded by those you love as the most important things in life.
Melissa, Taimara, and I are already dreaming of our next visit, and next time, maybe even more mojitos and snacks by the pool and joined by more close friends.
For more information or to book a stay, visit margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-orlando, follow them on social media @margaritavilleresortorlando or call 855/995-9099.
Read the full article: Boca Magazine: Margaritaville Resort Orlando: A Personal Connection to Jimmy Buffett’s Spirit