Orlando is said to have been named after an American soldier, Orlando Reeves who almost miraculously saved fellow soldiers from a Seminole Indian attack and then, sadly, perished.  Over the years Orlando changed from a cattle and cotton area in the early pioneer years to citrus farming in the 1880’s. Growth in Central Florida was achieved by way of railroads, post-depression and post-World War II building booms, the addition of airports, colleges and new jobs created by the relocation of technology companies.  In the 1970’s Walt Disney major sprinkled pixie dust on the town fostering a surge in incredible development. The magical city of Orlando was on its way to becoming a world-class tourist and family thrills destination.  The addition of hotels, motels, commercial centers and tourist enterprises changed the face of this bustling town once again.  Today, Orlando is well-known for the excitement provided by the imagineers at Walt Disney World, but industries related to travel, entertainment, tourism, high-tech, bio-tech, digital media and software development have been instrumental in the success and growth of the metropolitan area as well.  Central Florida will no doubt evolve and change with the times and millions of visitors will continue to find their way to “The City Beautiful”, Orlando.

A great place to stay in Orlando is Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a resort with comfortable accommodations and a colorful Turn-of-the-Century horse racing theme.  Choose from Studio, 1- or 2-bedroom villas or the unique, oversized, 3-bedroom Treehouse Villas.  The resort, settled on Village Lake and a lovely golf course, offers plenty of amenities to satisfy guests: full kitchens, WIFI, 24-hour fitness center, jogging trail, tennis and basketball courts and campfire activities.  Unwind at “Senses”, the full service on-site spa.  Take a refreshing swim in High Rock Spring Pool, Paddock Pool or one of the three leisure pools found at the Treehouse Villas, Congress Park and The Grandstand. Enjoy casual dining at The Turf Club Bar and Grille, or grab quick bites at Artist’s Palette, Paddock Grille or Backstretch Pool Bar. The charming Victorian-style resort is conveniently located within walking distance of all the dining and entertainment options of Disney Springs. There’s also a water taxi and ample bus transportation available to transport guests to various to various locations throughout the Disney complex.

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is a great choice if you’re looking at options in the resale market, especially for vacationers who typically make vacation reservations less than 7 months in advance.  DVC members who reside in or near the State of Florida are more likely to book short notice itineraries due to their ability to drive to Orlando. Saratoga Springs is typically available on the resale market in the $79 to $84 per point range with annual dues approximately $5.60 per point, expiring in 2054.  For additional information on resale opportunities at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or at other Disney Vacation Club locations, visit the resale experts at www.dvcstore.com.

–contributed by Chris Golden