Trend Magazine Online
Travel Review December 2015
Mystic Dunes Celebration Florida

By Jay Whipple

Trend Magazine Online™

Like Home!

This place served as my abode during a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT in early November 2015. I found it via an Internet search using the portal at Queen City Tours^sm and Travel. I must admit that my expectations were lower given the price of less than $80 per night that I received. In fact, I had to double check the address upon my arrival to the front entrance and gate to this expansive property in Celebration, Florida. I was really blown away when the very friendly and cordial security guard told me to make a right at the fourth stop sign to check in to my room. Hmmmmmmm I thought, how big is this place? Well, I slowly advanced towards the check in building all the while thinking that somewhere along the line someone was going to turn me around to a more traditional multi-level hotel nearby as opposed to this resort.

I arrived at the check in building just before 10 P.M. and was greeted by friendly and cordial front desk staff who confirmed my 3-day stay. They also confirmed my pricing to my surprise because these days there always seem to be a catch 22 or sometimes 23-100. Smile! Actually, there was a bit of a catch 2 as they pointed me in the direction of another desk to pick up my free gift which I did not get after I was offered an opportunity to receive a few more additional nights free of charge if I sat through this ½ -hour sales presentation. I made sure that I was not available at any of the times offered and it was off to my room. The entire check-in process took less than 10 minutes. I could not see all that this huge property had to offer other than rooms that appeared to be apartments in numbered buildings.

My building was at the end of the street and it was nice that someone left a luggage dolly near the elevator that I used to transfer my bags to my 2^nd floor room/apartment. They use the now standard card keys to access the room and I typically check the restroom first for cleanliness. This one was spotless and included a walk-in see through shower; my favorite. I have seen too many movies where a person is attacked while taking a shower behind a closed obscured curtain. At least this way you can see that monster coming. Smile! They did not have plastic cups available though. Next up was the bedroom which was a bit small but a separate space with a door. The bed was very fluffy and the kind that made you want to immediate jump on it for a pleasant nights rest. There was a safe in the room but I could not get it to work and did not want to bug the front desk staff. Besides, I left my thousand-carat diamonds in Carolina. Not! My room also included a giant (not sure what size) flat screen TV. Those gizmos are a nice additional although they make everyone look squished down.

My room also came with a portable vertical washer and dryer with laundry soap which is rare -- at least for me. Across from them was a full-size ironing board and iron in the utility closet. The kitchenette included a large portable refrigerator/freezer, coffee-maker, stove, toaster, and a full set of dishes and silverware along with detergent and cleaning supplies. Just like at home -- at least mines. The microwave was larger than most rooms that I have stayed and it included several cooking accessories for those of us who actually know how. Smile! The living room also had a giant 97-channel flat screen TV and DVD player next to the small dining area. The role out couch was a nice accessory if you had little ones. This one was a bit worn near the arm rests. They also through in a souvenir bag that included the standard discount coupons to area restaurants and attractions which would have come in handy for a longer stay.