With over 600 acres to discover, Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club offers resort-style lodging away from all the noise and activity of Walt Disney World yet just a few short miles to all the theme park adventures. I delighted in the manicured landscaping and resort activities to keep my kids busy while offering me a quiet retreat to indulge in some reading. I suggest Mystic Dunes for families wanting more value yet still close to all the Orlando action.
What I loved at Mystic Dunes Resort
- The Ambience. It’s away from the hectic noise of Walt Disney World.
- Four resort-style pools, including the Dunes Lagoon with a slide.
- The property was well-maintained.
What I wanted at Mystic Dunes Resort
- More restaurants located nearby.
- A more walkable resort, I needed a car to get around the property.
Mystic Dunes for Families
I found 23 separate buildings with several floors of accommodations and four different pools. At the welcome center, I found a fitness center, activities center along with a market and the garden pool and tiki bar.
Managed by Diamond Resorts and Hotels, I found the property well-maintained and spacious. During my stay, I reserved a one-bedroom studio ($ to $$) that accommodated four in building 23, steps away from the Dunes Lagoon Pool.
I stayed at Mystic Dunes Resort in April.
My Studio at Mystic Dunes
During my visit to Walt Disney World, I ventured further away from the resorts and parks. A few short miles away in Celebration, the traffic and noise disappeared.
Located on the third floor, I was surprised how roomy my studio felt with just 650 sq. ft. The bedroom was immediately off the entrance, providing a little privacy.
A short hall offered a mom luxury, a stackable washer and dryer behind a door with detergent for one load. A nice feature for families staying for several days.
The open kitchenette featured granite countertops with an electric range, a dishwasher, a full-size refrigerator and a microwave. I found all the necessary dishes, cutlery, utensils and cookware for a family of four.
The living area was a tad small and featured a queen-sized, pull-out sofa with bedding located in the bedroom closet. My boys, 9 and 12, were able to unfold the bed by themselves and didn’t complain about the mattress.
I found a counter with two barstools and a small round table with two dining chairs. I would have preferred four chairs but I guess the kids could use the barstools for eating.
My Bedroom at Mystic Dunes
Though the website’s description called my unit a studio, it featured a separate bedroom with a door that closed and separate closet with a in-room safe, iron and board, and a separate TV.
My bedroom featured one queen-sized bed made with white cotton linens. With celery green walls and beachy-white furnishings, I found the room calming in the middle of a hectic family trip to Walt Disney World.
My bedroom featured a whirlpool tub in the corner that seemed out of place. It needed to be on the other side of the wall since the bathroom is right outside of the bedroom.
My Bathroom at Mystic Dunes
The bathroom features a shower outfitted with a rain shower head and plenty of hot water during my visit. The large vanity housed lots of towels and I even found pool towels in the bedroom’s closet.
The bathroom didn’t offer a standard tub. The vanity only featured one sink.
Dining at Mystic Dunes Resort
For convenience, I ordered a pizza from Maui Pizza Delivery located at the Kenzie’s full-service restaurant at the Clubhouse, on property. It was reasonably priced and I picked it up since I planned to eat at the pool, though delivery is available.
Kenzie’s full-service restaurant and bar features a full menu. Snacks and bar food can be purchased at the tiki bars located at the pools.
During my stay at Mystic Dunes, I found a sundry store that sold treats and frozen meals. I saw several families using the complimentary grills to cook up dinner and eat al fresco on the picnic tables. A great option for mom who doesn’t want to tidy up a kitchen and let dad man the grill.
For my visit, I brought little bags of cereal to speed up breakfast since getting to the nearby parks was a priority for my kids.
Activities at The Mystic Dunes
With four pools to choose, my boys, 9 and 12, pool hopped. Finally landing at the resort-style Dunes Lagoon with a two-story water slide. With several private cabanas, the Aloha tiki bar that serves poolside snacks and live entertainment on select nights, this area hops throughout the day.
During my stay, I found a steel drum percussionist to entertain the sunbathers while adding to the tropical vibe of the pool. A small sand area provides a place for littles to play.
Though labeled a quiet pool, the Garden Pool, also offers a tiki bar along with shuttle board, water volleyball and ping-pong. Closeby, I found the tennis and basketball courts.
Located next to the welcome center, the activities center is a hub for fun. My boys enjoyed several different games, like Foosball. The activity center also hosts crafts for kids and adults (some free and others low-cost). Guests receive a full schedule of activities and crafts at check-in.
The activity center loans out miniature golf equipment course for the 18-hole course across the street. I found loaner bikes in assorted sizes along with tandem options. A great option for teens yearning for more independence in a resort that seemed too large to walk.
Golf is available at the Mystic Dunes Clubhouse and Golf Shop. The resort features an 18-hole par 71 championship golf course.
Getting to Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club
Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club is located at 7600 Mystic Dunes Lane in Celebration, Florida. The gated community is 25 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and 8 miles by roads to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
During my stay, I rented a car to get around since it was cheaper than shuttles or taxis. The parking is complimentary and located right outside of the buildings.
Transportation to-and-from the airport is not included. Complimentary transportation to the theme parks is and a schedule is available at check in.
Looking for more reviews and information?
I’ve stayed at the Pop Century Resort, the Art of Animation Resort, the Caribbean Beach Resort, the Coronado Springs Resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Grand Floridan Resort and Spa.
Looking for off-property resorts, I’ve stayed at the Wyndham’s Lake Buena Vistaandthe Best Western Lake Buena Vistatoo.
I recommend the following guides to help plan your trip.
Know before you go:
- A $13.00 resort fee is charged per day, per unit.
- The management company collects $100.00 fee for damages.
- It takes 7 to 10 days to be refunded to your card.
- The management company offers its timeshares to all guests though I didn’t feel any pressure and didn’t attend any presentations.
- Kids must be 48″ to use the water slide.
Disclosure:
As a result of a partnership with Vacatia.com, I enjoyed a complimentary room.This post includes affiliate links.
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