We love mini-golf and decided to try to play at every course in Orlando. Probably the best course was Congo River Golf. They have many locations, and we played the East Orlando course. We arrived late at night on a weekday in September and practically had the place to ourselves.

Congo River Golf is split into two courses: Stanley and Livingstone, each giving us the story of the famous explorers. I’ve probably never been to a better themed mini-golf course. It has waterfalls, rivers, caves, a crashed airplane, boats, et…every aspect is highly themed.

In addition to playing mini-golf, we were also given a list of items to spot as we walked through the course. For example, we needed to look for a mask and for spears, when we found them, we were to note the hole on our score cards. Since we were playing through so quickly, we didn’t keep up with the game, but I think it would add an additional fun factor when the course is crowded and the waits are long.

The holes had spinner games to add additional challenges to the golf. Due to covid, we thought it best not to touch the spinners, but I like the thoughtful touches to add additional elements to the mini-golf experience.

My favorite hole was waterfall themed, where you had to hit the ball over the edge of a very steep hill. There was no way to control the ball or utilize any sort of skill, but it was fun to send the ball over the edge.

After playing mini-golf, we got to feed the baby alligators, which was the best part of the evening. I could spend all day feeding the gators. They are adorable and so gentle.

Congo River Golf is one of the best, if not the best, mini-golf course in Orlando. The theming is top-notch and the course is a challenge. I look forward to exploring their other locations.

Dan has achieved diamond status at Hilton Hotels, so we usually prefer to stay with the brand. In recent years, we’ve discovered Hilton Grand Vacations. Grand Vacations is Hilton’s timeshare properties. We have zero interest in buying into a timeshare, but we have learned that you can still rent timeshare properties, without having to be an official timeshare owner.

The Hilton Grand Vacation resorts are fabulous. The rooms are suites and the amenities are plentiful. For three nights, we stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacation at Sea World Orlando. The hotel is just minutes from Sea World, practically walking distance, and a very short drive from Universal Orlando. It’s in a great location.

Here is a picture of the lobby.

The only minor inconveniance of staying at a Grand Vacation resort is there will be an obligatory sales pitch. They will offer you theme park tickets and other perks for attending a timeshare presentation. Luckily, they usually take no for an answer. At this resort they didn’t even try calling the room with a second pitch.

Our experience with Grand Vacations has been consistent. The rooms have all looked the same. This time we booked a one room suite ( we get a two room with the kids)- it has a large kitchen that is stocked with all of the utensils, a washer/dryer, soaking tub, large living room, and a balcony. It’s really an apartment with plenty of room to spread out. I love having the ability to do our laundry and Hilton includes enough detergent for two loads.

The resort is huge, but we were given a prime spot near the pool. With various Covid restrictions in place, the pool was a pleasant experience. It’s hard to believe, but it was our first time in a pool in 2020. We had no problem finding lounge chairs, which were sanitized between guests. Announcements were made to stay spaced out, so we had a sense of privacy while sunbathing and we pretty much had our own little corner of the pool. The only difficulty with social distancing was keeping kids from playing near us. It’s easy to forget about distancing when you’re outside and having fun. Luckily, most parents were vigilant.

We used the concierge to purchase one-day tickets to Sea World. They made it seem like they were giving us a special rate, but the deal was no better than anyone could purchase online. If you stay here, I’d recommend purchasing tickets in advance, rather than waiting to do it at the hotel.

The hotel is surrounded by every conceivable type of dining option. On our first night, we were in the mood for Italian food and discovered Mia’s Italian Cuisine. I had never heard of Mia’s before, but it is part of a chain of restaurants that includes one of my other favorites. Cafe Tu Tu Tango. We happened to visit Mia’s on the first day that they had opened for dining since Covid. They were low on staff and very apologetic. The restaurant is glamorous with Italian art on the ceiling and chandeliers made from wine bottles.

We pigged out on pasta, cannolis, and a chocolate soufflé. It was absolutely delicious and we look forward to dining here again in the future. The manager at Mia’s personally served us and she was awesome.

There was a seafood restaurant near Mia’s that had the best delivery vehicle. Orlando has it all!

This was my first time staying on the opposite side from Walt Disney World and it was a pleasure. I would definitely consider staying at the Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World on our next Orlando vacation.

Florida 2020: Congo River Golf

Florida 2020: Hilton Grand Vacations at Sea World Orlando