Ohana Retreat, Kissimmee, Florida

09/26/2026

FB did not allow photos and a video in one post, so adding a video of the pool guys applying the pool finish. A great example of team work! Amazing to watch the speed of application, the trowelling and the attention to detail on the finishing. The guys cleaned up well too!

09/26/2026

After taking 24hrs to re-fill with water and the chemicals being added, our pool at Ohana Retreat, Kissimmee, Florida, is looking bright, sparkling and inviting after its refinishing! The new granite spillover is giving a lovely smooth flow and movement to the water. The step into the spa is going to be really popular with family and guests. It makes getting in and out so much easier. We are eagerly awaiting our first swim! Just waiting for the chemicals in the pool to balance.

09/26/2026

Yesterday our pool at Ohana Retreat, Kissimmee, Florida, was re-lined with the new pebble finish. 7 guys here, all working cohesively as a team, little being said as each knew their roles. The deck area was all covered, the finish surface was mixed on the lorry, white cement with white and blue pebbles added. This was sprayed on and trowelled to give a smooth finish. All the guys having carpet soles and spikes on their slippers was entertaining! The pool was then pressure washed. The new step into the spa is going to be a popular feature!
Today the pool will be acid washed, pressure washed, hopefully revealing the colour - then the big fill starts!

09/19/2026

Each time we visit Ohana Retreat, we have a list of jobs. We undertake a deep clean, anything that does not move is washed! Repairs or replacements are made as needed. Our aim is also to achieve at least one project enhancement. This year, we are having the pool re surfaced. A learning curve for us!

The water has been neutralised, the pool drained, acid washed and pressure washed. We have decided to add a step into the spa which will make it so much easier to get in and out. The former for the step been made and the step cast. The pool has been bonded and the new tile detail put in place. Tony and I have re -grouted the tile edge. We are now waiting for the bonding coat to dry before the new top coat is applied. Very exciting progress but missing our daily swims!

07/10/2026

We are busy with bookings and our calendar is filling up. We love having repeat guests, so if you are thinking of a holiday in Florida in the next couple of years, we suggest you may wish to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
We have listed our available dates below for the remainder of 2026, 2027 and 2028.

2026
November 11th to 20th
November 29th to December 21st.

2027
11th May to June 18th
June 27th to July 13th
July 29th to September 12th
November 8th to December 31st

2028
1st to 23rd January
23rd March to 15th August
31st August to 9th September
11th November to 31st December

This video was made in October 2024 but updated in March 2025 as we...

07/03/2026

Worth looking out for on July 4th.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1456516286510643&set=a.623886086440338&type=3

Air Force Flyover at Walt Disney World Announced for America's 250th Independence Day

https://wdwnt.news/661_22

03/30/2026

As owners we strive to continually maintain and enhance Ohana Retreat. Our latest project has been to widen our driveway to give better access and exit when there are two cars parked on the drive. We are pleased with the finished result!

03/05/2026

The Disney art festival in Epcot never fails to impress. It runs in Mid January to mid February and has many attractions including:

✨. Art displays around the park often with the artist on site to sign any purchases. We have four prints in Ohana Retreat signed to the Shepherd family.

✨ Disney on broadway costume display which are truly incredible, especially some of the costumes from the Lion King.

✨ Nightly shows featuring Disney on Broadway singers. These are so good with the original singers from the shows being paired up and generally doing three nights. With three shows a night there is plenty of time to catch your favourite.

✨ On the bridge to the World Showcase, chalk artists can be found creating amazing chalk pictures on the pavement. It’s fascinating talking to them as they work.

✨ You can learn how to draw a Disney character with regular classes at the American pavilion.

EPCOT has so much to offer with the ever changing themes of the Art Festival, the Flower and Garden festival followed by the Food and W**e festival and the Festival of the Holidays (Christmas). The amazing firework and choreographed music show Lumionous: The Symphony of Us is a perfect way to end a special day.

02/04/2026

The EPCOT fireworks Luminous The Symphony of US never disappoint us. Amazing fireworks and music.

01/29/2026

Blue Spring StatePark.

An ideal day to visit Blue Springs state park in the winter months is a day that starts off very cold. The Manatees then return to the springs as the water is a constant 72 degree’s Fahrenheit, warm compared to the sea temps where they can easily beome hypothermic. We were fortunate to see many Manatees from the boardwalk, some with calves, various birds and many fish in the clear water.

To protect the manatees visitors cannot enter the water or Kayak in the winter months. They can enjoy the park, have a picnic or BBQ, visit Thursby historic house or enjoy a narrated boat trip. Additionally in the summer months when the Manates are not in the spring, visitors can swim / snorkel with the fish (it is chilly at 72f!), or kayak or tube in the spring.
It is always a pleasure to visit and a privilege to see Manatees in their natural environment.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park