There’s something about KOA’s that is one part unsettling – I don’t know, because the entire experience is manufactured?! But on the other hand, completely satisfying – because, I guess, you know what you’re going to get and there’s really no surprises. So, this allows me to set up what you’ll encounter here at (maybe) lovely KOA Orange Blossom, just due NW of Orlando and only a stone’s throw to Lake Apopka.
First of all, despite being in the Orange State (which I have problems with, having recently moved here from California), there are, in fact, absolutely no ‘orange blossoms’ that you will discover anywhere here. This is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. And, well, I’m a marketeer, so let’s relish this quick moment, while we can. Alliteration aside (or the false pretenses therein that abound), this is a flat, unremarkable, perfectly organized and manicured location that most RV’ers (and even the basic camper) might arrive to and come to the conclusion: “Hey, not so bad.” They have clean restrooms. There’s a recreation room. Even a small mini-mart. Of course, WiFi and Cable are included and there’s a very simple hook-up. Some ‘manager’ will be appointed overseer to your entire [fabricated] out-in-nature experience. Sure, there’s a well-maintained pool. And hey, for those that say “I wasn’t so big on all that ‘nature’ stuff anyway,” it’s quite possible you have discovered your version of paradise. The bugs. The whirring of crickets. The noises. “Oh geez, I’m so glad that the nature here is ‘manageable,’” they will say.
While I will cast my judgement aside, if you’re looking for a fully-furnished, easily replicatable ‘quasi-camping’ experience without (any) hardship then, hurrah! You’ve arrived at the perfect (highway interstate) nature getaway. Roll in your RV on the slick, perfectly flat blackened asphalt and connect to the pre-determined (life) hookups (water, electricity, sewage, WiFi, cable) and enjoy your stay.
Insider’s Tips? OK, here’s a few. First? Leave as soon as possible and go out to discover the real nature that is out there waiting for you. Second, no surprise, just down the street, you’ll discover a Chili’s, IHOP, Tijuana Flats, McDonald’s and any other franchise restaurant you can think of – thus in keeping with the corporately created experience you’ll encounter. Alright, I’ll give you a third and REAL tip – head on over to the town of Lake Dora and explore what is quite possibly the most enchanting little town in all of Florida. Here you’ll discover little boutiques, quaint shoppes, turn-of-the-century ice cream parlours, art exhibitions, fantastic cozy restaurants and, of course, the Lake itself, which makes for a perfect outing on just about any day. And, just in the off-chances that you might want to encounter a really fantastic, true nature experience, you can check out Trimble Park (check out my review of this park here: https://thedyrt.com/camping/florida/florida-trimble-county-park/reviews/143342), which has simply brilliant outdoor camping options for the nature enthusiasts among us.
Happy Camping!
