New owners announce major expansions for Kissimmee's Reunion Resort

Since first opening in 2005, Reunion Resort has become one of Central Florida’s premier golf resorts. The 2,300-acre development just south of Walt Disney World is a AAA Four-Diamond rated destination, with three golf courses, seven dining venues, 10 pools, 25,000 -square-feet of event space, and a seemingly endless supply of other amenities.

Now the list will grow even longer.

Atlanta-based Kingwood International Resorts announced that they have purchased the resort and they have big plans in store for it.

“We are excited to add Reunion Resort as a key acquisition in our growth strategy for Kingwood International Resorts,” stated Fred Zohouri, Kingwood’s founder and chief executive. “Our plan is to build upon the successes of Reunion’s leadership and frontline hospitality professionals so we can provide our members and guests with extraordinary experiences.”

Kingwood plans 1,200 new rental accommodations at Reunion, including a 400 room hotel. The hotel will have a large convention facility within it. Reunion currently has 360 resort-style accommodations including vacation homes with up to 13 bedrooms.

The private Reunion Resort Water Park, already one of the largest resort water park facilities in the country, will get a multi-acre expansion with the addition of a wave pool, a new water slide, putt-putt golf, and improved food and beverage offerings.

Reunion Club, the private membership program for the resort, will see expanded benefits.

The Reunion Resort deal, which was finalized on Friday, adds a new signature development to Kingwood’s portfolio. The company also owns two Atlanta area golf resorts and an eco-friendly resort near Crystal River, Florida.

“Reunion Resort is a perfect complement to our portfolio of upscale golf communities and resorts,” stated Richard Nasser, president of the Resort Division of Kingwood International Resorts. “With its varied accommodation options, world-class golf and exceptional amenities, Reunion is known as an ideal resort for guests who want to experience everything Orlando has to offer. Our goal is to enhance the guest experience at every turn and drive awareness to the next level.”

The deal comes less than two weeks after the grand opening of the nearby Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Like Reunion, Margaritaville Orlando offers a number of rental accommodations including vacation homes and an on-site hotel. But unlike Reunion, the water park, which is scheduled to open later this year, and some of the other amenities at Margaritaville are open to the general public.

No timeline or other details for the new Reunion Resort additions have been announced.

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