By: Marcy Paulson
The dream behind Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club didn’t begin as a spreadsheet or a pitch deck. It began as a calling.
Carina Radonich, founder of Magic Moment Resort, spent years in architecture and luxury real estate. Immersed in world-class design and marquee brands, she knew exactly how to build what dazzles. However, polished marble and grand staircases didn’t inspire her greatest success.
Becoming a mother reframed everything for Radonich, ultimately inspiring her to build a guest experience defined by family-first hospitality from the heart. That experience has set her Kissimmee-area resort apart for over a decade.
The Founding Vision Behind Magic Moment Resort’s Family-First Guest Experience and Its Growth Journey Over the Last Decade
Traveling with her young children transformed Radonich’s goals as an architect.
“When we took trips together, I quickly found that my favorite places to stay with children did much more than impress,” Radonich shares. “They brought all of us closer. Our family came away from those places with a deeper connection and memories that I treasure to this day.”
That insight became a family dream discussed at the dinner table and refined in the quiet moments between homework and bedtime. When Magic Moment opened its doors just minutes from Central Florida’s major attractions, Radonich was ready to measure success differently than most in the hospitality industry. And on that first day, the nearly sold-out resort filled with families who resonated with her vision.
Ten years later, the resort’s mission to make every moment matter still guides each of its milestones, shaping playful communal spaces and nurturing a kids’ club where care and creativity lead the day. What began as a small family hotel has grown into a destination for celebrations and repeat getaways.
How Magic Moment Resort Differentiated Its Guest Experience in a Highly Competitive Hospitality Landscape
Central Florida may be renowned for spectacle, but Magic Moment chose soul. Instead of chasing the latest amenity checklist, the resort designed an experience around emotional connection.
Families and their individual needs come first in every area of the resort. When they arrive, check-in isn’t just another transaction but a warm welcome. Breakfast each morning isn’t a line; it’s a ritual that helps families slow down.
The entire property prioritizes spaces that invite togetherness. The kids’ club is alive with storytelling and play. Playgrounds spark giggles, and cozy corners allow parents to recharge. It’s a place where real families can find the freedom to be themselves.
“While many industry models optimize for profit per square foot, we choose to optimize for joy per heartbeat,” reflects Radonich. “The goal has always been to be the kind of place that focuses on memory-making.”
Behind-The-Scenes Insight Into Operating a Successful Family-Focused Resort for 10 Years
Lasting hospitality begins with listening. Radonich and her team watch how families rest and reconnect. Those observations become practices.
Throughout the resort, the family-first design is abundantly evident. Staff greet with presence and respond with empathy. Lounges and outdoor nooks invite families to gather, not scatter.
These thoughtful touches from the staff are backed by reliable services, including 24/7 front-desk support and free shuttles to Central Florida’s favorite theme parks. The goal is to help families relax and enjoy their stay to the fullest because when everyone has the time and energy to stop and share spontaneous moments together, the real connection happens.
Over the years, these quiet practices that bring families closer have built customer loyalty. Guests tell others about their stay and make plans to come back.
Leadership Commentary on the Future of Hospitality and the Resort’s Next Phase of Expansion
As Magic Moment Resort moves into its next chapter, one promise continues to guide the founder’s every decision. Radonich is committed to growing without losing the soul of what makes the resort special.
Becoming the first Dazzler Select by Wyndham in the United States is an exciting key to that growth.
“The partnership preserves the heart of our brand,” Radonich notes. “We retain all the important aspects of our identity and human warmth. And we get to connect to global visibility and the strength of Wyndham Rewards. Now, our guests can build memories with us in Kissimmee and carry that journey across a worldwide network.”
Growth for Magic Moment Resort has never been about pursuing scale for scale’s sake. That is only a consequence. For Radonich, growth has been about impact in the local community. Success means sharing hospitality and an intentionality defined by the vision from day one. The team is expanding with tools and the latest technology, thoughtfully and continuously refining experiences that help families reconnect.
“If you ask us, the future of hospitality isn’t a race to outshine,” concludes Radonich. “For us, it’s about contribution and being part of something bigger than ourselves, it’s a commitment to out-care and make our work with the maximum excellence possible. We are here to create experiences and moments they can share. And we want those special moments of connection to last a lifetime. We definitely want to be part of that!”
