An Unforgettable Journey: From Sacramento to the Hilton Grand Vacations Event & Tournament of Champions in Orlando

Hilton Grand Vacations, HGV Tournament of Champions, LPGA, 3 Doors Down

Written by Aaron G Beebe

Day 1: The Long Journey Begins

As the founder of https://Gonna-Happen.com, I embarked on an all-day journey from Sacramento, California, to Orlando, Florida, to attend the Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) Tournament of Champions. The trip involved multiple layovers, and on one flight, I met a flight attendant from Washington, D.C., who was heading home. Tragically, he passed away in a plane crash the following morning—a story deserving its own reflection.

Upon arriving in Orlando around 7 PM, I hailed an Uber driven by a friendly lady from Venezuela. Being Half-fluent in Spanish, I used a translation app to read aloud and engage in conversation throughout the ride to my Hilton hotel near my HGV timeshare. Arriving a day early, I settled in, grabbed some food and a drink, and retired for the night.

Day 2: Exploring the HGV Tuscany Village Resort

The next morning, I took a brief five-minute walk to the HGV Tuscany Village Resort, conveniently located near upscale factory stores, perfect for shopping enthusiasts. The weather was ideal, complementing the resort's immaculate rooms and the staff's exceptional hospitality. They even chauffeured me to my room via golf cart.

After a refreshing gym session and shower, I consulted the concierge for solo activities that combined fun with culinary delights. They recommended "Drinking Around the World" at Epcot. This is very well known to all the locals. Intrigued, I purchased a ticket and, after preparing in my room, took a ride-share to Epcot—a tale worthy of its own narrative.

Day 3: The 3 Doors Down Concert Experience

Live from HGV Event - (Link Below)

https://youtu.be/N6ncEnh2yoE?si=NjDh6AK3PWmVS3Oj

(Photo Highlight Reel -Link below)

https://youtu.be/NhVnS5JvpAQ?si=G41KDf85JpJEUsM1

 

Following a rejuvenating morning walk to shake off the previous day's indulgences, I prepared for the highlight of my trip: the HGV 3 Doors Down concert. The event was all-inclusive, offering transportation, food, drinks, and the company of wonderful people.

On the bus ride with fellow guests, I conversed with several Hilton marketing employees. Upon arrival, I met two remarkable ladies—one, the mother of a professional LPGA golfer, and her best friend. They graciously guided me through the event's nuances, introducing me to key individuals and areas.

As I was attending in a professional capacity, I donned a USPA press badge—not for backstage access, but to signify my role in capturing photos and documenting my experience. I mingled, snapped photos, and bonded with Hilton employees, who made me feel like both a VIP and family. The ambiance was electric, with a DJ setting a vibrant tone and areas designed for relaxation, complete with campfires and VIP booths, creating a concert-meets-club family atmosphere.

When I was going to Florida I thought I was going to watch Flo Rida, one of my favorites, little did I know it was another favorite—3 Doors Down took the stage, and the crowd surged forward. I found myself front and center in this intimate setting. Hilton employees joined me as we danced, jumped, and sang along to the band's hits. The performance was stellar, and I was still working and vacationing, capturing some memorable photos, which I later shared on my personal social media. I event went live feed from the event on my social.

As the show concluded, attendees either boarded buses or found their own way back to the food truck court, where we ate and had some more drinks, wrapping up a night charged with energy and unforgettable moments.

Day 4: Immersing in the LPGA Tournament of Champions

(Photo Highlight Reel - Link Below)

https://youtu.be/xr4wDHQe2-g?si=2BuxtXLO_RvmHuOc

 

The following day, I attended the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando. Donning my GonnaHappen shirt and hat, I felt a deep connection to the event, blending my passion for sports with my professional pursuits.

Growing up in Monterey and Lake Tahoe, I was no stranger to prestigious golf tournaments. I frequently attended the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, originally the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am, and even owned antique Bing Crosby golf whiskey bottles and player cards. The American Century Classic Celebrity Pro-Am in Lake Tahoe was another favorite, offering epic experiences.

However, the interaction with LPGA players and celebrities at this event was unparalleled. The atmosphere was more engaging and fan-friendly than any tournament I'd attended before, in a lower-crowd setting. Perfect setting.

I began my day at the first hole, following A Lim Kim-https://corporate.hgv.com › news › news-details, the champion, for three holes, capturing photos of her and several others. Eager to witness more action, I briskly returned to the first tee to watch participants like Marcus Allen, Larry the Cable Guy, AMA pro MX racer Bubba Stewart (the fast man on dirt), LPGA stars Rose Zhang, Patty Tavatanakit, Alexa Pano, Nelly Korda, Even Geiselman and actor Don Cheadle tee off. The smiles and interactions were genuine, creating a welcoming environment for fans.

As a lifelong Raiders fan and Nevada resident, seeing Marcus Allen was a personal highlight. Following the tee-offs, I headed to the 9th hole hospitality box. Being an HGV event, transportation, food, and drinks were all provided. In the box, I enjoyed some refreshments and awaited the players' return to the 18th hole. I snapped photos and mingled with Hilton marketing employees, who made me feel right at home, treating me like a VIP. The ladies were exceptionally pretty as well, and the guys were very polite and fun.

After some time, I moved to the 18th hole, enjoying the DJ's music and exploring areas accessible with my pass, careful not to overstep any boundaries. Sometimes at events, you get blessed with a magic invite to areas normal people don't get to go to met all the players and celebrities in different setting as I have many times at other events. Not this time, but we see what the future holds. Although I knew people in Florida and Orlando's music sceen industry, who works at Orlando Weekly and had friends who worked at Disney, they were all busy or out of town during my visit. Thus, I balanced work and leisure solo.

As the day concluded, I indulged in more of the amazing food and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere with all the amazing Hilton employees I had made as new friends.

I highly recommend becoming a Hilton HGV owner member and considering an upgrade if you haven't already yet.  The experience is truly worthwhile. Eventually, I boarded the bus back to the timeshare and headed to the pool bar to chat with the friendly bartender and café staff I'd met at the concert the night before.

Days 5 & 6: Reflection and Departure

The following days were dedicated to relaxation and reflection. I attended my owner's upgrade meeting, understanding the value it could bring.

I got the timeshare to use for work and entertaining clients. What a dream to be able to go to events for Hilton after working for Paris's shoes line https://parishilton.com/shop/ in my first years of getting into the entertainment industry.

I've always hoped I could travel and enjoy the VIP lifestyle like the Hollywood celebs again for a career, I used to do it alot in the old days when I lived in Los Angeles. Those times have changed some since the pandemic, but we all know if you're able to get paid to do what you love and are happy and healthy, you're living the sliving lifestyle...

#GonnaHappen #HiltonGrandVacations #HGVEvents #HGVTOC #LPGA #3DoorsDown #ConcertExperience #GolfTournaments #LuxuryTravel #VIPLifestyle #TravelBlogger#aarongbeebe
#SportsEntertainment #EpcotDrinkingAroundTheWorld
#MarcusAllen #BubbaStewart
#NellyKorda #PattyTavatanakit #AlexaPano
#LakeNona
#lakenonacountryclub #OrlandoEvents #MontereyGolf #PebbleBeachProAm #LakeTahoeGolf #LuxuryResorts #TravelAndWork
#parishilton #ParisHiltonShoes #SlivingLifestyle #EntertainmentIndustry #PressCoverage #NetworkingEvents #LiveEventCoverage #HGVMember

Supporting links:

https://www.facebook.com › LPGA

https://www.instagram.com › lpga_tour

LPGA | Ladies Professional Golf Association

https://www.lakenona.club/

https://corporate.hgv.com › news › news-details

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patty_Tavatanakit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Zhang

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_A-lim

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart_Jr.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_the_Cable_Guy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Allen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexa_Pano

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelly_Korda

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Cheadle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evan_Geiselman

https://www.attpbgolf.com/

https://3doorsdown.com/

https://americancenturychampionship.com/

https://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/

https://www.raiders.com/

https://parishilton.com/shop/

https://poshmark.com › brand › Paris_Hilton-Women-Shoes

The GonnaHappen socials

https://gonna-happen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gonnahappendotcom/profilecard/?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560953204875&mibextid=ZbWKwL

https://x.com/gonnahappencom?t=ZmcbWqiRFIvqWs1AFTNcGw&s=09

https://youtube.com/@gonnahappen-aarongbeebe?si=MCiLdbHDhoxUV6Q0

https://www.tiktok.com/@gonnahappen3?_t=ZT-8tiY5mQZ5Di&_r=1

https://gonnahappen.com/

https://renotahoeevents.com/

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