Just returned about an hour ago from a week long stay at Orbit One. I chose this resort from skyauction, with a winning bid of $265. and selected Orbit One because of several very good reviews both here and on tripadvisor.com
This resort is located in Kissimee, and is relatively easy to get to and from as long as you know that when leaving Disney property, follow the signs for Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Sherbeth Road shortcut is located between AK and AKL. It took us a few days to figure that out, so we made alot of U-turns!
The resort is well located, and is very nice. Our unit was in the Apollo building, and was spotlessly clean. There are a couple of maintenance issues, just wallpaper starting to peel a little in both bathrooms but I suspect that has alot to do with the humidity in Florida in general, and in bathrooms in particular. We didn't have much to do with the staff, but those we encountered seemed pleasant enough. We had a few messages regarding the timeshare presentation, and had actually given some thought to doing it, but in the end chose not to. Our daughter was ill (suspect food poisoining) on Monday which meant the free day we planned later in the week was taken up doing things we missed on Monday. We would have taken the 4 free passes to Arabian Knights has we taken the tour.
Although the resort was nice enough, I am relatively certain we won't return. We like the Lake Buena Vista area much better than Kissimee, and are just more comfortable driving there. Also, we spend as much time at US/IOA as we do at the WDW parks so Lake Buena Vista is more centrally located for us.
The biggest reason we won't return is lack of wireless internet. Like an idiot, I chose to work on this vacation. This is a relatively slow period for me and I thought I could handle things myself without having someone watch my files. It was no problem while we stayed the first two nights at Sheraton Safari as wireless internet is available for $9.95 per 24 hour period. There IS internet at Orbit One, however it is not wireless, and you can't use your own computer unless you have dial up. I had to use the computer in the lounge at .35 per minute!! I could not open email attachments from that computer so I had a very stressful week, although entirely of my own making.
So, to recap, I can recommend the resort if you are primarily doing Disney parks, and you don't need frequent access to the internet during your stay. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub; and the units and grounds were clean and well maintained. The citrus scented cleansers they use can be overwhelming, particularily in the lounge area, but that may be just my own sensitivity. Those of you planning to stay there can rest assured that you should have a pleasant stay. (However, I don't recommend dining at the McDonald's across the street, or "botulism in a bag" as we now refer to it.)
This resort is located in Kissimee, and is relatively easy to get to and from as long as you know that when leaving Disney property, follow the signs for Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Sherbeth Road shortcut is located between AK and AKL. It took us a few days to figure that out, so we made alot of U-turns!
The resort is well located, and is very nice. Our unit was in the Apollo building, and was spotlessly clean. There are a couple of maintenance issues, just wallpaper starting to peel a little in both bathrooms but I suspect that has alot to do with the humidity in Florida in general, and in bathrooms in particular. We didn't have much to do with the staff, but those we encountered seemed pleasant enough. We had a few messages regarding the timeshare presentation, and had actually given some thought to doing it, but in the end chose not to. Our daughter was ill (suspect food poisoining) on Monday which meant the free day we planned later in the week was taken up doing things we missed on Monday. We would have taken the 4 free passes to Arabian Knights has we taken the tour.
Although the resort was nice enough, I am relatively certain we won't return. We like the Lake Buena Vista area much better than Kissimee, and are just more comfortable driving there. Also, we spend as much time at US/IOA as we do at the WDW parks so Lake Buena Vista is more centrally located for us.
The biggest reason we won't return is lack of wireless internet. Like an idiot, I chose to work on this vacation. This is a relatively slow period for me and I thought I could handle things myself without having someone watch my files. It was no problem while we stayed the first two nights at Sheraton Safari as wireless internet is available for $9.95 per 24 hour period. There IS internet at Orbit One, however it is not wireless, and you can't use your own computer unless you have dial up. I had to use the computer in the lounge at .35 per minute!! I could not open email attachments from that computer so I had a very stressful week, although entirely of my own making.
So, to recap, I can recommend the resort if you are primarily doing Disney parks, and you don't need frequent access to the internet during your stay. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub; and the units and grounds were clean and well maintained. The citrus scented cleansers they use can be overwhelming, particularily in the lounge area, but that may be just my own sensitivity. Those of you planning to stay there can rest assured that you should have a pleasant stay. (However, I don't recommend dining at the McDonald's across the street, or "botulism in a bag" as we now refer to it.)
