Advice needed!!!

[Goseethemouse]

I just can't make up my mind about where we should stay. We (me, ds9, ds6) are planning a WDW trip in August/September. We will stay on-site at Pop (2 weeks) and FW cabins (3 days). However, as we are flying from overseas I want to stay one more week. Though I am tempted to spend a week at the beach I am rather worried about a possible hurricane during the time so I think we will stay in the Orlando area.

So for now the plan is to stay 7 nights and see other local attractions (Seaworld, Universal, Gatorland, maybe a day at the beach). Also, after touring WDW for over two weeks we probably just want to spend some time relaxing. Now, I am torn between spending that week either in a rental home (preferably with pool) or maybe at Bonnet Creek (as everyone here raves about it).

Any advice on which would be better for us is appreciated. I am also especially looking for specific recommendations of rental homes. Here is what we are looking for:

- Distance to WDW isn't really important as we probably will hardly go there during the last week. However, the location should be safe and easily accessible.

- We would like some room to spread out in. A house would have the added benefit that the kids could run and jump as they wish without potentially bothering other guests. However, with only three of us we don't need a huge amount of room. A private pool would be great though.

- Cost is a factor. I really don't want to spend more than 1000$ for a week, preferably less (though I might be tempted if it was something very nice to go up a little bit)

- I tend to worry so would prefer to rent from an agency or at least someone with many references as I really would hate for anything to go wrong.

- I do need reliable internet access (preferably free)

- I guess I am looking less for a vacation experience than for just an "everyday, living here" experience.

There are so many different options out there that I am just lost! So if anyone could help me make a decision I would really appreciate it.

 

[Mickey2013]

Google Windsor Hills rentals - condos and TH for around $100 a night. Many good reviews. If you go to www.homeaway.com ORwww.vrbo.com You can search many availble homes in the Disney Area.

 

[sympatico]

A Windsor Hills townhouse would be plenty room for you and they have private splash pools on their patios. The pools are 12 ft by 12ft. The clubhouse pool is also available and only a few minutes walk.
If you want a bigger pool, we stayed here in March. The owners are from UK and use their home a couple of times a year. It was very well kept and is even better than the pictures. It's 4 bedrooms, game room, free wifi and their rates are very reasonable.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p145450

 

[swilshire]

Since August and September are low season, lodging in Orlando would be easy to find. I'd book the beach, then if a hurricane seems likely (which the odds are against) you can always revise your plans on short notice. Even Orlando gets hit if there is a big hurricane in the area. Florida is not that wide. You might find yourself heading northward.

Sheila

 

[Orlando Vic]

I wouldn't worry about hurricanes too much. SE, SW Florida and the Panhandle have the greatest odds (historically) of having a major hurricane make landfall. Central Florida has not had a serious threat since the 2004 season. The Atlantic hurricane season is most active from mid-August to late October http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/basics/climo.shtml That being said, you are quite "safe" in Central Florida and it is highly unlikely that you will ever have to evacuate to the north.

 

[Goseethemouse]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

As far as hurricane season is concerned, I was vacationing on Sanibel island many years ago and did have to evacuate due to hurricane warning (luckily I caught an earlier flight and only lost one or two days of my vacation). From what I have heard, most hurricanes in Central Florida can be weathered by staying indoors so I think I won't be too worried as long as we stay in the Orlando area.

Thanks, sympatico, for the house recommendation. That is exactly what I am looking for. I guess I am still a bit torn whether it would be better for us to rent a house or maybe just a smaller condo with added resort amenities (i.e. Bonnet Creek).

 

[TotoToo]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

As far as hurricane season is concerned, I was vacationing on Sanibel island many years ago and did have to evacuate due to hurricane warning (luckily I caught an earlier flight and only lost one or two days of my vacation). From what I have heard, most hurricanes in Central Florida can be weathered by staying indoors so I think I won't be too worried as long as we stay in the Orlando area.

Thanks, sympatico, for the house recommendation. That is exactly what I am looking for. I guess I am still a bit torn whether it would be better for us to rent a house or maybe just a smaller condo with added resort amenities (i.e. Bonnet Creek).

We went through the 3rd hurricane in 2005 in Orlando at Vacation Village. It was not a particularly strong one but quite an experience none the less. While our building - newest at the resort at that time - never even lost power, we had taken all the precautions as they called for. Some buildings around us lost power for a couple days. Other than a ceiling leak (the rain was driven along the vent pipe for the bathroom exhaust fan into the middle of the living room area - THAT is strong rain!) we had no damage. However the next three days (until we left) many things were closed and travel very restricted as the mess it left behind was incredible. I'm actually glad to have seen it firsthand once and to have it be at a location that minimized our issues.

As for where you should stay I'd look at one of the better off site places like Cypress Pointe. That puts you in easy walking distance to virtually any service/restaurant you'd ever want as well as easy access (10-15 min tops) to all the parks and other Orlando attractions. CP in particular is a smaller, very homey type resort that celebrates "old Orlando" style (only three story buildings, lush grounds, plenty of on site features as well as the best of the newest features like granite counter tops, universal WiFi resort wide and a unique Volcano pool) vs the cookie cutter mid-rises that now dominate the area. It also sits in a planned community which means you can enjoy a stroll around the grounds and not be stuck next to a fast food place parking lot. Instead you find ponds, forever wild preserves, side walks to everything (almost unique in Orlando which overall is extremely pedestrian un-friendly) - you can even walk to Downtown Disney (1 mile). Even Bonnet Creek doesn't offer that ease of access.

You should be able to find a September rental in the $700-$85 range for a three bedroom/3 bath unit. Tough to beat that value.