Advice re location of Villa

[Hallfamily]

Hi, after some advice again we are lookin to book a villa for our May 07 trip. We have seen some villas in both Southern Dunes and Orange tree. Has anyone stayed on these resorts before? and are they too far out? This year we rented a property in Indian Ridge and was O.K. travel wise in and out of theme parks but the villa was a little old. Any advice good or bad greatly appreciated.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I have never stayed at either development but you are right in trying to find a newer home.

I can recommend 3 very good websites if you want to extend your search, but cannot really advise regarding the one's you have stated.

Personally we prefer properties around the 192 in Kissimmee, Indian Creek is very nice with all the homes just a few years old.
There are others such as Cumbrian Lakes too that would suit your needs.

If you want to ask any specific questions would be happy to help, pm me if you like.

 

[mkingdon]

IMHO Southern Dunes is too far from WDW for me.

It took us around 40 minutes each way to get to the parks, which meant we could not take midday breaks as we like to.

The place is lovely, and has a massive Wal Mart next to it which is handy, but there are equally as nice developments a whole lot closer.

Try the Formosa Gardens area.

Craig

 

[Boo Boo Too]

What sort of budget do you have? Reunion looks close and convenient and has it's own waterpark.

Boo

 

[JohnnySharp2]

What sort of budget do you have? Reunion looks close and convenient and has it's own waterpark.

Boo

There is a big problem with Reunion - if you stay there you will not want to come home!

Hence we have never looked, Indian Creek is fine for us. Especially as there are just the 3 of us.

 

[AndRu]

IMHO Southern Dunes is too far from WDW for me. It took us around 40 minutes each way to get to the parks, which meant we could not take midday breaks as we like to.

The place is lovely, and has a massive Wal Mart next to it which is handy, but there are equally as nice developments a whole lot closer.

Try the Formosa Gardens area.

Craig

I'd agree. Our last two visits have been to a villa on Highway 27 a lot closer to WDW than Southern Dunes and we think this was too far away. The traffic on I4 and (especially) the 192 made for horrendous travelling times, even late at night. We've gone for one on Indian Creek - which I believe is near Formosa Gardens - next year that is much closer to WDW and Orlando. As we're going in August we're hoping to have early starts in the parks, home between 2-5pm for pool and food, then back for the evening's entertainment. This would be be nigh-on impossible (IMHO) if staying further down 27

The trouble is they make the maps appear as if you're on the doorstep with very, very dubious times to the parks. In some cases I reckon you'd need a Ferrari, a clear road and no Police to make it in the times they claim!

 

[Boo Boo Too]

There is a big problem with Reunion - if you stay there you will not want to come home!

Ok, better apply for my resident's visa then...

Boo

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We've gone for one on Indian Creek - which I believe is near Formosa Gardens - next year that is much closer to WDW and Orlando.

Indian Creek is our preferred choice too, it is about 2-3 minutes drive from the Formosa Gardens junction of the 192.
The location is ideal, a Publix supermarket half a mile up the road, restaurants all over and easy access to Disney and the I4.

 

[neilybealy]

Indian Creek is our preferred choice too, it is about 2-3 minutes drive from the Formosa Gardens junction of the 192.
The location is ideal, a Publix supermarket half a mile up the road, restaurants all over and easy access to Disney and the I4.

we stayed in rolling hills which is next to formosa gardens and the location was fantastic - 10 mins max to disney and lots of restaurants etc nearby

 

[SimonV]

We've recently discovered two brand new communities just to the south of Disney (off exit 58 of I-4), which are well worth looking at. Sandy Ridge and Terrace Ridge are both far enough out of the hustle-bustle to be peaceful after a day at the parks, while being only 15 minutes or so from Disney. Many of their homes are managed by Welcome Homes USA, and you can look up a couple of examples (both of which have excellent locations within those communities) on this website:

http://www.floridavipvacationhomes.com/

 

[alisonbestford]

We stayed in a lovely villa in Kissimmee (on Simpson Road) but, in retrospect, it was way too far out for out daily trips to the parks

Guess the roadworks on the 192 didn't help but I'd prefer not to stay so far out again