any offsite advice???

[demoicurn]

my in-laws got a timeshare at club sevilla and all 7 of us are going june 13-19... we never have been to WDW and curious about staying off-site during the busy season.... any tips about driving(we are renting a car) around WDW??? anyone ever stay at club sevilla???? we are taking our 5 and 4 year olds by the way... also, any recommendations for eating off-site???? any advice whatsoever would be greatly appreciated... THANX....

 

[midge dionne]

We are staying off-site from June 20 - 30 at the Days Inn Suites driving from Michigan. Most of our trips to WDW have been off-site, but our last trip in 2002 was the first time I had to do all of the driving. I got so lost!!! I am bound and determined to not let that happen again by remembering what milemarker our hotel is closest to.

 

[pampam]

You shouldn't get lost because #192 goes straight to WDW. There are many choices for restaurants along the way. I like Steak and Shake, Cracker Barrel, Chili's, and of course there are a lot of buffets. In and around Old Town there is a good selection of restaurants. Go there on Saturday Night to see the Saturday Night Cruise for free= about 350 old classics cruising the streets of Old Town. We love it. The kids might like the midway.

 

[demoicurn]

how about the traffic.... is it heavy????? and also, is the club sevilla location close enough to leave the parks midday and return later or are we talking too much time spent in the car commuting??? and we want to spend a day or 2 locally and outside of the parks... besides seaworld, any recommendations????

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

Club Sevilla to the MK parking lot is 11 miles. At the beginning of April, US192 in front of Club Sevilla was undergoing major construction and was quite congested. I would recommend not taking 192 all the way but rather 192 to 535, Vineland road ( a big intersection with a Publix shopping center on the corner-turn right) to 536, World Center Drive (a Ponderosa sign on the corner, Caribe Royale will be on the right-turn left) into WDW.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

192 traffic is pretty heavy especially during prime hours--park opening and the dinner hour. Try to get to dinner before 6pm to beat the crowds if you can.

We live on the coast and used to take 192 but it just got to be too busy. They have widened it so it is now a nice ride and easier to navigate as you get closer (within 7 miles of WDW).

My husband loves Uno's Pizzeria and I love Macaroni Grill.

Have heard accolades about Midievil (sorry on the spelling!!!) Times--prices are better than disney shows.

Enjoy your trip--since you are offsite--don't miss the rest that Orlando has to offer such as I-drive--Wonderworks is there and is supposed to be awesome.

I would not recommend returning to your condo midday--if you want to take a break--my hubby's family used to pack a cooler and leave it in their van--and then go their midday turn on the ac and have lunch. 11 miles in kissimmee is just to far to go IMO. But if you can spare about 3 to 4 hours so you can go back and take a dip in the pool--then do it.

 

[mc97]

I don't envy you with all the driving...that is what drove (pun intended) us to only staying at the resorts! If you've never stayed at (or even visited) the resorts, you should check them out! They really add a whole new aspect to your experience and yes (like anything Disney) they are most $$$ but we just budget for it and take advantage of the added benefits: Early Park Openings, E-Nights, Transportation, Mickey Wake-Ups, Refillable Mugs, etc. Enjoy your trip and maybe consider a resort next time! We all know there is ALWAYS another trip

 

[demoicurn]

we were planning on staying onsite, but the inlaws got access to a timeshare at club sevilla and we couldnt pass up staying for free... i couldnt find any info online about the 192 road construction as posted on this thread... yes, i do anticipate lots of traffic... and crowds.... and heat...... we are planning on splitting the day into 3rds... mornings at the park---afternoons at the timeshare---evenings either at the parks or offsite..... any other tips or advice???? mustdo's offsite??? thanx for every1's help thus far.... the construction has me concerned and the reroute looks convenient.... any1 know how i can get a detailed map of around wdw???? online would be prefered.... thanx again!!!

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

My previous reply was possibly misleading. The construction on 192 starts just after rounding the bend east of 535 and continues to the southeast, including the area in front of Club Sevilla. The route I gave you will not avoid the construction area, which you are stuck with, but offers a quicker alternative to following 192 all the way to maingate.

Here is a link to the best online map of the WDW area that I've found.
WDW Map
Unfortunately, Club Sevilla is off the map to the lower right.

Although not online, I highly recommend Microsoft Streets & Trips. It is a very complete mapping and routing program that include restaurants, hotels, museums, etc. – even Club Sevilla is on it. It is especially handy when loaded on a laptop that travels with you. It can often be had for about $20 after rebate or at Sam's Club for $23. Well worth it.

I have never been a fan of going back to the room for an afternoon break because of the time involved. You should allow about an hour, including walking to park exit, tram to car, (and monorail to TTC for MK), driving back and getting to the room.

For offsite must do's: take a day at the beach. Playalinda Beach at the Canaveral National Seashore is very nice, about an hour and 15 min drive.

 

[pampam]

Of course it all depends on your interests. However, instead of leaving Disney, perhaps you can just leave the parks. What I mean, is there is horse back riding, petting farms, bike rentals,boat rentals all at Fort Wilderness. Golfing at many courses on property as well as mini golf. 3 different water parks. Shopping at Downtown Disney plus boat rentals etc. Pleasure Island in the evenings. Dine your way around the resorts. While you are there, take a behind the scene tour of the resorts such as Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge. Go get a massage or other fine treatment at one of the spas. Then go back to the parks in the evening.

Off site you may want to go to Universal, although it can't compare to Universal in California. However if you have never been there, you might not mind it. We like Old Town, especially in the evenings, and it's free, except for shopping and the midway. Sea World is nice for the family. If you enjoy shopping, don't miss Beltz.

 

[dougsmom98]

We stayed off site during the week between Christmas and New Years which is the busiest time of year at WDW, and we had no problems at all. My advice is to arrive at the parks when they open and head to the rides and attractions you really want to see first. We were able to walk onto rides for the first 2 hours or so. I can't give you any advice about afternoon breaks because we didn't really take them. We stayed in the parks until after the afternoon parade and then headed back to the hotel for dinner. Even at dinner time, we didn't have any trouble with traffic on 192. It was reasonable. We got take out for the most part because we have young kids that wouldn't sit long enough to be waited on at a restaurant. Pizzaria Uno's was really good and there is an Olive Garden and a TGIF restaurant on that strip too.
Have a great trip!
-Amy

 

[demoicurn]

thanks all.... cant wait cant wait..... thanx johnnyoldboy for the beach tip... thats one of the main things outside of wdw we wanted to do... we dont get much access to the ocean here in indiana... i personally only have seen the ocean once in my life... the midafternoon break is a must... especially w/the june heat and system overloaded 4&5 yr olds.... every1s advice is greatly appreciated... we got the 4day plus 1 passes and a day at the ocean has all 6 full days occupied for us... concerned with the traffic and crowds, but club sevilla doesnt sound too far from the entrances to wdw... a good map and alittle patience hopefully minimizes any inconviences we may encounter... thanx again every1!!!

 

[demoicurn]

thanx johnnyoldboy.. i meant no disrespect.... the beach photos looked great and its definately on our "to do list"... thanx

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

the beach recommended above is a clothing-optional beach

Not true. I have seen rumors to that effect and it may have been so at one time, but I have been there with the family and with other families and saw none of what you surmise. The beach is patrolled and is one of the nicest family beaches on the east coast. Cocoa Beach is more risque'.