Just saw this post and wanted to provide a little info, because I found information on Easy Choice and Terrace Ridge (TR) to be lacking prior to our trip. We found Easy Choice through HomeAway, but ended up booking a Terrace Ridge property that was not on HomeAway, but only on Easy Choice's site. I was a little hesitant because of the lack of reviews and very little info out there. I can only speak to my experience, but I will say the actual property and unit we rented was incredible, and an incredible bargain. I have extremely high standards, and the unit exceeded them. Terrace Ridge appeared to be extremely clean and well-kept overall. The pool was nice and relatively quiet. There was a grocery store and a few dining options right down the road. Not an overly busy or commercial area, but enough to make it for a week with kids (i.e. McDonalds, Papa Johns, Publix, 7-11).
I spoke to a couple of people in the pool and jacuzzi about the property. It is only 3-5 years old from what I can tell, and units originally sold for around three times what they are now worth, given the economic downturn. This is unfortunate for original owners,of course, but results in good deals for rentals. The property and immediate area did not feel run down or economically depressed though.
In terms of distance, we spent 5 days at 5 different theme parks - found the drive to be doable. Universal Studios was the farthest away from TR at 25-30 minutes. Disney properties were around 15-20 probably. I never once found the drive to be too much, and in fact, as much as we love Disney, it was a relief to escape it when we were done for the day and retreat to a place that felt like home.
If you have really young kids, the drive might be a little much to come home and nap mid day. We only did this one of the days and it worked out fine for us, but generally felt it was best to spend entire days at the parks to minimize driving.
For me, this will be a no brainer in the future. We have two kids, and have spent nights in hotels with two double or queen beds, one small bathroom, and very little personal space. After this trip, I don't think we will ever do that again. We had what I would consider a luxury condo with three bedrooms, two full baths, a nice kitchen and living room, a patio, washer and dryer, four flat screen HDTVs, and plenty of space and privacy. All for the weekly price that was less than one night at a comparable disney property.
As far as Easy Choice goes, our experience was wonderful. We had great communication with Barbara Robey through the booking - she was very professional and answered all of our questions thoroughly. We had the info we needed to get in the community and unit when we arrived late, and when I registered at their office on day two the process took 5 minutes and the woman I spoke with there was very pleasant and helpful. The unit was very clean upon arrival - all linens and kitchen appliances/utencils/dinnerware were spotless. All towels and hand soap were provided as were starter toilet paper, trash bags, and kleenex. We had to buy dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent, a four pack of toilet paper, and a small pack of trash bags to get through the week. A small price to pay for the conveniences of home, in my opinion.
So all in all, I just felt compelled to put something out there about Easy Choice and Terrace Ridge, because our experience was wonderful. Since individual units are owned by different owners, I'm sure certain things differ in terms of upkeep and linens and furniture, but my advice is to look closely at pictures and ask questions.
