Arrived at WH today

[ready2vacation]

We checked into our townhome this afternoon. We rented through AllStars and have been very, very pleased. The townhome was very clean and looks just the pictures (thankfully!). We can't wait to explore the resort tomorrow as we were too tired to do anything today after driving from TN. It is pouring right now (love FL thunderstorms), so we have ordered Flippers and are just relaxing. Life is good!

 

[ready2vacation]

Adding that this is our first time staying offsite. We've always stayed deluxe onsite previously, but wanted more space and options since we have a toddler (who doesn't have an "inside" voice, so hotel rooms are challenging). We have been impressed with the area so far and would definitely consider staying offsite again (of course, I may change my mind once I venture into driving back and forth to the parks!).

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Don't forget the Sherberth Road shortcut for getting to and from the parks. It makes getting there and back seem so much more "Disney-like".

 

[ready2vacation]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[nyfinfan]

The drive from the parks is not a big deal. We just got back from 3 weeks at Windsor Hills and some nights after Iluminations I was back at the condo by 9:35. If you like steak check out Longhorn down 192 by SuperTarget/Publix. We ate there 3 times. Have a great time!

 

[ready2vacation]

The drive from the parks is not a big deal. We just got back from 3 weeks at Windsor Hills and some nights after Iluminations I was back at the condo by 9:35. If you like steak check out Longhorn down 192 by SuperTarget/Publix. We ate there 3 times. Have a great time!

It is nice being here in the slow season. Barely any cars or people. Since you just got back, did you still have to give a deposit fir access to the pool? No big deal but the info from the gate seems to indicate not.

 

[nyfinfan]

The last week we were there was 8/26 - 9/1 and the place seemed to empty out. It was so crowded the first 2 weeks so it was a nice break. One afternoon and one evening we requested the movie for the theater and it was just us in there.

No , we didn't have to leave deposit for the pool. The only thing you leave deposit for is the ping-pong paddles and ball . ($10 deposit for one hour and you get it back when you return them).

I only had to wait for the treadmill once in about 10 times I needed to use it. There is a 30 minute limit but that day the person went to 45. No big deal.

Just remember that the slide attendant is not a lifeguard so if you have little one's be careful and have a great time!

 

[FayeW]

Wow, Allstars Vacation Homes is really expensive! The quote for a 2bdrm condo at Windsor Hills was a over $400 more expensive than through Florida Sun Vacation Homes. We were very, very pleased with our stay at Windsor Hills 4 years ago (though Florida Sun Vacation Homes) but I had no idea how expensive some of the other management companies were!

 

[leanne11]

Yes.never use a rental company..use vrbo or find the Windsor hills site and rent directly from owner...there's no risk..and off season the
y will make some good deals

 

[FayeW]

Yes.never use a rental company..use vrbo or find the Windsor hills site and rent directly from owner...there's no risk..and off season the
y will make some good deals

Actually, I disagree with not using a rental company. We were very happy with Florida Sun Vacation Homes and wouldn't hesitate to use them again. When I saw this thread and All Star Vacation Homes I decided to get a quote from them for a trip in Feb, to compare with Florida Sun. I was very surprised at the difference in cost...nearly 50% more.

I used Florida Sun last time because of the excellent reviews they receive on this board. I was more comfortable using a management company than renting from an owner directly because I liked the idea that if something was wrong with the condo we rented, the management company had other units to put us in. With an owner, you might find yourself dealing with problems or having to find somewhere else to stay at even more money.

Now, if anyone HAS used private owners at Windsor Hills for a 2 bdrm condo, and had a great experience, I would love it if you could PM me the contact info for them!

 

[thumbalyna]

i just used Palm Tree Vacation Homes - we are staying october 6-8 i had a hard time finding someone who rent to us because its only 2 nights (staying at sheraton vistana for 7 days prior and didnt want to move into a hotel room).

our total charge for the 2 nights, taxes and the cleaning fee is 266, i dont think this is too bad, its not much more than a nice hotel for 2 nights and this way we can spread out when we get home from HHN and not worry about being on top of each other.

I have never stayed at WH before and I really hope I made the right decision.

 

[FayeW]

i just used Palm Tree Vacation Homes - we are staying october 6-8 i had a hard time finding someone who rent to us because its only 2 nights (staying at sheraton vistana for 7 days prior and didnt want to move into a hotel room).

our total charge for the 2 nights, taxes and the cleaning fee is 266, i dont think this is too bad, its not much more than a nice hotel for 2 nights and this way we can spread out when we get home from HHN and not worry about being on top of each other.

I have never stayed at WH before and I really hope I made the right decision.

Don't worry, you will love Windsor Hills!

Thank you for posting about Palm Tree Vacation Homes, I just checked their website and it looks like it would save us another $175 off the quote from Florida Sun. That is nearly $600 cheaper than All Star Vacation Homes. Wow, you really have to check all the websites to find the best deal!

 

[ready2vacation]

We believe cheaper isn't always better or vice versa for that matter, but we are very happy with AllStars and would use them again. We used the allears discount plus no cleaning fee for a week, and I am big on customer service and amenities and they excel at both. But to each their own

As others have mentioned the scanner does not work well, but the guards open gate for us quickly. Got to the Poly for bkfast in minutes. Weather awesome and crowds great.

 

[thumbalyna]

I used vrbo and sent requests to the ones in my price range.

 

[100AcreWood]

Don't forget the Sherberth Road shortcut for getting to and from the parks. It makes getting there and back seem so much more "Disney-like".

We're staying in WH next month for the first time. Can you explain the Sherberth Road shortcut? I normally use a GPS.

 

[nyfinfan]

We're staying in WH next month for the first time. Can you explain the Sherberth Road shortcut? I normally use a GPS.

In my opinion the Sherbeth Rd shortcut is only beneficial to AK or AKL. Here ya go...

1. As you leave WH make a left.

2. Make your 3rd left onto Morgan-Williams

3. Make first left onto Funie Steed Rd.

4. Make first right onto Entry Point Blvd.

5. When you stay on Entry Point BLVD and cross over 192 it turns into Sherbeth Road.

6. Stay on Sherbeth Road about a mile until the traffic light. At the light you will be at Osceola Pkwy.

7. Make left for AKL or make right for AK.

Now when leaving AK their are 2 exits. One is marked I-4/192 on the left. The right exit is not marked but that is the one you want to take to get you back to Sherbeth Road. Make your first left on Sherbeth and you'll be on your way back to WH.

 

[100AcreWood]

In my opinion the Sherbeth Rd shortcut is only beneficial to AK or AKL. Here ya go...

1. As you leave WH make a left.

2. Make your 3rd left onto Morgan-Williams

3. Make first left onto Funie Steed Rd.

4. Make first right onto Entry Point Blvd.

5. When you stay on Entry Point BLVD and cross over 192 it turns into Sherbeth Road.

6. Stay on Sherbeth Road about a mile until the traffic light. At the light you will be at Osceola Pkwy.

7. Make left for AKL or make right for AK.

Now when leaving AK their are 2 exits. One is marked I-4/192 on the left. The right exit is not marked but that is the one you want to take to get you back to Sherbeth Road. Make your first left on Sherbeth and you'll be on your way back to WH.

Thank you!

 

[thumbalyna]

Just got my confirmation from palm tree and got a discount for liking their Facebook page so total was 226 for 2 nights all fees and taxes included

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

When coming home to WH follow signs for AKL if you are unsure as this brings you to the Sherbeth Road turning

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I agree about Sherbeth Rd. Everyone talked about it so much I thought it would be a big time saver but its only a short cut for AK. We used World Drive and always had quick in and outs. I actually didn't like Sherbeth Rd. because it felt like we were "sneaking in." We really like driving through the gates.