Attn Villa renters!

[SimonV]

OK, I have got another bee in my bonnet today ( ) but our Brit's Guide Planner service is throwing up an increasing number of instances of people staying in villa accommodations who think they are 'just minutes' from Disney World. The latest example is a truly wicked con from the Calabay Parc property where, right on their home page, they proudly proclaim themselves 'Five minutes from Disney World.' Well, if you have your own private jet, it might just be five minutes but, to most tourists who travel by car, it is 20-25 minutes. If you hit traffic it can be half an hour, which means an hour a day just travelling to and from the parks. With an increasing number of vacation homes being situated on Highway 27 (like Calabay Parc), people need to be aware this is not '5 minutes' from anywhere, especially as this villa development is spreading further south on 27 (towards Haines City) all the time. With roadworks (still) on I-4 and on 27 south of I-4, it is not an ideal base if you plan on spending most of your time in the parks. This is especially important if you are planning on taking breaks from the park in the afternoon to escape the worst of the heat (and crowds). Disney will be at least 25 minutes' drive (more by the time you actually reach the car parks), while Universal will be a good half-hour and more. One website we have found that shows a good number of the villa communities (and exactly where they are) is this:

http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/orlandovacationhomes/subdivision_locator.htm

And, if you have any doubts, you should consult Mapquest, which gives you approximate journey times (if you know your start point).

Incidentally, Mapquest states 24 minutes from Calabay Parc to Disney World. Five minutes indeed - what a load of garbage.

 

[paulh]

yea we went to look at a villa suposed to be 20-30min think that they did it in the middle of night dooing 90 all the way find even staying on site parks can be 30min from resort where do they get there fishing point from i know disney property starts at them mickey mouse pylons is that were they get it from?
Paulh

 

[Miffy2003]

Talk about misrepresentation!

A lot of people don't plan their trips and IMHO I would be really peeved if I had booked under the impression we were 5 minutes from Disney when it was a good half hour (or more in bad traffic!)

If I book a villa I would research where it would be - but the point is that a lot of people don't! And would rely on the statement made about location. Very naughty.

Thanks for the heads up Simon

 

[Aceman88888]

In 2003 I stayed at Southern Dunes when travelling with TCD. I think at the time they stated in their brochure '20 mins' maximum from Disney. Even though the trip is an easy one its about 30 miles! and about 35 mins.

We were going to create a fuss with TCD but after a couple of days at SD we got to love it as its very quiet, has a Walmart outside the gates and the trip to Disney just flew each day without any traffic jams like you would normally find on the 192 when staying in Kissimmee.

This year though I'm going to take a map with all of the sites on it when collecting the info about my villa. Obviously if its as far away as SD I will be asking for something more suitable!

 

[Shropshire Saint]

I own a villa on H27 & would take issue with you Simon. You are absolutely right about Calabay Park not being 5 minutes to Disney, but it can certainly be 10-15. I have done it many times. Up the 27, right on the 192, left at Sherbeth Animal Kingdom right in front of you.
The problem is what people define as Disney & which way they go. Is it a gate? Is it a particular theme park? I would happily encourage some kind of uniformity here, but you wont get it.
Universal using I4 at j55 can be 20 minutes away, it can be a lot more. I have done it in 15 without the jet.
An average time is what we use on our website & make it clear that its 15-20 minutes to AK another 10-15 to MK. We are as honest as our own experiences.
Every Villa owner sells their villa on particular points, location being one, bathrooms, space, cost, gamesroom etc. In deciding what you rent you need to ask questions.
How many owners off Formosa Gardens tell their rentors about the new road? How many owners tell their rentors that they have a south facing pool, but never tell them they will be surrounded by 5 other houses with absolutely no privacy?
When owners promote the house as 'Brand New', do they also mention the development is a building site?
Whats worse?
In my opinion they are all as bad as each other.
To identify this as a problem, whilst ignoring some of the complaints from rentors who stopped at villas closer to Disney is a little unfair. We have had friends & have personally experienced loud contractors working on new roads or houses, screaming children at all hours, being watched by neighbours to the extent our friends felt uncomfortable in the pool, stinky villas & other problems.
A classic example is Indian Creek just off Formosa. Great location to Disney. But what about the road construction, the proximity of neighbours & the fact that some of the houses are 6-7 years old & have not been cared for.
I feel for your users who experienced such a lie. And thats what it is, a lie. Do a little research. Asking friends or colleagues for recommendations is great. Using these very boards. There are many ways.
I always suggest to enquirors of our villa to ask themselves what is most important to them. If its 10 minutes to Disney they should stay elsewhere. If they want a clean spacious villa then they should consider us.
For the record Calabay Parc is less than 5 minutes to Champions Gate Golf Course. WalMart is 5 minutes (4 miles) & Publix just 2 minutes away. So to say its not 5 minutes from anywhere is completely unfair & actually wrong.
H27 has its advantages as Aceman88888 has already mentioned. Would it not be also fair to us honest owners on H27 to mention some of them too?
For the record we do not own on Calabay Parc.

 

[SimonV]

Hi SS

You're absolutely right to point out the benefits of the new developments on SR 27. There are definitely plus points and, in the space of the last 12 months, I have stayed at a house right on 27 (in Woodridge) and at Bahama Bay (further south). The house at Woodridge, while being beautifully fitted out and very spacious, actually backed on to a building site of even newer development, so this would have been a drawback if you wanted a quiet location. Bahama Bay is beautifully located for peace and quiet and was still a relatively easy drive to Disney (using Sherberth, as you quite rightly point out). With the addition of the new Publix stores, the Wal-Mart and the proximity of Champions Gate (which has two courses - including a superb links-style 8 holes - for golf lovers, and a magnificent Asian restaurant called Zen), there are definitely some attractions to this highway, but it is still primarily the 'peace and quiet' area of the villa locations (as well as having 90% new properties).

My quibble is with those who try to portray the area as something it is definitely not, i.e. a short gateway to the parks (not until the new West Routeway is open direct from 27, just north of Eagle Ridge as you head towards Clermont). Yes, it can sometimes be 15-20 minutes from somewhere like Woodridge to the AK parking lot, but it can also be 20-25, and people need to be aware of the differences. I fully agree with you that there are equally pitfalls with renting in areas that are closer to Disney (older housing, more construction, road noise, etc), and it is quite hard at times to be fully up to date with what's going on (as we drive around the area, we are forever coming across new developments, from shops and supermarkets to some massive house-building projects). The amount of house-building in Central Florida right now is absolutely staggering, and prices are going up all the time, but that does not excuse the serious misinformation and misrepresentation in some quarters.

The bottom line is that there is nothing wrong with staying 30 minutes away from Disney if you know you are staying 30 minutes away from Disney and you are happy enjoying the peace and quiet of these locations as the upside. When you have been misled into booking on this basis, that to me is a serious problem and one that needs to be highlighted.

SS, I applaud your honesty in giving your renters the proper, informed choice, and there are plenty of others who do. Highway 27 IS a good area to stay in, providing you are aware of its location. But this misrepresentation is an increasing problem and I do want more people to be aware of it as increasing numbers of people will be using these areas in future. Especially with first timers, we highly recommend taking a break from the parks during the day, but logistically it is not terribly feasible if you are well down on the 27.

Thanks for your input. This is exactly what the Boards are for and, hopefully, those without the benefit of local knowledge will benefit from all that we post here.

(*Steps off soapbox*)

 

[UKDEB]

Thanks for your input. This is exactly what the Boards are for and, hopefully, those without the benefit of local knowledge will benefit from all that we post here

Precisely. There has to be an element of 'buyer beware' in booking private villas (or hotel accommodation for that matter). The more input from those with experience - and everyone who has posted on this thread has added value - the better for those of us who subscribe to these boards in the hope of benefitting from such experience.

 

[Shropshire Saint]

Simon & UK Deb,

I absolutely agree with both of you. The more information the better.

Deb, I notice you are staying at Reunion in Jan2006. Are you a golfer? If you are you will love it. The courses are great.

 

[UKDEB]

SS - I'm not really, although I'd like to be. I had lessons last year and got on really well, but didn't develop quickly enough for my perfectionist nature . My brother (who will be staying with us) is really good. Dh is as bad as me, but not such a perfectionist! We had a round there last July and fell in love with the place - we've been looking for the 'right' villa ever since and are pretty much congratulating ourselves with our choice .

 

[Shropshire Saint]

I have a friend who paid $425000 just for the building plot. He can 5 or 6 greens from his balcony (well he will be able to!). It was valued at $525000 3 months later. It will be his 5th Orlando/Kissimmee/Davenport home. Hopefully one day we may buy there too.

 

[JANNYANS]

Simon Just out of interest how far away from the Parks would you say BB is ?

Part of the problem is that every one who looks at buying a home is told it has to be within the magic 20 mins of Disney so even if you buy out side that area -and there are some communities that are slightly further out the owner may feel compelled to say within 20 mins other wise people may not even look at their home .As SS says where do people use as a bench mark -is it the Disney World exit from the 192 the nearest piece of Disney property as the crow flies or vis the road ?
It is not only the owners along the 27 who stretch the truth and shorten the distance either - I know people that say some of the communiites down Poinciana are 15 mins from the parks but it has taken me 15 to get to the entrance of the comunities from the 192 without traffic and staying within the speed limit .
My home is on the 27 and it has taken me between 12-20 ins depending on traffic and lights to get to the parks using Sherberth Road as I am near the junction of the 192/27 and I have lost bookings as some people think that is too faraway so you can see where the tendancy to tell people what they want to hear rather than the truth comes from .I think owners who deliberately mislead people will do the renting by owner business no good but then they won't get any repeat bookings either as the adage " once bitten twice shy " springs to mind.

 

[allie5]

I think a BIG problem is that many visitors have no idea of the sheer scale of the Orlando attractions area. I have lost count how many first timers have asked (on various Disney boards) "Can I walk to the Magic Kingdom from my Hotel?" (when they are staying on I-drive!). This may sound ludicrous, but you look at the appalling "maps" that all the tour ops use in their brochures, and it DOES look, to the uninitiated, that you could quite easily take a stroll from Sea World to Epcot! Many people are under the impression if they stay at Downtown Disney area they will be able to walk to all the parks with ease.

I can see (to some extent) why villa owners do exaggerate the driving distances - they are competing against all the hotels (whose main draw IS the fact they tend to be much closer to everything). The highly iffy maps that tourists are given show everything so close, that the thought of booking a villa "20 or 30 minutes away" must seem a bad choice.

Of course, a hotel at the top end of I-drive is probably further away from WDW than a Villa at the top end of US27! It just doesnt LOOK that way!

Im not saying the villa owners are right to do this, and everyone who books one really should do independant research to exactly where they are staying, but I can see WHY they feel the need to do it.

We tend to stay at Highlands Reserve and can easily be at Animal Kingdom in 10 mins (although it took us 40 mins when there was an accident). We dont find the journey to any of the WDW parks takes that long, but it can be a fairly long trek to I-drive. Its a price we are happy to pay for the comfort and space of a villa. I would probably consider anything on US27, as its a quiet route.

Would definately put pressure on some of the tour ops to make their maps more accurate. The only DECENT map we have of Central Florida is our trusty Rand Mcnally!

 

[UKDEB]

But this isn't a villa owner; this is the official Calabay Parc website! Right there on the homepage! Outrageous!

 

[JANNYANS]

Well if the official site is saying it then the owners will follow suit .It would be interesting to find out what their reason for that statement is .

 

[martina857]

People perceive time in different ways, I fail to see how any of the communities on 27 can be classed as 10-15 minutes away from WDW, I have driven down there loads of times, even the communities on the junction of 192 are more than that, some are more than 30 minutes away.

Don't get me wrong, some of the communities are lovely down there but why not promote the other points and not lie about distance ! Yes I suspect from Davenport lakes it would be possible to get to Sherbeth road in 12 minutes when there was no traffic at all, but how often would that be possible nowadays? And how much over the speed limit would you have to go ?

All I ask is that they tell the truth, thats all, we can then make an informed and intellegent decision. I am in the fortunate position of having stayed at a lot of the resorts and know where most of them are, I actually LOVE Highlands Reserve having recently stayed there, but would I stay there again ? Maybe not with all the great resorts in the Formossa area. But some are not so fortunate and their trip to the area can be a once in a lifetime trip and if it is ruined by people lying about their product then they deserve the wrath of the courts upon them.

M

 

[Shropshire Saint]

I am sorry Martina, I have got to AK in 10 minutes on several occasions. I can probably find instantly another 25 people who also have.
As I mentioned in a previous post, whats defined as Disney? I dont know the answer, but my watch did not lie. I have done it many times.
Advertising is another matter completely. The Calabay Parc website is completely out of order, as is suggesting it CANT be 10-15 minutes from H27.
We have stayed on I Drive a few times & it has taken us 45-60 minutes to get to AK or MK. You just cant guarantee the traffic. Honesty & the owners integrity is whats important. Besides happy renters will more than likely book again.

 

[JANNYANS]

If you read my post Martina I say 12-20 depending on traffic by which I mean if the lights are for or against you.I have driven in 12 mins and I have driven it in 20 using Sherberth Road and not exceeded the limit - in fact I did it between these times on several occasions only this last May -it is possible but by no means guaranteed .The communities at the top end of the 192/27 are only 8 miles maximum from the World exit on the 192.
It is not only Calabay Parc that has its location a bit confused -the major sites for Bahama Bay don't agree one has it 3.5 miles away -I doubt it somehow -and another has it as 10mins -again hardly likely .When I am asked where my home is I give them the distance in miles and tell them how long they can expect to take to get to the parks whether they agree or not is up to them but I give them the truth as I have experienced it .

 

[stevechase]

From PaulH "even staying on site parks can be 30min from resort "

This is true, we spend a good 15 - 20 mins from All Stars to the MK, so I dont see how anywhere off site can possibly be 5 mins.

Steve

 

[martina857]

The only places 5 minutes from MK are the MK resorts and the ticket and transportation centre, even the closest short term rental home/villa is AT LEAST 15 minutes drive. As I said earlier though we all have a different perception on time, I am a clock watcher so I am not happy if it takes me 20-25 minutes to get onto Disney property, if I then add on 10 minutes to get to MK or Epcot I am looking at over half an hour. I have timed it from getting into our car at a villa in Emerald Island and we were paying for the parking at AK inside 5 minutes, add on 1 or 2 minutes to that for Windsor Palms, both these with no traffic. On the other hand if the traffic is bad then it can take much longer from these closer resorts so the difference can be doubled or trebled if you are staying on 27. I just want to point out here that some of the resorts on the 27 are really really nice !! But if you want to be close then you need to be in Formossa
M

 

[TraceyL]

Well I've just booked on Calabay Parc (and yes I know how far away it is having stayed 'next door' at Florida Pines) after having disregarded the Indian Creek area due to ongoing construction. The promo DVD I have from CP states 15 mins from Disney - wonder why their website says 5 mins Othe parts of their website say 10 mintes so not consistency at all!

If you look at their location map to see the extent of 'Disney' - makes you wonder what they class as Disney?