With all that is going on, I cancelled our VRBO house near Disney that had a private Jacuzzi and pool. I have been reading rumors of some of those businesses are going bankrupt and people with future reservations are not getting their deposit back. We are going around Christmas 2021. My "kids" are 24 and 25, so having a third bed would be needed. Is there a nice resort that doesn't charge Disney deluxe prices? We could like a place to relax by the pool and the kids would like a lazy river or slides. Any clue? I don't want a time share. Bonus point if you know somewhere that would allow a small dog. Thanks
You can rent a unit in a timeshare resort directly from an owner like you do for private homes. Also, some timeshare owners also advertise their units on VRBO. I have found that by "renting from an owner" I receive the benefits of the owner without a timeshare sales pitch. Did you already know that? I was wondering because why would you want to "avoid" a resort with all the extra amenities that a timeshare resort provides?
One resort I recommend to rent from an owner is Westgate. I always rent from owners and I get the owner breakfast, and poolside barbecues included. No timeshare sales pitches except for when picking up keys they will ask if you wat to do a tour since you don't own. All you say is no thanks and keep moving. They will not hound you since you are a guest of an owner. As a Westgate owners guest, I also receive free onsite amenities such as mini golf, bike rentals, and paddle boat rentals without a fee. Also, their onsite waterpark is free if you are the guest of an owner that owns at Town Center or Vacation Villas. They give you the admission bracelets at check-in. Also, your room key card will say "owner" and you use it to get access to the amenities without a fee. Westgate also has 3 bedroom units without having to make someone sleep on a sofa bed. In the Vacation Villas, they have a 2 bedroom with a loft. The loft has 2 twin beds, a closet and TV. It overlooks down to the living room. Its pretty neat for teens and young adults.
Another one is HICV Orange Lake-River Island has the slide and lazy river. Stay as an owners guest that owns in River Island and you get their amenities included. I prefer the pools in North Village and West Village. If staying in West Village I prefer the Tennis Villas since they have screened patios. North and River Island has them too. The low rise units in West village have open patios which I do not like. I believe all villages have 3 bedroom units except for low rise units.
Of course, let's not forget about Wyndham Bonnet Creek. They have a lazy river at Building #5 which happens to be my favorite building. I don't think they allow pets, but I do recall seeing someone staying on my floor with a small Pomeranian dog.
Regal Palms in Reunion has 3 and 4 bedroom units. Regal Palms is more private owner feel. Some people actually live at this resort. I stayed there once. It was nice, but I prefer actual resort companies in comparison to private owners. I just feel like the bedrooms in private homes lack the hotel/resort quality. Regal Palms lazy river has a nice "current" running thru it that carries you along the winding path at a nice pace. Also, Reunion Resort by Wyndham and/or Encore is a good one. Both of those have lazy rivers. Encore has private homes too. I've heard that there is a new private home resort community called "Story Lake". I watched some of the highlights on
YouTube and it looks pretty nice. It has a huge slide and I believe a small lazy river.
Anyway, I am thinking since plenty of cancellations took place in 2020, there are going to be owners who have lots of unused inventory of weeks and points they will need to use or lose. Therefore, there should be some pretty good deals out there for 2021. I don't think Orange Lake allows pets, but I know Westgate Town Center/Vacation Villas allows them. I believe pets are allowed at Regal Palms too. There are plenty of options out there. Thanks for allowing me to share my info and experiences. I didn't get to go on vacation this year. We cancelled due to COVID, but sharing my knowledge and experience has been very therapeutic. I hope 2021 will be better for everyone.
Whenever we go we usually fly in a day or so before checking into a timeshare resort. It saves on airfare and gives us a little extra time in Florida. We have stayed at Radisson in Celebration(Now called Grand Orlando Resort), Seralago, Red Lion, Buena Vista suites for a night or two. Now that I know Staybridge has those accommodations, I will add it to our short stays list. We wanted to stay somewhere new. We wanted to try Embassy Suites, Drury Inn & Suites, and now Staybridge Suites. Thanks for sharing. 
But I have to admit, now is the time to visit "over-budget" places. There are many deals and discounts due to pandemic. But personally, I don't care how economic or expensive the rates are...a room with only 1 or 2 beds and a bath is not my idea of vacation for more than 3 days with more than 2 people traveling. There seems to be a need for space for the OP party size. Parents and adult children working remotely. There is a definite need for SPACE and privacy that a one room hotel cannot provide unless everyone has there own room practically. A 2 or 3 bedroom timeshare unit or vacation home can give them that space. Full living room, dining room, and separate bedrooms will be considered a necessity. I still can't imagine why they want a NON-timeshare considering all the extra amenities. The suspense is killing me. 
