Best Offsite CONDO for "no parks" Vacation?

[FayeW]

I am tentatively planning a trip to Paradise Island for March Break, however, we expect that my husband will retire from the military this fall, which means that we may have to consider a much cheaper vacation destination. Since we were planning just hanging out by the pool/beach, this trip would be for the sole purpose of relaxing, not visiting theme parks.

I have checked on redweek.com, and there is some good availability for March break.Vistana & Westgage Town Center are both available, as is OLCC. We would require 2 bdrm condo. Can anyone recommend a condo or townhome that could be a destination on to itself?

 

[spiceycat]

march is high season. spring break at orlando.

since he is retiring how about a visit in May or Sept - much cheaper....

you can look at skyauction.

www.skyauction.com

but lots of time even skyauction wants extra money for March....

 

[paper1225]

We had our first vacation at a condo in orlando over memorial weekend. We stayed at the grand palms and it was awesome. We paid 500 for 7 nights-it was a 3 bedroom condo with a dining room, washer/dryer, 2 bathrooms and next to the pool and tennis courts. I am not sure if we can ever go back to just a hotel room! It was so awesome having our own space. My kids LOVED having tv's in their own room(we regulate tv at home, but on vacation almost anything goes). I would def. recommend these condos. The pool was great and never busy. If you want additional info-pm me!

 

[Brian Noble]

My uncle owns a couple of weeks at OLCC---has for probably 20 years or more by now---and he and his family *never* go to the parks. To hear him tell it, there is plenty to keep you occupied right there.

 

[Chilehead Too]

We went in April for a non park trip and stayed at the Marriott Cypress Harbour and loved it. Lots to do and really did not have to leave the resort if you didn't want to. I highly reccomend it.

 

[FayeW]

march is high season. spring break at orlando.

since he is retiring how about a visit in May or Sept - much cheaper....

you can look at skyauction.

www.skyauction.com[/u but lots of ...at Atlantis, but I can always visit SeaWorld!

 

[Friendly Frog]

If you are looking for a great place to stay and have a lot of activities Orange Lake would be my top choice.

My second choice would be Silver Lake.

Vacation Villages was nice, but no activities and more of a hotel feel to me.

I can't remember if Westgate had activities or not, that stay we were constantly at a park or sleeping. Of those listed, Westgate was my least favorate.

 

[js]

I vote for OLCC, hands down.
Go on the website and take a look, there is plenty to do during the day and at night. Enjoy whatever you decide.

 

[hiimfiffy]

bahama bay! we were happy to just stay at the site of the condo the whole time. never gets boring with all the stuff to see and do onsite!

 

[FayeW]

bahama bay! we were happy to just stay at the site of the condo the whole time. never gets boring with all the stuff to see and do onsite!

Thanks for the recommendation. I've never heard of Bahama Bay. Where can I get more info?

 

[mbb]

Thanks for the recommendation. I've never heard of Bahama Bay. Where can I get more info?

Right here
http://www.bahamabayresort.com/

It's very, very nice
It's one mile from the 27/192 junction, south on the 27, directly opposite Legacy Park (just past Polo Park), on Florence Villa Grove Drive.

If you rent a villa at Highgrove (up one mile N on the 27, you get "play privileges" here as well)

There are a few villa communities along the street as well, makes for some nice evening strolls.

HTH!!

 

[spiceycat]

Sheraton Vistana has alot of stuff to do....

Hilton Grand Vacation Club has activities
http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/ownership/resorts/pdf/sw_act.pdf

here is the list of activties at CP
http://www.cypresspointe.net/activities.html

here is the activities at OL
http://www.myorangelake.com/tour_our_resort/daytime_playtime.html

sv use to list their activities - as least it does say what it has to do
http://www.starwoodvo.com/resorts/amenities.jsp?resortID=5

westgate town center - sends you to Westgate Vacation Villa
http://www.westgateresorts.com/resources/pdfs/activity_guide_villas.pdf

I won't do westgate. I have had some bad dealing with these people. they lie, they cheat, they steal.... they will say ANYTHING to get you to buy - after you buy - you are treated worst than dirt..... so don't ever buy from Westgate.....

 

[spiceycat]

some other
silver lake
it is not telling it activties either - but here is a hint
http://www.silverlakeresort.com/play/amenities.php

on redweek - make sure you look in Orlando, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee...

You might find some Marriott in Orlando

also look here

http://www.myresortnetwork.com/rentals-state.asp?state=Florida&order=unit_year,unit_week&sort=ASC

I sorted it by date - so you can look in March - this is all of Florida not just Orlando

 

[momofdbsdc]

We have rented from Windsor Hills. The property is beautiful and there was plenty to kepp the kids occupied.

 

[ttfn3]

Vistana Resort

We have spent several NO parks trips at the Vistana Resort. Lots of activities - and several pools to try. The activity staff is great here. Something for all ages. A lot of the activities are free - and you can win coupons for free mini golf.

We have tried several resorts - and I really didn't care for OLCC.

The only problem with March in Orlando is the weather can be a bit iffy - so you may want to plan some activities besides hanging out by the pool. There's a really cool Arts Festival in Winter Park the 3rd weekend in March. You don't have to spend money. My DS enjoyed watching a guy roll cigars - and there were kids arts activities also.

(by the way - we booked a week on redweek.com for March of this year for another Orlando area resort. It was a great deal. I was very pleased with our redweek experience!)

 

[cinamin27]

ok - hold up! You mentioned your husband is retiring from the military - well, this website is for active & retired military people. The week will run you $299 at the timeshares (I believe RCI timeshares) The longer in advance you book the more timeshare places are available as well as the size (how many bedrooms). They have condos all over the place, not just Orlando. Places in Mexico, the Bahamas, Europe & on & on. search for availability under Space-A rentals. they arent showing anything for March 2007 right now, it may be too soon. I'm guessing this site will be cheaper than redweek.com

http://www.afvclub.com/default.asp

 

[FayeW]

ok - hold up! You mentioned your husband is retiring from the military - well, this website is for active & retired military people. The week will run you $299 at the timeshares (I believe RCI timeshares) The longer in advance you book the more timeshare places are available as well as the size (how many bedrooms). They have condos all over the place, not just Orlando. Places in Mexico, the Bahamas, Europe & on & on. search for availability under Space-A rentals. they arent showing anything for March 2007 right now, it may be too soon. I'm guessing this site will be cheaper than redweek.com

http://www.afvclub.com/default.asp

I'd love to take advantage, but we live in Canada, and Canadian military members aren't eligible.