Best Orlando KOA??

[Donna]

I'm trying to decide on which KOA in the orlando area out of the 3 available is the best one for an overnight stay. We don't need anything fancy, just a place for the night so we can get up early and get to the 9:30 mass at Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine, so i'm looking for the best price but also the best location to get back on the road to mass and then check in at the fort. I priced them out at the KOA site but was looking for anyone's experience at any of them and/or recommendations.

thanks!

 

[des1954]

Donna - The KOA on E192 is the closest to the shrine - about 3-4 miles - if that far.

Now... this KOA is anything but fancy. It's right off 192 & next to a Sam's Club. The neighborhood is not the best, either. The last time I was there to visit a friend who was staying there in February, there was no security at the entrance, and no one on duty at the office. The un-manned office may have been a one-time only thing. If you choose this KOA, LOCK & SECURE EVERYTHING!! A lot of vagrants hang out behind the Sam's Club. Most of these people are harmless, but why take chances.

A better place to stay is Tropical Palms on 192 next to Old Town. It's a much nicer facility & about the same price. It is also an easy drive to the shrine, again 3-4 miles.

 

[AuburnJen92]

We have stayed at the KOA on 192 a couple of times, but like Deb said, we locked up everything real tight and kept our guard up.

 

[DisneyBishops]

The Tropical Pines are much nicer. We stayed there before and they were pretty nice. Not as nice as the fort but much cheaper. Right next to Old Town, you can walk there.

Very safe and secure

 

[Donna]

I think we're going to try Tropical Palms, it looks really nice. If we are coming north on I-4, is it easy to find? how far past disney is it? when i put in the address on mapquest for directions to the shrine, the address comes up but no directions come up. i can't wait to try it out! reasonable rates too!

eta: i did find the location once i had the full street name for the shrine.

 

[des1954]

I think we're going to try Tropical Palms, it looks really nice. If we are coming north on I-4, is it easy to find? how far past disney is it? when i put in the address on mapquest for directions to the shrine, the address comes up but no directions come up. i can't wait to try it out! reasonable rates too!

eta: i did find the location once i had the full street name for the shrine.

To get to Tropical Palms you take the 192E IIRC - exit #64 and go east. It's about 1-1.5 miles on the right side of the street immediately past Old Town. The easiest way to get to the shrine...go back to I-4 & go east. Take exit 68 & at the signal light go straight- you will cross over SR535. That is Vineland Av. The shrine will be about 3/4 miles on the right. If you go past the shrine, you'll find the big outlet mall.

If you go early enough, there's a Golden Corral on the left immediately after you cross over 535. Beware though - it is very difficult to make a left turn out of Golden Corral to get back on to Vineland to continue to the shrine.

 

[Donna]

To get to Tropical Palms you take the 192E IIRC - exit #64 and go east. It's about 1-1.5 miles on the right side of the street immediately past Old Town. The easiest way to get to the shrine...go back to I-4 & go east. Take exit 68 & at the signal light go straight- you will cross over SR535. That is Vineland Av. The shrine will be about 3/4 miles on the right. If you go past the shrine, you'll find the big outlet mall.

If you go early enough, there's a Golden Corral on the left immediately after you cross over 535. Beware though - it is very difficult to make a left turn out of Golden Corral to get back on to Vineland to continue to the shrine.

Thank you so much! That info. is so helpful and good to know about the difficult turn. we are excited to try a new place before heading to the fort for two weeks.