Calling all WDW offsite experts! Any areas to avoid?

[mariezp]

We have been to Disneyland annually for the past 8 years. This year we are going to give WDW a try. Let me say that right now I am feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the choices.

So far I am feeling quite sure that offsite is the best choice for us. I have been narrowing down a list of pool homes in the surrounding areas. While reading some reviews I have seen a few comments about cars being broken into which got me to wondering.... are there any specific areas that I should avoid? Right now my list includes houses from the following housing developments.
Eagle Pointe
Lindfields
Cumbrian Lakes
Sunset Lakes

Does anyone have any opinions to offer? Are these safe communities? Any specific areas to avoid?

 

[Brian Noble]

The big surprise for most Disneylanders is just how amazingly big WDW is in terms of sheer space. So, location can matter a lot, with differences of 15-20 minutes in one-way travel time. Here's a map that's excellent in showing you locations:

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa-map.php

For my money, Eagle Point and Cumbrian Lakes are way too far from property, all the way down Poinciana. Sunset Lakes and Linfields are better. I happen to prefer Windsor Hills, myself. It's a little more expensive, but very nice, and has an excellent location.

 

[sympatico]

Agree with Brian on the location. These are in the Formosa Gardens area: Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Emerald Island (these have a manned security gate) also Formosa Gardens Estates, Acadia Estates, Sunset Lakes (these have a coded gate) and the rest have no gate: Rolling Hills, Indian Creek, Oak Island Cove and Harbour, Lindfields. We like this area and have never found it to be unsafe but as in any place please take precautions with leaving things lying around etc. Very easy to get to the parks from here and lots of restaurants close by.
Another map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=110562778588256174172.000453baef0290954cc04

 

[mariezp]

Thank you both for the info. I need all the help I can get! Obviously, when someone says that they are only 10 minutes away it may be stretching the truth just a little.

I am definitely keeping Windsor Hills in mind since it seems to be a favored recommendation and will check out some of the other possibilities mentioned. Then again... who knows, by tomorrow... I may just decide to find the least expensive hotel and save myself a lot of time researching homes! It has become very time consuming.

 

[spiceycat]

well they generally say 10 minutes to WDW property when you consider how big WDw is - that is generally not a lie - misleading yes.

ask how far to any of the theme parks entrance way - and you should get a different answer. this does NOT include the big gates that welcome you to WDW.

 

[dougsmom98]

Then again... who knows, by tomorrow... I may just decide to find the least expensive hotel and save myself a lot of time researching homes! It has become very time consuming.

I hope not. I personally think if you are going to stay off site, a rental home is the way to go. There are so many hotels out there that it can take a while to narrow those down too. I think when most homes say they are 10 minutes away, they mean 10 minutes from Disney property, and not necessarily the parking lot of any given park. We tend to stay a little further out, but are able to get a more affordable villa and we don't mind driving an additional 10 minutes. We stayed at Windwood Bay this past trip, and it took 17 minutes to get to Epcot's parking lot. That 7 additional minutes saved us hundreds of dollars over any quote we got from Windsor Hills. It did take me hours/days to find the home I stayed in, but it was worth it to me to take my saving and put it aside for our next trip.

 

[7165red]

I can speek for Lindfields we have rented twice and are going back this year. It is about 10 mins. from WDW and close to #192 were you will find shopping and restaurands. When I was looking for a villa my main concern was a pvr pool I didn't want to see neighbors to my right and left. I found Lindfields seem so have more villas with a lot of privacy. It is a very nice community. Both of the villas had alarm system & safes. We found the owner to be very nice and helpful. We rented one called Maria's Sunny Retreat and the owner was outstanding. We spent xmas there and it was fully decorated and they left us a gift basket and a bottle of wine. We also stayed ar Dolphin song again a very good experience. If you want a villa with a community pool and a club house then I would consider WH many members speek very well of it. Hope it helps.

 

[Brian Noble]

Thank you both for the info. I need all the help I can get! Obviously, when someone says that they are only 10 minutes away it may be stretching the truth just a little.

As Pat mentioned, it's probably technically true---10 minutes, as the crow flies, to the nearest little corner of WDW property, which itself is about the size of San Francisco.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

A vote for Windsor Hills here! We stayed there in 2006 and are staying there again this year! It's a really nice place, and we felt very safe and comfortable there. The kids loved it as well..especially having their own rooms to chill out in after the parks!

 

[Chelley00]

We've always stayed in Sunset Lakes and that's the only place we'll stay. We can be at a gate or the parking lot in 10 minutes depending on the park, not necessarily inside the park. The addition is off a pretty quiet road, and is gated. The place we stay in has a lake behind it and a conservation area next door, so it's always quiet. There are tons of grocery stores and restaurants nearby, and a shortcut to property that lets you miss all the traffic.

Windsor Hills is nice, but much more expensive than your other choices. While the homes in Sunset Lakes aren't as new or as large as Windsor Hills, they are very nice and the addition is pretty, it's cheaper, has a community pool and playground, although we've never used them since we have the private pool and hot tub at the villa.

 

[mariezp]

spiceycat, yes, I guess misleading does sound much better and gives them the benefit of the doubt. Thanks, Brian Noble, for the size comparison. Now I will have an idea of what to expect.

dougsmom98, I've not given up yet so thanks for the encouragement! I guess I have just been stressing out from having a headache for the last several days and wondering whether we should really be spending the money for a vacation at all, seeing how our income has been affected by the current economy. That said, I do want to go ahead and book something now in hopes that the economy picks up but I also know full well that I can cancel if it becomes necessary. For now, I am gonna try to stay positive and find the perfect vacation destination so ya'll feel free to recommend any great deals you have found and places where you have had an awesome stay!

I can speek for Lindfields we have rented twice and are going back this year. It is about 10 mins. from WDW and close to #192 were you will find shopping and restaurands. When I was looking for a villa my main concern was a pvr pool I didn't want to see neighbors to my right and left. I found Lindfields seem so have more villas with a lot of privacy. It is a very nice community. Both of the villas had alarm system & safes. We found the owner to be very nice and helpful. We rented one called Maria's Sunny Retreat and the owner was outstanding. We spent xmas there and it was fully decorated and they left us a gift basket and a bottle of wine. We also stayed ar Dolphin song again a very good experience. If you want a villa with a community pool and a club house then I would consider WH many members speek very well of it. Hope it helps.

Sounds like you have had some great experiences. I glanced at Maria's. It looked beautiful but I am afraid my guys would pack me up and head me straight to a Motel 6 if I even suggested they stay in something with that much pink! However, the other villa sounds interesting. I know my worry wort husband would love to find a place with an alarm system & a safe. Me, I totally agree with you in wanting to find a place with privacy around the pool. Believe me, no neighbors want to see me in the pool next door!

BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM, I have not ruled out Windsor Hills. It does offer some pretty neat stuff. But... I also keep wondering if everyone here at the Disboard loves it so much won't it be totally crowded. Our bunch prefers quiet, so do tell me if I am wrong.

Chelley00, I just started out to check and see if you might mention where you stayed in Sunset Lakes in your trip report but now I can't stop reading! So, now not only would I like your recommendation on accommodations I am coming up with even more questions based on tidbits from your report. So I hope you don't mind me asking....

You mentioned that you ended up canceling most of your ADRs before you left. This being our first time to WDW, I am wondering if we would end up wasting more time trying to locate where we need to be if we had ADRs and might just be better off stumbling upon choices... of course, with just a few exceptions. ADRs seem to be a big deal at WDW so I was just curious if you had any problems finding places to eat without them?

Well, I was hoping to read the rest of the report but duty calls... so I'll probably be back in the morning!

Again, thanks everyone for all the comments! Keep em coming!

 

[Brian Noble]

I also keep wondering if everyone here at the Disboard loves it so much won't it be totally crowded.

I haven't been there in a couple years now, but my experiences there were always pleasant---you have your own private pool, so it's not like you have to fight for a pool chair!

Even the common amenities haven't been what I'd describe as "busy"---there were a healthy number of folks at the main pool when we went, but not anything that I'd call over-crowded.

 

[Chelley00]

Chelley00, I just started out to check and see if you might mention where you stayed in Sunset Lakes in your trip report but now I can't stop reading! So, now not only would I like your recommendation on accommodations I am coming up with even more questions based on tidbits from your report. So I hope you don't mind me asking....

You mentioned that you ended up canceling most of your ADRs before you left. This being our first time to WDW, I am wondering if we would end up wasting more time trying to locate where we need to be if we had ADRs and might just be better off stumbling upon choices... of course, with just a few exceptions. ADRs seem to be a big deal at WDW so I was just curious if you had any problems finding places to eat without them?

I PMed you the link to the place where we stay. The owners are WONDERFUL and we love the house.

Our first trip we did a table service every night, and when I go back and look how much we spent just in food costs for 10 nights for 6 of us....

This time we only kept 2 ADRs, Akershus for breakfast and Chef Mickey's for dinner. It gave us time with the Mickey and the Gang and the Princesses. We ate breakfast in the villa every day except Akershus day, ate lunch at a counter service in the parks and most of our dinners offsite. It costs us $80 or so to eat at TGIFridays or Carrabas, compared to $175 at Chef Mickeys (I'm estimating, but I can go back and get exact numbers when I get home ) We did do a couple of counter services for dinners which were cheaper and not as crowded than table services. ADRs are a big deal if you want a sit down dinner, especially at some of the more popular restaurants, but you won't starve without them

 

[mariezp]

I haven't been there in a couple years now, but my experiences there were always pleasant---you have your own private pool, so it's not like you have to fight for a pool chair!

Even the common amenities haven't been what I'd describe as "busy"---there were a healthy number of folks at the main pool when we went, but not anything that I'd call over-crowded.

Brian Noble, I suppose that there are definitely enough choices for in the WDW area that the crowds would disperse some. I cannot even begin to imagine how many rooms there are just in the immediate area!

Chelley00, thanks for the info in your pm! The home looks very nice. It didn't by chance have a game room that was not listed on the sight? For now, I am holding out to see if I can find everything we would like to have, such as a pool and game room. Of course, if I can't find one that has it all and for the right price I'll go back and see what else will work. Still, yours looks good so I will keep it in my notes. A good recommendation goes a LONG way!

Ouch! I can just imagine how expensive feeding a family of 6 might be in the park! When we go to DL we have always made it a habit of only eating ONE meal a day in the park and getting take out for in our room at night. I imagine we will probably try to stick with that plan if for no other reason than to save a few bucks. I'm with you, I think a few all out Disney meals will do us. Good to know it won't be a problem finding a simple counter service joint. That will work for us and you can bet my guys would find some way to keep us from starving.... even if we had to live on churros!

 

[Tiffa]

Hi we have stayed in Formosa Gardens area, Rolling Hills, a great 4 br 3bath, private pool, hot tub we loved it so much we are going back again this year. We found it on justfloridavacations.com they have lots to choose from, very relaxing at the house and if you look at the map it is 5 min to AK, and lots around the area to eat, grocery and a nice area all around.

 

[Chelley00]

It didn't by chance have a game room that was not listed on the sight?

No game room. We almost stayed at a different house for the game room this last trip, but we were NEVER at the house long enough to play anything A few dips in the pool, some hot tub time for Mom and Dad, and that was pretty much it. By the time the kids got home from walking the parks all day, they would not have wanted to stand and play foosball. I could barely get them to stand in the shower


There are some great counter service places in each park. You can search the dining options threads, or if borrow or buy The Unofficial Guide to WDW. It has reviews for each restaurant CS and TS, plus touring plans, ride descriptions etc, and even some information about offsite stays. DH thinks I have it memorized.

 

[RN4Babies]

We just stayed offsite for the first time at the end of February at a wonderful villa with a very private pool and spa. It's in a very small subdivision outside of Davenport, and from the driveway to each parking lot entrance gate took 15-17 minutes each day. We booked last minute at a rate of $750 for six nights, which included pool heat. We loved the courtyard-type layout, and having multiple glass doors and windows overlooking the pool area. The garage has foosball and a full sized pool table that my kids enjoyed several times. I went for early morning walks every day through a large orange grove that's 1/2 block away, and always felt very safe.

Because of the small subdivision, there aren't community features such as tennis courts, a community room, etc etc. On the other hand, it is amazingly quiet and private, which is what we wanted.

http://www.orangegrovevillaflorida.com

I bet your 18 year old would enjoy having a separate cabana room for his privacy. Very nice owners, and the home was in good shape.

 

[mariezp]

Thanks Tiffa! They, justfloridavacations.com, do have some nice homes but still the search continues for the game room too. I will keep your recommendation in mind.... just in case.



Chelley00, I am also wondering if we will really have time to do much at the house but since we will be there for 2 weeks and only have 10 day tickets we will have a few days we won't be so busy. Of course, we are going to go see a few things in the area which will take up some time but just maybe the kids will get a chance to enjoy the extras if the house comes with them. I do know the days we go to the park we will probably be too tired to use the stuff every night. Heck, I usually fall asleep right after we eat supper. No telling what a whole new time zone will do for me!

The game room is mostly for my DS and his friends.

The pool is mainly for my DD. She LOVES to go to the pool but she seldom gets to because no one else really wants to. I figure if it's just out the back door she can go all she wants and it just might entice the rest of us too.

Aaah..... The Unofficial Guide to WDW. I am working on reading it but may still be reading by the time we actually leave on vacation! If you have it memorized your mind is much better than mine! After kids my memory went downhill...fast! I have to say that even though I can't remember everything I have read in the book it makes a handy dandy paper weight here on my desk and is really great to thumb through for information! Right now I am obsessed with finding our lodging so I haven't yet made it to the dining reviews.



RN4Babies, ooooh! The pool is really pretty at the Orange Grove Villa! Actually, the whole place looks really nice. DS probably would like his own cabana! Now if it just had a ping pong table! So, did you mind driving that distance everyday? Everyone seems to like the 10 minute drive locations but I seem to find more of what I am looking for in the 15 minute driving range! Doesn't sound bad to me but day after day I wonder if might kinda get to you?

 

[Tiffa]

mariezp some of the homes on justfloridavacations.com have Game Rooms just pull down with size home you looking for and check out the ones with a GR or you can email and ask, that's what I did because I didn't want anyone behind us

 

[RN4Babies]

Thanks Tiffa! They, justfloridavacations.com, do have some nice homes but still the search continues for the game room too. I will keep your recommendation in mind.... just in case.



Chelley00, I am also wondering if we will really have time to do much at the house but since we will be there for 2 weeks and only have 10 day tickets we will have a few days we won't be so busy. Of course, we are going to go see a few things in the area which will take up some time but just maybe the kids will get a chance to enjoy the extras if the house comes with them. I do know the days we go to the park we will probably be too tired to use the stuff every night. Heck, I usually fall asleep right after we eat supper. No telling what a whole new time zone will do for me!

The game room is mostly for my DS and his friends.

The pool is mainly for my DD. She LOVES to go to the pool but she seldom gets to because no one else really wants to. I figure if it's just out the back door she can go all she wants and it just might entice the rest of us too.

Aaah..... The Unofficial Guide to WDW. I am working on reading it but may still be reading by the time we actually leave on vacation! If you have it memorized your mind is much better than mine! After kids my memory went downhill...fast! I have to say that even though I can't remember everything I have read in the book it makes a handy dandy paper weight here on my desk and is really great to thumb through for information! Right now I am obsessed with finding our lodging so I haven't yet made it to the dining reviews.



RN4Babies, ooooh! The pool is really pretty at the Orange Grove Villa! Actually, the whole place looks really nice. DS probably would like his own cabana! Now if it just had a ping pong table! So, did you mind driving that distance everyday? Everyone seems to like the 10 minute drive locations but I seem to find more of what I am looking for in the 15 minute driving range! Doesn't sound bad to me but day after day I wonder if might kinda get to you?

My kids were hoping for a ping pong table too (and some kind of game system), but really didn't miss either one at all once we were there. My ds brought his laptop along (the house has free high speed wireless internet), and between swimming, the computer, playing pool and WDW there was plenty for him to do! I was a little apprehensive about being 15 minutes from the parks, but both my sister and I were surprised at how quickly those 15 minutes evaporated both coming and going. If we had been a family who needed to take midday breaks from the parks, it might have been more of a chore. We were at the parks for rope drop almost every day, and generally back at the villa by 5pm for a relaxing dinner and swim time. (Two exceptions were when we stayed for Illuminations at Epcot and the fireworks at MK).

I can tell you that there's a locked box over the thermostat for the house, and it's set at 78 degrees F. The house was closed up and felt somewhat stuffy, even with ceiling fans in the rooms (there's not a fan in the small kid's bedroom). We disabled the pool alarms on the sliding glass doors and windows (just have to unplug it from the wall outlet), and opening the windows and doors created very nice cross ventilation that was extremely comfortable. The owner told me later that he also has the ability to lower the temp of the house via his computer (he lives in England), or that his management company could have come out to set a lower temp as well....i just needed to let him know. Next time I'll know to do that!