Choosing a condo - where to start?

[mrsmagic]

We had a wonderful trip in January, and now I need to plan another to get over my sadness! We are a family of 5, and would like to go mid/late January 2007. Now that our youngest will be 3, our Disney choices are limited. We had connecting rooms with my parents, and loved putting the kids to bed at night and then hanging out next door. My parents are coming next time, and I think paying for 2 rooms is too expensive. I would also like to be able to do laundry (paid a small fortune at WL to do this), and have a small kitchen.

So, how do I get started? I admit that the info here is overwhelming to me; so many choices, and many of the names start to sound the same! Is there a good book? A good website? What I'm looking for is a condo, 1 or 2 bedrooms, great pool complex, close to Disney, reasonably priced ($100/night in January). Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

lots of people here love Cypress Pointe

you can get it on

www.hotelkingdom.com
www.expedia.com
www.hotelmartusa.com


I am finally going to try it !!!!

this December.

also Sheraton Vistana Resort - you can rent from an owner. I also love the Marriott in the area - again you can rent from the owner.

oh boy forget

www.skyauction.com

this use to be my favorite - but they are getting down right mean about Orlando timeshares - if you are flying still a good deal - but if you aren't.....

ripe off!!!!

here are some others that RCI also does (rci is an exchange company - they don't own these things - so they offer them for a cheap price)

http://www.holidaynetwork.com/hn/default.asp
http://www.snaptravel.com/
http://www.discounthotels.cc/orlando-hotels.php
http://www.doorlando.com/

 

[crjack]

mrsmagic, if you are comfortable with the idea of renting directly from an owner, there are quite a few beautiful resorts right outside Disney with condos, townhouses and multi-bedroom villas.

We have done it several times now and love it. We've had great experiences with all and are going with another family to Windsor Hills in July.

A good place to start and gauge layout and pricing is www.vrbo.com. After Florida and Orlando hit Kisimmee for developments that are close to the parks. Start with condos in Emerald Island, Windsor Palms and Windsor Hills. I just happened to check recently for a friend and Windsor Palms seemed to have the most condos advertised at this time but all of them will offer you a wide selection. We loved Windsor Palms when we stayed there but we stayed in homes not a condo so I cant give a specific recommendation. If you are staying with parents you may want to consider a home or a townhouse. The condos, townhouses and villas will all offer you washer/dryer and kitchen facilities.

If you feel more comfortable getting a recommendation there are many people here who can provide reports on specific units where they have stayed.

Any questions just let us know. The number of choices can be overwhelming but it can also be fun to look at the photos and tours. Just think about any specific needs or ammenities that you are looking for to help narrow down your search. Best of luck.

 

[martina857]

Try www.orlando-rental-home.com I have stayed here a few times as have a few other people on the boards, reputable owner and a great condo in a luxurious resort.

M

 

[lds0191]

we stay in condo off 192 about 4 miles west of the 192 exit to disney world. great place, sleeps 8, w/d, pool just steps from back deck. go to 'www.fourseasonsrentals.com'. tom healy is the owner and great to work with. $650.00/wk plus tax no extra fees. we have stayed at his property 3 times and have it reserved for june 06....good luck!

 

[traciedee]

Windsor Hills. Lots of rentals, new complex, great looking pool with slide. www.vrbo.com We rented a 3/br by the pool in June for $85 per night. From the reviews it is very close to WDW.