CLOSEST and most awesome off site property???? help!

[vester]

Ok - so we are thinking because of the in-laws and the need for some elbow room!!! that we might stay off property.

We stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista last year and LOVED it. But its a bit far - 30-45 min door to entrace of park (MK).

So......opinions.....all are welcome. What are the best off proprety CLOSE sites, and give me driving times please to parks (Epcot, HS, MK, and AK)

Give me all your opinions!!!

Vester

 

[java]

I've never stayed there but I'm guessing Bonnet Creek is the closest since it's actually inside the Welcome To Disney sign. We were going to stay there but then the 4/3 deal came out.

 

[kreed]

Bonnet Creek is definitely the closest off site condo property and is truly awesome. There are a number of diffrent threads on the DISboards about Bonnet Creek and some even have some great pictures. If you rent from an owner at Bonnet Creek you will probably get a very decent deal on a one or two bedroom depending on when you are going. My family loves staying here. The accomodations are very nice with nice funrinshings, pool and amenities are top notch and you can't beat the location. Bonnet Creek sit right next to the Carribean Beach Resort and is closest to Epcot but is only a 8-10 minute drive from the farthest park.

 

[Brian Noble]

Bonnet Creek for sure---I've been on Disney buses between OKW and the theme parks that drive *past* Bonnet Creek's entrance.

Silver Lake is also very close---just a tad south of AKL/AKV, with a "back entrance" to Disney property.

 

[conniehar90]

We always stay at Windsor Hills and it is truly about 10 minutes to the parking lots - 15 to MK. We love it there.

 

[tednvon]

Most awesome equated with price of the homes would probably be Formosa Gardens. Huge homes on large lots and many furnished like the worlds finest hotels. Nice selection can be found on www.vrbo.com at this link.
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando/kissimmee/formosa-gardens

Depending on number of adults and kids these places are "awesome" I would guess that many would negtioate a bit on price in this economic climate.

We stay 3 months just down the road from here and you will be on Disney property in about 10 minutes and parked in the lots and on the Trams at AK in 15 minutes and MK in 20 minutes or so.
I know Bonnet Creek well and it is nice but nowhere near as roomy, private, large, and "awesome" as most of these homes. And I am guessing the price will not be that much different direct from owners at VRBO.

Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Emerald Island, Acadia Estates (all on VRBO under Kissimmee and about the same distance) are very very nice....but "awesomest" is Formosa Gardens in my opinion...

Enjoy...Ted