DJW rentals in Indian Wells (535 & 192)

[EPCOT66bye]

Just curious if any Dis-ers have utilized DJW rentals (in the UK) for a vacation home in Indian Wells? We lived in Orlando 14 years ago, so we know exactly where it is, but just wondering what the neighborhood is like these days.

Thanks!
Rob H.

 

[Candleshoe]

Since I have over a year til the big family vacation, I'm taking my time and making a master list of homes that fit my criteria. I'm using the DIBB map -- though by now I know where many are. I've been hanging out in the Central-West area (of VRBO), but decided to look over to the east a bit more and saw Indian Wells.

Came here to search up Indian Wells and found this thread, though no one seems to be answering it!

I'm going to volley a question back to you which is -- how close is it *really* to Disney? Maps don't reflect reality (ie: 10 stop lights and they always seem to be red).

 

[EPCOT66bye]

Let me put this in perspective: I was a cast member in the 1990's and at the time, I would've said that it's THE closest (and more importantly most convenient) location to Epcot Drive and the LBV area. Now given the undoubted growth of the area in the last 20 (yikes) years, that may not be the case anymore. Back then, the west side of Disney (Davenport, Winter Garden, Rte. 27) was "country" and not built up yet. I understand that there's a Walmart right near Celebration now so that sounds mute. But I HATED driving anywhere towards Celebration on 192. It was much easier to stay on the Orange County/I-Drive side of Disney.

We have rented a place in Indian Wells for late June this summer. The one thing that concerns me is that the neighborhood was extremely transient 20 years ago and therefore not very well maintained. With all the growth, I'm hoping that competition has forced the absentee homeowners to keep up with the Jones' and not let the neighborhood become trashy. With all the online reviews available these days, I would think you'd hear about the awful ones.

Given that, we drove right by IW every day when we lived in Kissimmee and could have been home in 5-10 minutes had we lived there rather than Kissimmee proper (about 20 minutes with traffic). There's a Publix right at 535 and 192 and obviously all the tourist restaurants. Plus, going the other way lead right into LBV and Hotel Plaza drive with access to Crossroads Shopping and Disney Village--all of which has exploded in options and traffic. The cast retreat used to be right there too at Little Lake Bryan (near the Catholic Shrine of Mary). It's also very near the townhomes that John & Kevin own--which I think are behind that Publix. We looked at those first, but the house we're renting is larger and has a private pool.

It should be super simple to exit Epcot parking and stay on Epcot Drive (bypassing I-4) to drive past the Marriott World Center and take a right on 535. I think there were a couple traffic lights, but should be minimal. When we actually bought a house it was off of Orange Blossom Trail, so we could still drive in that way but taking the Parkway/Toll instead and hopping off at OBT just a couple exits away.

So, I can't guarantee you'll find something closer, but I would expect it will be much more touristy (with traffic). But I may just be more comfortable choosing a part of "town" that I'm familiar with.

Best,
Rob

 

[Candleshoe]

Thanks, Rob, I really appreciate it.

Our last visit in Aug '12 we stayed at Bonnet Creek which was really convenient, but I would prefer a home for the next trip (multi-family).

One thing I noticed was that going from BC past DTD and up to the Sweet Tomatoes over there took a long time. Longer still to go to the Publix.

That's why your kind of report is so useful.

I'm quite enjoying taking my time researching. It's the free part of travel

 

[EPCOT66bye]

Glad to help. You're right about DTD. Even back in the day, we'd turn by Old Key West and take that back road to what's now Saratoga Springs to avoid traffic. Of course, that didn't help when my office was in the SunTrust building there.--Of course, even further back, I remember when Bonnet Creek Parkway was a two-lane road and there was a lonely blinking traffic light at the intersection with Ft. Wilderness (before Port Orleans!)

Have fun.

 

[dennise]

We drove through IW just last week, we were scouting out a property for our son. I think it is still the closest to Disney, it looked tidy, but we didn't drive up each street. It is so convenient to Disney, shopping, a Super Wallmart and Publix. I would certainly consider it. Where would I find a map that would show the area, with possibly the resorts or rental homes on it?

 

[EPCOT66bye]

Dennise:

I just simply used google maps so I could look around at street level, but that doesn't indicate the rental status. I've seen several recommendations for VRBO.com (vacation rental by owner) and that's how I ended up finding djwrentals.com. There are a few other national listing sites, but just google "orlando vacation rental" and you'll have enough hits to keep you busy. Most sites have maps or overviews of their locations, but the quality and accuracy vary. Good luck!