Emerald Island info?

[crystalprincess]

Hi,

We have booked a villa in Emerald Island resort with James villa holidays, and we leave in 3 weeks.

Just wondered if any of you extremley knowledgable people would be able to give me any first hand info on the EI resort and surrounding area?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

I have never stayed there but have driven around the development plus stayed at other villas in the area.

Emerald Island is very nice, a good mixture of villas of various sizes.

Location is perfect, very close to the 192 and Formosa Gardens boulevard junction.
A Publix supermarket less than a mile away (turn left at 192/FG junction, about half a mile up on the right hand side).
Restuarants such as Outback, Bob Evans, IHOP, Golden Corral etc all within easy reach.

Disney 15 minutes or so drive away, and I4 access good too.

You will have to drive everywhere, nothing within walking distance.

The area in general has suffered slightly with the closing down of Splendid China, to be honest it would be nice if something could replace it, but overall your location is perfect.

 

[UKDEB]

Emerald Island is one of the more upscale sub-divisions and in a great location amongst the closest communities to WDW. You can be on WDW property within 5 minutes using the Sherberth Road shortcut, and parked up in the Animal Kingdom parking lot within 10. You're looking at around 15 minutes for Epcot and MGM, and probably around 30 minutes to the gates of MK given that it's the furthest away and you have to park at the TTC and then take the ferry or monorail. There aren't many places offsite where you could beat those times and certainly no villas that I know of.

If you like to walk, or want to go out to eat once or twice without having to drive, it's certainly possible to get to the Formosa Gardens Shopping Center on foot - a friend of mine does it often. It's about 10 minutes from the entrance to EI, but the precise time will depend on the location of your villa - EI has a long entry road. There are even sidewalks for the purpose - those Americans thinks of everything! There's a Wynn Dixie supermarket at the FGSC (although we prefer the Publix which Johnny mentions), together with some smaller (albeit not particularly exciting) shops and plenty of eateries; both fast food and full service.

Emerald Island itself is a gated resort with communal facilities including a swimming pool and spa, tennis and volleyball courts, children's play areas, a gym, video arcade and a clubhouse (although it misses a trick, in my view, as it doesn't have a bar). If you're anything like us, you probably won't find time to use these facilities, but they're a nice touch.

 

[UKDEB]

Oh, I've just noticed that you've stayed at Oak Island Cove - Emerald Island is right next door, LOL!

 

[psharrock]

Hi

EI is next left after Oak Island, the new toll road doesn't affect EI at all.

The location is ideal for disney, and surrounding shops and restaurants.

Paul

 

[crystalprincess]

Thanks for the info....

I knew that Emerald Island was close to Oak Island but I didnt realise it was next door!

At least I know how to get there!

We have never shopped at publix (or target for that matter) always winn-dixie or Walmart on the US27.

Would you say publix is better for groceries?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Would you say publix is better for groceries?

I would say definitely yes, a big supermarket with a good all round choice, similar to a Morrison's (Safeway) I guess.

Never used Winn-Dixie, but if deciding between Walmart and Publix for food/grocery shopping frankly (in my opinion) it's no contest. Publix wins hands down.

 

[Haworthfamily]

We are staying at Emerald Island in 11 days YEAH!
We love it there, we laways re turn tot he same villa, because we can such a good deal.
The location for Disney is fantastic only a 5 minute drive down the 192.
The play areas is great for DD5 and my little Sis 26 was really thankful for the internet cafe.
But Like UK Deb said we never get anywhere near using the facilities - too busy! just our pool - for soaking sore feet!

As for supermarket from there we use - Publix - we love it loads of choice and goodies!

Enjoy

 

[UKDEB]

I definitely prefer Publix for choice and quality. Albertsons is possibly even better, but you won't find one closeby. I'm not a lover of Wal*Mart at all, but I was pleasantly surprised at the food section when we took a look a couple of years ago - not what I was expecting at all. They even had live lobster!

 

[caz]

We stayed there last year and are going again in May ! It is the best area we have evr stayed and we loved it. Great location. And yes PUBLIX definately is better for groceries imo

 

[juliebro]

We stayed there last year and are going again in 18 days! Definitely a great location and facilities.

Haworthfamily - would love to know how good a deal you get - and who with!

Julie

 

[crystalprincess]

Wow, it looks like EI will be a celebration of the disboardies in a few weeks!!

I would love to know who you book privately with too, we booked with James Villas for the first time, not sure what its going to be like, but i feel more confident knowing that its a convenient and up and together resort.

We've booked a 6 bedroomed villa for £1200 it seemed a decent price at the time, I tried booking privately but as it was so close to our dates (tried to book in February, as original villa booked, owners let us down!!) most were booked up.

It would be good to know of reliable private rentals on this resort, for next time (sssh dont tell hubby!)

 

[MYDISNEYHOUSES]

I hope you all have a great trip to EI. We love it there too!!

The location is great and there are starting to be some activities in the clubhouse. There is an Easter egg hunt if anyone will be there over Easter.

 

[MYDISNEYHOUSES]

I did want to mention that EI is in the process of getting the approvals for the Tiki bar. It is not open yet, but it should be shortly along with a small shop. There are also some planned activities. There was a St Patricks party with a Karaoke contest with prices and games for the children. It appeared to be a great success.

The clubhouse now sells discounted park tickets.