Emerald Island

[alrightythen]

So, for those of you that have stayed there....

how close is each of the parks?

how easy/convenient is it to get to the parks?

are the pools heated?

are there restaurants and grocery stores closeby?

Any additional details you can provide are great! We are staying there in January. Thanks!

 

[KayR]

how close is each of the parks?

Disney Parks: AK is closest at approx 5-7 mins driving time. DHS & EPCOT are next approx 10 mins driving, MK is furthest and is approx 15 mins driving

Seaworld is 15-20mins
Universal 20-25 mins

how easy/convenient is it to get to the parks?

Easy, for WDW you can use sherbeth road or the main entrance off 192, but sherbeth feels quicker (and definitely is for AK). Allow time for parking and getting to the front entrance of the park, but we find it a breeze.

are the pools heated?

Community pools are heated in cooler weather. Private pools (if staying in a pool home) are usually by arrangement with the owner and for a fee)

are there restaurants and grocery stores closeby?

Yup. Approx 1 mile away (or less - haven't measured it!) is the Formosa Gardens Plaza with Outback, Giordanos, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, Carrabbas, Cracker Barrel. Other restaurants nearby on the 192 (in both directions) include CiCi's Pizza, Key W Cools IHOP, and more. Rolling Oaks (new shopping area near 429/192 has Longhorn Steakhouse, Chillis, Flippers).

Groceries: nearest, but most expensive is at Formosa Gardens Plaza. Go towards the 429 (left on the 192) and you will find a Publix and across the street at Rolling Oaks a new Super Target (with food store and Starbucks!). A bit further down on the 27 just north of the 192 is a 24hr Super Walmart (and yes, I have been there shopping at 2 am for groceries on the night we arrived!)

Love the location. The resort feels green and expansive. Clubhouse has activities on (they had face painting (free), bingo, karaoke and more when we were there) some things are free, some have a fee. There is a tiki hut bar at the clubhouse selling drinks and food.


HTH

-Kay

 

[isla bonita]

Kay gave you some great info. Here is a bit more.

Here are some pics.
http://www.emerald-island.info/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQLTVQbVMnY


Here is some info from the eir website.
http://www.emeraldislandhoa.org/outside_home.asp

Here is the shopping plaza a few minutes away.
http://formosagardensvillage.com/

Have a great holiday.

 

[alrightythen]

Thanks SO much!!!

 

[mnrose]

I agree that it's extremely convenient to get to the parks, and to grocery stores, etc. The Publix was maybe 10 minutes away, and most of that was spent waiting at lights...it's not far at all. Well stocked store. Many, many options for restaurants...ranging from cheapo buffets to better sit down places. You won't go hungry that's for sure.

The one thing I wanted to add about the parks is that it took us about 35 minutes, maybe a bit more, door to front gate, at MK because of the TTC thing. You can get there in 15-20 minutes, but then you walk from the parking lot (or wait for the tram), and then catch a monorail. It still is about equally convenient (IMO) with most of the resorts, and the whole walk to the bus stop, wait for the bus, ride the bus, etc routine. So, other than being 'equally convenient' access to MK (as compared to on-site), Emerald Island is MUCH faster to all the other parks. So quick to Animal Kingdom! And just a few more minutes to DHS and Epcot.

You'll like it!