Fairfield Cypress vs Silver Lake

[KLAIT]

Can anyone do a comparison on these 2 resorts? I have read threads about them individually, but I think that has me more confused.

Anyone stayed at both? There are 3 of us so we would need at least 2 beds...not a sofa sleeper...would probably go with a 2 bedroom. Will be 2 adults and a 7 yo.

Anyone have any pictures of either resort?

Thanks!

 

[bearzabout]

I've stayed at both and like them both.

Differences:

Silver Lake is closer. Only about 5 minutes from Animal Kingdom. The drive is a pleasant, relatively traffic-free trip down Sherbeth Rd. just west of the World. The Fairfield is east on 192, which can be quite congested with traffic. Count on at least a 20-minute drive.

UNITS: The Fairfield feels more like home. It has carpeting (albeit rather stained and dirty) instead of tile and an upholstered sofa (instead of rattan with cushions). Silver Lake is more utilitarian, rather than comfy.

The Fairfield is a stone's throw from a Cracker Barrel. Nice if you like to go out for breakfast. Other nearby restaurants include Macaroni Grill, Chili’s & Pizzeria Uno.

A McDonald's is close to Silver Lake.

Silver Lake is undergoing repainting and new construction. Expect unfinished landscaping and torn up areas as well as some construction noise. Call the resort to find out the current construction status. The Fairfield Resort is complete.

Both units were nicely maintained, but the staff entered my unit more at Fairfield. They could get through the deadbolt and enter when I was inside. One time they entered when I was in the tub.

The units in the Fairfield are quieter. The washer/dryer unit abuts an outside wall so you can do laundry at any time without worrying about disturbing the neighbors. The unit is in the kitchen (instead of the master bath), which was more convenient. The Silver Lake units that face the pool are too noisy for me.

I'd stick with a two bedroom only at each resort. Both resorts have large and small one-bedroom units. The smaller one bedroom is a small lock off unit that combines with a larger one-bedroom unit to create a two bedroom. These smaller one bedrooms are too small (especially for three) IMHO.

I liked both resorts. Check out the following web sites for more pictures.


http://www.efairfield.com/inside/resorts/0021.asp

http://www.silverlake.net/

I hope this helps.

 

[KLAIT]

bearzabout

Thanks for the info....can you tell me how the pool area and grounds compare? We are planning some pool time this year instead of parks everyday from open to close.....

What about the game room or on-site places to grab a quick bite?

 

[bearzabout]

I have not used the pool at either location. A soak in my unit's jacuzzi tub suited me better after a long day at the parks.

I pulled out my map of Fairfield's Cypress Palms. It has two pools. One is more centrally located and one is at the far east end of the complex next to the activities building. Each pool also has a hot tub. Pool one by the activities club was a long walk from some units.

Cypress Palms has a "Get out and Play" program that offered a variety of activites every day, many for an additional fee. Examples on one day included: Fitness Walk, T-shirt Art, Ice Cream Social, Kids Pool Games, Scavenger Hunt, Kids Night Out Activities.

There is no restaurant on property, but the restaurants I listed and a Krispy Cream store are very close. They also have a BBQ area on site.

The resort is finished with parking on the entry side of all of the 3-4 story units. The balconies face a nice pond and the restaurants are in the distance.

Silver Lake has one large pool. A cabana at the end serves food throughout the day. There are also various activities offered. I know they have an arcade and I think they have a movie theatre as well.

The grounds were a mess on our last visit. Silver Lake is still under construction. They had just finished one building and had construction equipment scattered around other building sites during our last visit 10/03. Half the complex was the old mauve color and they had repainted the other half a nice combination of yellow and white. It will look great when it is done, but I would call them to check the current status.

I'd call both resorts and get more accurate details.

Silver Lake Resort
7751 Black Lake Road
Kissimmee FL 34747
407-397-2828
(800) 226-6090
Fax: 407-397-9829

Fairfield Orlando at Cypress Palms
5300 Fairfield Lake Drive
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 397-1600

 

[Lisa P.]

Klait, we've stayed at both within the last 2.5 years also. We thought both were nice places and you'd probably enjoy either one for a vacation with a couple resort relaxation days. We found the drive 5-10 minutes from Silver Lake and 10-15 minutes from Fairfield Cypress Palms, depending on the park. Both were close enough to take a midday break if that's desired, IMHO.

Silver Lake offered a much larger game room, poolside food cabana, larger central pool area, somewhat larger fitness center. They do have a theater but use may use it for sales presentations. Some rooms overlook Sherberth Rd which means they may be noisy without a pleasant view. The larger rooms are in the (slightly) older buildings, which are 3 stories without elevators.

FF Cypress Palms offered two pool areas (closer walk from any room), more organized games and activities - even free borrowing of pool noodles, inner tubes and board games. This is a newer resort so all buildings have elevators. It's within easy walking distance of the restaurants mentioned above, with lovely landscaping and pleasant views from nearly all rooms, IMHO. The playgrounds are comparable though FFCP's is mostly covered overhead so would be better in hot weather.

Both resorts offer guests access to a computer, both have concierge/ticket/reservation services, both have activities desks, both have nice, clean, heated pools with plentiful seating, hot tubs, kiddie pools. If you're comparing 2BRs at both, FF is my preference. Silver Lake is certainly a nice place to stay. We'd enjoy a return visit to either one. HTH.