I've never stayed there but very close by in the Rolling Hills and Windsor Palms sections many times. FGE are much larger homes than surrounding areas and the size of the lots were larger too. Homes being built now are really squeezed in tightly.
We once wanted to drive thru to look at some homes but it has a gate at the entrace and you need to enter a code to enter.
We really enjoy staying offsite in pool homes. If you don't mind giving up some services like room service, towel service, beds made, trash removal, etc. it's a great trade off to gain so much extra space, privacy and quiet. No kids running outside your door. I also like having a full kitchen not so much to cook (it is a vacation right?) but to have real coffee in my pjs, making microwave popcorn, freezing bottled water to take to parks, keeping a box of popsicles, little things like that.
It's also nice to have a W/D though not everyone would agree. We only pack about 3 sets of clothes pp so we can just do carry on luggage. Since I'm not sharing a public w/d, I can pop some in when we leave for the parks, dry when we get back and fold later before bed with no worry that I'm holding things up for other users. Of course if you don't even want to look at a W/D your whole trip, you don't have to.
We also like have some private adult time. Heck, it's our vacation too.
Something that's def. not an option when your kids are right next to you.
Many gargages have been converted to game rooms with a pool table, air hockey, etc. If you have kids old enough, they'll enjoy this and it's free.
You mentioned you have a 1 y.o. When you first enter, check that the alarm works on the doors leading to the pool. It's required by law but one house we rented, it was not functioning. Our kids were older and strong swimmers so we didn't fuss but if I had a child who couldn't swim, I wouldn't spend a minute in a home w/ no alarm. Call owner or mgt. service immediately!!
We don't mind driving to the parks. For every Diser who lists WDW bussing as a perk, you read another post complaining about the long waits.
You can get great deals on rental cars if you check out
www.mousesavers.com
We try to stick to the onsite companies so we don't have to take another shuttle to get to the car: Budget, Alamo, National,
Avis, Dollar and maybe more.
There's a great shortcut thru sort of a back entrance to WDW property. AK will be less than a 10 min. ride from FGE.
From Formosa Gardens Blvd. turn right onto Rt. 192 east, at next intersection/light turn left onto Sherberth Rd. Stay on Sherberth Rd. to the traffic light, AKL will be just to your left, but turn right. All signs are now familiar WDW signs.
Entrance to AK is less than 1 mile down on your left. Signs are all very easy to follow to all parks.
To return "home" from parks, follow Disney signs for AKL. When you come to a traffic light with AKL
directly in front of you, you will see the green non-WDW type street sign is Sherberth Rd. again. Turn left and it takes you back to Rt. 192. Then left on Formosa Gardens Blvd.
Look on Mapquest to see what I mean.
To get started look up Spinning Silk Ct., Kissimmee, FL 34747. This is right in the center of FGE.
Enjoy your stay!!
We had been planning to stay at the Grand Floridian but I decided I really wanted separate rooms for my kids -- my one year old still wakes in the middle of the night and I didn't want big sister to be woken up too. The pictures look great, and having our own kiddie pool is going to be lots of fun.
