Help--heading to WDW for 1st time and need recommendations for home rentals

[edwardsmt]

Hi everyone. My family and I are heading to WDW for my and the kids 1st time (DH went sometime in the 80s). We are staying Jan 20-27 and flying out on the 28th. We are currently booked at Shades of Green, but are traveling with both sets of Grandparents and I have just learned that we can save quite a bit by renting a house. I dove in and am going blind looking online. We need at least 4 bedrooms and a sofa bed or 5 bedrooms and don't want to be more than 5 miles from the gate because I've heard the traffic can be daunting. Does anyone have any recommendations of places to stay? To make it cost effective we really can't spend more than $800 including taxes and pool costs. I'd really appreciate any assistance all of you experts out there can provide! Thanks!!!

 

[FLParadisevilla]

hello.
You can look at www.vrbo.com
www.onlinefloridavillas.com
www.orlandovillaowners.com
you will want to look at Emerald Island, Oak Island Cove, Indian Creek,
Lindfields, Rolling Hills, Windsor Palms, I have hear about Windsor Hills but I personally don't know much about that neighborhood.
I hope that helps! Have a great Vacation!

 

[edwardsmt]

That narrows down the field, it's overwhelming!

 

[mbb]

You can also check our Review Board

Just look up at the very top of the page.

There are a few homes up there (hopefully we'll get more home reviews as time goes on!), to get you started

The neighbourhoods that FlParadiseVilla mentioned are all very close to WDW, and all the other amenities that you would want too.

We like a few of the developments out on Hwy27 as well.

There's lots of choice for everyone when it comes to accomodations!!

Let us know if you have any more questions - villa vacations just can't be beat. Key is finding an owner that you can feel comfortable with

 

[HeatherC]

Here's another vote for Windsor Hills or Windsor Palms. Both are very close to Disney.

Check out www.homeaway.com also....if someone hasn't mentioned it already. A lot of the listings show you actual pictures. Same with www.villadirect.com.

There are so many awesome places to rent in Orlando that it's always hard for me to plan a place somewhere else. I keep comparing the space and price to Disney.

Have a wonderful trip.
HeatherC

 

[edwardsmt]

I found what appears to be a pretty good deal, but it requires traveling up 27 a couple of miles and then over 192 for about 7 miles. Is this a big deal as far as traffic goes??? Thanks!

 

[tednvon]

Hi..to be very honest, this is not a bad tip at all, but does involve a lot stop lights that have been added on 27 and 192 in the last few years...

It is definately now about 20 minutes to the parks from south on 27 with the new lights...just FYI...

Your dates are low season and there should be lots of good deals from owners the week you want to go...I would double check in Indian Creek, Rolling Hills, Emerald Island, Oak Island Cove, and Indian Ridge as they are much closer to Disney, and have some great 4-6 bedroom homes for a good prices...If you would want a condo, I know Emerald Island has some 4 bedroom 3 bath condos that go for a good price off season...nice big club house pool and hot tub is available...good luck...Ted

 

[JANNYANS]

Staying at Lake Davenport is no big deal there is only one set of traffic lights at Polo Park between the community and 192 . It is approximately 1 1/2 miles from 192 junction and means you can use the Sherberth Road to get to AK and Osceola Parkway or the new west entrance for disney to get to the other parks although this route may not be a lot quicker there are not traffic lights or a lot of traffic on it

 

[spiceycat]

here is a map
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

most of the homes here are 7 to 30 minutes away from WDW.

 

[spiceycat]

on the new by pass - there is a new toll road - not on this map.

anyone got one with the new toll road plus the houses?

 

[edwardsmt]

I feel like the Verizon guy with my own network. Thanks so much for all your help. I'm narrowing the search. Lindfields or Indian Ridge? Any thoughts? I noticed Lindfields means being on Route 192 for about 3 more miles which according to mapquest adds 5 minutes, but looking at the number of intersections w/possible lights, I'm wondering what "real time" is.

Thanks!

 

[FLParadisevilla]

You do have your own network isnt it great!!

 

[Sunrisedream]

There is a road called Funie Steed which runs parallel with the 192 through Lindfields, past Sunset Lakes, Emerald Isle and Oak Island Cove, do a left onto Formosa Blvd, you join the 192, then Sherberth Rd(short cut to Disney) is the next intersection.

 

[edwardsmt]

Any idea how long, on average, this route via Funie Steed takes? Also, if traveling from Indian Ridge, is it wise to go the back way via Formosa Gardens Blvd rather than Route 545? Thanks!

 

[tednvon]

Hi again, we stay at Indian Ridge for 3 months in the winter and love it...It is an older neighborhood built about 10-12 years ago...Lots of 3 to 4 bedroom two bath homes that are very very nice, but not spectacular. Lots are a little larger than than some of the new developments.

About half the homes are rentals and about half are owner occupied so you will have kids headed for school buses in the mornings and a few yards that look a little kid friendly.

Most of these homes have a great feature off the master bath. There is a door to the pool area. So you can come from the pool right into a bath with a shower and not drip water all over the family room.

To get to Disney, here is the slickest way via Sherberth...
Exit the front of IRidge and go left onto HWY 545 or Old Lake Wilson (no need to take Formosa Gardens Blvd IMHO)...after you pass Windsor Hills start looking for a left turn into Westgate Villas, (Westgate BLVD) It will be hard to see the first time as the sign faces away from you coming from IRidge...Turn left and drive a short way to a little roundabout by the guard building to Westgate...turn onto the roundabout and go immediatly right before the guard house...You are now on Entry Point RD....go straight to the stop light on 192 and go straight through onto Sherberth RD. Take Sherberth for about 1 1/2 miles..You will see Everest on the right and if look straight down the road you will see a big green tree top that is a different color than the other trees...that is the Tree of Life in AK...WOW!!

Now take a couple of curves and come to a stop light that says Osceola Parkway...turn right and follow the sign to all Disney parks...AK comes up quickly...the rest are a bit of drive and then a left turn at a stop light...AK LODGE is to your left at the first stop light...go visit here just to see the cool lobby and go outside to watch the amimals...also Boma's is one of the best places to eat at Disney...ALWAYS FIGURE 10-15 MINUTES TO PARKING LOTS FROM IRIDGE ( you will be "in Disney" in 6-7minutes but remember it is 40 square MILES once inside so driving time really varies by destination)...MIGHT BE LESS BUT THAT IS A BONUS!

To exit Disney...follow the signs in Disney to Animal Kingdom...there will be a very short turn or two off the main drags....JUST BEFORE AK IS A SIGN THAT SAYS ANIMAL KINGDOM AND ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE...stay left to the lodge and you will be back at the stop light...turn left on Sherberth...straight across 192...down to the roundabout...go all the way around and turn right onto Westgate Blvd to Old Lake Wilson and right back to IRidge...Piece of cake!!!

Sounds complex but after the 1st time you will be an expert...It is really short trip to Disney this way...

Again, I think Indian Ridge is great. Bonus...almost all the homes have gas heat for the pools so you will guaranteed a nice warm pool no matter what the outside temp...enjoy!!

By the way, you will be our neighbors that week, if any questions just send a PMessage on this board...

Ted