Help, how close am I to the Parks

[magic kingdom park]

We are planning our second Disney trip in Oct, last year we stayed at Orange Lake, it was super nice and close to restraunts and grocery, and I think it took us about 10 to 15 minutes to get to the Parks, it wasn't bad, but this year I was trying to get closer to the parks and wanting some input, I have got three that I think are closer to the parks, I am not for sure so I need some help with the quality of these resorts and the closeness to Disney and if they are restraunts and grocery stores close. The resorts are Sabel Palms (world Center Drive) Embassy Vacation Resort at Grand Beach and Sunterra Resort (lake Bryan Blvd.), the last two resorts have the same address can anyone explain this place. Thanks

 

[winniedapooh]

Hmm I don't recognize any. Maybe if you try their websites and then look at a map of the area.....

 

[threeboysmom]

I haven't heard of any of those either. Have you looked into Sheraton's Vistana Resort? This property is VERY close to Disney - just a short 5 minute drive down Rt. 536 with no traffic. We really love the location. We stayed at Orange Lake last year, and you're right, it was quite a distance to get onto Disney property.

 

[Lisa P.]

Sabel Palms (world Center Drive)

I believe this is Marriott Sabal Palms, which is located on the grounds of the Marriott Orlando World Center. These are all 2BR timeshare condos. They have their own quiet pool but guests may walk or take a free shuttle van to the MOWC and use the amenities there. If you will have teens or just want all the shops, restaurants and fancy pools that you would find at the MOWC, then this is a nice place. It's pretty close to DTD, not far from Vistana, a mile or less. Here's the Marriott website for this resort. You can verify the address by clicking "About the Resort" and scrolling down.

Embassy Vacation Resort at Grand Beach and Sunterra Resort (lake Bryan Blvd.), the last two resorts have the same address can anyone explain this place.

Sure. First it was a timeshare run by one company, then part of the property was sold for development by the other company. But the guests staying in either section share all the amenities. From the exterior, I understand that they look the same. However, inside the Embassy buildings, all condos are 3BRs. The Sunterra buildings contain 3BR lockoffs, which may be used as separate 1BR & 2BR condos as well. This place is quieter and has a less fancy pool area than MOWC. The rooms are reportedly quite large and nice. It's supposed to be very, very close by. Here's the Sunterra website and another page with photos of the resort.

I'm thinking that all of these options are approximately the same distance and drive time to the WDW parks.

 

[iluvflorida]

Hi Lisa. None of the ones you listed will be any closer than OLCC was. Westgate Villas or Wyndam Palms might be a little closer maybe. You don't get much closer than 10 minutes off site.

 

[magic kingdom park]

Threeboysmom, maybe you can help, first thanks for info, my friend that I am getting a RCI timeshare from just told me today that the Vistana is open for the week that I am planning my trip, she said this place was very nice, can you give me any details on what part to stay in? Is it as big as Orange Lake?, when we stayed there we stayed on the first street to the right, past the guard shack, I don't know what that section was called, thanks

 

[momof2inPA]

Marriott World Center is right next to the Disney World property sign, so it must be the closest and with the least traffic to get to the parks, where as Vistana is less than a mile down the road from the Marriott. They're all close, though.

 

[threeboysmom]

Magic Kingdom Park - If Vistana is available for your dates, I would grab it! The most requested section is the Cascades section (it is their newest). Make sure when your friends reserves a week for you that he/she reserves an 8/6 max. occupany, not a 6/6 as that will be their oldest section. Vistana is big (it has 7 pools!), but not nearly as large as Orange Lake (which was a negative for us - we needed a car to get anywhere on property). You will love it - it is beautifully landscaped and the units are constantly being renovated & updated.