Help! Need Resort Advice!

[pjfnme]

Well...as usual, my procrastination trying to make a decision has resulted in my loss of most of my options! I had finally decided on the VV at parkway only to find that everything there was now gone. So...now, I have to choose between places that I have not done any research on whatsoever. I am looking for a nice resort..close to WDW. These are the ones I have to choose from..any help would be SOOOO much appreciated!!!!

1. Summer Bay Resort (not Villas)

2. Parkway International

3. Celebrity Resorts Orlando - Resort World

4. The Fountains Resort

5. Magic Tree Resort

6. Kingstown Reef

7. Celebrity Resorts - Resort World 2

8. Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles

9. Florida Vacation Villas Club 1

10. High Point World Resort


Please Help Me!!!!!

 

[robinb]

I would check over at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ for reviews .

 

[pjfnme]

I have checked on tripadvisor but, as with anything..there are good and bad and it is impossible to choose. That was the problem I had to begin with and why I lost the other one I had finally decided to book. I just thought maybe someone would know something about one of them that could sway me one way or the other.

I am really leaning towards Summer Bay Resort...any thoughts on them?? There are a lot of good (and bad) reports for them....

 

[robinb]

Sorry, the only one on your list that I stayed at was Parkway International and that was years ago.

Are you trading a timeshare? Maybe the Timeshare User's Group might help: www.tug2.net . I think there is a $15 fee for joining.

 

[Lisa P.]

I've visited Summer Bay and The Fountains, only read about the others. My preferences would be (in order):

The Fountains
Sunterra Polynesian Isles
Summer Bay Resort

But that's me - I like resorts with nice pools, landscaping and surroundings, quality room furnishings and solid maintenance (but the place doesn't have to be top-of-the-line fancy) and a few extra activities onsite for teens/adults. Children's activities are not very important in our family because our youngest kids are 17. List some of YOUR priorities. What is most important to you when choosing?

Deluxe room furnishings & feel? The Fountains Resort, perhaps Summer Bay Resort and renovated rooms at Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles

Good inroom amenities? Summer Bay Resort, The Fountains Resort, Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles

Really spacious rooms? Summer Bay Resort, The Fountains Resort, Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles and Celebrity Resorts Orlando - Resort World (from what I've read)

Attractive landscaping and a resort-y outdoors? Sunterra Resorts Polynesian Isles, Summer Bay Resort

Poolside bar/grill/food? Summer Bay Resort, The Fountains Resort, maybe others too

Indoor/outdoor pool? The Fountains Resort, nice for winter travel

Many kid-friendly activities? Summer Bay Resort

Lake sports onsite? Summer Bay Resort

Closest location to WDW? Magic Tree Resort

Closest to Sea World and other I-Drive attractions? The Fountains Resort, Kingstown Reef

I really don't know much about these - Parkway International, Florida Vacation Villas Club 1, High Point World Resort - except that High Point is basic, clean and apartment-like. HTH! Have a fun trip wherever you stay!

 

[Brian Noble]

I think Poly Isles is a good balance of quality and proximity to the parks. Fountains is a good location too. For me, Summer Bay is too far out unless I've got one of the Houses.

 

[BeckyV]

I agree with LisaP about The Fountains. Some family members have stayed there for two years in a row and love it. It is close to WDW and easy access.

 

[pjfnme]

I've visited Summer Bay and The Fountains, only read about the others. My preferences would be (in order):

The Fountains
Sunterra Polynesian Isles
Summer Bay Resort

But that's me - I like resorts with nice pools, landscaping and surroundings, quality room furnishings and solid maintenance (but the place doesn't have to be top-of-the-line fancy) and a few extra activities onsite for teens/adults. Children's activities are not very important in our family because our youngest kids are 17. List some of YOUR priorities. What is most important to you when choosing?

QUOTE]


Thanks so much for your wonderful and comprehensive response!! Honestly, I don't have a lot of "have to's" but, I would say that at the top of my important list would be:

1. Quality room furnishings (does not have to be luxury but, good current style) and good in-room amenities (washer/dryer, kitchen, refrigerator, etc). We like to stay in "nice" places so, I definitely would not want something that was built many years ago and had never undergone a refurbishment.

2. Proximity to WDW -- we we have a car and don't mind a drive but, really don't want to be driving 15-20 minutes just to get to Disney property.

3. Nice surrounding area -- we would not want to stay anywhere that had a run-down feel to it. A pool is a nice addition but, I dont' know if we would be using it a lot.

4. Close parking -- we normally stay in a house and have our own garage..so, we would not want to walk a long way just to get to our condo.


With that said....would the Fountains be our best choice?

Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[mckymama]

Will you have a car? These are rental homes/condos/townhomes and they are so nice! We love staying there. If interested, go to www.vrbo.com. Click on Florida, of course, and then Kissimmee. Look for the ones with "Windsor" in the titles. Sorry, I can't comment on your other hotels as I've not been to any of them. I hope you have a great trip.
Laura

 

[Lisa P.]

Nice room, reasonably short drive to WDW, pleasant grounds, convenient parking to the condo... I'd agree with Brian Noble, and choose Polynesian Isles or perhaps The Fountains. Summer Bay would fit those too, except it's a bit further drive. HTH! Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[spiceycat]

agree Fountains or Polyn isles