Help rate these timeshare resorts :)

[madge]

We are booking a last minute vacation to Orlando (leaving in 2 weeks ). yay! It will likely not be a true WDW vacation, with a few trips over to the WDW property. We are eligible to stay at the following resorts, and I would love some input! I have searched extensively about the age and cleanliness, as well as service at these timeshare resorts. I think I have it narrowed down to the best of the resorts we are eligible for (through www.afvclub.com) I am most interested in the pool, children's activities, location to the Orlando theme parks, etc....Thanks!

Westgate Vacation Villas (2 BR)
Silver Lake Resort (2 BR)
Summer Bay Resort OR the Villas at Summer Bay (2 BR)
Fairfield Orlando at Cypress Palms (1 BR)
Polynesian Isle
Cypress Pointe Grandevillas
Grand Beach

apparently, I missed the boat--there was a spot at HGVC Seaworld I was very interested in, but it gone this morning.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

hi, i have no clue about any of them,but i can say that i am leaving next saturday and will be staying cypress pointe grand villas. i hope they are nice. good luck, wish i could be of more assistance.
misty

 

[Figment1964]

Originally posted by madge
Polynesian Isle
Cypress Pointe Grandevillas

We just returned from Polynesian Isles (our home resort) and we've stayed there numerous times. We really like it there. It doesn't have a lot of things going on at the resort but the pools and the spas are nice. They don't have a children's program that we know of, and it's just down I-192 from Old Town on Polynesian Isles Blvd. The drive to/from WDW was super easy and quick (only about 4 miles). We like to go back there, just because it's "ours" but that being said...

Given the choices you've got from this list, I'd choose Cypress Pointe. We toured there a few weeks ago and thought the units were really nice. Polynesian Isles is more spread out and not as many units which we really like, but these are a bit newer. It's closer to WDW, but not as direct of a route, if I'm remembering correctly. I'm not sure what amenities that CP offers but their pools looked nice, too. The main one had a very short enclosed water slide.

Hope that helps!

 

[RAMWDWFAN]

madge,

My family owns a Fairfield timeshare and we have stayed at Cypress Palms several times. It's great in every area! The rooms are very clean and well appointed. The employees are very friendly and responsive to your needs. The resort is right off of 192 and the Krispy Kreme donut shop is at the corner. You will have a great time there.

 

[Belle1962]

RUN as fast as you can from Westgate Villas. Our family had such a horrid experience there we wouldn't spend ONE night there EVER EVER again. Here's our story: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14259&highlight=westgate

 

[Lisa P.]

We'd skip the Westgate VV, due to very inconsistent reviews... some awful!

We're staying at Silver Lake in a couple week ourselves & looking forward to it, based on generally positive reviews. If the unit you're getting is a 2BR that sleeps 6, I understand it's in a newer building but the rooms are small and not as well supplied. If the unit you're getting is a 2BR that sleeps 8, they sound very nice, spacious and well-maintained. That's what we've got planned. The clubhouse and activities offered appeal to us.

Reviews for the Villas at Summer Bay are not nearly as good as those for Summer Bay. Summer Bay is a pretty resort with a very attractive main pool area and lakefront water activities. This resort is a little bit further from the parks than the others on your list.

Fairfield Orlando at Cypress Palms has two different kinds of 1BR villas. There's a standard 1BR, with LR and mini-kitchen. Then there's a deluxe 1BR with full kitchen and the MBR has a large jacuzzi tub. These are often combined as a huge lock-off 2BR. I'd only choose a 1BR if you know for certain that it's a deluxe -OR- you will only have a small child with you. 4 adults would be rather tight in a standard 1BR, IMHO. The pools and amenities are supposed to be very nice, though not extensive. We really like the high quality of the rooms at the newer Fairfield properties, like this one. (We're partial - we own timeshare points with Fairfield. )

Polynesian Isle is often described as the person above describes it... attractive, smaller resort with good pools and pretty landscaping.

Cypress Pointe Grandevillas and Grand Beach both offer nice 2BR and 3BR villas (small studios, small 1BRs). They are both pretty popular (though smaller resorts), especially for larger families. CP has the small poolslide and GB offers a lake view and a simpler pool.

Overall, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of these (except, perhaps, this Westgate). We'd book a stay at one of them. Enjoy your trip! We'll probably be there, overlapping your stay! Can't wait!

 

[madge]

everyone's information has been great....based on that and what is available, here's what I have it narrowed down to:


Silver Lake a 2 BR that sleeps 8

Summer Bay a 2 BR that sleeps 8

Fairfield Cypress Palms a 1 BR with a full kitchen

I really like tha location of Grand Beach , but they only have a 1 BR with a mini kitchen and I don't think that will be quite large enough for our needs. Cypress Pointe Grande Villas isn't available today, but the availabilty is always changing as people change their plans.

I know where Silver Lake is, on the 192 end near the AK, but I am not familiar with the locations of the other resorts. Are they centrally located to all 3 theme park areas? Does one stand out as much better than the others for children (7 and 12)?

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Ecdubfan]

We stayed at Westgate Vacationb Villas in May and would not recommend it. It was OK, but there were many little things during the week that added up to an overall unfavorable opinion. If you are doing just parks, it will suffice yoru needs. We encountered many unfriendly employees, a strong sales effort, and questionable maintenance issues (mold around pools, missing inventory items, and leaky air conditioner).

We own at Fairfield Cypress Palms and would recommend (of course ). The rooms are nice and modern and the property is well maintained. There are not a whole lot of activities though, but it is perfect if you will be spending the majority of your time at the various attractions.

 

[chach]

We have stayed at several timeshares in Florida but the only one on your list was the Silver Lake. Even comparing
Silver Lake to some of the resorts like Orange Lake and Vistana,
I liked Silver Lake the best. The reason I like it is that it is a smaller resort. I liked being able to walk around the resort and to the pool without jumping in the car. There were a few organized activities for the kids but not many. The other major factor was that the resort was only a "stones throw away" from
the Disney property and you could get there without taking any of the major roads.

 

[bearzabout]

We felt Summer Bay was too far from the parks - 20 minutes or so on busy 192. The older units are, in our opinion, small and not very well built. We had to wear hearing protection in the whirlpool since it was so loud. I could have done without the company the cockroaches in the kitchen. We paid only $25 a night but would not return for free.

 

[Tiger Fan]

We've stayed at Orange Lake and love it. We will be staying at Silver Lake in November (2bd-sleeps 8) and can hardly wait. It is soooo close to WDW property it should be wonderful. We've read great reviews. Post when you return. Enjoy.

Lisa

 

[sln88]

Many of these resorts are available through Skyauction. Are you guys all owners or renters or.....? I am currently bidding on a place for a reasonable price, but since I have never used Skyauction before, I am nervous about what I will get, and if there are any hidden strings attached.
Have any of you tried this?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Do any of you know anything about the Fairfield Orlando Star Island? How close is it to the parks? Is it nice? I have a friend who has points with fairfield. Thnks for the info!

 

[sandys1294]

hi i know this wasn't opn you rlist buut i bought timeshare at liki tiki village/island one/ron jon resort. not sure how its named but its one of those.
this resort has all activities for kids. they even have dances,art classes and a water park for kids. they were very nice and alot cheaper then westgate and friendlier.
if you need info let me know
thanks
sandy