Homes closest to westgate vacation villas?

[IowaRn]

I have been starting to plan a trip for my family of 6 in Jan 08. I want this to be a special trip because this is only our third family vacation and probably our last. We were hoping to stay in a pool home although have nothing booked yet. I just found out that my husband's Brazilian/foreign exchange friend from high school is going to be in Florida with his family also during this time and so of course we want to get together He has offered us free use of an extra 2 bedroom villa called westgate villas on wilson road. They would stay there also in another unit. So I guess I have several questions, can anyone tell me about westgate? also if we still decided on renting a house which homes would be the closest ? also we still want to do 2-3 days at WDW, how far is WDW and how difficult would the traffic be.? Any info would really be appreciated.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Stay away from salespeople and "maintanance meetings" at Westgate and you should be fine. We own at the Villas and our accomodations have always been very nice. They have lots of pools and activities.

It is very easy getting to and from DW, Westgate is maybe a mile from the main entrance. Sometimes there is traffic, but you have a stop light to help w/ getting across 192, so it really isn't bad.

There are lots of restaurants nearby and Westgate has a Pizza Hut right there on the property for carry-out or delivery.

I don't know anything about the rental houses near there. If we ever get rid of Westgate (b/c of the maintanance fees), we would like to try a house as well as stay on-site more, but I have a feeling we would also come back to stay some at Westgate as well.

 

[IowaRn]

Welovedisneyx4,
Thanks for the reply. Could you give me more info on the layout/beds of a 2 bedroom unit? I'm worried it would not be big enough. It would be me, dh,
ds19,dd16,dd12,dd9.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

The 2 bedrooms have a king size bed in the master bedroom and 2 double (I don't think they are queen size) beds in the 2nd bedroom. There is a pull out sofa that is probably a double as well. (don't think it is queen size either)

If any 2 of the kids could double up and sleep in the same bed, it would be o.k. There are 2 full bath rooms and 3 tv's. It is very roomy and has a full kitchen and washer/dryer.

We have stayed there w/ DH and I, DIL's, and our DD and DS. Now the last time we were all there, the kids were 7 and 3, so they were a bit smaller than yours. DIL's had the 2nd bedroom and we put the kids on the pull-out. We have been several times w/ the IL's and kids and have never felt crowded.

As far as the layout, you go into the entrance and the 2nd bedroom is on the left, w/ the kitchen on the right. That opens up to the dining room (where the table is) and the living room. There is a wet bar and extra drawer space to the left and then the master bedroom is on the left.

A house would probably have more space, but for a free condo, it might be worth just a little crowding.

 

[lexie32]

I think Windsor hills resort is next door to Westgate, if you put in a search on this forum you will be able to find loads of info about the resort!

 

[5mins2disney]

Yes, Windsor Hills IS right next door (or about 1/4 mile away) from Westgate. Westgate is located right at US-192 (also known as Irlo Bronson Highway) and Old Lake Wilson Road, fyi.

You can find homes for rent at Windsor Hills at:

www.windsorhillsrent.com


On this map Westgate is located right where is says "Formosa Gardens"...

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

 

[swilshire]

The 2 bedrooms have a king size bed in the master bedroom and 2 double (I don't think they are queen size) beds in the 2nd bedroom. There is a pull out sofa that is probably a double as well. (don't think it is queen size either).

We stayed there two weeks ago. I would definitely take it if it's free.

There are different configurations. The stated occupancy was 10 in our two bedroom, because in addition to the beds listed above, there was an open loft room with two twin beds.

My kids are similar in ages to yours. DD21, DS19, DS13, DS8. The bigger ones don't often go along any more, but when they do, DS19 always gets stuck on the sofa bed and complains about it. DS8 usually winds up in a sleeping bag somewhere in the floor, just because nobody wants to share a bed with him.

Sheila

 

[IowaRn]

Thank you all for the great info. It gives me alot to think about. Unless our friends who own could get us the unit that sleeps ten I'm hesitant. I know it would be free but we also don't vacation much so I don't want to squeeze together. I also worry that the foldout bed isn't very comfortable for ds19. I've been looking at Windsor Hills so it is a relief to see it is so close.

Just one more question for George, If we stayed in a rental house is it allowed to have another small family to visit us?? (not overnight of course they would have there own place)

 

[5mins2disney]

Thank you all for the great info. It gives me alot to think about. Unless our friends who own could get us the unit that sleeps ten I'm hesitant. I know it would be free but we also don't vacation much so I don't want to squeeze together. I also worry that the foldout bed isn't very comfortable for ds19. I've been looking at Windsor Hills so it is a relief to see it is so close.

Just one more question for George, If we stayed in a rental house is it allowed to have another small family to visit us?? (not overnight of course they would have there own place)

Yes of course!

 

[emerymt]

One of the ways Westgate gets people to listen to the timeshare spiel is to tell you that you need to go for a departure interview to be sure your inventory is correct, or they'll charge you for missing inventory. Don't fall for it.
They started calling us the minute we walked in the door to set up this "appointment." They never let on what the real purpose of it was- so just decline- and keep declining- if something sounds fishy to you.

 

[spiceycat]

this is a big, big map - so be patience - takes a long time to load

http://images.floridakiss.com/maps/kiss_accomm_map.pdf

increase the percentage to 200%

Westgate it at Westgate Blvd. look for 187 - marker 5

then you can compare this map to the one that 5mins2disney sent you.

 

[spiceycat]

I also own at Westgate and really, really hate the sales call.

don't go to anything offered over the phone.

of course, there is another way. make the apppointment for your maintence meeting (sales pitch) on the last day - but simply leave before then.

here is a link describing the units
http://www.wgvacationvillas.com/accommodations.asp

westgate does not use box springs - so the mattress sits directly on a board - some people hate this - others like it.

 

[IowaRn]

spicycat thanks for the info and map