House rental areas more convenient for Sea World/Universal?

[jaceraden]

I'm pretty well versed in good areas for a WDW vacation.

What I'm wondering is if there are better and more convenient areas to stay if the trip doesn't include WDW?

TIA!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Vista Kay condos. For time share Mariott Harbour Lake or Cypress Harbour.

 

[jaceraden]

thank you!

 

[HopperFan]

We enjoyed Marriott Grande Vista, spitting distance to SeaWorld and an easy drive to Universal up International.

Folks just stayed in Marriott Lakeshore Reserve, slightly east of Grande Vista but they were so pretty, loved all the architecture and landscape. Smaller resort but quite an impressive pool area. Easy drive to both parks.

 

[BigredNole]

I have not stayed there, but the Marriot Grand Vista that is just across the street looks amazing. We only saw the resort from the outside. We stayed at the Renaissance for convenience and the deal we received.

 

[jaceraden]

I appreciate all the replies! But, these all seem to be Hotel rooms and condos. I am looking for rental houses.

 

[HopperFan]

I appreciate all the replies! But, these all seem to be Hotel rooms and condos. I am looking for rental houses.

I think you might find some in the Windermere area but ........... someone else might be able to jump in here ....

I think the reason most houses are west and south of Disney is that Orange County has very strict rules and most short term rentals (under 30 days) in most neighborhoods are not allowed ... my guess is that area west of Disney was developed under some type of "tourist community" guidelines. I also saw that state laws have been changed but grandfathered those already there in 2011.

You just don't hear people talk about staying in houses in the areas closer to Universal.

 

[pattyw]

Another vote for Marriott Grande Vista! Easy drive to Disney, Universal & Sea World!! (no I-4 required!!)

 

[chicagoshannon]

Another vote for Marriott Grande Vista! Easy drive to Disney, Universal & Sea World!! (no I-4 required!!)

really? No I-4 to Disney? Do tell since we're there next week!

 

[pattyw]

really? No I-4 to Disney? Do tell since we're there next week!

The Grande Vista is on International Dr. Make a left from the resort. You take that to World Center Drive right into Disney. 15 minute commute!

Go on International Dr. the other way- a couple miles down is Central Fl Pkwy- Sea World is right there.

Keep going on I-drive past the Convention Center and make a slight right- continue to Universal Blvd- takes you to Universal. DS lives in an apartment right by Marriott Grande Vista and we stopped using I-4 and take the other routes!

 

[chicagoshannon]

Thanks. It's been a while since staying at Grande Vista. When we stay at Harour Lakes we always take I-4 cause the entrance ramp is right there.

 

[pattyw]

Thanks. It's been a while since staying at Grande Vista. When we stay at Harour Lakes we always take I-4 cause the entrance ramp is right there.

Yes- we always used I-4, too!But it's such a mess at times! Now I've turned highways off of my GPS and have found many other ways around other than I-4.

 

[Firebird060]

Vista Cay was great when I went there in March to visit some friends off Property

 

[coast2coastmickey]

Marriot Grande vista was OK in our opinion. Our room was a little tired. Hilton Grand Vacations Tuscany was phenomenal, and we will probably look to stay there again on our next trip. They go up to a 3BR suite.

 

[kathy884]

We wanted a six bedroom place and just didn't see homes for rent that close to Universal or SeaWorld (our preference would have been to be closer to those parks vs. Disney). As we wanted a house instead of three condos, we just went with Windsor Hills, a very popular rental area with tons of homes to choose from.

 

[writerguyfl]

I think the reason most houses are west and south of Disney is that Orange County has very strict rules and most short term rentals (under 30 days) in most neighborhoods are not allowed ... my guess is that area west of Disney was developed under some type of "tourist community" guidelines. I also saw that state laws have been changed but grandfathered those already there in 2011.

Correct...at least the stuff about Orange County. I haven't kept up on changes to state law.

But, according to a 2016 Sun Sentinel article, to legally accept rentals of under 31 days, a house has to be zoned as "R-3 transient". Only 4.1% of Orange County has that designation. (Note: This is the type of reporting that really annoys me. The article doesn't specify if that's 4.1% of houses or 4.1% of all land. They also don't say if it's 4.1% of the total parcels or 4.1% of area.)

Anyway, 4.1% is a small number. If you find a full-house rental in Orange County on AirBNB or similar, there's a good chance it's illegal.

Sun-Sentinel article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...-complaints-orange-county-20160519-story.html

Beginning July 1, 2018, the City of Orlando is relaxing restrictions for certain types of alternative rentals. Renting an entire house will still be prohibited. But, true "sharing" will be available provided the following conditions apply:

"The new ordinance would allow for residents to 'host' guests in individual bedrooms, garage apartments, etc. within all residential zoning districts; provided that there is only one booking at a time and that the resident lives on site and is present when hosting guests. The rental portion of the residence must be an accessory use to the primary use being residential housing, whether owner or long-term tenant occupied. In addition, the rental portion of the residence must be a subordinate area of the entire home, meaning the rental does not constitute a majority of the entire residence."

Source: http://www.cityoforlando.net/city-planning/short-term-rentals/