Housing help

[GypsyPearl]

Hi all. I'm new to posting to these boards but a long time lurker. I am planning a trip to US/IOA for May 2011 for my 50th birthday and am now in the planning stages.

I've read all about staying onsite and the FOTL pass, but for us (6 adults) hotels rooms just don't work. We need space and a rental house is a must for us.

We've rented in Orlando before and were pleased with the house, but all rental houses seem to list how close they are to Disney. Since we won't be going to Disney on this trip, I'm more interested in houses that are closer to Universal.

Can anyone help me out? Any communities I should look for that are closer to Universal than Disney?

Thanks for the help.

 

[cieslack]

I have always preferred a vacation home to a condo or hotel when the whole extended family is traveling together. I mentioned on another thread that in 2008 three adults and four kids stayed in a 4BR 2B vacation home with a screened pool for around $600 for the week. We were in a subdivision in Davenport which was about 2 miles from the interstate, but far enough from Orlando to be slow paced and quiet. The downside was that we were about 20 miles from US. It took about 25 minutes to drive, give or take a few. We never felt the drive was that much of an inconvenience, but we are used to driving because we live in a rural area. You just can't beat a garage, pool and full kitchen. We had six beds in ours. I never priced anything closer. You can see the house we stayed in for comparison if you would like. I am in no way affiliated, just a satisfied guest. http://www.vacationrentalslisted.com/534.aspx

I get to see the other side this year at the Portofino...can't wait.

 

[Purseval]

There are at least a dozen good timeshare communities between Universal and Lake Buena Vista (10 minutes away) If you go to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions forum and ask you can get recommendations for sites to rent from. You have 3 different Hiltons, Sheraton, Marriott, Westgate all 2-3br with all amenities both inside and in the resort. Don't be surprised if you can swing it for around $100/day.