Lake Davenport Estates villas

[Cyrano]

Looking for advice from the villa professionals

We have been researching an noticed quite a few accomodations in this area.
Are they well sited to first time Orlando visitors?
What about easy access/proximity to WDW parks?

Please let me know the good, the bad and the ugly

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Never stayed there myself.
Located just off the US27 which personally is not my preferred location.

Had a look on a couple of websites including www.villas2000.com and to be honest wasn't all that keen on the homes, having driven around many of the developments to be blunt it is not where I would choose to stay.

see map below

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

 

[Goofysmate]

We had a villa there with virgin on our first trip to orlando and was fantastic.

our next to two trip we rented a private villa at westonhill in clermont.

When we book for 08 with virgin they said that they no longer rent villas there 7 never said why. So now we are trying Regal Palms resort.

 

[UKDEB]

The location isn't too bad. It's on the US27, but one of the closer developments to the 192. Depending on the traffic, you're looking at about 15 minutes to hit WDW property. It's an older development and, on the plus side, that, together with its location, means there should be some bargains to be found. On the whole the older homes won't have the polish or facilities of the newer ones. For example, not many will have spas, swankier furnishings, flat screen TVs in every room, etc. Of course, not everyone is looking for those things, but you'll at least want clean and well-maintained, so I'd be asking the owners for recent photos, the age of the property, date of most recent refurbishment, and testimonies of recent guests.

 

[london75]

We just stayed in a fantastic villa in Vista Park Resort which is one of the communities in Lake Davenport Estates.

It was brilliant, quiet and very well kept but I would say a bit of a drive. Unless there is a shortcut I didn't find, we were in the car about 35-40 minutes to get from the villa to Magic Kingdom's car park. Not bad but if you visit two parks in a day (which we did frequently) you're behind the wheel for nearly 3 hours a day! That's more than my commute!

They have a nearby Publix which was excellent and a pizza place etc. 10 minutes to a really good Chinese too.

We have already decided that we would use it as our fall back choice if we can't find anything nice closer to Disney.

 

[UKDEB]

Unless there is a shortcut I didn't find, we were in the car about 35-40 minutes to get from the villa to Magic Kingdom's car park.

Did you find the Black Lake Road/Sherberth Road shortcut? It cuts out the busiest section of the 192 between the 27 and Disney's Main Gate and means you should be on property within 15 minutes. Of course, you then have to get to your final destination. You enter WDW property at its south west corner near Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is going to take a lot longer because it is the most northerly park on property and you have to park at the TTC before travelling on to MK itself. That's going to apply from any villa location. The closest communities are 5 minutes from WDW property, so you're talking an additional 10 minutes each way for Lake Davenport.

 

[JANNYANS]

My home is on LDE and yes it is one of the older communities along the 27 but that has it advantages in that you won't find any building going on around you and it doesn't mean owners don't keep on upgrading their homes.It is a lovely mix of residential and holiday owners and a nice quiet place with community pool tennis court and basketball court as well as a children's play area and large open green space .It is close as others have said to a Wa Mart,publix, an Applebees and the other eating places that are opening up along the 27 corridor to eat .In addition you have Championsgate close by for a Chilis -although they are building one near the Wal Mart at Cagans Crossing.It is about 5 miles to the I-4 if you want to visit Tampa and the coast and now there is a new road open that runs parallel to the 27 you don't even have to use the 27 to get to Disney any more as you can have a choice of routes and even avoid most of the 192 if you want to.If you want any further info on the area and what it has top offer then just ask.

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

The first time we rented a villa it was on US27 (Highlands Reserve) - a lovely 3 bed villa with private pool. We got a good deal and as it was low season (early December) getting to the parks (via Sherberth Rd) didn't take too long - about 20 mins if I remember correctly.

It was only on our next visit when we rented off the 192 that we noticed how great it is to be closer - this time was at Christmas so traffic was a lot busier. Can't imagine how long it would take from US27 resorts if the traffic is backed up

I agree with previous posters - the location isn't bad and the houses are lovely but for me I would be choosing one a bit closer off the 192

 

[JANNYANS]

We obviously have been at all times of the year and have never had to sit in Traffic to get anywhere unless there has been an accident .We have rented our home out for 9 years now and in all that time I haven't had a guests say it was too far out -in fact I get many repeat guests -some people just don't mind an extra 5 minutes or so as you can wait longer on Disney property for a bus to get you places but it is horses for courses and as I say with the new roads open your routes to Disney are now offering a choice .

 

[pigginpink]

Last year we stayed in Tivoli Manor, Davenport and we enjoyed our time totally, we were 20mins away from Disney and did not find it a problem. I would do it time and time again aslong as I was in a Florida in Villa

 

[Cyrano]

Appreciate the replies everyone

The questions you have posed Debs have been noted as I think they will hold good for any enquiry

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Appreciate the replies everyone

The questions you have posed Debs have been noted as I think they will hold good for any enquiry

Definitely - whilst I generally prefer a newer home, mainly because of a bad experience on our first rental - the best tip is to draw up a list of preferences that suit your needs, south facing pool/ fenced pool/ age of home etc and then let the search begin!
If booking off the owner's own website always ensure the information is up to date , which I am sure the majority will be.

 

[ely3857]

Looking for advice from the villa professionals

We have been researching an noticed quite a few accomodations in this area.
Are they well sited to first time Orlando visitors?
What about easy access/proximity to WDW parks?

Please let me know the good, the bad and the ugly

Our first, and so far only villa rental was at Hampton Lakes just off the US27 and for us the location was perfect halfway between Disney & Universal, so around 20-30 mins to each and when you consider some onsite lodgings can take that long on a bad day it doesnt seem too far. We like it so much out next villa is on the same street!

Take your time chosing a villa as a bad one (for your party) could have a knock on effect on your enjoyment.



Jodie

 

[Cyrano]

Take you time chosing a villa as a bad one (for your party) could have a knock on effect on your enjoyment.

Thanks. I knew I could rely on the good people here to give advice and suggestions

 

[ely3857]

When is the first (of many!) WDW trips pencilled in for Reid?



Jodie

 

[Cyrano]

When is the first (of many!) WDW trips pencilled in for Reid?



Jodie

Still in the early stages of exploration. So no date yet set as we have the important trip back to DLP first

 

[ely3857]

Still in the early stages of exploration. So no date yet set as we have the important trip back to DLP first

Stock up on the 'DLRP' pins, they will be fairly unusual in WDW and people will chat to your kids in queue's & stuff about the pins and DLRP

Of course you may not want complete strangers chatting to your kids



Jodie