Looking for a condo for the family (kids 3 and 6)

[daisy1234]

I have lots of questions. WE have a family of 4...I was thinking we could get away with a 2 bedroom...but it would be nice to have a 3????

1. Should I book a 2 or 3 bedroom????
2. Do we really need a Splash pool? I am a bit worried about the safety since I have a little one.
3. Is location very important...like being close to the pool...or will that we too noisy...we are thinking about Feb...so I am not even sure if this will be an issue.
4. Ground floor vs top floor...I am assuming if we stay at A newer place the balconies are up to code and teh slats are close together...big fear of mine...l

I guess I want the perfect condo....but unlessI see them it is sooo hard to figure this out online!!! Thanks everyone!

 

[Cruz91]

We went through VRBO, and before we finalized on a selection, I had probably 12 different prices for two and three bedroom places. I was amazed at the inconsistency in the quotes - and several of the two BR's were more than the 3's.

We stayed at a great place in WH two trips ago, and leave to go back to the same place SATURDAY!!!! If you want his contact info, let me know. His condo is also listed on VRBO.com.

 

[Zeebs]

further on from this, I have read a number of times you should ask questions of your choices to gage how friendly, helpful, truthful etc before renting a property from them. What sort of questions are you inclined to ask. I think i am stupid (although I am 7 months pregnant with a cold so I will blame that) cause I can't think of what type of questions to ask to ensure I am getting a good deal.

Cheers Kirsten

 

[QT Pooh]

Hi Daisy,

I can certainly understand your frustration with trying to find a condo online - there are soooo many of them to choose from. I'll try to answer your questions...
1) 2 or 3 bedroom - it depends on your children...at that age, my kids probably would have preferred to share a room especially in a 'strange' place. You'll probably find that there's not much difference in price between the 2 and 3 BR though.
2) Splash Pool - We always use the resort pool so we can socialize with others - I've met some really nice people from all over the world that way. Some resort pools have zero entry and fountains that you wouldn't get with a splash pool, and most resort pools are heated, while you will most likely have to pay to heat the splash pool in February.
3) Location is important if you will be using the clubhouse amenities a lot. I don't think you'll get a lot of pool noise especially in February. Location to the theme parks is more important.
4) I like the top floor because there's no one above me. I dislike the top floor because if I go grocery shopping I have to lug all the bags a longer distance - either up the stairs or waiting for the elevator (if there is one). If your little one doesn't handle stairs very well that could be an issue for you (ask if there's an elevator in the building). The balconies 'should' be up to code but you can always ask the owner.

HTH!

 

[Freaky]

You could always go for one of the new resort townhomes, rather than a condo, that have a hot-tub instead of splash pool. I think you will find this at Terre Verde and Coral Cay Resort and as hot-tubs tend to have the heavy covers they should not pose a risk to your kids.

Location near to the resort clubhouse will really depend on what you are looking for and how busy the resort is. Personally we like to be relatively close but still far enough away that we are not bothered by noise

 

[sympatico]

The townhouses in Windsor Hills that we've stayed at have safety fences around the splash pool so even if the child got out of the patio doors he/she can't get to the pool. The townhouses all have 3 bedrooms: master and twin upstairs and queen downstairs; 3 bathrooms also. You can park right beside your door so no long walks to a condo. They are very close to the main pool, 2 to 5 min walk.
They are very quiet, we have never heard anyone through the walls and the only one on the floor above is you.
Having a splash pool makes it easy to have a quick dip without having to always get everyone ready to go to the main pool especially when you get back from a long day at the parks.
The pros and cons are different for everyone, so you have to decide what best fits your family situation.