Offsite resort suggestions for March?

[encinc]

DH has decided that he would like to go to MLB spring training this year. We were thinking that it might work best to stay at an Orlando area resort with amenities for the kids, and then make the trip to see a game or two. We're Blue Jays fans. We're figurining Dunedin would be a doable daytrip from Orlando, though DH would be happy to see just about any of the American league teams in action!

Our boys will be 5 and (almost) 3 when we travel. DS1 loves anything waterpark. He's tall and a strong swimmer, so waterslides are a big hit. DS2 loves to swim, though he's too short for most slides here. Heated pools would be nice, though we are hardy Canadians and will swim when others think it's too cold. Both boys love playgrounds and minigolf.

Any suggestions of condo-style resorts that would have fun activities for the boys? We'd want a full kitchen. One bedroom (or even a large studio with some privacy dividers) would be sufficient. We're looking to keep the cost reasonable as airfare looks to be quite expensive from Buffalo in March.

Proximity to attractions is not a big deal for us. We're probably not doing Disney this trip, though we are considering a day at Kennedy Space Center and a day at Sea World.

Thanks for your help!

 

[diznee princess]

Hi,
I would suggest a place for you but I am not sure what your style and expectations are.
Tell what kind of places you usually stay at and i can suggest something.so you stay at 2,3,4 5 star hotels or resorts?
Orlando has so many and some are run down some newer some refurbished. I can look on my RCI website for different resorts. What are your dates?
You can probably go to rci.com and look as a guest at different tineshares in the area. There is a RONJON resort near Kennedy space center.
LMK if want help. Do you own a timeshare and can trade?
If so let me know which resort you were thinking of and I'll tell you if I have been there

 

[encinc]

Thanks for the help!

This is our first trip to Orlando. In the past, we've done stayed at apartment style condos with an on-site pool in various beach locations (Cape Canaveral, St Pete's Beach, Fort Myers Beach). Many of the units are owner-occupied year round. None of them have "star ratings" as they are not primarily vacation resorts, which is what's making it challenging for me as I'm looking for something different this trip.

Interesting that you should mention the RonJon resort in Cape Canaveral. We actually did a tour there when we were in Cape Canaveral earlier this year (mostly so that we could get the cheap tickets to Kennedy Space Center). A resort like that would be great, but we're looking for something more central in case we decide to drive to one of the west coast ballparks. We don't need anything brand new, though clean and well maintained would be nice. Nice heated pool with a waterpark and kids activities is important, as is a place that is quiet because our kids go to bed early.

I found a place at Mystic Dunes Resort and Country Club listed on a local classified ad site. Others that I've come across that look interesting include Summer Bay and Sheraton Vistana.

Our budget is around $1000 for the week. Our dates are flexible, though we're thinking maybe the first week in March because it looks like flights are cheaper. No timeshare to trade.

Any other suggestions for us?

 

[gqchicago]

Sure, tons of great offsite resorts in the area!

Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Emerald Island, Formosa Gardens, Coral Cay, the Villas at Seven Dwarfs Lane, just to name a few...

Check www.vrbo.com or google the resort names to find many great vacation homes for rent in the area!

There's a map of the resorts in the area relative to Disney here:
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa-map.php

(Select the resort and zoom in to get a good view).

 

[Freaky]

I see that a couple of the newer resorts are still not showing on 'The Dibb' map so you may need to just google for the resort and search out a few of the individual owners sites to check their locations.

 

[jdybnsn]

We are staying at a fantastic looking place on Reunion Resort near Champions Gate Orlando - we picked this site primarily because of the amenities for the kids.
It has its own mini-waterpark & lazy river complex.

You can rent via the resort, but it seemed like you get a better deal (plus know exactly what villa/condo facilities to expect) if renting from a private owner.

Its not cheap, but the reviews seem great, and just what we were looking for for our 'water babies!'...particularly since our villa also has its own private pool/spa too.

Feel free to PM me if you want further details

 

[Mainebound]

DH has decided that he would like to go to MLB spring training this year. We were thinking that it might work best to stay at an Orlando area resort with amenities for the kids, and then make the trip to see a game or two. We're Blue Jays fans. We're figurining Dunedin would be a doable daytrip from Orlando, though DH would be happy to see just about any of the American league teams in action!

We have gone every year in March to Orlando, since our boys were 1 and 3. It is a wonderful time to be there, both in terms of crowds and weather. We have been staying offsite for the last few years and we love it. You will have a ton of choices.

We really like Windsor Hills, which has everything from 2 bed condos to 6 bed homes, and has an elaborate pool area with zero depth entry, fountains, and a slide, although it is not as elaborate as the Beach Club complex on Disney property, or anything like a waterpark. We have also enjoyed Emerald Island and I know there are many equaly nice resorts in good locations in Orlando as others have pointed out.

We will also be attending a Braves game -- DH is a Tigers fan!