Ok-I finally decided! Windsor Palms WINS!

[TINKERBECK]

I finally decided to just stay at Windsor Palms in a four bedroom house! I know it may not be the best idea with the crowds Christmas/NYE week but I can't pass up saving $3000, having our own pool and having 2200 sq ft to spread out in! If we weren't bringing my parents and going all out commando in the the parks maybe we would have stayed on site but I think for usd-this year we need to stay in the house! So-tell me about WINDSOR PALMS! I know you guys have styaed what do you think? How long does it really take to get to the parks? Give me the scoop!

Here's the house we choose if you want to see it! http://www.vrbo.com/13610

TTFN!

Sarah

 

[Sandy Feet]

Hi TINKERBECK

Looks really nice.
We've booked to stay in a 3-bed condo at Windsor Palms.
Can't wait

 

[Doodlebug939]

We are staying at a Windsor Palm property in November. I really like the amentities that the development has to offer. Plus I love the idea of having a heated pool in our own home so even if it rains I have an activity to do with the kids. Have a wonderful time!

 

[AaronX]

Hey! That sure does look like a nice house, I hope you guys have fun.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We have stayed in this development twice and really liked it. I am sure you will too.

 

[disneysteve]

We stayed at Windsor Palms in November. It is almost new, very clean and very well maintained. It is a gated community so only people staying there can get in. The clubhouse is nice - has a small store, pool and ping pong tables, a gym, video rentals and a small theater (which we never actually saw).

You definitely won't be sorry that you are staying offsite. There is nothing onsite to compare to the convenience and amenities available offsite. You'll love all the space and the private pool.

As for travel time, it took us about 10 minutes from Windsor to the parks. It may be a bit more during the holiday week. You can take the Sherberth Rd. shortcut and that should save some time as you come in the back way near Animal Kingdom.

 

[TINKERBECK]

ooohhhh-give me the scoop on the shortcut!!!

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by TINKERBECK
ooohhhh-give me the scoop on the shortcut!!!

When you leave Windsor Palms, you turn left on Formosa Gardens Rd. to go to 192. Make a right on 192. At the next traffic light, turn left on Sherberth Road. Stay on Sherberth until the light at the entrance to AKL. Turn right to go to any of the parks from there.

 

[Sandy Feet]

On behalf of my husband the designated driver ...THANK YOU disneysteve!

 

[Big V]

Here is a photo (not very good!) of the Sherberth Road intersection:

 

[tboss]

We just came back last Sunday and stayed at Windsor Palms! They have the nicest, most helpful staff you could ask for. I had to change my reservations several times and it was no problem at all.

And then when we arrived, we found out we had been upgraded from a 2BR condo to a 3BR house with a pool! For $55 a night!

It was wonderful and I'll definitely stay there again if I get a good rate.

 

[disneysteve]

tboss - How did you book your stay? When we stayed there, we booked directly with the owner of the condo. It sounds like you went through a management company since you were put in a different unit than you booked. When you refer to the helpful staff, do you mean the staff at Windsor Palms or the staff at the company you booked through? Regardless, great deal getting a pool home for $55/nite. You lucked out with that.

 

[ICF]

We booked there through:

http://www.condos-orlando.com/

We stayed in a 3bd rm condo and thought it was great. We used the community pool and it was nice as well. It was a quick and easy drive back in April to the park, and took 10 minutes at most.

The theatre is a real theatre (although it plays DVDs) and you can request the movie that you want to see if there is a time available that no one has booked a movie.

There is a Publix grocery store about 1 mile past the road to Windsor Palms on 192 that you can go to for any grocery needs you would have.

I would stay there again without any hesitation.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by ICF
The theatre is a real theatre (although it plays DVDs) and you can request the movie that you want to see if there is a time available that no one has booked a movie.

Thank you! You are the first person that has actually explained the theatre. We didn't get to see it while we were there and I kept wondering what the deal was. So do they run certain movies at certain times or is it all done on a by-request basis?

 

[Sandy Feet]

Sorry to jump in on your post TINKERBECK. Hope you don't mind.

We arrive in Orlando at 5:30pm after a looong day of travelling. To maximise our park-time I was planning on going to the store after picking up the rental car, on the way to Windsor Palms. Could someone please post directions to the grocery nearest WP? THANKS

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Sandy Feet
Could someone please post directions to the grocery nearest WP? THANKS

The closest grocery store is the Winn-Dixie (formerly Goodings) located in the shopping center right at 192 and Formosa Gardens Road (the same street you turn on to get to Windsor Palms). Its a very nice store but I think the general consensus is that it tends to be a bit more expensive than Publix. If you care, instead of turning on Formosa Gardens, continue West on 192 to the 2nd light (past mile marker 4) and Publix is on the right.

 

[ICF]

Originally posted by disneysteve
Thank you! You are the first person that has actually explained the theatre. We didn't get to see it while we were there and I kept wondering what the deal was. So do they run certain movies at certain times or is it all done on a by-request basis?

You can request them to show certain movies at the little store by the pool. I think they may pick the "primetime" movie that starts around 8pm, but other then that they leave it up to the guests there. They have a list of movies you can choose from.

It seats probably 50 people or so and there is no issue with bringing in your own drinks / popcorn. It is in the clubhouse behind the double doors behind the pool tables.

 

[dgaston]

TINKERBECK: You know I'm in favor of Windsor Palms. I think you will have a lovely stay. I'm jealous we don't have the family Christmas at Disney again this year. It was a lot of fun and wonderful memory-maker!

wishing you lots of pixie dust!

 

[Sandy Feet]

Originally posted by disneysteve
The closest grocery store is the Winn-Dixie (formerly Goodings) located in the shopping center right at 192 and Formosa Gardens Road (the same street you turn on to get to Windsor Palms). Its a very nice store but I think the general consensus is that it tends to be a bit more expensive than Publix. If you care, instead of turning on Formosa Gardens, continue West on 192 to the 2nd light (past mile marker 4) and Publix is on the right.

Thank you disneysteve! You're great!
If we are too tired to shop the first night, is there somewhere we can get dinner in Windsor Palms?
Also, if anything, what did you wish you'd brought from home to make your stay easier?

 

[ICF]

not disneysteve, but....

There isn't a place to eat at Windsom Palms (i.e. there is no one site resturant). However, there are food (fast and otherwise) places all up and down 192 that are within a few minutes of there.