My parents were down visiting last month. They started their stay at Universal and then moved down to OKW. They've never been there before and I was able to visit them 3 times during their stay. They had a 1BR villa in bldg 39 (I think) and their 'veran-dah' (as Dad liked to call it) faced the tee off on the 5th hole. Definitely had entertainment value.
While Mom & I weren't crazy about the colors, the place was much larger than we expected. As you walked in the front door, you had the option of going straight into the living/kitchen area or turning left down the hall. The L/K area was spacious and the appliances looked new. Full size fridge/freezer, flat top stove and oven, dishwasher, sink and microwave under the plentiful cabinet space.
There was a nice counter area just outside the kitchen area. Under the counter was the tv and dvd player for the LR. Spacious dining room table for 4 (I had dinner w/them in the room 2x).
If you made that left turn, you could turn left again and enter the washer/dryer area (full size) and continue into the bathroom or, go straight into the BR. Double sink and lots of counter space. Separate shower from the garden/jacuzzi bath (which was in yet another room, adjacent to the bedroom). The garden tub was a big hit with Dad, but Mom said it didn't matter which way she turned, she just couldn't get the jets of water to hit her in the right spots. I checked to see if the nozzles could move, but they were fixed.
The BR had another tv and king size bed and lots of drawer space. They had a door leading out to the 'veran-dah' from there, as well.
Mom loved the convenience of having the w/d in the room. They've both been down so many times over the past 30 yrs that they know how they like to do things and where the local Publixs' are to go food shopping. They were very pleased, as was I, and would be happy to stay there again.
For Jul 4 & 5, Dad had reserved a room at the CR in the garden wing, bay view (Mom had left a few days prior). He invited me to use the room, if I wanted and I took him up on the offer as it's been a few years since I've stayed there.
Growing up, this was the hotel we always stayed in (albeit in the tower), so it has quite a few happy memories for me. We ended up with room 7138 and I couldn't have been happier with it. I really didn't spend any time w/Dad after he saw the room so, I haven't had a chance to find out his feelings on it, but these are mine....
We were in the north wing, straight down the main hall, 2nd door on the left. Very convenient for the both of us since we had our vehicles. The tower was a short walk away. I spent time at the 'quiet' pool on both the 4th and 5th and it too, was a quick walk away.
The room was spacious. I know the decor is to be 'contemporary' but ugly is more what comes to mind. However, I wasn't paying for the room (and yes, I did spend a lot of time in it) and for the view we had, I won't complain about it. It had 2 queen beds, a large table (no chairs for the table....no room!), sofa sleeper and an ottoman and chair.
The bathroom was also large with a double sink and plenty'o counterspace. The tub had a shelf to put things on which was nice if you were showering (although the soap ended up sticking fast to it and was difficult to remove), but if you were taking a bath, soap had to go into one of the corners. Towels were small and not soft.
We had dinner at The Plaza on the 4th and watched the fireworks from the Poly beach (only lasted 8 min and started 5 min late....a little disappointing). On the 5th, Dad took off and I stayed at the hotel (my satellite had gone out the previous Thurs so, I was in no hurry to go home). Did the pool for a few hours in the AM and, for a while, almost had it to myself. Beautiful view of the lake from the pool.
Once it started to get crowded, I headed back to the room and spent a few hours sitting on the patio reading, appreciating the view and watching the wildlife. It was a very calming and relaxing experience and made me realize I need to get a room at the deluxes every few months to enjoy the pools and the views (I think my first stay will be w/the BC).
I also rented a water sprite on the 4th. I was told they aren't even called "mouse" any more....something like a "sea ray". I was surprised that the hourly charge was only $32. I thought it would be much more than that. I was happy with the boat I had and received a 15% discount w/my AP. I hadn't rented a sprite since I lived behind DW so, it's been about 4yrs. Something else I discovered I need to do more often.
So, two big thumbs up for both resorts. While I'm not fond of the decor of the CR, I won't let that stop me from paying to stay there. I would love to have the same room again because I saw not a single soul in the 3+ hours I sat outside (except for the occassional jogger passing by) and could not have had a more relaxing day.
Any questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer!
While Mom & I weren't crazy about the colors, the place was much larger than we expected. As you walked in the front door, you had the option of going straight into the living/kitchen area or turning left down the hall. The L/K area was spacious and the appliances looked new. Full size fridge/freezer, flat top stove and oven, dishwasher, sink and microwave under the plentiful cabinet space.
There was a nice counter area just outside the kitchen area. Under the counter was the tv and dvd player for the LR. Spacious dining room table for 4 (I had dinner w/them in the room 2x).
If you made that left turn, you could turn left again and enter the washer/dryer area (full size) and continue into the bathroom or, go straight into the BR. Double sink and lots of counter space. Separate shower from the garden/jacuzzi bath (which was in yet another room, adjacent to the bedroom). The garden tub was a big hit with Dad, but Mom said it didn't matter which way she turned, she just couldn't get the jets of water to hit her in the right spots. I checked to see if the nozzles could move, but they were fixed.
The BR had another tv and king size bed and lots of drawer space. They had a door leading out to the 'veran-dah' from there, as well.
Mom loved the convenience of having the w/d in the room. They've both been down so many times over the past 30 yrs that they know how they like to do things and where the local Publixs' are to go food shopping. They were very pleased, as was I, and would be happy to stay there again.
For Jul 4 & 5, Dad had reserved a room at the CR in the garden wing, bay view (Mom had left a few days prior). He invited me to use the room, if I wanted and I took him up on the offer as it's been a few years since I've stayed there.
Growing up, this was the hotel we always stayed in (albeit in the tower), so it has quite a few happy memories for me. We ended up with room 7138 and I couldn't have been happier with it. I really didn't spend any time w/Dad after he saw the room so, I haven't had a chance to find out his feelings on it, but these are mine....
We were in the north wing, straight down the main hall, 2nd door on the left. Very convenient for the both of us since we had our vehicles. The tower was a short walk away. I spent time at the 'quiet' pool on both the 4th and 5th and it too, was a quick walk away.
The room was spacious. I know the decor is to be 'contemporary' but ugly is more what comes to mind. However, I wasn't paying for the room (and yes, I did spend a lot of time in it) and for the view we had, I won't complain about it. It had 2 queen beds, a large table (no chairs for the table....no room!), sofa sleeper and an ottoman and chair.
The bathroom was also large with a double sink and plenty'o counterspace. The tub had a shelf to put things on which was nice if you were showering (although the soap ended up sticking fast to it and was difficult to remove), but if you were taking a bath, soap had to go into one of the corners. Towels were small and not soft.
We had dinner at The Plaza on the 4th and watched the fireworks from the Poly beach (only lasted 8 min and started 5 min late....a little disappointing). On the 5th, Dad took off and I stayed at the hotel (my satellite had gone out the previous Thurs so, I was in no hurry to go home). Did the pool for a few hours in the AM and, for a while, almost had it to myself. Beautiful view of the lake from the pool.
Once it started to get crowded, I headed back to the room and spent a few hours sitting on the patio reading, appreciating the view and watching the wildlife. It was a very calming and relaxing experience and made me realize I need to get a room at the deluxes every few months to enjoy the pools and the views (I think my first stay will be w/the BC).
I also rented a water sprite on the 4th. I was told they aren't even called "mouse" any more....something like a "sea ray". I was surprised that the hourly charge was only $32. I thought it would be much more than that. I was happy with the boat I had and received a 15% discount w/my AP. I hadn't rented a sprite since I lived behind DW so, it's been about 4yrs. Something else I discovered I need to do more often.
So, two big thumbs up for both resorts. While I'm not fond of the decor of the CR, I won't let that stop me from paying to stay there. I would love to have the same room again because I saw not a single soul in the 3+ hours I sat outside (except for the occassional jogger passing by) and could not have had a more relaxing day.
Any questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer!
). 
