Opinions on All Star Vacation Homes for an on-site type of gal

[Jen D]

My sister and her family (husband and three young kids) are planning their first trip in February and we may join them. We are a family of four. My sister is very hooked on the idea of staying in an offsite vacation home-- wants the kitchen, the space, all the bedrooms, and likes the idea of us adults being able to have fun together while kidlets sleep. Compared to say, renting DVC points or getting a villa through CRO the price is a steal. It's about comparable to two moderate rooms.

I haven't really put up a spirited defense yet, mostly because my arguments are emotional rather than logical. In general my feeling is that space is overrated. I look at the pictures of these vacation homes and I see... a bland suburban home, nice enough, but not as exciting as a hotel. To me it would feel like staying with a friend who lives in Orlando and commuting to Disney. I've never rented a car before on a WDW trip so I'd have to do that this time. I just don't see the appeal of staying in a house, no matter how big. But I can't argue with the price, and with small children, the after-hours component is a factor.

Opinions welcome!

 

[mbb]

with that option...until our last trip...with:
My parents
DH, me and and our two kids
My DB, DSIL, DN, 4 yr, and DN, 9mos
My 14 year old cousin

We're DVC members - talk about being an onsite kind of girl, and just not ENOUGH points!! LOL

So we rented a villa, 5 bdr, 6 bathrooms, pool and jacuzzi...rented a car...and LOVED it!!

We rented the villa for two weeks, and then headed to OKW for a week with just my parents...for what, in my head, was goig to be the "vacation" part of the vacation

But it was all wonderful, and we're doing it again this year.

Can you do the same thing? Some time at the villa and thena night or two onsite? It's a wonderful way to "end" your time away..

HTH!!

 

[torismom]

Hi, We are DVC owners and own a home down there to. We love to stay on site and off site. To me they are differnt vacations but one option is not nesscarily better than the other.

When traveling with a large group of people I like staying in our rental home. You can spend time together without all the hustle and bustle.. We spend less on food when staying at the house.The kids can have ample space to play and run around. I love having my own pool and just vegging sometimes.We play cards , bring board games and etc.. Having more than 1 bathroom is wonderful.from where we are located I can be to the parks quicker than going on the buses at times.My kids do much better being in our home (any vacation home for that matter) than in a hotel room.

I also enjoy staying onsite. I love my DVC points and wouldnt trade them for anything.Not having to drive is a plus for me staying onsite. Normally, we are on site for 5 days max at a time.

Honestly, I think you will really enjoy your stay in a vacation home. They can not be beat. Once you try one you will be hooked.

Some tips for you: We like a home with a water or conservation view. I cannot stand looking right into someone else's pool.Ask the people who you are renting from what type of beds they have? (In the past I have rented a home when ours was rented and the beds were horrible. It ruined my vacation)Look for extra's that you may want ie a game room,playstations, king beds, theme rooms, jacuzzii, 2 master bedrooms and etc..

Our home is in Sunset Lakes and I love our community. Formosa Gardens, Oak Island Harbour and Cove, Emerald Island Island, Rolling Hills, Windosr Palms,Acadia Estates and Indian Creek are in a great location.

I would take a look at www.vrbo.com, www.onlinefloridavillas.com , www.orlandovillas.com if you would like to rent from the owners.

Pm or email me if you have any further questions!!

 

[HeatherC]

Another suggestion that might make you feel more like you are in a
"resort" is to rent a timeshare villa for a week. Orange Lake is beautiful and is extremely close to Disney. Also...the Marriott timeshares are wonderful as are the Vistana Villages. All of these have the space you need with resortlike amenities....bar/restaurant at the pool, kids activities, wonderful pool areas, etc... And...all of them are close to Disney. Depending on what resort you are at onsite, some of these may even be a quicker commute because you don't have to wait for a bus that may have to stop at other resorts.

Happy planning!
Heather C