Orange Lake questions!

[lman2b]

Hello all, I'm brand new to this site and very excited to get expert opinions! I have booked through RCI a 2 bedroom condo at Orange Lake for my family and our friends' family as well. We will be arriving for a week on October 28th. I'm just wondering who has experience at Orange Lake and what we should expect. Also, I believe we are staying in the West Village as we are not owners. Any thoughts on this? Is it a nice "village" or are we getting put in a bad part? Any suggestions on whether I can ask for an "upgrade" when we check in?

I hate to have this all set up and our friends end up being disappointed as I put us in a less than desireable place!

Also, we will have 5 kids under the age of 7, ranging from 2 months to 7 yo. Any ideas on whether the pools are usable the last week of October or whether we will want to spend anytime at the resort, rather than all of it at the parks? They say they have a "beach" but I'm not sure what to expect. We are coming from Colorado, so I have no idea what to expect for swimming weather at that time!

Any advice on OL would be appreciated!!! TIA!

 

[Juniortrooper]

I went about 5 years ago and stayed in a 2 bedroom with my husband and another couple (pre-kids, but newly pregnant!)
We LOVED Orange Lake. We didn't really know what to expect. We didn't do Disney while we were down there (we did Universal).
I don't know too many answers to your specific questions (sorry!), but our unit was wonderful.

I wanted to let you know about the mini golf deal they had back then (perhaps they have something similar now). It's a certain amt. per game per person OR they had a deal where it was a certain amount per unit per week. That price was not outrageous at all and totally paid for itself in a couple games for all of us. (my DH and friend were totally into mini golf while the wives hung out at the pool).

The pools were great--at least 3 large ones, but now they have a newer kiddie section with waterslide, if I remember correctly.

It was in a great location too--close to a grocery store and pharmacy and on the edge of Animal Kingdom. We could see the fireworks one night (I guess from Epcot or MK?)

Have a great time!

Amy

 

[KerriMc]

I have been at Orange Lake twice. Once through a friend who traded in for us and once as a "comeback again offer". Both times were in the East Village. The first year we were right by the pool in the East Village which was nice. The second time we were a bit further away. We usually drove to a pool way up by the front of the resort in the West Village because it was quiter this time. Too many young party people in the east village (in the pool area I mean) the second time we were there.

We loved Orange Lake and would go back again. The River Island wasn't open when we were there, but was almost finished. Last year we rented a condo in Windsor Hills and I preferred that, but Orange Lake was lovely.

I was there with two little ones both times as well. I didn't get to the NOrth Village pool either as it was very busy while we were there.

Kerri

 

[ldo]

West could be smaller duplexes near the front, tennis villas (5 story highrise) or duplex-quads a bit further in. All have been recently refurbished, I believe. For kids your ages, River Island is very fun--there is a zero entry area for little ones and spray fountains not in any water, a lazy river you older ones will love, fun twister slide, a sandy area for digging with hammocks, hot tub, a playground and game room. It is all in the same area.
A north pool (splash lagoon) has a slide in lava rocks, and a zero entry, and fountains for kids---but they will want to spend each day at RI.
There is a camp-fire sing a long 1-2X a week with smores---take the kids, it's fun. And the weekly rate for putt-putt is good---our kids played every night after dinner.

 

[ladeb59]

I traded last Feb for a 3 bdrm unit thru RCI and was not disappointed at all. I forget what part we were in but it was great. The entire complex is rather large and easy to take a wrong turn in finding you building. The rooms were neat and clean. River county was open but we didn"t go in it but it looked like fun. The weather was a bit to cold to swim in Feb but will be great in Oct/Nov. The resort does revolve around golfing which we don't do but that was ok. There were activities in the main building for adults and children. right at one of the entrances was a Publix supermarket which was quite handy. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Have fun!!!

 

[wedindis'00]

semi-hijack

Glad to hear some positives about OLR. I've been reading some reviews on one of the travel sites and the RCI exchanges have been tearing this place apart. For those of you that have stayed here did you use their transportation to the parks or did you drive yourself. Also are there any restaurants close by...other than the one one site. thanks

 

[bunny213]

well..we're owners, since they opened and go twice a year...2 weeks each time. We'll be there beginning 10/28 also.
I really do not think you will be disappointed. We own in the west village, and it is our favorite unit. They have started renovating all those older units and they're turning out just great.
There's so much to do and see. Our family (all married and with children on their own, 12 months through 13) they all love it there and own their own weeks now.
This is a wonderful time to go. I've always been able to go to the pool, and so have they. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to pm me. I've used the OL shuttle, but prefer to drive our car. The in-resort transportation runs about every 30 minutes through the resort.
You can request a port a crib and high chair if you need them. There is no fee for the them, but I believe there is a fee if you need more than one. The maintenance staff is so eager to please and usually address any problem within 20 minutes.
The check in process has been improved...and sometimes if we arrived before 4 we've been able to check in...and other times we had to wait until about 4. Four o'clock can get pretty busy...but there's popcorn and juice for the children and even people making balloon animals.
Again....pm me if you have any concerns...and I'll try to help. We check in on the 27th...and my daughter and her family check in on the 28th.
Barb in Texas

 

[fractured]

You will definitely want to spend a day or two at the resort. The pools are fabulous, and I heard the new lazy river is great as well. When I stayed there (also at end of October) they had scheduled children's activities. As for the beach, I remember that while there was a beach and water activities- there was no swimming in their lake. You will definitely need a car just to get around the resort. I didn't use their transport to the parks. There are tons of restaurants on 192 right near the rsort, none walkable. (or at least I wouldn't do it)

 

[bunny213]

Me again...there are many restaurants on the property....and even a pizza one that will deliver to your unit.
Outside the resort is just about everything you could want now. Anything from McDonalds, Burger King, Chick fil A and a Taco place. There's Pizza Hut and Dominoes too.
Our favorite restaurants are Houlligans, Beef O Bradys, Carabbas, Cracker Barrel, Brunos and JT's. All these are right on 192 (either to the right or left) from OL.
And just a note...Public Deli sandwiches are so good....
hope this helps...pm me with any other questions.. Barb

 

[swimgalsmom]

We stayed at Orange Lake a couple of years ago and we absolutely loved it! I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. It has so much for the kids to do and was very convenient to the parks. My parents went with us on that trip. My father is a big golfer so he never left the resort the whole time we were there! Between the golf and all the other activities he was perfectly happy staying there while we did the parks.

 

[swimgalsmom]

We stayed at Orange Lake a couple of years ago and we absolutely loved it! I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. It has so much for the kids to do and was very convenient to the parks. My parents went with us on that trip. My father is a big golfer so he never left the resort the whole time we were there! Between the golf and all the other activities he was perfectly happy staying there while we did the parks.

 

[Hasil72]

We stayed in the West Village through RCI a couple years ago and thought it was a beautiful property. The new pool complex is wonderful but you'll have to drive. For your sake, I hope the previous poster was right and that they have been refurbed recently. I'm not picky, and they were ok (a little worn), but not what I was expecting after looking at the website so I was a little disappointed. Also, watch out for the little ones. There is a small step going down from the dining/kitchen area to the living room.

Have a great time!