Overwhelmed selecting offsite locale-pls help!

[PrincessP]

I have been reading these threads to expand my knowledge in this area, but there is so much to learn! We generally stay on WDW property, and I had that info mastered. This trip we are planning a more Sea world centered vacation (SW, DC, Aquatica, Legoland, and just 2 days at MK) so we wanted to stay offsite.

We are currently looking at condos/villas/town homes.

Questions:

1) where is good rental community for the following options:

* community pool with large-ish water slide (comparable to Disney's Polynesian Resort, which is 142 foot slide, zero entry)

* theme park fireworks view potential- don't care which theme park

* themed rooms- but this is not required

*private pool- again not a necessity

We only "need" 2 bedrooms since there are just 4 of us, but everything seems to offer more than that.....we're fine with more if the price is right.

2). What is the best risk-free way to rent?

3). I have the 2012 unofficial guide to Walt Disney world book. Is the info on offsite rentals there still up-to-date, or do I need to update my book?

4) is there a good DIS link to Winsor Hills info like I see on Bonnet Creek (the We loooove Bonnet creek thread)?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[jaykorf001]

We returned 10 days ago from WBC. We loved it. Very easy drive to Sea World, Aquatica, Discovery Cove -- we personally did this. 6 pools and 2 lazy rivers. We rented through Vacation Upgrades. They were easy to use and very responsive. Now, you cannot guarantee a fireworks view unfortunately. They did have a 4 BR presidential open for guests to go watch the fireworks. Also, while we were there the Waldorf set off fireworks as well. I'm not sure how often they do that.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[rlh75]

Only my 2nd trip to WDW...but we just returned from a stay at Windsor Hills and it was AMAZING!
It has a waterslide...good size one...my oldest and my DH loved it. (I went down once...it was fun! LOL!)

I know they have firework views available too...I saw a couple listed where we rented from and on the Vacation Home Rentals site. (Yea...I was looking and dreaming yesterday about a townhouse with a private splash pool WDW vacation again next year! LOL!)

Sorry I am not very versed in all things Disney...but I can tell you Windsor Hills is Beautiful, very close to WDW and everyone was very nice there!

 

[rlh75]

Oh and We did have Disney themed rooms in our unit.

 

[disneyfan55]

We stayed at Caribe Royale. The resort is closeby and has free parking and is a good price for what is offered. We stayed in a villa with 8 people. I am not sure if any fireworks can be seen or not. We really didn't look for it but I wouldn't be surprised if one can be seen. Check out the website for the resort. Mousesavers has many offers including a $30/ night food credit. There was a themed pool as well as a pool for use of the villa guests only.

 

[I459WDW]

We returned 10 days ago from WBC. We loved it. Very easy drive to Sea World, Aquatica, Discovery Cove -- we personally did this. 6 pools and 2 lazy rivers. We rented through Vacation Upgrades. They were easy to use and very responsive. Now, you cannot guarantee a fireworks view unfortunately. They did have a 4 BR presidential open for guests to go watch the fireworks. Also, while we were there the Waldorf set off fireworks as well. I'm not sure how often they do that.

I was about to pose the exact same original posters question!
Only difference is I would add for us we have a family of 5 which makes things tricky.

jaykorf001 - What is WBC???

 

[Detailor]

What is WBC???

WBC refers to Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort, a timeshare resort that's snugged in between Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and I-4.

Dick Taylor

 

[PrincessP]

Thank you all for the helpful responses. Any recommendations for safe places (risk-free or as close to risk-free as possible) from which to rent? Personal experiences?

Thank you!

 

[ZellyB]

We have stayed at Windsor Hills and Emerald Island. Both are very nice communities and very safe, quiet and gated. Windsor Hills is a bit closer to Disney property by about 10 minutes or so. WH is a bit newer than EI, I believe and has a nicer community pool, I believe. We are renting in EI for our next trip and are getting a house with a pool/hot tub, so we likely won't use the community pool at all. I'd recommend either of these communities from my personal experience, but there are several others in that area that I believe are equally good. It's really a matter of exploring the villas/condos out there and finding the one that fits your needs for the right price. If you haven't already, explore on the VRBO website. I also like to look for ones that have had recent positive reviews. Get a list of a few that you think look good and contact the owner with any questions and go from there.

 

[Fundytrail]

Just returned from another 14 day stay at WBC and would recommend it as a great off site option with five pools and lots of activities.

PrincssP WBC has to be entered through Disney property, when you stayed at OKW you would most likely drive by the entrance to any of the parks and while at Poly you would drive by the entrance on your way to DTD at WBC is next to Caribbean resort. A two bedroom unit at OKW would be slightly larger I believe than a two bedroom unit at WBC. We have booked our last to stays at WBC through Vacation Strategy will no issues or worries.

Pictures
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2701195

WBC INFO
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2951974