Overwhelmed with Windsor Hills options? HELP!

[GingerJay]

I actually never heard a peep from anything outside; the unit next to us was occupied at the time, and you couldn't hear anything going on from their side of the building. The townhomes seem pretty well built; once you shut the door, it's very peaceful. We slept in the master upstairs, so if there as noise at night, we probably wouldn't have picked it up anyway.

I think the only potential would be in the private pool area (splash pool); they are separated by a wall but if both families were outside at the same time, then you would probably hear them.

Townhome #4 is an end unit, which is one of the reasons I picked it. Neighbors only on one side Although, it probably wouldn't have been a problem either way.

 

[FiveofusNL]

I actually never heard a peep from anything outside; the unit next to us was occupied at the time, and you couldn't hear anything going on from their side of the building. The townhomes seem pretty well built; once you shut the door, it's very peaceful. We slept in the master upstairs, so if there as noise at night, we probably wouldn't have picked it up anyway.

I think the only potential would be in the private pool area (splash pool); they are separated by a wall but if both families were outside at the same time, then you would probably hear them.

Townhome #4 is an end unit, which is one of the reasons I picked it. Neighbors only on one side Although, it probably wouldn't have been a problem either way.

Thanks! You are starting to convince me that this townhouse may be the way to go. Still torn between on property and the townhouse, but getting a lot more comfortable with the town house (especially #4) after hearing what you have to say. You gotta love the DIS Boards! Now need to work on DH...he only wants to stay on property and will need some convincing

 

[Cdnmom2001]

we stayed at WH in May of this year and LOVED it. We were abit afraid of being off site but my goodness the space, the pool in the back yard, the no crowds and the price made it the best decision we could have made. We stayed at Bambi's Bungalow and loved it. I am currently looking at booking my April/May 2013 and I am going through VRBO this time. Nothing wrong with the agency we went through last time, just want a different unit for possibly a better price that is all. The managment company was more money the the VRBO but I will say the mangment company had a cancellation policy where the VRBO'S don't. I would hesitate staying here. We loved the unit, the beds were comfy, better than the CBR beds. The space was wonderful and we never heard sounds from outside at all. I can't say enough positive things about our stay at WH!

 

[FiveofusNL]

we stayed at WH in May of this year and LOVED it. We were abit afraid of being off site but my goodness the space, the pool in the back yard, the no crowds and the price made it the best decision we could have made. We stayed at Bambi's Bungalow and loved it. I am currently looking at booking my April/May 2013 and I am going through VRBO this time. Nothing wrong with the agency we went through last time, just want a different unit for possibly a better price that is all. The managment company was more money the the VRBO but I will say the mangment company had a cancellation policy where the VRBO'S don't. I would hesitate staying here. We loved the unit, the beds were comfy, better than the CBR beds. The space was wonderful and we never heard sounds from outside at all. I can't say enough positive things about our stay at WH!

Thanks for the info! Every little bit helps to reduce the fear. Glad to see many others were just as nervous about staying off site the first time as I am. Someone recently told me I was better off with a condo than a townhouse as they are cheaper and closer to the pool. According to her,
after being squeezed into an on property Disney room, anything would seem like a castle. But I think the townhouse is better for us. All of these replies are certainly helping me with my comfort level in this decision.

 

[wgeo]

Thanks for the info! Every little bit helps to reduce the fear. Glad to see many others were just as nervous about staying off site the first time as I am. Someone recently told me I was better off with a condo than a townhouse as they are cheaper and closer to the pool. According to her,
after being squeezed into an on property Disney room, anything would seem like a castle. But I think the townhouse is better for us. All of these replies are certainly helping me with my comfort level in this decision.

I hope you don't have much fear! We thought that staying at Windsor Hills last year was a great decision. (We stayed in Mickeys World #2 - also very close to the community pool). This was our first trip to Disney and we didn't know our way around at all, and we had NO problem getting around, it was very quick and easy to get to all the parks, and we did come back for 2 mid afternoon breaks and thought it was easy, although we usually didn't want to leave the parks! The only reason we are staying at Bonnet Creek this year is that the kids wanted more pools and my DH fell in love with Earl of Sandwich at DTD and that is really much closer to Bonnet Creek than it is to Windsor Hills -- and whatever keeps him happy enough to go back works for me!

Have a great trip,
Gina

 

[softballmom3]

Now after reading this all, it makes me lean WAY towards Windsor Hills again too. You can't beat the price that's for sure. I just love staying on-property too .

I would probably go for the townhouse because you can pull right up to the door. It's great.

 

[hjd0411]

I can also vouch for Windsor Hills! I am about to stay there for the 3rd time!!
First stay was in a condo, which was great, 2nd time in a townhome which was even better!! Staying in the same townhome this time too.
I was the same as you - a bit apprehensive the first time, but after arriving at the condo and opening the door all apprehension went! Totally fell in love with the place.
The townhome I stay in is an end one as well. This is the website http://www.orlandotownhouse.net/ I can highly recommend the townhouse and the owners - I have had no problems at all with either dealing I have had.
Happy planning!! It does take a lot of time, but we all know that it is worth it in the end!!!

 

[FiveofusNL]

The townhome I stay in is an end one as well. This is the website http://www.orlandotownhouse.net/ I can highly recommend the townhouse and the owners - I have had no problems at all with either dealing I have had.

Thanks for the end unit recommendation - I will check them out right now. Also, a big thanks to the rest of you for your advice and for taking the time to help ease my mind. HUGE HELP!!!

 

[GingerJay]

Now after reading this all, it makes me lean WAY towards Windsor Hills again too. You can't beat the price that's for sure. I just love staying on-property too .

I would probably go for the townhouse because you can pull right up to the door. It's great.

Staying on property is nice, too for sure. For our first ever trip there were only 4 of us and we stayed at the Contemporary and it was wonderful For a family of 5 it's cost prohibitive, though-- and the thought of the extra space (especially since my kids are older now and seem to take up more room ) is wonderful! And the cost is much less-

There are pros and cons to both..either way you're at Disney, though. You should be comfortable where you stay; wherever you stay- onsite or off. It's your vacation!!

 

[FiveofusNL]

There are pros and cons to both..either way you're at Disney, though. You should be comfortable where you stay; wherever you stay- onsite or off. It's your vacation!!

Very true. A good way to look at it.

 

[FiveofusNL]

I did a spreadsheet comparing staying at WH with BWI at rack rates, and with a 20% discount. Even with vehicle rentals and parking, the savings were pretty significant. That may not have swayed me to stay off property, but teamed with the input received here, it was enough to push me into action. I booked WH town house "Story time 4" today!! I figure, if we do not like it, we can do something else whenever we return again. A big thanks to all of you for your help

 

[GingerJay]

I did a spreadsheet comparing staying at WH with BWI at rack rates, and with a 20% discount. Even with vehicle rentals and parking, the savings were pretty significant. That may not have swayed me to stay off property, but teamed with the input received here, it was enough to push me into action. I booked WH town house "Story time 4" today!! I figure, if we do not like it, we can do something else whenever we return again. A big thanks to all of you for your help

Yay! It's always exciting to have the first step in your trip booked I'm going down in June of 2013. Is that when you'll be there as well?

 

[FiveofusNL]

Yay! It's always exciting to have the first step in your trip booked I'm going down in June of 2013. Is that when you'll be there as well?

Yes, we will be heading down June 17th. I am relieved to have finally made a decision. I still feel torn about staying off property away from total "magic" submersion but knew I had to just make a decision. I guess that is why I do not feel the same excitement as when I booked with BWI last time.

 

[LisaNJ25]

We are staying off site at WH for the first time in 3 weeks. We went with Dave @ vacationcentralflorida.com

You couldn't beat $550 for a week. We are a large family also. We usually stay at POR but even with free dinning going on I couldn't beat the offsite price and the discounted Y.E.S tickets we were able to get.

 

[FiveofusNL]

We are staying off site at WH for the first time in 3 weeks. We went with Dave @ vacationcentralflorida.com

You couldn't beat $550 for a week. We are a large family also. We usually stay at POR but even with free dinning going on I couldn't beat the offsite price and the discounted Y.E.S tickets we were able to get.

Wow, that's a fabulous price! Not many sleeps left until your trip - bet you are getting pretty excited. I am eager to hear how you find the transition from staying on property to staying at WH. Maybe you could post a follow up here after the trip if you get a chance??? Have a great vacation!:cool1

 

[purplebelle]

We have a group of 10 staying at Windsor Hill (one of the homes) in about a week. My first time staying off property but worked out well price wise for the 10 of us. It's going to cost MUCH less than if we all stayed on property. I agree with others that I might miss some of the Disney magic of staying on property but money sure talked to us this time as we could use not plunking down loads this trip. Will report back when I get back!

 

[FiveofusNL]

We have a group of 10 staying at Windsor Hill (one of the homes) in about a week. My first time staying off property but worked out well price wise for the 10 of us. It's going to cost MUCH less than if we all stayed on property. I agree with others that I might miss some of the Disney magic of staying on property but money sure talked to us this time as we could use not plunking down loads this trip. Will report back when I get back!

Thanks! Look forward to hearing how it goes. Hope you have a great time.

 

[FiveofusNL]

We have a group of 10 staying at Windsor Hill (one of the homes) in about a week. My first time staying off property but worked out well price wise for the 10 of us. It's going to cost MUCH less than if we all stayed on property. I agree with others that I might miss some of the Disney magic of staying on property but money sure talked to us this time as we could use not plunking down loads this trip. Will report back when I get back!

Thanks! Look forward to hearing how it goes. Hope you have a great time.

 

[serene56]

We have a group of 10 staying at Windsor Hill (one of the homes) in about a week. My first time staying off property but worked out well price wise for the 10 of us. It's going to cost MUCH less than if we all stayed on property. I agree with others that I might miss some of the Disney magic of staying on property but money sure talked to us this time as we could use not plunking down loads this trip. Will report back when I get back!

what is the makeup of the group- how many adults/kids
how many families?


i'd be curious to how you make out

 

[purplebelle]

2 kids: 6 and 8
8 adults (consisting of parents, cousins, aunts, etc)