We have driven to Seaworld and Universal from Paradise Palms. Last trip we did Discovery Cove (next to SW) and it was 20 minutes, I actually timed it. Universal was more like 25 minutes. I think 5 minutes of both trips was due to construction on I4 though, which was a pain and would have affected us no matter where we stayed.
Windsor Hills/Palms would save you about 4 minutes off those times. Also, have you ever tried the Marriott resorts like Cypress Harbour? They are ideally located by Seaworld but can be expensive. I guess it all comes down to number of bedrooms vs cost vs distance. I have never found anything that sounded good near Universal. Personally I like the LBV area best for convenience to all 3 park families but lodging options are not great.
For us, the more times we go (12 trips to Kissimmee area so far) the more lazy days we take and the more time we spend at the resort pool. Also, we have found that flying into TPA is often much cheaper (esp when you multiply x4) and only about 30 minutes longer drive to PP, but a 20 minute shorter flight, so only losing 10 minutes overall and can save us hundreds of dollars. We always drive to the gulf coast beaches at least twice so being on the west side of the park area seems to average out pretty well.
