Questions about Windsor Palms

[#1hoosierfan]

We are staying in a house at Windsor Palms. I am curious about your thoughts on the community pool and movie theater there. Is it something that you used? Thoughts or opinions?

Thanks!

 

[KayR]

I have stayed at Windsor Palms many times.

I wasn't sure what information you were looking for. Do you have any specific questions that perhaps I can answer?

--Kay

 

[traveljunkie2]

Kay,

I have some questions!

Are there elevators to the condos?

I have seen postings about a sewage smell from a treatment pond of some kind nearby. Ever heard of this or had any experience with this?

For the 3 br townhouses, is there a bedroom and full bath/shower downstairs? I need to accomodate my mom who can't go upstairs.

Is the community pool a zero entry? Do you know how late it is open and if it is heated? Is the clubhouse staffed most of the day? Do you know if they would accept deliveries (like a mobility scooter)?

Do you know of a specific Windsor Palms condo/townhouse that would fit these criteria: 3 br (one must be downstairs), at least 2 bath (one downstairs) but prefer 3 baths, first floor if a condo, themed twin bedroom suitable for boys (no princesses!!! per DS6), prefer a queen and king in other two brs, tiled floor in main area.

I am considering Windsor Palms for our next trip. It sounds like it is very similar to Windsor Hills in proximity to the parks, but I am finding more reasonable prices there.

Thanks for any assistance!

 

[KayR]

Kay,

I have some questions!

Are there elevators to the condos?

There are not elevators in the condos. That doesn't bother me, but I can understand that some guests would want or need elevators. The condos are buildings are 3 stories high, not 4 as in Windsor Hills.

I have seen postings about a sewage smell from a treatment pond of some kind nearby. Ever heard of this or had any experience with this?

There was an issue several years ago when the plant was being moved, but since that was completed the issue was resolved.

I will be honest with you, I did smell it on one trip several years ago (2004?). It was not strong - in fact no worse than living in the countryside - in fact I have smelt worse in the countryside! Since then I check every trip and have smelled nothing.

For the 3 br townhouses, is there a bedroom and full bath/shower downstairs? I need to accomodate my mom who can't go upstairs.

I have no personal experience with townhomes, but I found the floorplan here. http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/pages/32/orlando_townhomes/default.aspx so it looks like the townhomes are 3 bed, 3 bath with a bedroom & full bath downstairs. However just to be on the safe side, double check with the owner that you are interested in renting from as that is an important issue for you.

Is the community pool a zero entry? Do you know how late it is open and if it is heated? Is the clubhouse staffed most of the day? Do you know if they would accept deliveries (like a mobility scooter)?

The community pool is not a zero entry pool. There is a separate toddler pool.

I found the following information on opening hours

WINDSOR PALMS RESORT OPENING HOURS

Clubhouse 8:00am until 10:30pm

Including Sundry shop, Movie Theatre, Fitness Room, (Must be 18 years or older unless accompanied by an adult) and Games Room.

Windsor Palms Recreational Facilities 8:00am until 10:00pm

Swimming Pool & Spa, Tennis, Basketball & Volleyball courts, Playground & BBQ Area.

The Windsor Palms communal pool is heated during fall, winter, and spring. It is turned off for the summer season, Memorial Day through the end of August.

The clubhouse will accept packages on behalf of guests, but I am not sure of a mobility scooter. That's kind of a big parcel! Can they not time the delivery so that you are there to receive it? If not, either the owner you rent from or I can email Jerry, the Windsor Palms clubhouse manager, and ask for you.

Do you know of a specific Windsor Palms condo/townhouse that would fit these criteria: 3 br (one must be downstairs), at least 2 bath (one downstairs) but prefer 3 baths, first floor if a condo, themed twin bedroom suitable for boys (no princesses!!! per DS6), prefer a queen and king in other two brs, tiled floor in main area.

From what I can see condos are 3 bed 2 baths, townhomes are 3 bed/3 bath. I don't know of a specific unit that fits your needs, but I can ask around for you. Drop me a PM with your email address and I can pass on what I find out. Other Dis-ers that have stayed in condo's/ townhomes may be able to recommend the home they stayed in.

Do you have any dates in mind for your trip?

I am considering Windsor Palms for our next trip. It sounds like it is very similar to Windsor Hills in proximity to the parks, but I am finding more reasonable prices there.

Thanks for any assistance!

Windsor Palms is literally just across the street from Windsor Hills - it is just a matter of minutes difference in travel times to the parks - you can use the same Sherbeth Road back way into WDW. Windsor Palms is also a smaller community - IMHO you can walk from any home on the community to the clubhouse.

Hope that helps

--Kay

 

[tiggerbaby]

For the last poster, I'm thinking about renting a car while I'm in Orlando.

Do you know if I can use the Sherbeth (sp?) route from Emerald Island? Is that a special road?

 

[KayR]

You can use the Sherbeth Road entrance into WDW from Emerald Island. Its a back way into WDW (i.e. not an official entrace) and IMHO a better route into WDW than going to the main entrance (You avoid traffic lights and traffic that is going to the main entrance). It brings you in right next to Animal Kingdom and AKL.

But if you have never gone to WDW through the main entrance, you need to do it once, for the experience. That is where the big "Walt Disney World" signs are. Sherbeth Road is not an official entrance, so there is no grand "welcome" sign.

When are you traveling? If it is at a busy time, you may want to consider the alternative way to Sherbeth Road, via a bumby, unpaved road. Its fun, but can get slippery, so be careful and aware of road conditions!

From Emerald Island you go right on Funnie Steed Road. At the stop sign, most guests go left onto Formosa Gardens Blvd. If you continue straight you stay on Funnie Steed and it turns into a dirt road for a short distance. You then go left at Entry Point Blvd (Its the next stop sign IIRC). That brings you to the 192. Go Straight on at the stop lights. Entry Point Blvd turns Sherbeth Rd the other side of the 192.

HTH

-Kay

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

If you are worried about stairs for your mom at a townhouse, why not stay at Windsor Hills and get a condo with 3 bedrooms as they have elevators in the buildings?

As far as parcel deliveries at Windsor Hills, you would have to be there and have the delivery person call you from the gate as we have had to do that when we had groceries delivered.

I'm handicapped and Windsor Hills worked out well for us.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Kay,

I was just wondering about the community pool..... is it busy? Is it clean and well-staffed? Also, do people use the little movie theater that is on property? What kind of movies do they show and what time? I have such a hard time trying to find information on the Windsor Palms resort ammenties.

Thanks!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I just stayed there over Mother's Day weekend. We didn't smell anything. Our unit was right near the community pool. In fact, it over looked it. My DD and cousins did the pool, I didn't. They liked it. Only problem is that it closes at 10pm sharp. That is not that great when you want to swim after a night at the parks.

We were on the 3rd floor, so we were able to see the fireworks from the MK. On the same token, with no elevators, the 3rd floor is a hike with luggage & groceries!!

 

[KayR]

Kay,

I was just wondering about the community pool..... is it busy? Is it clean and well-staffed? Also, do people use the little movie theater that is on property? What kind of movies do they show and what time? I have such a hard time trying to find information on the Windsor Palms resort ammenties.

Thanks!

I have never seen the community pool totally busy with guests, but I am sure at some of the popular times it gets reasonably busy. We stay in a home with a pool, so the community pool is not a big thing for us. The pool is clean (they have regular maintenance / cleaning) and the pool was recently resurfaced. IIRC it is also a salt water pool. There are no life guards.

The movie theater is used. It won't be the same movies as is shown in the regular movie theaters (i.e. not "first run" movies - the resort has a selection of movies / DVDs that are available. If you go to the sundry shop you can request a movie from their list of available titles. (You won't be able to go and say I would like to see Movie X right now, but you can book it for another day.) The daily schedule is posted at the clubhouse, sorry I don't have the times for movies - I would guess it may change depending on the length of movies that have been requested. Anytime the clubhouse is open, the movie theater can be available.

Does that help?

--Kay

 

[KayR]

I just stayed there over Mother's Day weekend. We didn't smell anything. Our unit was right near the community pool. In fact, it over looked it. My DD and cousins did the pool, I didn't. They liked it. Only problem is that it closes at 10pm sharp. That is not that great when you want to swim after a night at the parks.

That's where staying a pool home comes in handy

Plus you don't have to carry all your pool toys / towels to and from the pool area (which I love not having to do).

-Kay

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Yes, Kay, thank you VERY much! We are staying at a pool home, so I am not sure how much we will use the big pool, but I like knowing it is there.

 

[KayR]

Have a great time.

-Kay

 

[A Mickeyfan]

That's where staying a pool home comes in handy

Plus you don't have to carry all your pool toys / towels to and from the pool area (which I love not having to do).

-Kay

true but then I really feel like I am home since I have a pool off my lanai. I like the feel of a resort pool.. they are much bigger than a private home pool. This was the first place I have ever seen where they really close the pool at 10pm sharp....

 

[traveljunkie2]

Kay,

Thank you so much for all of the info. You have helped me weed out my extensive list of lodging options! We are looking at Jan. 22-Feb.1, tentatively. I need to find a smoking hot deal on lodging, hence the long list of options! I'm trying to decide if I should wait until last minute, but it's not in my nature to do so! I'm definitely a planner.

I'm glad you mentioned the dirt road section of Funnie Steed. We tried this short cut last year but didn't know part of it was unpaved and thought we did something wrong! We'll try again next time!

Beth

 

[~Fisharefriends~]

This thread has helped me thhink that we have made a great decision to stay at windsor palms next year in a 4 bed. We we also have to try this back dirt track route. Thanks