RCI condos with heated pools in winter?

[duffy]

So, we're thinking of going to Disney for our 30th anniversary in Feb., 2013. We'd like to have our 3 daughters, their partners and our granddaughter all come with us! My first thought is a Disney hotel, but ouch! 8 people? I want to be able to spread out! We have a timeshare with RCI, so I'm looking at 3-bedroom condos.

I have a hold on a unit at Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort - East Village (whew! What a mouthful!!) and it looks nice. My concern is, what if people want to just take it easy and hang out at the hotel? We were at Wilderness Lodge in Feb. 2008 for our 25th anniversary, and I know Disney heats their pools.

Will a family of people coming from western Pa., Vermont and Massachusetts be okay swimming in Feb.? Or are the pools deserted in the winter months? Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

from up north - you should be fine.

Disney - DVC is now part of RCI - so would call them and ask them what your chances are. would try for OKW or SSR - those are the ones easiest to get -

most timeshares have at least one pool that is heated.

Orange Lake is big and I mean BIG. my problem was that silly light on US 192 - it holds forever (with us it was 10 minutes)

 

[duffy]

Thanks! But, isn't it tough to get a 3-bedroom unit at either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs? I think we MUST have 3 bedrooms for privacy, as well as sanity!! It seems to me that my options are: take this 3-bedroom unit I have on hold, which is for the first week of February, and my anniversary is in that week, OR, take my chances that a 3-bedroom unit at Old Key West or Saratoga Springs will become available then?

To us, it's important that we have that week. I want to stay in a place that will sleep my husband and I in our own room, our oldest daughter and her partner in another, and our 2nd daughter with her husband and their daughter (who will be 2-1/2) in a 3rd, during that first week in February. (3rd daughter is a teen, she gets a foldout couch!) Location isn't that important.

(Heck, I'm not even thoroughly convinced on going to Florida!! I just want to have my kids around to celebrate our 30th anniversary, and Disney World is a place where everyone can find something fun to do, right??)

 

[LadyBeBop]

I'd keep your reservations at Orange Lake. We were there in February 2010. It was pretty chilly. Yet, we did go swimming a few times in their heated pools.

Congrats on your 30th anniversary. My in-laws took us to OL on their 53rd anniversary.

 

[duffy]

Thanks.

I was checking RCI this morning, and Silver Lake had a 3-bedroom unit available. I looked into both it, and the Holiday Inn Vacation Club at Orange Lake one. I liked Silver Lake better, but when I tried to "hold" it, it vanished! Someone snatched it up ahead of me!

Well, I checked RCI again, just to look for a 3-bedroom unit, checking in the first week of Feb. 2013, and guess what? The Silver Lake one is back! I like it better, because it's closer, and the configuration of beds is better. There's no shuttle, but we'll probably all have rental cars, and I'll just have to make sure everyone knows about the parking fees.

Good to know that we can still swim. We will probably all try it at least once!

 

[Brian Noble]

isn't it tough to get a 3-bedroom unit at either Old Key West or Saratoga Springs?

No. It's nearly impossible. They are rare as hen's teeth. I've searched DVC RCI deposits daily since they joined RCI in January of '09, and I think I can count the number of 3BRs I've seen on one hand.

 

[spiceycat]

that is surprising since DVC claims that members don't use the 3-bedroom enough - or did.

so guess dvc is renting them.

Silver Lake or Orange Lake are both okay. think that Orange lake has more activities than Silver lake. If that makes any difference to you.

 

[duffy]

Thanks again! I went ahead and reserved Silver Lake's 3-bedroom unit available. One adult couple in each bedroom, youngest daughter (17 then) on a couch and granddaughter who will be 2-1/2, with her parents. As long as the pool is warm, I think we'll have enough to do!