Silver Lake Resort -- tips (1 Bedroom)?

[spielerin]

Well, we're booked . 2 weeks at Silver Lake in a 1 bedroom for 3 adults using Skyauction (May 3-17). Longest trip to Disney we've ever planned. Kind of a retirement party for Dad. Any tips for us, what to expect, what to pack, etc . I have stayed offsite in hotels before, but my parents have never stayed offsite , and we've never stayed in a condo before . Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[Glencora]

I stayed in the Points section last year, and found it a very nice place to stay. The best part is the "backdoor" exit that puts you right onto the Disney roads. AK was about a five minute drive, and I don't think it took me longer than 15 mins. to get anywhere.

The pools are really nice. If the main pool is too crowded for you, then there's an auxiliary pool that always seemed to be quiet. One heads up - when I arrived in my room, I found a list of the charges for any extra amenities - shampoo, lotion, etc. If you use up what's there, they'll charge you for more. Not a problem for me, I brought my own. HTH!

 

[shoney]

I have stayed in four timeshares in the Orlando area: Silver Lake, Summer Bay, Orange Lake, Hilton @ Seaworld. Only the Hilton offered a free midweek cleaning, otherwise you pay extra. I have read many timeshare reviews where the people were upset with the lack of maid service. Some have even required you strip the beds and put all towels and linens in the bathtub before leaving. Some have come well stocked...paper towels, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, etc and some not so much. What to pack, depends on how much cooking you plan on doing. We really do not cook at all, except for some waffles for breakfast. We pick up a few snacks, breakfast foods and beverages when we arrive. My husband likes sugar in coffee so I usually bring a small tuppeware with sugar so I don't have to buy a whole box. A small thing of laundry detergent is good to have, but you can buy it when you get there.

Also, do not answer the phone! They call and call and call asking you to go to a "free breakfast" or some other gimick. It is just to sell you timeshare. We unplug the phone!

We really like the space that the condo's give us. Being in a hotel room now feels very cramped. I do think of it as "upscale camping" in a way.

 

[bearzabout]

Silver Lake has four different 1 bedroom units. Hope for the 800+/- SF one bedroom that combines with a hotel room to create a two bedroom unit. These have a dishwasher, jacuzzi tub with separate shower and a full living room that seats 4. I think these are the "G" units.

Often times, Skyauction assigns me the smaller 550+/- SF unit that combines with the two bedroom unit to create a three bedroom that are missing the above features. They are still nice units, but we love the extra amenities in the larger one bedroom unit. I think these are the "B" units.

Pray you don't get a "D" unit. These don't have full kitchens. Make sure your reservation says full kitchen and you shouldn't get one of these. I never have with many Skyauction stays.


My tips:
1. Avoid building 400 if possible. It overlooks a busy road.

2. Check in early if possible (even if your room isn't ready) so you can find out what building /floor you have been assigned and request something different if you are not happy.

3. Be careful not to store your key near a credit card. They can become demagnitized.

4. After you see your unit and are happy with it, ask the front desk if you can stay in the same unit for the second week if you don't want to have to move your belongings.

5. Take advantage of the free internet and printers under building 1700 near they fitness center.

6. Use the back gate closer to Disney to enter the resort after you have initially checked in. Tell the front desk you want to do this. Not all keys are the right size to open the gate. You can buzz security from the gate and they will let you in if you don't have the right size key or if it doesn't work.

7. Publix is just a little further west from where Black Lake Road intersects I92.

The place isn't perfect, but I love Silver Lake. Just don't sweat the small stuff. I hope you will enjoy your stay.

 

[mommyof3grlz]

We are staying a week at Silver Lake in April. Thanks so much for the good information.

 

[spielerin]

Good tips. Thanks.
We're looking at breakfasts in the room, and some other meals too depending on daily activities.
I called ahead to have them book us into the same unit for both weeks and to make sure we'll be in a building with an elevator. The woman I spoke to said we would be on the second floor. That sounds just about perfect to me. First floor rooms in many hotels tend to attract more bugs (BIG problem for my mother!!!!), I can just run up or down the stairs for quick trips to car, pool, etc, and dad has the elevator available instead of the stairs. (possible ECV this trip)

Thanks for all the help!