Talk to me about Emerald Island....

[Cindy B]

I am considering a last minute trip (August 1-8).

My family (2 adults and 11, 14 year olds) are looking at off-site rentals. We have previously stayed at Windsor Hills, Cypress Pointe and Cypress Pointe Grand Villas as well as all types of Disney hotels onsite.

We loved Windsor Hills but my favorite owner does not have anything for my dates so I wound up looking at other communities and Emerald Island looks interesting...

We can do either a 3 br condo or a villa. How close is it to Disney and I4 (for access to Universal)?

If you have been to Windsor Hills and Emerald Island--how do they compare? What is better? What do you like about it?

 

[isla bonita]

Just giving you some things to look at.

http://www.emerald-island.info/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQLTVQbVMnY

Here is some information.

http://www.emeraldislandhoa.org/outside_home.asp

 

[Cindy B]

Just giving you some things to look at.

http://www.emerald-island.info/

http://www.ciirus.com/data/properties/10436/32621/Project/Index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQLTVQbVMnY

Here is some information.

http://www.emeraldislandhoa.org/outside_home.asp

The 2nd link gives a 404 error. Thanks for the info though!

 

[sympatico]

I have stay at both WH and EmIs. Distancewise it's just west of WH by a couple of minutes so just tack that on any time from WH.
The entrance is beautiful and grounds well looked after. There's more vegetation/landscaping at Em Is. The main pool is smaller than WH but there's a tiki bar with a small menu and drinks. Cubhouse, fittness room and some planned activities also. Smaller playground than at WH.
I wouldn't hesitate to stay at either one but I would go for the villa with the private pool.
On this map WH is #1 and Em Is is #15
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

 

[davinakb]

Stayed in EI a couple years ago, a 4BR townhouse. It's not far from WDW at all, in the Formosa Gardens area of 192. As already mentioned, it does not have the big community pool like WH, but it is nice. Would not think twice about staying there again. FWIW.

 

[KayR]

Both communities are great, both close to WDW, perhaps a couple more minutes from EI, but barely noticeable.

www.stayatemeraldisland.com has more information on the community if that helps.

I have only ever stayed in homes and spend little time at the community facilities (especially as the homes have their own pools) so to me the home is more important. If I was staying in a condo/townhome, I might place more emphasis on the community amenities.

There are also other communities in that general area (also known as Formosa Gardens) that you may want to consider including Rolling Hills, Windsor Palms, Oak Island, Indian Creek.

HTH

-Kay