The following is the message that I posted at another web site regarding this resort. We stayed here in October, 2004, and loved it.
We stayed in a three bedroom unit for seven nights. The unit was exactly as displayed in the pictures, with everything nearly new and in working order.
These units are very plush, and virtually perfect. Its easier to explain what seems to be missing from the unit, since the unit is about as close to home as you can get.
The only item that I wished for in the kitchen was a grater. The dishwasher is very loud. The washer and dryer noise didn't bother us.
The living room for the two bedroom section could use another chair. It seems odd that there is dinner seating for six, but barely enough living room seating for four. You can move the dining room chairs if you want six people in the living room area. The screened porch has a dinner table and four chairs.
For some reason, we could not figure out how to set the alarm clock. You can bring your own CD for morning wake up music, or choose "nature sounds."
The master bath had one sink, and it would have been great if there were two. The shower is huge.
The second bedroom had two double beds, and the bathroom had one sink and a tub with shower. The studio unit (third bedroom and bath) had its own screened porch and mini kitchen.
Because we are HGVC owners (although not here) we received a free mid-week cleaning.
The pool area is spectacular, but the water was a little cool in October. We discovered that the interactive fountain area has heated water. There is towel service at the pool, two jacuzzis, and a small playground outside the pool area.
The entire complex borders on a lake. The only downside of our building was that we were at the far end of the last completed building, so we were facing the construction site where at least two more buildings are going up. The rest of our view was of the parking lot. We were only bothered by the noise when we decided to skip the theme park schedule for the morning. If you are requesting a unit, try for a lake or pool view.
I can't say anything about the organized activities, since we didn't try them. There is an on-site deli, bar & grill, and billiard tables. It is an easy drive across the road to Publix grocery or Outback Steakhouse. Dixie Stampede is also across the road, and Orlando Premium Outlets is next door. A bus stop for the "I-Ride Trolley" (the bus that travels the length of International Drive) is just outside the entrance to the resort.
Overall, this is a spectacular resort, and it has easy access to the theme parks. This is the third resort we have stayed at in the Orlando area, and I doubt if we will stay anywhere but here the next time we return.
Feel free to send an e-mail if you have any questions!
Jamie
