Timeshare property not far from MK/EPCOT?

[Picabo]

I really don't know where to start! We want to exchange our timeshare unit for our Disney trip in December. BUT, if it's going to take FOREVER to get back and forth, then we'll just not use our timeshare and end up staying onsite. Can anyone recommend a property that isn't too far from the MK and EPCOT entances? I know there are so many ways to get into DW and so many places say "Just one mile" but one mile from what PART of DW?? So if anyone can recommend places that are good for a couple with toddlers, that'd be sooo helpful! If it has a shuttle, all the better but worst case we'll rent a car.

Oh, and we use Interval if that matters in terms of WHERE to stay!

 

[sympatico]

I know nothing much about timeshare exchanges but Bonnet Creek is practically in Disney. http://www.wyndhambonnetcreek.com/
Silver Lakes is a couple of minutes from Animal Kingdom. http://www.silverlakeresort.com/
Here's a map and Bonnet Creek is #118 and there's also other properties around it that you could try to see if they're available through Interval.
Silver Lakes is #19
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13
Zoom in for a better look.

 

[Brian Noble]

You will absolutely want a car if you are not staying on Disney property.

If you exchange in RCI, so do the Disney resorts, so that's one option. You'll need some patience and excellent trade power, though. Bonnet Creek and Silver Lakes are also in RCI, and both fine. BC is a tough trade, but Silver Lakes is pretty easy. Other close-by locations include Orbit One (RCI) and Westgate Vacation Villas (RCI/II)---both are just north of Windsor Hills. Over on the LBV side, Vistana and the Cypress Pointes aren't too far---they are also in both.

Interval also has the various Marriott Palms---those are very close.

Edited to add: here's another map that is very helpful:
http://tug2.com/tsmaps/TimeshareMaps.html

 

[Metsoskil]

There are several II resorts that are within a few miles of WDW. We exchanged into Vistana Villages, and it never took us more than 10-15 minutes to get to the parks. It was a beautiful resort. Vistana Resort (not the Villages) is a minute or two closer, and has some very nice sections, although some sections do not measure up to Vistana Villages.

I own at Star Island, which is about 4 miles from WDW, and is a nice place.

There are many others that are within a couple of minutes.

FYI, I've heard great things about Bonnet Creek, but it's an RCI resort.

 

[Janet Hill]

Since you trade II, I would pick either Cypress Pointe or Sheraton Vistana. Cypress Pointe is the closer of the two.

As for shuttles vs renting a car, I know that when we had two toddlers we drove to the parks even when staying on site. IMO it's just such a hassle to schlep the kids and strollers around on those busses, but others will disagree with this.

 

[Detailor]

Since you trade II, I would pick either Cypress Pointe or Sheraton Vistana. Cypress Pointe is the closer of the two.

As for shuttles vs renting a car, I know that when we had two toddlers we drove to the parks even when staying on site. IMO it's just such a hassle to schlep the kids and strollers around on those busses, but others will disagree with this.

And, also trading through II, the Marriott Sabal Palms, Imperial Palm Villas and Royal Palms are grouped together at the Marriott World Center property just around the corner from the Sheraton Vistana Resorts and a little closer to the MK/Epcot and other theme parks than either the Vistana Resort or Cypress Pointe.

As have others, I suggest that you think seriously about renting a car. While many, but not all, resorts offer shuttles for hire they tend to run at their schedules rather than your's. For me that doesn't work well when I'm on vacation.

Dick Taylor

 

[SiClone]

We stayed at Royal Palms. Absolutely great location! You don't have to deal with Apopka Vineland Rd (535) at all (unless you go to Walrmart, Target, Sams, etc... which are the opposite direction of all that out-of-town traffic). Getting on and off of I4 from 536 (exit 67) is fantastic, too!