I'll try to keep things as brief as possible, ( PS I failed 
) a lot of what we did isn't going to be a huge interest to many people. But maybe it will be informative for anyone thinking of buying at the moment.
This was primarily a home selecting trip, or at least to get a solid idea of the area we wanted, so we can rent nearby in order to get Jana's DS Gus into a school local to our house and not have him move schools twice in a year. Land prices have jumped quite dramatically, and the corresponding price of housing too. I think the realators and builders are having SUCH a boom time at the moment they are getting a little lazy and greedy. There are still good priced properties available, but you have to look a little further out and to buy in an area where the development is only just starting.
Areas we looked at
Harmony http://www.harmonyfl.com/comm.asp
The good parts,
it's a nice looking development, seems well planned and thought out. Brand new schools from elementary all the way through High School. Nice looking golf course and some very nice "custom" homes. I quite like the concept ( one with nature) and I think it will grow into a good development.
The not so good,
this is a good way East on 192, past Kissimee, past St Cloud and keeeeep going. I'd guess it's a good 25 miles from WDW. There is a lot of roadworks on the 192 from mile markers 13 through 20 ( roughly) as they expand the road. When it's finished it should do a lot to help the congestion, but I can help feeling that you still gotta drive through the scummy parts of St Cloud to get anywhere (other than the beach in the opposite direction). It was a little pricey, (building) lots starting from $70k for pretty small lots. A reasonable custom home was going to set you back $450k+ . The cheaper option, built by DRHorton were quite nicely done, but I thought a little packed in, but the thing that REALLY bugged Jana and I was that the sales staff said you get no input into what the house looks like (paint colours, finishes etc). To me when you're commissioning a house to be built that's a nonsense. If the customers want it a different colour charge $2k to do it in their choice!!. The other thing that bugged me was BUGS !!! or to be more precise mosquitos ( mosquitos sir, farsands of 'em to misquote the fine film Zulu). I must have been bitten 20 or 30 times just from getting from one show house into the next. Now granted they do like me, but a swarm of some 50 or so took off from the grass ( flew STRAIGHT past Jana NOT ONE stopped to even have a sample of her) and headed after me. Happened at the next house as well, so either they were an intellegent bunch of mozzies or there were squadrons of the blighters about. I know there had been a lot of rain, maybe they were having a bad day, but the mozzie problem at Harmony looks pretty bad IMHO.
We checked out http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/newhomes/regionmap.asp?show=Central Florida . But didn't like the designs or the finish of the homes
we also checked out http://americasfirsthome.net/?market=orlando&poe=homebuilder but didn't like their designs or finish either. I can't be hyper critical of either company, they just didn't seem to provide a house that "grabbed" either of us.
We took a trip out to Winter Haven ( I didn't realise quite how far it was, not helped by getting lost because the road sign we were looking for was upside down, back to front and the killer blow a different name to the one we were told to look for.) We saw a couple of resales and to be honest I think the people trying to sell them at that price have been on the whacky baccy. The realator who took us round there was VERY sweet, helpful and attentive. Of all the realators we talked to she was by a country mile the most helpful and I'd happily recommend her to anyone here's her email address schevy.pierre@coldwellbanker.com . While there she took us to a new development near to Cypress Gardens ( which is in the latter stages of a pretty big refit). The builders were http://www.cassidyhomes.com/FloorPlans.asp . I thought they had some nice homes and well finished. I was a little concerned about the water level at Terra Nova. Again they had had a LOT of rainfall, but the water level was just a couple of feet below the level of the house. Where there was a huge lake ( usually a pasture for cattle) there are plans to build another development. Where does all the water go if they build on the flood plain? Into someone's house is trhe answer. Still Cassidy did have some nice designs and looked a quality product.
Next visit was to http://www.reunionresort.com/Live.aspx . Now someone here has got some VERY ambitious plans for this place. I have to say it was spectacular. The golf courses were beautiful and the area will have it's own waterpark for residents and guests only. Indeed all the facilities on Reunion are for residents and guests ONLY. This is luxury, BUT it comes at a price. JUST the building lots were $250,000+ and these were small lots, 120 feet by 35. I did like the designs and they made EXCELLENT use of the space. They seem to be trying sell the lots quickly, my own take on this was they are trying to sell the lots BEFORE there are areas where the lots are built on consecutively (i.e. lots 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 all have completed houses on them. At the moment they seem keen on only building every other lot (i.e. 1,3,5,7,9, to make it appear there is a lot more space than will be the case inthe future. Anyway a well designed, but modest, 2/3 bedroom is going to set you back the best part of $650,000. If this development works, someone is going to be VERY rich off that, if it fails there are going to be A LOT of punters who've bought lots at inflated prices and who take a hosing. I guess it's dependant of your risk stratagy, if you're the type of person that likes to put a grand on the 2.30 at Cheltenham because it has the same name as your grannies cat this is an investment made in heaven for you. For the fainthearted.... it is not. JMHO.
Last choice, where Jana and I have paid a deposit and are in the process of getting a contract drawn up is http://www.avatarhomes.com in Poinciana. It's a big project, Poinciana is now, apparantly, sold out of lots in Osceola county and are only selling lots in Polk County (just the other side of the county line, but different school district). This is still a slight gamble as there is a HUGE amount of development going on, I think Avatar are finishing something like 3,000 homes in the next 12 months. There is a decent amount of infrastructure ( roads schools etc ) in place already, but not enough to deal with the demand that is coming. The area is already scheduled for more and or bigger schools and is going to need it. At times in life you gotta perform or get off the pot, weighing up everything I think the area gives you a good sized piece of land (for the money), Avatar had some nice designs and they seemed well finished (for the money) and they seem to have done a good job so far of building the community. IMHO this area offered the best value for money in the type of area we wanted. Getting in early on the development of that area has given us a good choice of lot (I hope) and it will be interesting to see how the area develops.
OK Other stuff
Theme parks. We only did one day in the parks, so we made the most of it. Started in MGM, rode Rock n Roller ( Jana's first time, she's not a lover of coasters, she fared better ont his than most I've made her try ) )I was a bit miffed as the head phones weren't working ( it takes a lot off the ride IMHO) seemed it was a big problem that day. Rode Star tours ( Jana's first time) which is always fun. We also rode the backlot tour ( another first for Jana) which is still fun. I think that was it. Had lunch ( meal review to follow) then scarpered to MK. Watched Philharmonic, which I thought was pretty good, I prefered the Lion King show that it has replaced, but I can see the logic of replacing it as the AK Lion King show is excellent. Took a trip into the Haunted Mansion, but were surrounded by shrieking teens ( not scared just trying to be loud and "cool" 
. They succeeded in one, failed in the other. Next we went to Epcot, rode Spaceship Earth (both virgins on this one) I thought this was a pretty good ride and quite extreme for Disney. Rode the Norway thingy ( first for Jana) which is fun, skipped the movie on Norway (zzzzzzzz) Watched the Illuminations show, excellent as always.
Golf, I played Eagle Pines twice and Palm once. EP the course wasn't in the best shape I've seen it, did however see about half a dozen deer on the fairways over the two rounds, an ark load of other critters and birds and it is a VERY pretty course. Palm's greens were in much better shape (not suprising as the big Pro-Am televised tournement is less than a month away) and the course was a delight. With the DVC members card ( $80 to buy for the year) it's just $35 a round at this time of year so the card pretty much paid for itself already.
Food,
A lot of meals were on the hoof and a bit of a rush but here are the best.
Outback Steakhouse ( not the chain) in the Wyndham at DTD was OUTSTANDING, used the entertainment book card so the price wasn't too bad.
Pebbles at Crossroads, my first time here. Again using the entertainment book card, also got free desserts as the service screwed up the order and we were kept waiting about 30 minutes for the food ( which wasn't a big issue, but well handled by the wait staff) I liked this place, jammed with local business people "power lunching" but great food, nice relaxed atmosphere and not too pricey.
Had lunch at the Brown Derby in MGM, very nice food and not too pricey. Wine jacked up the cost a touch ( as always
)
The Cheesecake factory, good main courses ( no starter as wanted room for dessert) excellent cheesecake, took a couiple of extra slices home for brekkie
Akerhus at Norway, they've changed the style of the buffet here a little. Not sure if it was because it's slow season or trying to tweak it. Still the same help yourself to prawns, salmon, herrings,salads,cheese and meats starters , but the mains are now ordered and brought to your table in sort of mini taster form. Jana had a VERY tasty chicken dish and I had venison stew (very good) and then some swedish meatballs. You can have as many of the main courses as you like, just order and they will bring, personally I prefer the old style of help yourself as you don't have the rather sad spectacle of a sad and lonely single meatball coming out on his plate suttounded by a heap of spuds and some other veggies, MEATBALLS SHOULD NEVER BE IN SOLITARY !!! for a start the menu should read meatball (without the s) if they're going to go sole JMHO. Still good food and we passed on their dessert and scoffed a beaver tail from Canada and went to watch the fireworks. With the benefit of hindsight the Beavertail may have been a step too far.
Boma's at AKL, great soups ( as always) and some excellent main choices, thought the appetisers were a little off the mark and the lay out seemed a little confused. No bread to go with the hommus. Not big failings, but a number of little ones that leaves me hoping the restaurant isn't slipping a little.
Jiko's at AKL. Things did not start well, neither Jana or I could quite get on with the bread rolls, not nasty, just didn't do the trick. We got brave and went for some maize pudding wrapped in corn husks. Major error, neither of us got past the first bite. Still they did take it off the bill which I thought was good, I'd have paid for it cos I ordered it, but NEVER again. The main courses were FANTASTIC, I had a leg of lamb that was covered in couscous and slowly cooked till the meat was just falling off the bone. It was so good I forgot what Jana had ( I think a porkchop) but I know she liked it. Very well done meal and nice setting.
Had a very good meal in the Olive Garden, particularly for the price.
Only other worthy food visit was as a solo ( Jana had gone back to PA a couple of days before I flew out) Carrabbas grill just past Splendid China going west on the 192. Place was packed and after the food I could see why. I had a nice bowl of Caeser salad, followed by an excellent sirloin in marsala and mushroom sause with garlic mashed spuds. A coffee and a nice glass of Rioja it came to $30 for just me (drinks were more than $10 of the total) I thought good value. Here the bread REALLY hits the spot. Fresh Italian round loaves served with a plate of herbs cut up that you pour olive oil over and mop up
. Well worth a visit if you're near that area and are looking for a great meal at a decent price.
Hotels
We had 9 nights on Old Key West, nice and relaxed. I love this resort. I think they need to do some serious pruning ( maybe Frances,Ivan and Jeanne have done the job) as a lot of the rooms are missing their views due to excessive forstry outside the window. We hopped over to Saratoga Springs ( OKW pool is closed for referb so Disney have laid on extra watertaxis from OKW to SSR) . VERY NICE pool area, small potential problem is it is going to be A BIG resort, there are secondary pools and "quiet" pools planned, but I think they needed a slightly bigger main pool JMHO.
2 nights at AKL, this was great fun, didn't get a great view ( cheap room) but looked over the pool area. had fun walking around the animal areas, a great pool area ( with overlooks of the savannah if you get bored), stunning lobby and excellent restaurants. VERY VERY nice hotel.
While on my own I just booked a cheap motel using hotwire for the odd nights (first, penultimate and last nights) I got La Quinta Inn Lakeside for all three nights. I thought the hotel was fine for what I paid ( less than $40 a night inc taxes). The rooms were clean and spacious, room had it's own fridge no extra charge, in room safe, comfy beds, Pizza hut on site ( bit of a shambles though) good pool areas and a convenient location just one stop sign from the back entry into Disney by Sherbert road. It's a big hotel but I thought for lower end budget hotels it's a good hotel in it's price range.
Oh and Jana looks like she's picked up a couple of customers for when she starts working down there cutting hair as at least 4 people commented on how much they liked what she'd done to her hair and wanted her to cut their hair. We met the manager of the JC Penny's salon in the Florida Mall, she was very helpful and informative plus it looked like a good salon to work in. Which reminds me
Shopping, Florida Mall ( see above) I take it all back, after a couple of years where I thought it had gone downhill, downmarket and just plain DOWN , it seems to be back on track, they've dumped some of the lower end mechandise and stores, the mall was REALLY busy and buzzing when we were there and all the shops were very busy. I would say definately worth a visit for anyone looking for an afternoon shopping.
) a lot of what we did isn't going to be a huge interest to many people. But maybe it will be informative for anyone thinking of buying at the moment. This was primarily a home selecting trip, or at least to get a solid idea of the area we wanted, so we can rent nearby in order to get Jana's DS Gus into a school local to our house and not have him move schools twice in a year. Land prices have jumped quite dramatically, and the corresponding price of housing too. I think the realators and builders are having SUCH a boom time at the moment they are getting a little lazy and greedy. There are still good priced properties available, but you have to look a little further out and to buy in an area where the development is only just starting.
Areas we looked at
Harmony http://www.harmonyfl.com/comm.asp
The good parts,
it's a nice looking development, seems well planned and thought out. Brand new schools from elementary all the way through High School. Nice looking golf course and some very nice "custom" homes. I quite like the concept ( one with nature) and I think it will grow into a good development.
The not so good,
this is a good way East on 192, past Kissimee, past St Cloud and keeeeep going. I'd guess it's a good 25 miles from WDW. There is a lot of roadworks on the 192 from mile markers 13 through 20 ( roughly) as they expand the road. When it's finished it should do a lot to help the congestion, but I can help feeling that you still gotta drive through the scummy parts of St Cloud to get anywhere (other than the beach in the opposite direction). It was a little pricey, (building) lots starting from $70k for pretty small lots. A reasonable custom home was going to set you back $450k+ . The cheaper option, built by DRHorton were quite nicely done, but I thought a little packed in, but the thing that REALLY bugged Jana and I was that the sales staff said you get no input into what the house looks like (paint colours, finishes etc). To me when you're commissioning a house to be built that's a nonsense. If the customers want it a different colour charge $2k to do it in their choice!!. The other thing that bugged me was BUGS !!! or to be more precise mosquitos ( mosquitos sir, farsands of 'em to misquote the fine film Zulu). I must have been bitten 20 or 30 times just from getting from one show house into the next. Now granted they do like me, but a swarm of some 50 or so took off from the grass ( flew STRAIGHT past Jana NOT ONE stopped to even have a sample of her) and headed after me. Happened at the next house as well, so either they were an intellegent bunch of mozzies or there were squadrons of the blighters about. I know there had been a lot of rain, maybe they were having a bad day, but the mozzie problem at Harmony looks pretty bad IMHO.
We checked out http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/newhomes/regionmap.asp?show=Central Florida . But didn't like the designs or the finish of the homes
we also checked out http://americasfirsthome.net/?market=orlando&poe=homebuilder but didn't like their designs or finish either. I can't be hyper critical of either company, they just didn't seem to provide a house that "grabbed" either of us.
We took a trip out to Winter Haven ( I didn't realise quite how far it was, not helped by getting lost because the road sign we were looking for was upside down, back to front and the killer blow a different name to the one we were told to look for.) We saw a couple of resales and to be honest I think the people trying to sell them at that price have been on the whacky baccy. The realator who took us round there was VERY sweet, helpful and attentive. Of all the realators we talked to she was by a country mile the most helpful and I'd happily recommend her to anyone here's her email address schevy.pierre@coldwellbanker.com . While there she took us to a new development near to Cypress Gardens ( which is in the latter stages of a pretty big refit). The builders were http://www.cassidyhomes.com/FloorPlans.asp . I thought they had some nice homes and well finished. I was a little concerned about the water level at Terra Nova. Again they had had a LOT of rainfall, but the water level was just a couple of feet below the level of the house. Where there was a huge lake ( usually a pasture for cattle) there are plans to build another development. Where does all the water go if they build on the flood plain? Into someone's house is trhe answer. Still Cassidy did have some nice designs and looked a quality product.
Next visit was to http://www.reunionresort.com/Live.aspx . Now someone here has got some VERY ambitious plans for this place. I have to say it was spectacular. The golf courses were beautiful and the area will have it's own waterpark for residents and guests only. Indeed all the facilities on Reunion are for residents and guests ONLY. This is luxury, BUT it comes at a price. JUST the building lots were $250,000+ and these were small lots, 120 feet by 35. I did like the designs and they made EXCELLENT use of the space. They seem to be trying sell the lots quickly, my own take on this was they are trying to sell the lots BEFORE there are areas where the lots are built on consecutively (i.e. lots 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 all have completed houses on them. At the moment they seem keen on only building every other lot (i.e. 1,3,5,7,9, to make it appear there is a lot more space than will be the case inthe future. Anyway a well designed, but modest, 2/3 bedroom is going to set you back the best part of $650,000. If this development works, someone is going to be VERY rich off that, if it fails there are going to be A LOT of punters who've bought lots at inflated prices and who take a hosing. I guess it's dependant of your risk stratagy, if you're the type of person that likes to put a grand on the 2.30 at Cheltenham because it has the same name as your grannies cat this is an investment made in heaven for you. For the fainthearted.... it is not. JMHO.
Last choice, where Jana and I have paid a deposit and are in the process of getting a contract drawn up is http://www.avatarhomes.com in Poinciana. It's a big project, Poinciana is now, apparantly, sold out of lots in Osceola county and are only selling lots in Polk County (just the other side of the county line, but different school district). This is still a slight gamble as there is a HUGE amount of development going on, I think Avatar are finishing something like 3,000 homes in the next 12 months. There is a decent amount of infrastructure ( roads schools etc ) in place already, but not enough to deal with the demand that is coming. The area is already scheduled for more and or bigger schools and is going to need it. At times in life you gotta perform or get off the pot, weighing up everything I think the area gives you a good sized piece of land (for the money), Avatar had some nice designs and they seemed well finished (for the money) and they seem to have done a good job so far of building the community. IMHO this area offered the best value for money in the type of area we wanted. Getting in early on the development of that area has given us a good choice of lot (I hope) and it will be interesting to see how the area develops.
OK Other stuff
Theme parks. We only did one day in the parks, so we made the most of it. Started in MGM, rode Rock n Roller ( Jana's first time, she's not a lover of coasters, she fared better ont his than most I've made her try
) )I was a bit miffed as the head phones weren't working ( it takes a lot off the ride IMHO) seemed it was a big problem that day. Rode Star tours ( Jana's first time) which is always fun. We also rode the backlot tour ( another first for Jana) which is still fun. I think that was it. Had lunch ( meal review to follow) then scarpered to MK. Watched Philharmonic, which I thought was pretty good, I prefered the Lion King show that it has replaced, but I can see the logic of replacing it as the AK Lion King show is excellent. Took a trip into the Haunted Mansion, but were surrounded by shrieking teens ( not scared just trying to be loud and "cool" . They succeeded in one, failed in the other. Next we went to Epcot, rode Spaceship Earth (both virgins on this one) I thought this was a pretty good ride and quite extreme for Disney. Rode the Norway thingy ( first for Jana) which is fun, skipped the movie on Norway (zzzzzzzz) Watched the Illuminations show, excellent as always. Golf, I played Eagle Pines twice and Palm once. EP the course wasn't in the best shape I've seen it, did however see about half a dozen deer on the fairways over the two rounds, an ark load of other critters and birds and it is a VERY pretty course. Palm's greens were in much better shape (not suprising as the big Pro-Am televised tournement is less than a month away) and the course was a delight. With the DVC members card ( $80 to buy for the year) it's just $35 a round at this time of year so the card pretty much paid for itself already
. Food,
A lot of meals were on the hoof and a bit of a rush but here are the best.
Outback Steakhouse ( not the chain) in the Wyndham at DTD was OUTSTANDING, used the entertainment book card so the price wasn't too bad.
Pebbles at Crossroads, my first time here. Again using the entertainment book card, also got free desserts as the service screwed up the order and we were kept waiting about 30 minutes for the food ( which wasn't a big issue, but well handled by the wait staff) I liked this place, jammed with local business people "power lunching" but great food, nice relaxed atmosphere and not too pricey.
Had lunch at the Brown Derby in MGM, very nice food and not too pricey. Wine jacked up the cost a touch ( as always
) The Cheesecake factory, good main courses ( no starter as wanted room for dessert) excellent cheesecake, took a couiple of extra slices home for brekkie
Akerhus at Norway, they've changed the style of the buffet here a little. Not sure if it was because it's slow season or trying to tweak it. Still the same help yourself to prawns, salmon, herrings,salads,cheese and meats starters
, but the mains are now ordered and brought to your table in sort of mini taster form. Jana had a VERY tasty chicken dish and I had venison stew (very good) and then some swedish meatballs. You can have as many of the main courses as you like, just order and they will bring, personally I prefer the old style of help yourself as you don't have the rather sad spectacle of a sad and lonely single meatball coming out on his plate suttounded by a heap of spuds and some other veggies, MEATBALLS SHOULD NEVER BE IN SOLITARY !!! for a start the menu should read meatball (without the s) if they're going to go sole JMHO. Still good food and we passed on their dessert and scoffed a beaver tail from Canada and went to watch the fireworks. With the benefit of hindsight the Beavertail may have been a step too far.Boma's at AKL, great soups ( as always) and some excellent main choices, thought the appetisers were a little off the mark and the lay out seemed a little confused. No bread to go with the hommus. Not big failings, but a number of little ones that leaves me hoping the restaurant isn't slipping a little.
Jiko's at AKL. Things did not start well, neither Jana or I could quite get on with the bread rolls, not nasty, just didn't do the trick. We got brave and went for some maize pudding wrapped in corn husks. Major error, neither of us got past the first bite. Still they did take it off the bill which I thought was good, I'd have paid for it cos I ordered it, but NEVER again. The main courses were FANTASTIC, I had a leg of lamb that was covered in couscous and slowly cooked till the meat was just falling off the bone. It was so good I forgot what Jana had ( I think a porkchop) but I know she liked it. Very well done meal and nice setting.
Had a very good meal in the Olive Garden, particularly for the price.
Only other worthy food visit was as a solo ( Jana had gone back to PA a couple of days before I flew out) Carrabbas grill just past Splendid China going west on the 192. Place was packed and after the food I could see why. I had a nice bowl of Caeser salad, followed by an excellent sirloin in marsala and mushroom sause with garlic mashed spuds. A coffee and a nice glass of Rioja it came to $30 for just me (drinks were more than $10 of the total) I thought good value. Here the bread REALLY hits the spot. Fresh Italian round loaves served with a plate of herbs cut up that you pour olive oil over and mop up
. Well worth a visit if you're near that area and are looking for a great meal at a decent price. Hotels
We had 9 nights on Old Key West, nice and relaxed. I love this resort. I think they need to do some serious pruning ( maybe Frances,Ivan and Jeanne have done the job) as a lot of the rooms are missing their views due to excessive forstry outside the window. We hopped over to Saratoga Springs ( OKW pool is closed for referb so Disney have laid on extra watertaxis from OKW to SSR) . VERY NICE pool area, small potential problem is it is going to be A BIG resort, there are secondary pools and "quiet" pools planned, but I think they needed a slightly bigger main pool JMHO.
2 nights at AKL, this was great fun, didn't get a great view ( cheap room) but looked over the pool area. had fun walking around the animal areas, a great pool area ( with overlooks of the savannah if you get bored), stunning lobby and excellent restaurants. VERY VERY nice hotel.
While on my own I just booked a cheap motel using hotwire for the odd nights (first, penultimate and last nights) I got La Quinta Inn Lakeside for all three nights. I thought the hotel was fine for what I paid ( less than $40 a night inc taxes). The rooms were clean and spacious, room had it's own fridge no extra charge, in room safe, comfy beds, Pizza hut on site ( bit of a shambles though) good pool areas and a convenient location just one stop sign from the back entry into Disney by Sherbert road. It's a big hotel but I thought for lower end budget hotels it's a good hotel in it's price range.
Oh and Jana looks like she's picked up a couple of customers for when she starts working down there cutting hair as at least 4 people commented on how much they liked what she'd done to her hair and wanted her to cut their hair. We met the manager of the JC Penny's salon in the Florida Mall, she was very helpful and informative plus it looked like a good salon to work in. Which reminds me
Shopping, Florida Mall ( see above) I take it all back, after a couple of years where I thought it had gone downhill, downmarket and just plain DOWN , it seems to be back on track, they've dumped some of the lower end mechandise and stores, the mall was REALLY busy and buzzing when we were there and all the shops were very busy. I would say definately worth a visit for anyone looking for an afternoon shopping.
Thanks for your report Vernon.
