Which location?

[Young Pooh]

We are looking at villas for Xmas 2010 and have narrowed it down to a couple. Both have similar facilities and prices.

One is at Town Centre Reserve, the other Cumbrian Lakes. We have never stayed in a villa before, always onsite or DTD area, so do not know these locations at all. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

We won't really be doing Disney during the stay, but will probably do US/IOA and Seaworld and then spend the majority of the time relaxing at the villa or doing a bit of shopping.

 

[Pegasus928]

We stayed at Cumbrian Lakes in February and have to say it is the best location we have stayed at up to now.
It's a gated community and its location is perfect for all of the parks, with DTD being about 15 minutes away. Universal is obviously a little longer but even that was closer than where we have stayed in the past (H27).
Old Town is also only a very short drive away, along with all the different restaurants on the 192, and you will pass a number of Walmarts on your way back home - regardless of which direction you come in.
Horse World is only about 6 miles in the opposite direction and we had a lovely Sunday morning horse ride when we visited here.
The community itself didn't seem to have many communal areas - but that didn't bother us as we never use them anyway - but it did have a lovely lake, with bridge and path around it that was good for an evening or morning stroll.
In fact we loved it so much we have changed the villa we originally had booked for 2010 for the one we had in Feb.

 

[JulieSharp]

We too have stayed at Cumbrian Lakes and liked it there, however I do prefer the location of Terre Verde where we stay in April.
It is closer to the 192 junction, gated and it also has clubhouse facilities too which make it more of a resort.
The drive down Poinciana can become a bit tiresome after a while, so ideally I would like to be as close as possible to the 192.

Overall we prefer the Formosa Gardens location, although I do feel the area needs some extra development, especially where the old Splendid China used to be. The area around here could do with smartening up a bit.

 

[juliebro]

Overall we prefer the Formosa Gardens location, although I do feel the area needs some extra development, especially where the old Splendid China used to be. The area around here could do with smartening up a bit.

Absolutely agree!

 

[Netty]

my sil stayed at Cumbrian lakes last september and is again this september. we stayed at Indian wells which is an older community but more residential than rented.this is behind the walmart on the 535.
we drove to cumbrian lakes and it took 5 minutes from the 192 to there- i timed it!! yes the road does seem to go on forever, but the place its self looks pretty nice and quiet, and the villas are very nice too!
dont know about town center, im guessing this is down towards the boggy creek end of the 192, if it is then that end is quite scruffy from what i've seen. cant comment on town center as i havent been and dont know anyone that has.