Why is security so tight at Windsor Hills?

[EpcotNerd]

Finally getting back to realty, stayed at WH at the end of April and thought the location was great, our townhouse was pretty good, and everything at WH was well kept.

BUT

What's up with all the security and codes? Is there a crime problem in Kissimmee that I'm unaware of?

We were totally turned off by the check-in process, the line was around the block, each car took about 15 minutes to check in and one of the guards doing it was totally nasty. It seemed like they were doing a background check on every guest at that rate!

Once we finally checked in all was good... and while memorizing our door code, playground code, pool code, etc. wasn't the end of the world I'm wondering if it's actually necessary?

Enlighten me, Disboarders

 

[Indecisive]

I have not been there yet (we are going next April 2017), so I can't answer your questions, but I am curious what time of day you got into the security line for check-in? And how long did it ultimately take? Thank you!

 

[EpcotNerd]

We arrived on a Saturday afternoon. Luckily, the police told Windsor Hills security that they couldn't have cars all the way into the road so they wound up giving everyone on the line a temporary pass good for 24 (maybe 48?) hours so that they could get through the line quickly. Unfortunately, when we left in the morning on Sunday for the parks, there was a line "just" 6 cars deep, when we came home from the parks it was about 5 deep, I wound up going at 6am on Monday when it was finally empty and it truly took a good 12 minutes to check in! When we had arrived that Saturday there were 12 cars ahead of us, we estimated the wait would have been over 2 hours, we were so grouchy and sick of being in the car at that point. When my husband said to the security guard "you guys need to work on this process" he laughed and said "you should see it during the summer!"

I really liked WH but this was a big turn off.. not a deal breaker for future trips, but now when I see rentals that boast about "no need to check-in, pull in the driveway and use your code" I think twice.

 

[Macprincess]

I agree with you it takes forever to get processed and check in especially on Saturdays when a great deal of people are checking in. The line to get in the resort can take forever! We have stayed in several condos and one home here. Love the resort and the price we have paid. Yet, were looking to stay elsewhere this summer due to this issue. I'm not sure what the answer is. Perhaps they should let the owners do the paperwork ahead of time on renters and send them the parking pass before they check in. That way almost everyone is issues ahead of time and the line moves quickly. It's such a bummer way to start a vacation. Which is a downright shame, because the resort, condos and the home we have stayed in have all been very lovely.

 

[quagmire0]

It's luck of the draw, really. I've never had to wait behind more than one or two cars the two times we went. Granted, we usually hit MK when we get into town and then check in at night. But yeah, the initial check-in is to make sure you are who you are and to make sure that not just anyone can get inside. I've been to other resorts where it takes a lot longer to check in and they try to sell you stuff at the same time. Pro tip would be to check in earlier or later. If there's a line, turn around and make a run to the store or grab a meal.

 

[Ametista]

That is the one community I haven't stayed in and I don't understand why it's like that. All of the secure communities (Windsor Palms, Emerald Island, Terra Verde, Paradise Palms, etc) make you show proof that you are staying there the first time you go through. After that they give you a code or card to swipe at a different gate on the side of the gatehouse or something. I have never seen a line more than 3 cars long before and that was because somebody up front couldn't find their paperwork or something. I think WH must have a lot of Saturday-Saturday only rental units or something that makes it so obnoxious for checking in.

 

[quagmire0]

Windsor Hills only asks you for proof once, then they give you a placard to hang in your car that has the date of departure on it. The line is really only a problem when you first check in. IIRC, cars that already have checked in can go through the right lane. You just need to make sure the guard sees your placard.

 

[disneysteve]

The line is really only a problem when you first check in. IIRC, cars that already have checked in can go through the right lane. You just need to make sure the guard sees your placard.

This is what they need to do at Windsor Palms. There, everyone but residents with magnetic cards need to go through the left lane. More than once, we've gotten stopped for ages behind a couple of cars that were checking in when we already had our placard.

 

[quagmire0]

Granted, last time we were there was June 2013 - so hopefully I'm remembering correctly. But I definitely don't remember waiting any extended period of time to get in, even on check in. Luck of the draw, I guess.

 

[100AcreWood]

We drive so normally arrive Saturday after dinner time. We've never had to wait to check in and the guards were always friendly. I suppose some people find the security gates comforting when they are staying away from home. I never thought about it until now.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Finally getting back to realty, stayed at WH at the end of April and thought the location was great, our townhouse was pretty good, and everything at WH was well kept.

BUT

What's up with all the security and codes? Is there a crime problem in Kissimmee that I'm unaware of?

We were totally turned off by the check-in process, the line was around the block, each car took about 15 minutes to check in and one of the guards doing it was totally nasty. It seemed like they were doing a background check on every guest at that rate!

Once we finally checked in all was good... and while memorizing our door code, playground code, pool code, etc. wasn't the end of the world I'm wondering if it's actually necessary?

Enlighten me, Disboarders

I live in Orlando, so I know next to nothing about vacation rental communities, but to answer the bold: yes. Kissimmee is a pretty bad area and is known for its crime and homelessness issues.

 

[100AcreWood]

I live in Orlando, so I know next to nothing about vacation rental communities, but to answer the bold: yes. Kissimmee is a pretty bad area and is known for its crime and homelessness issues.

I had no idea. But looking back some of the areas we drive through getting to Windsor Hills look a little run down.