Windsor Hills - A couple questions

[Minnie]

Due to the "wonderful" AP rates that are out once again, we are considering a return to Windsor Hills.

Does anyone know if they decorate for the holidays????

We plan to be in Florida the 2nd wk of Dec.

Also, how far is it to Universal and Sea World???

Thanks!

 

[sympatico]

Don't know about the Christmas decorating but it's about 15 min to Sea World and little more to Universal (less than 20) depending on the traffic.

 

[deejay-55]

Don't think they decorated Windsor Hills last year - but if you like holiday decorations, do not miss the Osborne Family lights at Disney Studios.

 

[5mins2disney]

There are some Xmas decorations the resort puts up... we had a budget line item on our HOA statements for $4000 in Xmas decorations, so I would hope so! Not as extensive as Disney's of course...but then, very few places in the world can compare to Disney's Xmas / Hotel decorations around Xmastime... I just saw a special on the Travel Channel on the Grand Floridian at Xmas, amazing, they built a life sized gingerbread house!

As you know though, you pay an awful lot of $$ to be in a small hotel room for that privelege, compared to what you get at Windsor Hills, a lot more space, more amenities, etc, a lot less cost, all of a sudden on site doesn't look as attractive!

 

[Minnie]

Thanks everyone for your quick replies!!!!!

George - We are having a difficult time now deciding between WH and WDW. Our last two trips have been in either a 2bed villa at OKW or in a 3bed townhouse in WH. Going back to a one room hotel box is difficult. I'm just not quite sure what to do at this point.

We want to give Universal and maybe SeaWorld a try and have considered staying on-site Universal for that portion. Then on to WDW for the remainder.

But since we only want a deluxe at WDW we are paying at a minimum $500 and a max $1700 more to stay on property (includes both locations).

At the higher end that could pay for another trip or all the extras we would like to do (tours, dinners, ect)

Still trying to make a decision. I really missed the transportation options and being able to be flexible when we want to go in different directions.

Though I've found an awesome deal on a rental car so we could just go with 2 cars and still come out with a better deal in WH I'm an accountant and it's tough not to consider the financial side.

Of course watching fireworks each night from the Poly beach is worth something too. Thankfully we have a bit of time yet.

 

[5mins2disney]

George - We are having a difficult time now deciding between WH and WDW. Our last two trips have been in either a 2bed villa at OKW or in a 3bed townhouse in WH. Going back to a one room hotel box is difficult. I'm just not quite sure what to do at this point.

We want to give Universal and maybe SeaWorld a try and have considered staying on-site Universal for that portion. Then on to WDW for the remainder.

But since we only want a deluxe at WDW we are paying at a minimum $500 and a max $1700 more to stay on property (includes both locations).

At the higher end that could pay for another trip or all the extras we would like to do (tours, dinners, ect)

We figured with all of the savings on our first 2 trips down in a townhome (this is before we bought a place), we could afford a whole extra TRIP to WDW! While others are home looking at their photos of the "magic" from their last trip, we're there again experiencing it! Sure there's some onsite perks you give up, but it's hard to ignore the cost factor, plus, for us, the accomodations were just so awesome I can't even imagine going back to a 1 room hotel room. For us, with 2 little kids, that just flat out doesn't work, there's no way we can all be cooped up in a little room for a week and have anything resembling a good experience, tried it once in the Wisconsin Dells, it was HORRIBLE! (Not because of the Dells, because of 2 little kids that wouldn't go to sleep in the same room with their parents!).

Plus, I agree with you, spend the extra $$ on something nice. Last trip we took the kids to Cirque du Soleil, we also went on a really nice "adult" dinner (got a baby sitter for the night!) to California Grill, that sort of thing! Everyone had an awesome trip! Even the kids who stayed home loved spending the night at home swimming in the pool, it just works really well for us.

We love Seaworld by the way, I have passes good through the end of the year and we plan on going back! It's only 15 mins from WHR. Haven't done Universal yet, but it's only 20 mins away.

 

[cey]

I agree with you totally George! Once you have stayed off site and have the convenience and space of a villa or house, it is darn near impossible for you to consider staying in Disney in one room. Even for DH and myself, it sure is nice to have the space, privacy and peace and quiet! It is a real treat not to have noisy neighbours above you when you are trying to sleep! It IS possible to experience the "Magic" at Disney during the day and then have the wonderful privilege of retiring to your own private piece of paradise!

KUDOS to all you nice owners who make that possible for the rest of us to experience!

_________________

Cheryl

 

[MomPlanner22]

We were at Windsor Hills 12/19 - 12/27 last year and the only Christmas decoration I noticed was a big wreath on the gates (sorry George, it didn't look like a $4k wreath!).

We loved staying at Windsor Hills. We rented a 3 bed/3 bath townhome with its own splash pool. Our kids are little so it was perfect for them. In fact, we never made it to the clubhouse (hmmm....maybe there were decorations there.).

Some of the homes had their own decorations up, lights and such but overall, it wasn't particularly Christmassy. It didn't detract at all though in my opinion!

 

[chowboys]

MINNNIE - Though I've found an awesome deal on a rental car so we could just go with 2 cars and still come out with a better deal in WH I'm an accountant and it's tough not to consider the financial side

 

[Minnie]

Last week I found a deal through Alamo 1 wk rental with all taxes $108. This was using an AMEX code and a coupon.

National had a good deal too. $130 for 1wk rental with all taxes. Using an EI code and coupon.

I also heard that Thrifty had some good deals. But I prefer Alamo/National for the quick service.

Hope that helps.

 

[chowboys]

Last week I found a deal through Alamo 1 wk rental with all taxes $108. This was using an AMEX code and a coupon.

National had a good deal too. $130 for 1wk rental with all taxes. Using an EI code and coupon.

I also heard that Thrifty had some good deals. But I prefer Alamo/National for the quick service.

Hope that helps.

I am going xmas and I can not find any deals.

 

[Minnie]

I am going xmas and I can not find any deals.

Thats the main problem - xmas

We are going the 2nd wk and normall there are good deals on resorts, cars, ect. Its a slower time in the WDW area.

Get close to xmas the rates on everything rise.

 

[isla bonita]

I agree with you totally George! Once you have stayed off site and have the convenience and space of a villa or house, it is darn near impossible for you to consider staying in Disney in one room. Even for DH and myself, it sure is nice to have the space, privacy and peace and quiet! It is a real treat not to have noisy neighbours above you when you are trying to sleep! It IS possible to experience the "Magic" at Disney during the day and then have the wonderful privilege of retiring to your own private piece of paradise!

KUDOS to all you nice owners who make that possible for the rest of us to experience!

_________________

Cheryl

That is such a sweet thing to say. Thank you

 

[nala-h]

hi there

for that Christmas feel go to downtown celebration and drive around the homes there absolutely brilliant they way the homeowners do up there homes they actually pay thousands for companies to come in and do there homes some are really amazing you can spend an hour driving around these homes the kids will love it a short drive 5 minute drive from Windsor hills.
in downtown celebration itself they have one street where every hour they have snow falling for 15/20 minute period with shop on either side of the street all done up Christmases themes. well worth a couple of hours and doesn't cost a penny/dime.

allan.

 

[deejay-55]

for that Christmas feel go to downtown celebration and drive around the homes there

Absolutely - and take your camera to show the folks back home

 

[Lisa BC]

Hi Minnie!

We love OKW, but we're sold on staying offsite in Villa now. I never want to hike to a resort pool again.

We were at OKW in early Dec 2004. OKW doesn't have a strong Christmas feeling to it, IMHO. There were decorations at the main building, but there's nothing around the lodging buildings. We brought our own tree and decorations for inside the unit, and we were happy. We also spent quite a bit of time at the other WDW resorts - touring, eating, and enjoying the decorations and atmosphere.

I just don't want you to be disappointed about the decorations at OKW if you opt to stay there for your upcoming stay.

Lisa

 

[Minnie]

BC - Thank you for the info

Right now we have ressies at the WL. Which has always been a dream of mine to stay at during Dec. The pictures of the lodge are just beautiful.

I do have to admit though the price comparison to the townhouse we stayed in during July is tough to swallow.

Still haven't made a firm decision