Windsor Hills Resort

[Mike&Mel]

hi we are new to this site and are staying at theWindsor Hills Resort from the 10th-24th April 2008 ... this resort looks very nice but not been before, so has anybody stayed there and what is it like ? will be 4 adults and 3 children (8/11/15)

any other tips for the trip would also be welcome as this is our 1st trip to USA and WDW, so all a bit nerv wracking lol but cant wait to get there



Michael & Melissa

 

[natalielongstaff]

ive never stayed there so i can't help with that but

welcome to the disboards

 

[florida sun]

Hello there and a very warm welcome to the Disboards

Im just going to pop this over to the TP forum for you, where Im sure you will get plenty of feedback and help.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi & welcome

We stayed at WH for 3 weeks last Xmas in a 3 bed TH. The places are all individually owned so are all different but our home was lovely - it had a splash pool behind.

The resort was really quiet - we went to the main pool which is good - our DD also loved swimming there. There is also a hot tub. There is a small shop on site but it's limited. There is also a fitness room (not for me) & pool table.

It's really easy to get to WDW - there is a shortcut using a road called 'Sherbeth' and there is plenty of shops and restaurants on nearby 192. We go back in October!

If you have any other question please just ask.

 

[Mike&Mel]

Hi & welcome

We stayed at WH for 3 weeks last Xmas in a 3 bed TH. The places are all individually owned so are all different but our home was lovely - it had a splash pool behind.

The resort was really quiet - we went to the main pool which is good - our DD also loved swimming there. There is also a hot tub. There is a small shop on site but it's limited. There is also a fitness room (not for me) & pool table.

It's really easy to get to WDW - there is a shortcut using a road called 'Sherbeth' and there is plenty of shops and restaurants on nearby 192. We go back in October!

If you have any other question please just ask.

Hi thank you for that info... we have a 4 bed with pool booked. on their site is says they run a shuttle to WDW but does not say how and when it leaves etc etc, did you use this or easier by car (we have one hired)

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi thank you for that info... we have a 4 bed with pool booked. on their site is says they run a shuttle to WDW but does not say how and when it leaves etc etc, did you use this or easier by car (we have one hired)

Much easier by car, where you are very close to the junction of the 192 and Formosa Gardens area.
Disney 10 minutes or so away and easily reached.

The I4 for Universal etc is also closeby as well as restaurants too.

For groceries there is a Publix supermarket about a mile away, turn left at the FG/192 junction and it's about half a mile up on the right hand side situated at 'Orange Lake'.

You will have to drive everywhere from your villa, there is nothing really reachable within walking distance, however that is common irrespective of which villa development you are staying at.

The location of the Windsor Hills homes are ideal, haven't stayed there but have stayed at other homes nearby.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi

Information on the shuttle (schedules & to make arrangements) is available at the sundry shop. The shuttle is $10 per person round trip (I think) to WDW parks.

Personally I think taking the car is easier although there is a $10 parking fee at the parks.

As Johnny said driving to the park will be quite easy & you will be near the 192 for shopping/eating.

 

[Mike&Mel]

Hi

Information on the shuttle (schedules & to make arrangements) is available at the sundry shop. The shuttle is $10 per person round trip (I think) to WDW parks.

Personally I think taking the car is easier although there is a $10 parking fee at the parks.

As Johnny said driving to the park will be quite easy & you will be near the 192 for shopping/eating.

hi thx for info, $10 mmmm will use the car as more flexiable for us as there will be 7 of us and we can come and go as we please then and will cost less thats more money to spend lol

 

[Mike&Mel]

Much easier by car, where you are very close to the junction of the 192 and Formosa Gardens area.
Disney 10 minutes or so away and easily reached.

The I4 for Universal etc is also closeby as well as restaurants too.

For groceries there is a Publix supermarket about a mile away, turn left at the FG/192 junction and it's about half a mile up on the right hand side situated at 'Orange Lake'.

You will have to drive everywhere from your villa, there is nothing really reachable within walking distance, however that is common irrespective of which villa development you are staying at.

The location of the Windsor Hills homes are ideal, haven't stayed there but have stayed at other homes nearby.

thx for the info this all great stuff and things we had not thought of...Publix supermarket are they good ? i see there is a walmart not far away as well

 

[JohnnySharp2]

thx for the info this all great stuff and things we had not thought of...Publix supermarket are they good ? i see there is a walmart not far away as well

Never been a big fan of Walmart personally and would never buy food from there, Publix is as good as a 'Morrisons' for example in my opinion and the location perfect for anyone staying around Formosa Gardens.

There are actually 2 more on the 192 but the Orange Lake one is the nearest.

 

[wayneg]

Agree with Johnny, Publix is twice as good as Walmart. Only goto Walmart if we have to don't like it at all.

With 7 of you taking the car is by far the best option, I suspect parking will be $11 soon as Universal have increased theirs.

We are at Windsor Hills for 1st time Mar 22nd-30th before we cruise. If there is anything you want to know last minute I will be online every evening while there.

 

[Mike&Mel]

Agree with Johnny, Publix is twice as good as Walmart. Only goto Walmart if we have to don't like it at all.

With 7 of you taking the car is by far the best option, I suspect parking will be $11 soon as Universal have increased theirs.

We are at Windsor Hills for 1st time Mar 22nd-30th before we cruise. If there is anything you want to know last minute I will be online every evening while there.

well sounds like publix it is lol and if only round the corner will be easier as well, will need somewhere close the 1st day as we not due to MCO till about 5pm without any delays, so they time we get to the villa will be anyones guess. Thank you the last min thing no doubt we will have the last min worries lol ... Do you if it will be busy there that time of year (a couple of weeks after easter ? cant find if the kids are on hols over there or not)

 

[Mike&Mel]

Never been a big fan of Walmart personally and would never buy food from there, Publix is as good as a 'Morrisons' for example in my opinion and the location perfect for anyone staying around Formosa Gardens.

There are actually 2 more on the 192 but the Orange Lake one is the nearest.

a few people telling us to give walmart a miss for the food, so think thats what we will do thx again for that info . Not going eat much at villa, just the odd meal and snacks really.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

No problem, always happy to help.

 

[wayneg]

Do you if it will be busy there that time of year (a couple of weeks after easter ? cant find if the kids are on hols over there or not)

A few minute Googling found these dates below.
There was lots more to choose from all around the same period, so looks like Florida colleges and schools will be back in class just after Easter.
This year we went Easter Sat for 2 week(same as next year) 1st week was very busy 2nd was a lot better. I would think by the time you go it should all the holidays should be over.
UCF Spring Break March 10 - 15
St Petes College 3/21 - 3/23/2008
Florida Institute of Technology March 3–7

 

[JohnnySharp2]

well sounds like publix it is lol and if only round the corner will be easier as well, will need somewhere close the 1st day as we not due to MCO till about 5pm without any delays, so they time we get to the villa will be anyones guess. Thank you the last min thing no doubt we will have the last min worries lol ... Do you if it will be busy there that time of year (a couple of weeks after easter ? cant find if the kids are on hols over there or not)

Me again.

Couple of weeks after Easter sounds ideal, in theory a great balance between low crowds and ideal warm weather.
An excellent time to go.

Easter is getting more confusing each year though, we are actually there March 14th for 20 nights when my wife (who is a teacher) is on holiday, however my son is actually off for 2 weeks after we get back (so he is having a really long break from school!).
It seems to vary so much these days when the holidays are taken.

 

[Mike&Mel]

Me again.

Couple of weeks after Easter sounds ideal, in theory a great balance between low crowds and ideal warm weather.
An excellent time to go.

Easter is getting more confusing each year though, we are actually there March 14th for 20 nights when my wife (who is a teacher) is on holiday, however my son is actually off for 2 weeks after we get back (so he is having a really long break from school!).
It seems to vary so much these days when the holidays are taken.

thats what we hoping for low crowds as this is our 1st time and did not wanna have to fight the mass crowds our kids will be missing a week from school i think it is (wife knows lol) yeah easter is getting strange next year, over here they geta couple of days off for good friday etc etc then a couple of weeks off a few weeks later

 

[Mike&Mel]

Agree with Johnny, Publix is twice as good as Walmart. Only goto Walmart if we have to don't like it at all.

With 7 of you taking the car is by far the best option, I suspect parking will be $11 soon as Universal have increased theirs.

We are at Windsor Hills for 1st time Mar 22nd-30th before we cruise. If there is anything you want to know last minute I will be online every evening while there.

Whats the weather around this time like ? as we have a pool with the house, is it worth having the pool heated ? esp for the evenings and mornings. We have looked on web and says avg daytime is 28c is that about right ? and nightime is around 15c (brrr lol) . also very hard to find april park times for opening (looks standard for 9am to open but close time we cant find)

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Difficult really regarding pool heating, we go in March and have paid extra for it at the villa we are staying in, but it will be cooler when we go.
April is harder to say, many home owners say it isn't required between April and October.
I would probably advise you to pay the extra and get the pool heated but if the owner's heating costs are expensive (it can vary), you may wish to save some $$$

On average it would be low to mid 80s when you are there, although naturally that can vary.

 

[Mike&Mel]

Difficult really regarding pool heating, we go in March and have paid extra for it at the villa we are staying in, but it will be cooler when we go.
April is harder to say, many home owners say it isn't required between April and October.
I would probably advise you to pay the extra and get the pool heated but if the owner's heating costs are expensive (it can vary), you may wish to save some $$$

On average it would be low to mid 80s when you are there, although naturally that can vary.

only about $100 for the heating and wife and kids will want to play so just incase, will go with heating ( and i dont do cold lol)