Windsor Hills/Restaurants/Directions

[srobinet]

Can anyone tell me what chain restaurants are close to Windsor Hills? We are looking to buy gift cards ahead of time to help budget the trip. Also, is it easy to get from Windsor Hills to WDW parks? Do you have to get on I-4 or is there an easy way or shortcut to take? What would you say is the commute time from Windsor Hills to actually parking in the MK parking lot to catch the trams? I would love it if someone could provide directions.

 

[sympatico]

to the DIS
No you don't have to get on I - 4 to go from Windsor Hills to restaurants or Disney. If you're going to Seaworld and Universal then yes the easiest way would be I- 4.
From WH to MK parking lot would take about 12 minutes. If you're going for rope drop in the morning allow yourself at least 45 minutes to get in to the turnstiles.
You can be to any number of restaurants in 2 - 5 minutes. Chains include Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse, IHOP, Denny's, Evans, Perkins, Crackerbarrel, Carraba, TGIFridays, Olive Garden, Applebees, Longhorn Steakhouse, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Shoney's, plus many more and all of the fast food joints: McD, Wendy's, Chick fil a, Cici's Pizza, etc.

When you leave the entrance to WH you just turn left onto Old Lake Wilson Rd. and drive up to 192 (less than a mile) and turn left for most of them and they're right along the way. There's a few if you turn right but there's also another whole section of these same restaurants and others if you turn right and go another 4 or 5 miles to the Old Town area of 192.

Here's a map with places marked. WH is #1 and the shortcut to Disney using Sherberth Rd is line #1 (red). All of the subdivisions in the area have blue markers, Disney markers are pink and I marked a few of the restaurants with red markers, grocery stores with a picture of groceries and Target and other stores with shopping basket. Click on #1 then zoom in to see the others. It's very easy to get around.
Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...8.272032,-81.608849&spn=0.068335,0.11055&z=13

 

[srobinet]

Thanks so much for all of the information it really will help us plan.

 

[softballmom3]

We ate at a Giordano's that was pretty close and I purchased a $25 gift cert. from restaurant.com using and 80% off code (just google restaurant.com codes). It was really good!!

 

[msr709]

This is a great thread. I was also looking for some information about this area. Thinking of renting a home from AllStars Vacation Homes and was wondering about food options besides supermarkets. I already copied the first reply. Anyone else?