Best Villa Location?

[Mumsnroses]

Hi

We're thinking of going back to Orlando next year and wondered where you would all recommend as the best location for a villa.

Last year we rented one on US27 down near the junction with I4 but would like to be a bit closer to the action next time. We loved the whole villa lifestyle but it was a good 15/20 minute drive to go out and eat etc etc.

All suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks :wave:

[Mr. Heckles]

We stayed at Emerald Island earlier this year, and it could not be more perfect. Close to many restaurants (90 seconds in the car to the 192), beautiful peaceful resort - about 15 minutes to the Magic Kingdom. A bit further to Seaworld, Universal etc..., but still within 30 minutes of those.

[spencem]

I would suggest somewhere as close to the 192/I4 junction as you can get, or 192/Old Lake Wilson/Sherbeth Road.

If you look over on the left under Resorts there is a button for Villas, if you click that then there is a link to Map Man's map of Villa communities. You can also pull this up if you search for a villa on here there will be a button in the header of each advert to 'show location on map'.

Good Hunting.:wavey:

[poppyland3]

Is the new Calabay Parc at Tower Lakes any good?
x

[Ali C]

Hi our villa is on the US27 but close to the junction with the 192, we find it a really good location, you are just far enough away from Disney but have plenty of shops and restaurants nearby:wavey:

[Villainlover]

the best is not always the 'closest' imo ..

if you want the closest to Disney/192 then the Formosa area would be the best place to look .. Lindfields, oak island, Formosa, Winsor palms etc .. you can see where the areas are on the Dibb villa map

my personal preference is Highlands Reserve based on the quality of the community and the larger than average plots with lovely views available ...

[rusty30]

For many years we rented Villas off of the US27 - and there are some lovely communities down there, Highlands Reserve probably being our favourite.

HOWEVER, DH hated the daily slog up the 192 (and yes, we know and use all the back roads!) and sometimes it feels like forever before you get anywhere, especially if you are going to the Universal / Sea World area or Florida Mall.

We are converts to Windsor Hills - its just SO close to everything and to be honest, we would never rent another villa off of the 27 again. Im not sure our budget will allow us Windsor Hills this year but we are still going to go for a closer community - there are plenty of complexes in the Formosa Gardens area that are within our limits.

We did some timings and from closing our front door at the villa and arriving at the parking booth at Animal Kingdom - 7 minutes! We did Epcot in 17 minutes - and that was because we caught every red light between the villa and the park :D .

You are close enough to the I-4 to be up to Universal and Sea World in 10 mins (although we do tend to use the back roads - 192, -I-Drive South, Universal Boulevard)

We estimated we save over an hour a day at least in travelling time being at Windsor Hills so its worth it to us.

[2waterford]

A lot of it depends on how much time you want to spend at Disney really.

Last year we stayed in Windsor Palms which is in the Formosa Gardens area and loved it. It was great for getting to Disney. As you came out of the estate you could actually see Expedition Everest. :d:

However next we are staying on site for 2 weeks so will do all our Disney parks then therefore I am looking for a Villa Community closer to Universal & Sea World.

[rusty30]

However next we are staying on site for 2 weeks so will do all our Disney parks then therefore I am looking for a Villa Community closer to Universal & Sea World.

These are in Orange County which have much stricter rules on short term rental zones and because of this there are very few private villas to rent in this area. There are a lot of nice "suite hotels" and resorts that offer large accomodation but you'll be hard pressed to find a villa.

[Gilly120]

I am with rusty30 on Windsor Hills we stay here and love it. Will be staying here again in September and really cant fault it.

[Simplyton]

We're not long back from an 18 day stint at a Villa in Sunset Ridge

After initially being a bit worried we were too far "out of the action" we grew to love the location and the handiness of the I4.

While we were there Target & Best Buy at Posner Park had just opened and you could see the potential of the place really expanding in the coming months.

We've stayed at various locations including a couple of villlas just off 192 and certainly felt for our needs Sunset Ridge was ideal. Obviously it does involve driving but there aren't many villa locations that dont involve any driving

30 mins to Universal or Festival Bay etc. was about the max we had to travel when heading north and it also had it advantages for our trips down to Busch Gardens & Clearwater.

[billbarbara229]

the best is not always the 'closest' imo .

my personal preference is Highlands Reserve based on the quality of the community and the larger than average plots with lovely views available ...

Hi Were with you as owners we love it.And you can also play golf:thumbs-up
We can WALK for a drink or a meal/Publix at Berry centre right next door and if you don't want a villa there is Regal palms right behind this also has restraunts(sp?) open to the public or I hear you can join for the day and use all the facs
Disney is easy via various routes the locals have found
Babs

[wrpac00]

The four corners area about 2 miles North and South on the 27 from the jcn with the 192 and 3 miles along the 192 from the 27 are good areas. Close to Disney and loads of places to eat.

[judith nicholls]

I love The Abbey. It's near the Omni Resort between the US27 and Lake Wilson Road near to Champion's Gate. Close for the I4. Handy for everything but soooo peaceful with really lovely villas. We looked at 27 villas before we bought ours and I've never regretted it for a moment.


There are a lot of restaurants etc opening on the 27 so there are plenty of places to eat without going to the 192 if you choose a villa in that area. We have the choice of which direction to go in and we often head for the 27 as places are newer and less busy.

Judith :)

[foxylady]

WE stayed at Indian Creek last year and it was a really good location.

Just off the 192, and near to shops and restaurants, and close to the Sherbeth Road to get the back way into Disney.

Would have stayed in that area again this year, except we are staying on site.

[kirstielou]

We used to always stay on the 27 bt after finding one on Indian Crteek last yrar, we are converted. Thgere was nothing wrong with the 27 as its gorgeous & peaceful but we saved fuel by staying at Indian Creek

[disneycarla]

another vote for highlands res we will be staying there this year our 3rd time we have also stayed on hampton lakes dh and ds love golf and it is lovely and peaceful so highland res wins hands down :wave::wave:

[Catherine]

We have stayed all over the show,

Indian Ridge Oaks, Eagle pionte, Indian Pionte, Orange Tree, Sanctuary at West haven.

In August we wanted to stay as close to disney as possible, with good access to the 192 and a lake view, we have opted for a dibbers villa on Sunset lakes (The Smiths Villa). We cant wait, the view out of the pool area is to die for.

For us having to drive 15/ 20 mins or more to even get to the 192 let alone Disney was a bind. Sunset Lakes is a small community built around a lake. Cant wait.

[Serendipity]

The Formosa Gardens area is home to some of the closest communities to Disney and includes:
Windsor Hills, Indian Creek, Windsor Palms, Formosa Gardens Estates, Rolling Hills, Acadia Estates, Oak Island, Emerald Island and Sunset Lakes.

The Formosa Gardens Plaza has a selection of restaurants and stores and you are minutes from the 192.

Disney is easily accessible via the Sherberth Road shortcut, you can be at Animal Kingdom in around 6 minutes if the lights are on green! The I-4 is close by for access to everywhere else.

You could put a list of your requirments on the request page and villa owners with availability will contact you:
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=94

Or you can use the search facility:
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/villa-search.php

[Cyclospora]

Totally agree wiith Serendipity!

We've stayed in Southern Dunes which was miles away and this time we stayed at Windsor Palms - what a difference!!!!!

Loved the Formosa Gardens area. Made a huge difference not to have to travel 23 miles (from WDW - more like 35 miles from Universal!) back to a villa after a full day in the parks.

[steve@mac155.f]

Sunset lakes, Lindfields, Formosa Gardens, Indian creek, Oak Island Harbour are about the closest you can get to disney and as you can see I have stayed at most of them would recomend any one of them

[sunsetlakes]

We stayed at Emerald Island earlier this year, and it could not be more perfect. Close to many restaurants (90 seconds in the car to the 192), beautiful peaceful resort - about 15 minutes to the Magic Kingdom. A bit further to Seaworld, Universal etc..., but still within 30 minutes of those.

We're next door to Ermald Island and just love being so close to 192 and Disney but still in a gated community with conservation all around us - paradise!!

[alexisemma31]

We stayed at Sandy Ridge last year.

It is near Chamionsgate and was an excllent location as we were so close to the 192 and I4.

[Heather1957]

Have only ever stayed on H27 and have no problem staying there everytime. Location is fine for us and no where is really far away IMHO.

[doradaxplorer]

We are staying at acadia estates at formosa this year,we have done the Windsor hills and Palms also Oak island,Lindfields and we find this the better area.
We have also stayed along the othere end of the 192 near medival that was nice but a little bit of a trek.
We stayed on the 27 once and would not proberly do it again as you spend so much time driving.Saying that lots of people love it,is that because they havent stayed nearer?
Our best villa was at Seasons near Walmart and Medival but we did not want to go back this year because of the driving up and down everyday.

[jaci]

Hi

We're thinking of going back to Orlando next year and wondered where you would all recommend as the best location for a villa.

Last year we rented one on US27 down near the junction with I4 but would like to be a bit closer to the action next time. We loved the whole villa lifestyle but it was a good 15/20 minute drive to go out and eat etc etc.

All suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks :wave:
try indian creek/lake berkley/rolling hills all within walking distance to all the restaurants on the 192 we stayed on the us 27 last year and found we missed the action of the 192 as well as the long journey back to the villa from the parks we will give the us27 a miss in future! however our villa was very very nice and in a lovely location we found it just that bit too far!

[summertime85]

We've stayed at Lake Berkley and Cumbrian Lakes (going back again tomorrow). Both are lovely communities not far from the 192 and about 15 minutes or so from WDW.

[Villainlover]

[QUOTE=doradaxplorer;2304438]
We stayed on the 27 once and would not proberly do it again as you spend so much time driving.Saying that lots of people love it,is that because they havent stayed nearer?
QUOTE]

I love Highlands reserve and I have stayed nearer too ;) If I found a villa near formosa that ticked all my boxes then I would choose it but I couldn't find one that had everything we needed.

I would rather be in a villa on the 27 that had everything than compromise.. an extra 10 minutes doesn't bother me...

[WindsorHillsPad]

Windsor Hills all the way! 2 miles to Disney.

[Nesbits]

Another vote for Formosa area, perfect location, near shops, restaurants, Disney & I4. Recommend this area 100%:thumb:

[buffalo]

Have stayed in a few areas but got to say the 27 is our fave.

[sally_collingw]

Having recently purchased at Sandy Ridge (we did a hell of a lot of research, areas, drive times etc) we believe Sandy Ridge is in an excellent position close to Champions Gate, I4 exits and the 192,also you are not driving too far after the parks.

[Heather S]

I am with rusty30 on Windsor Hills we stay here and love it. Will be staying here again in September and really cant fault it.

Hopefully this will be us too! We stayed at Bahama Bay a couple of times which was great but the 192 drove us mad - particularly in the week leading up to Easter. It easily took us an hour to get to Universal. This October we're heading to Windsor Hills and can't wait!!:grin:

[gailie]

Well have stayed all over the place really. 92 Hunter Creek off the Orange Blossom Trail - not bad (bit of a trek). 98 Crescent Lakes - beautiful villa, copable distance. 99 Indian Ridge Oaks really convenient to Disney. 2001 Davenport on US27 hated it! was broken into, once you went out for the day you had to stay out because the amount of driving was silly.
2002/03/04/06 Montego Bay and Chatham Park - absolutely loved it, villas were a little older but lovely and the surrounding area was great and friendly and convenient to where we like to be. 07 Hamiltons Reserve just the same as Chatham Park.
This year a little bit further down Poinciana, but really looking forward to is Cumbrian Lakes, thats where we are headed this year.
As you can see we love the 192 and its shops, restaurants and shows. Old Town close by - we love it, thats what its all about, what you want from your holiday what you like, everyone is different. Wherever you stay have a great time!

[L Gregory]

Well have stayed all over the place really. 92 Hunter Creek off the Orange Blossom Trail - not bad (bit of a trek). 98 Crescent Lakes - beautiful villa, copable distance. 99 Indian Ridge Oaks really convenient to Disney. 2001 Davenport on US27 hated it! was broken into, once you went out for the day you had to stay out because the amount of driving was silly.
2002/03/04/06 Montego Bay and Chatham Park - absolutely loved it, villas were a little older but lovely and the surrounding area was great and friendly and convenient to where we like to be. 07 Hamiltons Reserve just the same as Chatham Park.
This year a little bit further down Poinciana, but really looking forward to is Cumbrian Lakes, thats where we are headed this year.
As you can see we love the 192 and its shops, restaurants and shows. Old Town close by - we love it, thats what its all about, what you want from your holiday what you like, everyone is different. Wherever you stay have a great time!

I agree this is a wonderful area, we are in Eagle Pointe and are very close to everything, I think many people don't realize being up this end of the 192 still gives you a shortcut to Disney, we are a genuine 10 mins from Disney if you go straight over the 535, we did a lot of research when buying our villa and found it to be very central to everything.
Wherever you chose im sure you will have fun.:grin: