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Accommodation Hotels, Resorts, Villas Questions and Info |
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7 Oct 13, 04:58 PM |
#1
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I want to go now!
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Southern Dunes
Hi
I have some prices for a April trip for 3 weeks next year, have done AOA before and never had any issues, due to the dates being over easter I am a bit worried that the villa we got allocated might not be to good. I have been offered Southern Dunes as the next cheapest option. I know it is a way out but but could anyone who has stayed there give me some info about the area, also was the drive that much of a pain! Thanks Warwick |
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7 Oct 13, 05:02 PM |
#2
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Master Dibber
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Stayed there in 2007 its not that far out, about 20 min drive on a good day. Next door to a large wallmart.
Its located within a golf course so you get golfers passing through (not on your property though). Nice and quiet...gets thumbs up from me...
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7 Oct 13, 05:05 PM |
#3
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Imagineer
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We stayed there quite a few years ago - it is quite a drive to the parks but it's easy enough along the US27 and I4.
If you don't intend to pop back to the villa during the day, then I would say it's fine and the Walmart on the doorstep is very handy. We had a beautiful villa overlooking the golf course
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Ridgewood Lakes - May 05 Southern Dunes - May 07 Emerald Island - Oct 08 Bahama Bay - Mar 10 Bahama Bay - Mar 12 Oak Island Harbor - Aug 13 Orlando/Indian Shores - Aug 14 Emerald Island/RPR - Aug 16 Emerald Island/RPR - Aug 18 |
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7 Oct 13, 05:03 PM |
#4
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Imagineer
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the drive is very easy and we don't mind it at all.
southern dunes is right next to Wal-Mart. there are various eating place like mannys close by. and loads of take-aways popeyes /burger king / mcdonalds /checkers /Chinese /pizza hut and dominos when we go to the parks that's us for the day if you like to go back to the villa in the afternoon then return to the parks then I can see why it would suit everyone.
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7 Oct 13, 05:05 PM |
#5
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Imagineer
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We stayed at Southern Dunes a few years ago, AOA. To be honest it is more like Haines City, than Orlando and whilst it is a beautiful resort, we did find it a little far out. Wasn't so much at the beginning of the day, but by then end when your tired you sometimes just want to get back to your villa and not have a 30-40 min drive ahead of you.(from Universal, Disney approx. 20-30 mins as traffic lights every few minutes! )
There is a big Walmart right at the entrance on the estate which was very handy, but not really any decent restaurant within walking distance (there is a Dunkin Donuts/McDonalds but we didn't try these). Its close to Manny's steak house which is just a bit further past the resort, but again we didn't like the look if it so didn't try. Other than that not much around the general area. We tended to eat on way home from parks on 192, breaking up the journey home a little. While the villas are fabulous and we had a great holiday, we wouldn't stay that far out again. Hope that helps
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7 Oct 13, 06:04 PM |
#6
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Imagineer
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To be fair, no one actually stays in Orlando itself as it's a further 10 minutes more North on I4 past Universal.
The areas of Kissimmee, Davenport, Clermont and Haines are all an acceptable distance in terms of the parks for rental homes but obviously personal preference is paramount. I find each and every area has it's plus and minus points; it just depends on what's important for your holiday. Wherever you choose OP, have fun. |
7 Oct 13, 06:06 PM |
#7
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Imagineer
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OOps sorry I meant Kissimmee not Orlando We booked a villa in Kissimmee, but were given SD which was Haines city
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DLP Dec 2005/2006/2007 Florida Mar10/May11/May12/Oct13/Oct15/Sep19 California May/June 2013 Las Vegas Oct 14/Jul 16/June 17/Sep 18/May 19 USA east-west June 16 |
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7 Oct 13, 05:20 PM |
#8
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Imagineer
Join Date: Sep 06
Location: Chelmsford Essex
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Hi.. SD is a nice community and entrance is by a Walmart and you have a few eating places close by and Mannys would be about seven or eight minuets walk so no worry about enjoying a few drinks.
Although I won't knock Walmarts food but a short distance away is Publix and there fresh cold meats and salad are far superior with more friendly staff. Yes it's a few minuits longer to parks but iits a nice estate and as I say has good eateries and shops |
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7 Oct 13, 05:25 PM |
#9
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VIP Dibber
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Lovely place but would never stay there again. Too far from everything, 30-40mins drive every night with 3 lids was a nightmare. Also on days we didn't do parks still ended up having to drive up to 192 for decent breakfast and again fir evening meal, not our idea of fun.
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8 Oct 13, 09:49 AM |
#10
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Imagineer
Join Date: Apr 03
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Apart from the distance ... the lack of breakfast places nearby was a disappointment for us too! By the time we found one we had gone past it!
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