We stayed at Shamu Sanctuary for 2weeks in August 2019, I had booked this villa over 2 years ago as looked ideal for our requirements!
It did not disappoint, light and airy, and beautifully presented, we felt at home as soon as we arrived!
We are a family of 5 my daughter and her husband, and my 2 grandchildren (10 and 12) and myself (nanny). Both children loved their rooms, my granddaughter in the dolphin room, and grandson in the Mickey room, especially having their own TV's.
Both mine, and my daughter and SIL rooms were very roomy with plenty of storage and comfortable beds. Kitchen had everything we needed, and very comfortable lounge.
The pool was a big hit with all especially my grandchildren, who enjoyed spending time in there after busy days in the parks. We had a couple of pool parties as my stepdaughter and her family were staying in another villa on Sunset Lakes at the same time!
Very close proximity to the parks only took about 10mins most days to get there. Also many resturaunts and shops quite close by including Publix.
Thankyou so much to Paul and Dawn for their help and excellent communication over the 2 years since we booked. Wouldnt hesitate to book again if and when we return to Florida!
Gill and family
Just had a wonderful week at Paul and Dawn's villa. It is only 5 mins away from shops and restaurants and only 10 mins to Animal Kingdom using Sherberth Road.
There was plenty of space for 5 adults and the pool and hot tub were lovely and warm. Comfy beds and big comfy sofa!
Where to start. Never stayed in a villa before and this one exceeded our wildest expectations. Really big and roomy, tastefully decorated, very very clean and the pool was really big, much bigger than the picture. Loved coming back to the hot tub after a long day at the parks ! Cable throughout on decent sized TVs and a gorgous big tub and a walk in shower in the main ensuite. Really quiet area with a beautiful view over the lake - we saw several bald eagles and a gator which was amazing. So close to the main highway for all the parks, maybe 10 minutes to Disney springs. Loads of restaurants very nearby, maybe a 5 minute drive and a big Walmart and publix a 5 minute drive. We are trying to get it for 4 weeks in 2020, not even bothering to look at other villas !
Villa owners are a pleasure to deal with, made the whole experience less like a business deal and more like a friendly transaction. Very welcoming and a very helpful welcome pack.
Shamu Villa is in an excellent location with a fantastic view. Close to all of the parks, supermarkets and restaurants. This was our third stay at this villa and hopefully won't be the last. Owners communicate very quickly and are happy to help with any queries. If you book this villa you won't be disappointed.
Date of Stay: December 2016
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17 Apr 15, 06:46 PM
We have just returned from a two week holiday staying at this villa. We found the location excellent for all trips to Disney etc. Very near the Winn Dixie supermarket & plenty of eateries around. The villa was well cared for & nicely clean & the management company very quick & helpful. (We had an alarm going off unexpectedly & a TV problem). The owners were very helpful & sent us lots of useful information & there was a villa info pack as well. The gated community is very safe & the lake is lovely. I would recommend this Dibb villa & there are two more nearby if you have a big group. Thanks.
Had a lovely holiday at Shamu Villa. The location is a stones throw from Disney and some great restaurants on the 192.
We had a couple of issues when we arrived [Pool hadn't been cleaned and we had ants in the bathrooms] but a call to the management company soon resolved it.
I would think the villa has a high turn over of guests as we did feel the it was quite well used and as a previous poster noted, the pool furniture could do with being upgraded. Still, if your looking for a good location at a reasonable price, this could be the one for you!
Have now stayed at this villa 3 times and it has been lovely every time. It's beautifully maintained with great facilities, and in a gorgeous location. The owners are a delight to deal with, and the management company quickly sorted out the few minor issues we had (eg TV stopped working on one trip) quickly and efficiently, without any disruption to our holiday. Would happily go back, and would recommend it to anyone looking for quality accommodation , close to Disney, at a sensible price.
Date of Stay: October 2011
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16 Oct 11, 06:29 AM
We had a fab time here in August. Villa great, vey roomy, great, bigger than average pool. Lovely that pool overlooks the lake. All arrangements very efficient. We will definatly be going back!
This villa is everything you could want for a great florida holiday and more.we have stayed at many villas over the years and this tops them all.the views are stunning And watch for the turtles in the lake they are so cool the kids will love them.
The villa is clean And has all the mod cons.the games room is a great addition that we weren't. Expecting as it was added by the owner after we booked.the beds are just a dream. If you do deside to book this villla you will not be disapointed.and all doors leading to the pool have alarms great for peace of mind if you have children.the hot tub is just sheer bliss after a long day in the parks the water is nice and hot just what you need to relax.
Sunset Lakes is a brilliant location, with plenty of restaurants close by and about 10 minutes or so to a Animal Kingdom. The villa was in a quiet location within Sunset Lakes with a conservation view at the front and a lovely view of the lakes at the rear.
The villa itself was fantastic, with plenty of space for us and our friends - two families of 2 adults and 2 kids. The layout of the villa was ideal as our friends had the two bedroom towards the front of the villa while we had the bedrooms towards the rear. So we had our own areas that we could retreat to if we wanted some peace and quiet, but to be honest we used the lounge or pool area to share our experiences from the parks or shopping for that day.
The kids (and adults) loved the pool and hot tub, which we made great use of during our chill days - it was very relaxing looking out over the lake while taking a cooling dip in the pool.
Communication with the owners was first class - they replied quickly to any of our questions and called to make sure we had settled in ok just after we arrived.
The villa has since been upgraded to include a games room so its now even better than when we were there. The only other thing I could suggest would be the pool could do with the sun loungers being upgraded. (probably already been looked at
We would not hesitate to stay at either Sunset Lakes or this villa when we return to Florida.
Although set in a peaceful location, it is just 1 mile from all the shops, restaurants and attractions of HWY 192 and just a few miles from all the fun of Disney. As you are not overlooked at the front or the rear you will be able to enjoy the local wildlife - there is a view over the conservation area at the front and the lake at the back.
For 2013 we have had our pool refurbished with new colour changing LED lighting and dolphin mosaics
The first master suite has a large US King size bed, a 32" Cable TV with DVD player and direct access to the pool deck. The large ensuite has twin basins, a deep roman tub bath and a separate shower. The adjoining walk in closet has a safe to keep all your valuables
The family suite consists of a master bedrom with a US king size bed and cable TV, this shares the ensuite with the adjoining Dolphin room.
The open plan living area has a luxurious leather sectional sofa where you can relax and watch the large TV or simply admire the view.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all the large US appliances you would expect and a wide selection of utensiles. We have even included plastic wine glasses for when you are enjoying the sunset from the hot tub or around the pool!
In November 2010 we added a new Games Room with a pool table, air hockey and cable TV
For the younger kids we have a Mickey Mouse bedroom, complete with Mickey TV (inc. ears!) and matching bathroom.
For the older ones we have a lovely Dolphin room.
Whilst enjoying your holiday of a lifetime, you have the peace of mind knowing our local management team are based just 1 mile from the villa. They are on hand for any help or advice on the local points of interest. The information pack in the villa has a list of useful local phone numbers including their 24hr emergency contact number.
If you need any more information then please check out our web site at