Disney World trip, off property house or condo recommendations?
Jun 6th, 2011, 11:53 AM
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Disney World trip, off property house or condo recommendations?
We are in the early stages of planning a trip to Orlando to take in some of the Disney parks and possibly Universal Studios in March. There will be 4 adults and 2 kids (8 & 14). We are pretty sure we want to stay off property, so we can spread out and have ample beds (no one likes to sleep with the 8 year old), and a full kitchen. We would like to be within 15 minutes from Disney World, but only need 4 - 5 nights. Hoping to keep the price under $250 a night.
I've seen a lot of options out there, but want someplace with a good reputation. Does anyone have any experience with Blue Heron Beach Resort?
I've seen a lot of options out there, but want someplace with a good reputation. Does anyone have any experience with Blue Heron Beach Resort?
Jun 9th, 2011, 02:17 PM
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Hi Janenicole, We stayed in a house off property (it is an easy 10-15 min. drive) with our daughter, S-I-L, and two grandchildren. The house was wonderful. It has four bedrooms (2 king bedrooms each with private bath and 2 bedrooms with 2 twins in each that share a bath). The kitchen was loaded and there's a nice laundry room. There is living, dining and a big family room (big screen TV, etc.) that opens onto the pool. The pool is enclosed in one of those Florida-style screen rooms and was warm as bath water for the kids. There were lots of pool toys in the garage for the kids to use.
I have friends who are in one of the houses right now and just sent back a great report. There are lots of restaurants nearby and an excellent grocery just outside the gated community entrance. The neighborhood is quiet and very well maintained.
Barbara was a pleasure to work with in making our arrangements. She actually owns three houses in the same neighborhood. She does own the houses and lives in the neighborhood as well, so she's at hand if anything needs attention. We had the house called Gardenia. The rates are around $200 per night. I highly recommend these houses.
http://www.villasatformosagardens.com/
I have friends who are in one of the houses right now and just sent back a great report. There are lots of restaurants nearby and an excellent grocery just outside the gated community entrance. The neighborhood is quiet and very well maintained.
Barbara was a pleasure to work with in making our arrangements. She actually owns three houses in the same neighborhood. She does own the houses and lives in the neighborhood as well, so she's at hand if anything needs attention. We had the house called Gardenia. The rates are around $200 per night. I highly recommend these houses.
http://www.villasatformosagardens.com/
Jun 10th, 2011, 03:59 AM
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Thanks for the replies. 321go, I've been lurking on disboards.com, but thought I would see what suggestions Fodorites have. I'll check out the Fountains, bluegreen.
TC, I emailed Villas at Formosa Gardens, and they will only rent for 7 nights, which won't work for us, but I was in contact with someone named Carol. Maybe if I dig around, I can get in touch with Barbara (an actual owner).
TC, I emailed Villas at Formosa Gardens, and they will only rent for 7 nights, which won't work for us, but I was in contact with someone named Carol. Maybe if I dig around, I can get in touch with Barbara (an actual owner).
Jun 10th, 2011, 06:31 AM
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There are several different "Formosa" sites. So lots of individuals renting houses there. We really liked Barbara. Her site lists prices per night or per week. Use the contact I linked to get in touch with her.
. DW is more than 7 days worth of fun! 
Jun 16th, 2011, 12:16 PM
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LOL, TC! It's tempting, but we probably should spend a couple of nights at my parent's new digs while we're down there (not close enough to Disney to stay there the whole time). I think I'm getting some places narrowed down on VRBO that are in Formosa Gardens. I'll post back with what we end up doing.
Mar 14th, 2012, 06:52 AM
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Following up - we stayed in a house called Nearest Disney in Formosa Gardens Estates. Found it on Vrbo - owner was great to work with. Very nice house - 5 bedrooms, pool, laundry, large living room and dining areas, quiet and gated. Worked out really well for us - only 15 minutes to the Disney parks. It was so nice to get a break from the Disney crowds at the end of the day by staying off property. And, oh, we had a wonderful time at Disney World.
