Conference koolit::disney

    When someone in my office was looking for a condo near WDW, he called
    the Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. Told them how much he wanted
    to spend, how far away from WDW he wanted to be, how many people
    were going and how long he was going to be staying.  They matched
    him up with exactly what he wanted.  I don't know the number, but
    you can get it from information.
    
    Carol
    

    The phone number for the Chamber of Commerce is 1-800-327-9159.
    They will also send you a pamphlet listing all the motels in the
    WDW area . I found it to be excellent !!

    An excellent time to go in May is the week BEFORE Memorial Day weekend
    (go home Memorial Day weekend when everyone else is coming down).  I
    went during this week in 1986 and 1988.  The crowds were minimal, the
    weather was great, and I think it is considered off-season !
    
    Have a great trip....
    
    Ellen

    Friends of ours recently stayed at a place called the Vistana. They
    raved about it. We have reservations in November. I'll let you know
    how we feel about it. We have literature on it, and it boasts 2
    bedrooms, 2 baths, full kitchen/living room/dining area, several
    pools, jacuzzi's and the like.
    
    We chose this over a Disney hotel room because of the 2 bedrooms
    and the fact that it had a living area so the wife and I could watch
    TV and relax in the evening while the rugrats were snoozing.
    
    We also reasoned that the way our kids eat (anywhere from total
    pigout to "I'm not hungry") made a good argument for being able
    to do breakfast on our own with the kitchen. They are famous for
    letting us order them a $10 breakfast or something at a hotel
    restaurant and not eating it. 
    
    Oh well, we'll let you know ....
    
    

    WOULD LIKE ANY INFO ON VISTANA RESORTS AT ORLANDO INCLUDING SALES
    VISITS/PROMOS.
    
    SEND MAIL TO FSOA::EMORETTI

    I finally received the information from the C of C that I requested a
    month or so ago. They included a nice book of hotels, restaurants,
    condos, shopping, etc. They also included a flyer about a place called
    McClintock's Vacation Village (Villas?). They are A-frame "condos"
    which sleep 6 - 8 people, full kitchen, living area, pool at the
    facility and are about 18 miles from WDW. Their rates are pretty
    reasonable, $370 per week for 2 adults, additional adult $5 per night,
    kids under 18 free. This sounds like a pretty good plan IF the place
    isn't a dive. Has anyone ever stayed there or seen it? 
    
    Thanks for any help.
    Debbie
    

     We own in Vistana Resort and we love it had it for three years.
    The price is going for around 13,000.00 for the red. Not sure
    about the off season rates. 

    I received an offer in the mail yesterday from Vistana Resorts. Its was
    good for a 4-day, 3-night free stay at one of their condos. All you had
    to do was listen to their sales pitch and give them your credit card
    number so they could charge a refundable $75 "reservation fee". It
    sounded like a nice place but since I already made reservations at
    another condo place for our trip down it was too late for me. Plus I
    don't like giving out my credit card number for "reservation fees", too
    many shady characters out there to suit me. It sounds from .-1 that
    this is a pretty decent place and probably is on the up-and-up though.
    The offer was good until the end of June. I imagine I received it
    because I sent to the C of C for info on condos so if any of you want
    to get on the mailing list that's probably a good way to do it. I
    believe I threw the offer out because it wasn't transferrable, but I
    can check and see if its still around the house if any one is
    interested.
    
    Debbie
    

    RE: McClintock's Vacation Village
    
    Has anyone stayed at these yet?
    
    thanks, Kristen

    I'll be staying there in a month. I'll report back when I return. I had
    a friend drive by to check them out and he said they looked nice enough
    from the outside, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
    
    Debbie
    

    Yes, give an update when you return.  By the way, what are the rates
    now?
    
    thanks, Kristen
    

    I'm back from my vacation and wanted to let everyone how the Vacation
    Village rental turned out. It was great! The only drawback to the place
    is its location, its about a 20-25 min drive until you're actually
    parked at WDW, but if that doesn't matter, then this is a great place
    to stay. Vacation Village is a nice vacation home development. The
    A-frame cottage that we stayed in was perfect for a family who wants to
    be able to have some meals at home rather than always eating out. The
    area is quiet and very safe (granted, we were there during off-season,
    May 6-12). The development has 24-hour access to the Olympic size pool,
    laundry facilities (lots of washers and dryers, .75/wash, .50/dry),
    tennis courts, shuffleboard, basketball, swing sets, volley ball,
    private beach on Lake Louisa, boat ramp, bike and canoe rentals,
    convenience store (9-5 only) and RV parking. The cottage was very clean
    (the whole village was clean) and had lots of knick-knacks to give it
    that home-away-from-home touch. I found it amazing that no one stole
    any of the stuff on the walls or shelves. There is a loft upstairs with
    2 double beds, a double bed in the downstairs bedroom and a couch that
    folds into a double bed. There was more than enough room for the 3
    adults and 3 children we had. There is a living room, kitchen and
    bathroom as well as a large, screened porch with patio furniture and an
    eating area. The cottage has color cable TV, AC, heat, 2 ceiling fans,
    enough dishware/silverware to serve 8 people, a microwave, dishwasher,
    stove/oven, refrigerator, sink, pots and pans, etc. Everything you'd
    find in a normal kitchen. There is a vacuum (carpet throughout), iron,
    ironing board, a barbeque out front of each cottage and we even found
    dishsoap and other cleaning supplies stocked. All linen is provided (no
    maid service) as well as towels, face clothes, etc. This is just like
    borrowing a friend's cottage with everything provided except for the
    food. I really can't say enough good things about it, I was so amazed
    at finding such a great place.
    
    The best part was the price, off-season was $359 per week for 2 adults
    and any children under 18. Each additional adult is $5 per night! With
    tax, the week for 6 of us cost a grand total of $413.11! I don't think
    you'll find anything much cheaper than that that's as nice. I think
    in-season rates were only about $20 more per week. 
    
    The name of the place is 
    
    Karl McClintock's Vacation Village
    2104 Lions Club Rd.
    Clearwater, Fla. 34624    (This is the reservation address)
    (813)535-3736 (9-5)
    (813)531-0382 (evenings)
    
    The village is actually located in Clermont, Fla. on Rt. 27. The
    McClintock's are very nice people, they sent out a lot of info about
    the surrounding area, and even sent the key with the confirmation. I'd
    highly recommend this place to anyone with a family who wants to save
    on food and hotel costs. The drive in the morning and evening is worth
    the savings and amenitites of the Village.
    
    Debbie
    			     

    
    We're driving to Disney World in July and staying for two weeks.
    We rented a condo that's about 17 miles from the World.  The
    name of it is:  Tymberskan.  The address is in Orlando Florida
    on Inglenook Road.  Has anyone ever heard of this place?
    
    Thanks, Melissa

    Since noone has written anything in this topic for over a year, I was
    wondering if anyone has any up-to-date info on condos.  I'll be going
    this January.  
    
    Thanks,
    Judi

    Hello,
    
    Anybody out there know anything about "Vacation Villas". Our inquiry to
    WDW area chamber of commerce resulted in us receiving (among other
    things) a postcard from them advertising their condominium complexes.
    There are five locations, with rentals by day or week or longer at what
    seem like the best rates we have found for this type of accommodation
    (at least compared to what I've seen in the "Disney, Timeshare, and 
    Florida notesfiles [where this is cross-filed].
    
    We're planning (if we can get over the $338 airfare from WA state)
    a trip for either 10/17-27 or 11/7-17.
    
    They advertise for $65/day or $420/week during 9/4-11/16 & 11/25-12/20:
    
    Full kitchen	private pool		washer/dryer in house
    cable/color TV	linens			private screened porch
    private phone	pre/post maid		convenient (8 mis. to WDW)
    Nice decor		two bedrooms
    
    For anyone else interested in them, their toll free number is 
    
    800.866.2660
    
    Normally a person answers, but if they are real busy you get an
    answering machine. We have requested more info in the mail, also.
    They are near route 192 in the Kissimmee(sp?) area.
    thanks for any input.
    
    Tim
    
    p.s. moderator, I cross posted in note 37 also. delete from wherever if
    appropriate 
    
    

    Can anyone advise me on how to locate apartments/villas, with easy
    access to Disneyworld, EPCOT etc. I would be interested to know what
    the approximate cost per week is likely to be for a family of four(2
    adults, 2 children ages 10,13).
    I would also be interested about any information regarding transferring
    to the Bahamas/Gold/Gulf coast as I wish to have a 2 centre holiday.
    I anticipate spending 7/10 days in Orlando and the remainder of the 3
    weeks in the second centre. Is there any information about
    apartments/villas for these places?
    
    I am looking to take ny holiday during August '92 to coincide with my
    children's school holiday's. 

    Anyone know where Lake Louisa is?  I have a local community ad
    for a condo rental and they state that it's off Lake Louisa. I
    can't find it on the Atlas.  I did try to call the number but
    no answer at this time.
    

I just came back from spending a week at the Vacation Villages mentioned
in 115.9 and can second the recommendation.  The note in 115.9 is very
detailed, so you can look there for the details.  I just have a couple of other
comments.

The drive to Disney is a very easy 20 minutes.  It's all highway, with
little traffic.  Vacation Villages is set off by itself, so it is pretty
quiet.  There are a lot of orange groves along the way, although, there 
were a lot more before the killer frosts of a couple of years ago.

The loft is very spacious.  It has 2 double beds, with plenty of room to 
spare.  My only comment is that the loft is reached via a spiral staircase.
At first, this appears quaint, but the more we thought about it, lugging
the suitcases up the stairs would have been a problem, since they are fairly
narrow.  Also, I'm not sure I would want to go down the stairs in the dark
in the middle of the night.  You would have to be very sure-footed.  My husband
and I decided to use the bedroom on the first floor, which was more than
adequate for the two of us.

The McKlintocks are very nice people.  They own a couple of the condos and
rent them out.  They live in them, when they are not rented.  We paid $389
for the week.  The main office also has condos to rent, but I don't know 
how much they charge.  

We really are glad that we went with a condo, instead of a regular hotel
room.  We ate breakfast at the condo, which saved both time and money. Also,
it was nice to have the refrigerator for soda and stuff.

We're planning a trip to WDW in June.  There is a total of six of us (myself,
my wife, and our 4 kids ages 11,9,8, and 5).  Because most hotels restrict each
room to 4 or 5, we find ourselves in a situation where we must either go with
2 hotel rooms or a condo/villa/apt.  We're leaning towards the second, because
of all the extra goodies that most seem to offer (full kitchens, washer/dryer,
larger, adjoining space).  One place I'm scoping out is "The Villas of
Somerset", located at 2928 Vineland Road, Kissimee (they say 5 minutes from
WDW), and managed (I think) by "Holiday Villas".

Has anyone heard anything pro or con about this particular lodging ?

Can anyone comment on this particular location ?

Also, any tips in general about accomodations (where not to stay) ?

This will be our first trip to Florida, so we are totally in the dark about
many things, and would greatly appreciate any input from the veterans.

Thanks,

John Faherty

    I have visited Somerset and the location is fairly convenient to WDW. 
    It is located very close to the intersection of SR535 and 192 in
    Kissimmee.  The condos are pretty nice, and offer a lot more space than
    a hotel room.  It is a lot cheaper than renting 2 hotel rooms.

    Check out note 177.21 where you will find a Somerset rental offered by
    Irvin Hunt.  It will probably be cheaper to rent from him (vs. a rental
    agency) if his unit is available when you need it.  I have rented from
    Irvin before, and found him to be fair, honest, and pleasant to deal
    with.

    We are planning to go to WDW again this summer.  When we go, my family
    of 5 is able to get a regular hotel within WDW.  However, often, my MIL
    will join us for part of the trip.  Since I pay her expenses, and since
    it would be too expensive for us to rent 2 hotel rooms, we rent Irvin's
    condo during the time my MIL is with us.  It works out great for us,
    and is convenient and economical for people with large families.

    This year we were planning to rent Irvin's condo during the first week
    of July.  However, my MIL just informed us that she will not be able to
    join us.   As a result, I recently canceled my reservation for
    Somerset.   You do not mention when you are going, but if it is early
    July, he might still have an opening.

    Hi Guys,
    
         I am putting this in for myself...you see I own a timeshare in
    Kissimmee FLA.  It is called Orange Lake Country Club Villas.  It was/is 
    owned and operated by Kemmons Wilson, the original owner of the Holiday
    Inn Chain, until he retired sometime around the end of the 1970's and
    started this 'labor of love' resort.  I own a two bedroom/two bathroom
    villa in Orange Lake.  If you look through some of the reviews of this
    resort it is the Premiere of which others are held up to for comparison
    ( its four miles from the front door of Epcot, they suggest renting a
    bike and forget about parking costs and hassle).   Cleaniness, put it
    this way...they mow the lawn after dusk, so as not be give the impress-
    of a working atmosphere...the overabundance of attendants, in the way
    of informed and helpful personnel. 
    
    Amenities include, but are by no means limited to, as they keep adding
      to them each year...
    
        three lakes, movie theatre, clubhouse, 27 hole golf course, 8 (?) 
        tennis courts, indoor and outdoor olympic size swimming pool with
        a childrens wading pool, unisex hair salon, conveniece store, 
        water skiing in the lakes and all water sports, the resort  is 
        virtually self contained and geared for the ultimate in vacation
        relaxation.  
    
    I have lots more and detailed information available if anyone is
    interested, they have some really great prizes just for taking a
    look at the place.  I got a leather suitcase, and four days and three 
    nights in Vegas when I bought...plus a bunch of other stuff like
    beach towels, caps, and a grab bag full of samples of shampoo, sun
    tan lotion and over 15 different doo dads..and when you buy
    one of the units you get the membership in RCI which I just love.
    A friend of mine who was down to Disney went there for a tour/pres-
    entation on a really rainy day, cause there was nothing else to do 
    and really made out like a bandit...he got the suitcase and all the 
    other stuff without buying anything...but he did mention that I owned 
    there and had sent him down...they love it when a unit owner recommeds 
    the place, so they gave him the whole shabang...just for coming in and
    taking the tour...they even served him lunch in the club house for
    free.  This was about four years ago, and he told me that one of
    his friends went down a couple of years ago, and they DID NOT BUY
    a unit, but the Gift for touring was an all day passes at Disneyworld 
    for him and his wife.  They were really gracious about the whole thing,
    and because they were not hassled for hours at a time...they went home
    discussed it for two weeks and then called and talked to their salesman
    and bought a unit over the phone...and the sales person said that this
    was not unusual, it happens a couple of times a week...and that is why
    they keep all paperwork for up to two months for all tourees...
    
    
If anyone knows about Orange Lake, they will attest to its uniqueness and
    wonderful place to take a vacation, so if you want more info please
    write to me and I will send you out some pamphlets or have someone 
    from OLCC send you some info.  I believe they do rent out the units
    for around $70-90 per night, as they are availabe, the villas sleep
    up to eight people comfortably with kitchens, including microwave, 
    oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer, garbage disposal, tv, vcr, stereo,
    cable and maid service three times a week.  What more do you need?
    check out the entry in the TIMESHARE conference...for testimonials...
              
                            
    

    Does anyone know if Vistana runs a shuttle to/from WDW??  This question
    popped up the other night while planning a possible trip next year.
    
    Thanks,
    - Skip

    A paid shuttle. Call 1-800-VISTANA. 

    I can recommend the Resort World of Orlando which is actually in
    Kissimmee.  We traded our North Conway timeshare last year for a week
    here, and it was beautiful.  There were multiple pools, tennis courts,
    and complexes.  It was very convenient to WDW (5 minutes) and Sea World
    (15 minutes) and Busch Gardens (1-1/2 hours).  Near lots of good
    restaurants outside the Magic Kingdom like the Olive Garden and Kobi's
    Japanese Steak House.
    
    The condo we stayed in was all one level, which I'm not used to (my
    timeshare is 3 levels), but it was fine for the amount of time we were
    actually there.  There's a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and
    breakfast bar, plus a dining area for 6 people.  There are two big
    bedrooms: one with twin beds, one with a king.  The master bedroom had
    its own bathroom with jacuzzi/tub, and the main bathroom in between the
    two bedrooms had a sort of "washing up" area (sink/mirror/john) which
    lead into the tiled/glassed-in shower which was HUGE and had a great
    water jet ... you could be out of there in 5 minutes tops thoroughly
    drenched!
    
    The living room was spacious and had a queen pull-out sofa/bed.  It was
    air conditioned and very quiet.  It was tastefully decorated, had a
    washer/dryer/disposal, and all the towels we could possibly want.  I
    recommend this resort for a timeshare trade.
    
    Leslie

    
    RE: .25
    
    Do you know how much this condo would go for each night during Jan???
    
    Alan

    Can anyone share any info regarding a condo/timeshare resort called
    "Westgate Resort"? My in-laws traded their week in the White Mts for
    a week out west, and were given the opportunity to buy a bonus week
    in the same color-category at any RCI resort for only $50 (yes, for the
    whole week!). Since they winter in Florida, they thought we'd jump at a
    chance to come down their way, and have asked us to join them from Oct
    30-Nov 6. Not being ones to look a gift horse in the mouth, we jumped
    at the chance. 
    
    We're bringing our 2 boys, who will have just turned 4 and 1 yr old
    respectively, and are interested in what this place has to offer in the
    way of amenities (especially geared toward kids), transportation to
    WDW, drive time to MK/EPCOT/MGM, etc. Any information will be greatly
    appreciated.
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Freddie

    I visited Westgate in April for the time share presentation.  The
    condo we were shown was beautiful and it is only 2 miles from Disney
    World.

    
    	Anybody own/stay at Vacation Villas @ FantasyWorld?  We traded
    	our week at Steele Hill West for this place.  Last time we went to
    	Florida we stayed at Resort World and liked it, this time we
    	decided to try a different place.  So any comments would be
    	appreciated!
        (We'll be staying here from 2/26-3/5, then heading to Port St.
    	  Lucie for another week)
    
    	jb
    	

    re: .29
    
    See note 37.17.  It's about FantasyWorld Club Villas, but I think
    they're the same place.
    
    --Jay
    

    
    
    I'm not sure this is the right place for this...if not please feel free 
    to move.  I looked for a rental spot but could not see one.
    
    Pat Jacob
    Aimhi::jacob
    dtn 264-4304 ex7056
    home # 603-623-8486
    
    
        ARE YOU SICK OF THIS WEATHER AND WANT TO GET AWAY BUT FORGOT TO
    PLAN AHEAD.  IF SO...THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY.
    
    
                           RESORT - KISSIMEE FLORIDA
    
        THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL 5 STAR RESORT RIGHT IN THE HEART OF IT ALL.
    
        Only a few miles from Disney on Rt. 192 I have the 3rd week of
    april available  APRIL 16 THRU 23.
    
    
        It has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths fully furnished kitchen, dinning
    room, living room. Of course couch is a fold out bed also.  Jacuzzi in
    the master bedroom (I'm not sure there may be one in the second
    bathroom also. This is on the first floor. This condo also has the lock 
    out feature.
            **for those who do not know what this is.  You can lock a door
    	    **between one of the bedrooms/bathroom and the rest of the condo.
            **This will give you almost like 2 separate units. One like a 
    	    **motel room and then a 1 bedroom condo.  Both units have there 
    	    **own private access.
    
    
    
    
        Other Amenities Include:
    
        - Washer and dryer                          - Club house
        - Ironing board and iron                    - Volleyball
        - Linens and towels                         - Tennis courts               
        - Exercise Room                             - Racketball
        - Babysitting services                      - Basketball court
        - free game room (yes--free arcade machines - Childrens playground
        - three out door pools 1 in door pool       - Whirlpool
        - Cocktail lounge                           - Outdoor jacuzzi
        - Air conditioning throughout               - Grocery store
        - free bike rentals for all (yes--free)     - Lake/fishing
        - complete maid service                     -
        - free food at lunch by the pool (yes-free)
            **we where there in Oct. and they had hot dogs, hamburgers, and
      	      soda at the pool for lunch.  I'm not sure if this goes on year
              around or not.
    
            This is a great family resort. They have a lot of things for the
            kids to due during the off times.  They rent units for $1400.per 
    	    week
            because plans change we are looking to rent this unit for $600.
    	    for the week. The unit is at RESORT WORLD.
    
            I'm sure there are things I am forgetting about the unit.  We
    	    stayed there in October 93.  Some friends were going to use the 
    	    unit but we just found out that they can't make it.  There loss 
    	    is your opportunity.  This is a top of the line place to stay.
    
            If interested call or write...Pat Jacob
                                          DTN 264-4304 ex 7056
                                          Aimhi::jacob
    
    
    
                       
    

    I am the new owner of a timeshare that I purchased as a result of the
    following promotion/getaway. The rate for the promotion was reasonable
    and it was a good way for my wife and I to get away for a couple of
    days.
    
    I went through an owner refferal. Supposedly, that is the only way to
    get teh discount rate at the resort(?).
    
    Where?
    
    Westgate Vacation Villas
    Kissimee FL.
    Just outside the entrance to Disney.
    
    The promotion includes 4 days / 3 nights accommodations. Depending on
    the size of your party you could stay in a 2 bedroom 2 bath villa which
    sleeps 6-8.
    
    All units have fully equipped kitchen. Cable TV in each bedroom and
    living area, washer and dryer. The resort offers 6 pools, children's
    playground, hot tubs, fishing, tennis courts, and bicycles at no
    charge.
    
    There are occassional free breakfasts and barbecues to take advantage
    of, along with poolside entertainment.
    
    My wife and I wer very happy with the accommodations and the staff.
    
    The 4 day / 3 night stay is offered through he owner referral program
    at the cost of $117.00. The offer is good through 12/95, and there are
    probably some holiday restrictions to the offer.
    
    If anyone is interested in taking advantage, reservations can be made
    by calling 1-800-766-8455. You need to use Ref # 1947/7.
    
    I'll be happy to answer any questions as best I can. My DTN is
    276-8915.
    
    It's a good trip at an easy cost.
    
    Ron Yenulevich