We had booked a 3 bedroom Villa. We actually got a four bed roomed Villa. The villa was privately owned, spacious and very well maintained.
There were 4 bed rooms, 3 bathrooms, and a family lounge with patio leading to the pool. A very well equipped kitchen with dishwasher, coffee maker, blender and all other mod cons. The biggest oven I have ever seen and never used.
There was a utility room complete with washer and tumble dryer. All linen was included with spares for our 3 week stay.
The villa is situated on the US 27. I thought we were going to be a lot further away, but with the 192, and the I4 less than 5 minutes drive away, parks shopping and everything else was less than 15 minutes away. Far enough out, but still close enough for convenience.
The local Publix was just a 2 minutes down the road. Along with eateries and other shops/takeaways.
Calabay Parc is one of the newer estates and thus reflected in the price of the villa.
Groundsmen were in attendance every day; the whole area was very well maintained.
The pool was cleaned/checked once a week. I would suggest for the time of year late March early April that you take up the offer of pool heating. It was freezing!
Although the weather was good, the water temperature wasn’t. We heated the pool for the last week of our holiday, as we had exhausted all the parks and pool days were more frequent.
To the parks, I’m really not sure I can add any further info to those who have written about them already.
Our first week we were spoilt with the waiting times. Most of the rides were less than a 10 minute wait. When I say 10 min wait, that was the time it took us to get to the ride. They are certainly geared up for the queues.
Our second week the queue’s were about 30-40 mins, still not that long and bearable.
But by the 3rd week, oh my gosh! Spring Break had bloomed and it was the UK’s Easter holidays. The whole place erupted. Literally. The estate we were on, the parks and the restaurants.
Not sure I would like to go in the summer time. I think it would be too much.
All the theme parks at Disney were brilliant. My 6 year old didn’t know which way to go. The characters were out in force, he especially liked meeting Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper. The Parades, the Fireworks, the list goes on...
The Disney hospitality is second to none. I can’t fault a thing within the parks. The queuing system, the cast members, the characters, all great. I found that most of the cast members were over 50, and this made the difference.
We noticed several members of management walking around, and even they had litter pickers (long handled tweezer type thingy’s) attached to them. So I guess even management have to pick litter.
All the rides were to be expected, some scary, some wet and some just plain out of this world.
Not sure I have a favourite although Everest comes a close 1st, followed by Buzz Lightyears Ranger Spin – I did have a 6 year old with me.
Blizzard Beach was like swimming in a sardine shoal. Again I think we chose the wrong week. They shut the park on one occasion; it just couldn’t take anyone else.
Downtown Disney was good, lots of last minute shopping… lots of last minute shopping.
We had chosen to do a Character Dining at the Swan Hotel in the Epcot area. That in itself was a little bit of a letdown. Goofy was there walking around doing his thing and was great. Pluto on the other hand didn’t fancy showing himself until we actually asked for him to come out!
Unless you are staying at Disney, my opinion is to give this a miss. It wasn’t worth the money. Food was OK but nothing special.
After the dinner we chose to have a wander around Disney Boardwalk. That was a lovely evening topped off with watching the fireworks from Epcot.
Gatorland was fun. We got to feed the alligators with hot dogs, my son thought that was fantastic.
Sea World was just fantastic. We all enjoyed it. The shows were fantastic. All the whales had their babies with them; they were trying to do the tricks. So cute.
Universal Studios was a letdown for me. I didn’t like it. The hospitality wasn’t quite the same. No smiles, no people helping you with directions, it just wasn’t the same.
This might have something to do with us choosing to go in the last week. Our fault, maybe it will be better next time. The Back To The Future ride is no more. They were closing it down for good. The MIB ride was a laugh, as were most of the others.
International Drive was good. Wonder Works was strange in a fun way; it’s the upside down building with loads of interactive science bits going on inside. Race Rock was another interesting place.
We also managed to do a Helicopter flight for 4 minutes.
This took us over Sea World, Discovery Cove and a few other places. What a buzz! And it wasn’t the best of days either, slightly windy but that added to the fun.
Shopping – WOW! Mall at Millennia. Fantastic! Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Tiffany’s, the lot. Got lost in there for a few hours.
Kennedy Space Centre – a 6year olds dream come true (and his parents quite liked the day as well). We chose the Up Close Tour that took us to within yards of the launch pads. They were due to have a launch the day we arrived, however that was put back as the shuttle had storm damage.
Old Town on the 192 - WOW! We had the opportunity to visit on a Saturday night when they had all the old classic cars on show - it was fabulous! All old cars from yesteryear, bumper to bumper - just fantastic! Same with the bikes, old and new, brilliant. A definite for everyone.
Food wise, there are just lots and lots of places to eat. I can't name them all.
Walmarts. Just once in everyone's life they should visit a Walmart. It took us 2 hours to get round about a quarter of the shop. An experience in itself. Try it!
I think that’s about all for now.
All in all we are thoroughly exhausted. I feel like I need another holiday to get over this one.
Just can’t wait to go back.
