We just completed a week stay (mid August 2003) in a two bedroom Lakes unit in the back of the resort complex. We overlooked a small lake...
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We just completed a week stay (mid August
2003) in a two bedroom Lakes unit in the back
of the resort complex. We overlooked a small
lake (very pretty) and in the distance, the
Marriott. We are very impressed with the unit
itself. It was clean, spaceous, comfortable for
8 with an in-room safe. The master bedroom
was huge, even with the very comfortable
kingsized bed and in-room jucuzzi. The other
bedroom had two double beds. The kitchen
was well supplied. The dining area had a very
large table, totally suitable for 8 people. For
the upscale appearance of everything else,
however, the bath was surprisingly plain. We
are also surprised at how unfresh the fresh
linen smelled, like our pillowcases, which we
had replaced with the same smell. For eating
out, our favorite was going to the Golden
Corral, which offered the best buffet for the
money I've seen there, all for $9.99. It is just
down the street right next to the interstate.
Amenities included 7 swimming pools. We
enjoyed the Fountain's pool complex the best.
It was also the largest. They were 12 well
maintained tennis courts. The location is
perfect for everything in the area. We
enjoyed the Universal Studios and Islands of
Adventure package better than last year's
Disney World experience. The rides and
things to do were really fun. I would also
suggest for those not familiar with this area of
the state of Florida to consider three free
outings, a rarity in Florida. One is to go
swimming and canoeing at Wekiva State Park
and swimming and tubing at Rock Springs
(Kelly County Park). Both are very close to
Apopka, which is about a 45 minute drive. We
loved the tubing experience and would choose
Rock Springs (Kelly County Park) over Wekiva
if I had to choose only one. Both are crystal
clear springs that bubble out of the ground
starting rivers. They are classic old Florida.
Tubing Rock Springs is like tubing through
what looks like Jurassic Park without the scary
dinasaurs. It is totally safe even for small
kids. If you go a bit further, canoeing Juniper
Springs is the best canoe run in Florida. The
current is strong enough that you hardly have
to do anything but steer the canoe. You rent
a canoe from a concessionaire who then picks
you up at the end of the run. Don't miss Rocks
Springs and Juniper Springs if you have time.
They are nice breaks from the hustle and
bustle of the theme parks.
Overall, I don't think you will find a better
timeshare complex in the Orlando area,
especially if you are in the Lakes or Cascades
areas. They were replacing all the living room
area sofas the day we left in our complex. I
have heard far less positive comments from
some staying in older areas of the this very
large timeshare complex.