Where?

[Oli]

Hi,
I am kind of going around in circles at the moment. I have looked at numerous, gorgeous villas but I really have no idea of what area I should stay in. Could anyone offer some advice? Our party consists of 4 adults and 3 children. Close to the parks is advantageous, don't need to be near a beach. I have done some research and different people have mentioned that some areas suffer major traffic jams. How major is major? (Major to me is the M50 in Dublin in case any of you know it! It's more like a parking lot than a highway!!)
We are going in October so will be there for Hallowe'en. I'm more excited than the kids I think!!
Thanks

[becbecs]

Where ever you decide to stay, I'm sure that the Villa & Community you choose will be perfect.

Having been to Florida on many occasions, I don't think you will come across traffic jams like you mention. The traffic is free flowing most of the time, most of the roads are either 2 or 3 lanes. Traffic does build up at certain times in the day but can confirm that its not a parking lot. The volume of traffic and the traffic lights do slow you down now and again, but nothing to worry about.

[mfairhurst]

The traffic in America is not like UK or in Dublin .
The roads are a lot wider and people seem to be more polite so you will not get it there .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[Albert the Frog]

I suspect that it will be difficult for villa owners to comment without it looking like they are "touting" but I'm not an owner so here goes--looking at your party make up try for a 4 bed that will also give you more than 1 bathroom and will allow you some flexibility with sleeping arrangements. Then I would look at what add ons you want-internet,games console, phone calls and prioritise. All the beaches are a good 1-2 hours drive away so location in this respect is not important.
This link shows you a map --http://www.orlandovillas.com/Map.aspx-- of all the communities. We have stayed in various ones and i suppose it's safe to say that the further out you are the longer it will take you but we have never had our orlando holiday affected by traffic to any detrimental affect so i would put that out of your mind.
All the villas on this site are checked and verified so whatever you decide you won't end up in a dump just a lovely, luxurious home. One thing to consider depending on the make up of your party is whether to have 1 or 2 cars which will give you more flexibility.
I've only been back a week and I'm missing it already--Enjoy the Planning-don't miss the Halloween at Universal it's meant to be excellent!

[Cruella DeVilla]

To be perfectly honest Ollie the traffic is no different to anywhere else really, can be busy at certain times of the day and not so at others but I wouldn't say it is ever a carpark even at busy times.

With regard to area and villa, you just need to make a list of must haves, and would likes and go from there with an enquiry and set aside a couple of nights and go through the replies you recive.

[blott]

All the villas on the OV sites (links at the top of each forum page) are within 20 mins maximum of the theme parks and, unless you venture out during rush hour (the same thing applies all over the world), you shouldn't find too many traffic jams at all.

Look at the OV map (as has been suggested) but, most of all, look at the villas. You may find one that you completely fall in love with (most people do!) but the first thing to do is to make an enquiry from all the sites above (each has different owners' villas on) and put down your wish list for your villa facilities in the comments box.

Only when you've found out what's available for your intended dates, will you get down to communities and villas, particularly if you don't have too much idea of where you'd like to stay. They've all got something to commend them.

One thing for sure, you've made the right decision to rent a villa as it provides a special holiday experience and those on the OV sites are very special homes. Have fun planning your stay.

[carolmc]

Oli,
As someone who travels the M50 in Dublin every day - you can take my word that traffic in Orlando is nothing compared to that. Compared to "our" M50 it is a dream.
As Blott said, you will not go wrong with a villa.

[Oli]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Carolmc-glad to know I won't be facing into hours of traffic in the mornings!!

[orlandodaze]

Carol, please do not mention the M50 .How could you be so cruel !. We shall have to get to know her all over again on Friday morning ,that is if we get home tomorrow night . How do we all put up with it and pay for the privilage !. Thats why my husband loves Florida traffic flows and if not they explain why not . Civilization![msnsad][msnsad]

[carolmc]

OOOP- sorry to mention the "real world" Olive.....mind you, it is not as bad as usual with school holidays still on here[msncool]

[orlandodaze]

We are back to the Real World our son met us at the airport this morning and the dreaded m50 was better than normal . Just watched Pat and the Late late and now I know Im back1[msnsad] Here s to the next trip.[msncool]