Holiday Inn Orange Lake Thread

[ajenks22]

I'm so excited for our trip next week! Can't believe it's almost here! I'm hoping the resort is decorated for Christmas. Any last minute tips to pass along? Can we bring our own cooler for poolside drinks?

 

[greenclan67]

Me again, we leave Sat morning as well to check in. We always bring a cooler bag with us to the pool. No glass, so remember to bring some plastic cups if need be. Happy Hour at all bars on site from 4-6. Make sure you go to Breezes sundown celebration, tons of fun, and lively atmosphere. If you get a fancy drink at the bars, you will get a "Orange Lake reusable stem glass, or a beer cup" first drink (fancy) are $9.00 bring your same cup back every time and it is $7.00. They have a coke freestyle machine that is good for length of stay. You buy the cup once, and refill it all week for free. The resort will be decorated for Xmas, there is a beautiful tree to the entrance of the pool at North Village. Also, check out the website, they have 2 days a week at "Santa's Village" in River Island exchange where you can see Santa and very nicely decorated. Have fun, and safe travels, maybe we will see you around the pool. We will be the pasty white Canadians, with our paisley black and white cooler bag!!

 

[smeagol]

Hello to All

DW and I just returned from 7 days at Orange Lake, so I figured I should put down a few thoughts/impressions hoping to answer some of the questions in this thread.

We are owners, and stayed in River Island. Check in was 30 Nov, check out was 7 Dec.

The not so good (I figured I would start with this so I could finish with all good stuff)…

They wanted us to sit in for another sales pitch, it was integrated into the check in process (go over there for your “Welcome Gift”). We were not in the best frame of minds to start with (DW had put her credit cards into a different luggage pocket after TSA check in, and did not remember doing it). We were sure that she would find them, but it is rather stressful going through the search process. The young man at the desk did not want to take no for an answer and returned to the topic three or four times. Though I remained civil, I was clearly getting worked up and he finally dropped the issue. Except that somebody else called us at 8:00AM the next morning with the same questions. I curtly pointed out that we had declined this “invitation” the evening before, and the person “took us off the list”.

The first set of keys (cards) they gave us did not work. We did not have a car, and thank goodness we had hired a Limo for a three hour period (picked us up at the airport, took us shopping, brought us to Orange Lake). The driver (Teddy from Mears Limo) was incredible. He happily ran me back to the West Village (over 2 miles), and then back to our room at River Island. The staff at the front desk was very apologetic, and even called security to make sure we would have no further issues getting into the room. By this time DW (who remained outside the room searching the luggage for her credit cards), had found everything, the second set of keys worked fine, and Teddy whisked us off to our 8:00PM reservations at Jiko.

Some people cheat on the smoking rules. This happens everywhere, not just orange Lake, but due to our location on the second floor, in a corner unit, the smoke reached our balcony. Now, several years ago this would not have been such a big deal, but I have had open heart surgery, and for unrelated reasons am now seeing a pulmonary specialist. Smoke and I just don’t get along any more. Again, this was just a few people, and I am super sensitive. Also, the one time I complained the staff got right on it and was going to have security walk to the area and take a look. Mind you, this was on the pool side of the building, if these folks had just walked another 20 paces or so they would have been in the parking lot and I never would have said anything.

Okay, how about some good thoughts now?

The place is decorated for Christmas, and as someone pointed out earlier in this thread, while not as elaborate as Disney, it is still quite nice. In River Island there is a very nice tree in the “center island” section. Christmas music starts at about 9:00AM, and went until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. I believe it is mostly in the pool and clubhouse areas, but at River Island, if your room is on the pool side you will hear this music plainly from your balcony. I do not remember it ever being loud enough to hear with the door closed.

Free shuttles run though out the resort. Except for one night, we never waited longer than about 10-15 minutes. There are designated stops all over the property, just go to one and the next shuttle will pick you up. There are maps to the resort that will show these, and remember that at most stops you need to be aware of which direction you want to go.

I never found this printed anywhere, but if you want to go to the Publix, the shuttle will take you to the visitor center on East Orange Lake Blvd. If you don’t have a car (or just want to walk), it gets you about ½ mile from the Publix. When you return, go to the guard shack at the entry, and he will call a shuttle so the next one will pick you up. From where we were in River Island, a round trip would have been nearly three miles, so a one mile round trip (especially carrying groceries) sounds a lot better. I would recommend looking at Google maps and looking at the area (the actual address is 8505 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747).

Everybody was nice. Every single employee I spoke to (except for the sales people mentioned above) tried to be helpful.

The location is very good. If none of the food options on property work for you, virtually every chain restaurant you can think of is within a couple of miles of the main entrance (again, if you use Google maps, switch to satellite view, and zoom in, you should see these places). There is even a Longhorn Steakhouse, I thought for sure the chain had gone out of business!

There is an Expedia desk in the West Village clubhouse. They can call a cab for you, I believe they can get you tickets, and they can hook you up with a shuttle to most parks, Disney Springs, Universal, or even the airport. When we were there in April, we took a cab to Universal, about $65 one way, plus tip. This time we arranged a shuttle, it turned out we were the only ones in the van going and coming back, and the round trip cost was $21 for each person!

Animal Kingdom (and its resort) are really close. The Epcot resorts, Epcot itself, Disney Hollywood Studios, are all pretty close. Disney Springs is a “doable” distance, Magic Kingdom is kind of far.

I was sure I had a lot more to say, but we are back home in the North East, and we are expecting snow tonight, so I need to get going and chop some wood.

I hope everybody has a great vacation, and a very happy and safe Holiday season.

Smeagol

 

[ajenks22]

I did a video tour of the 2 bedroom unit in Orange Lake. Here you go, if you want to check it out.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Hello to All

DW and I just returned from 7 days at Orange Lake, so I figured I should put down a few thoughts/impressions hoping to answer some of the questions in this thread.

We are owners, and stayed in River Island. Check in was 30 Nov, check out was 7 Dec.

The not so good (I figured I would start with this so I could finish with all good stuff)…

They wanted us to sit in for another sales pitch, it was integrated into the check in process (go over there for your “Welcome Gift”). We were not in the best frame of minds to start with (DW had put her credit cards into a different luggage pocket after TSA check in, and did not remember doing it). We were sure that she would find them, but it is rather stressful going through the search process. The young man at the desk did not want to take no for an answer and returned to the topic three or four times. Though I remained civil, I was clearly getting worked up and he finally dropped the issue. Except that somebody else called us at 8:00AM the next morning with the same questions. I curtly pointed out that we had declined this “invitation” the evening before, and the person “took us off the list”.

The first set of keys (cards) they gave us did not work. We did not have a car, and thank goodness we had hired a Limo for a three hour period (picked us up at the airport, took us shopping, brought us to Orange Lake). The driver (Teddy from Mears Limo) was incredible. He happily ran me back to the West Village (over 2 miles), and then back to our room at River Island. The staff at the front desk was very apologetic, and even called security to make sure we would have no further issues getting into the room. By this time DW (who remained outside the room searching the luggage for her credit cards), had found everything, the second set of keys worked fine, and Teddy whisked us off to our 8:00PM reservations at Jiko.

Some people cheat on the smoking rules. This happens everywhere, not just orange Lake, but due to our location on the second floor, in a corner unit, the smoke reached our balcony. Now, several years ago this would not have been such a big deal, but I have had open heart surgery, and for unrelated reasons am now seeing a pulmonary specialist. Smoke and I just don’t get along any more. Again, this was just a few people, and I am super sensitive. Also, the one time I complained the staff got right on it and was going to have security walk to the area and take a look. Mind you, this was on the pool side of the building, if these folks had just walked another 20 paces or so they would have been in the parking lot and I never would have said anything.

Okay, how about some good thoughts now?

The place is decorated for Christmas, and as someone pointed out earlier in this thread, while not as elaborate as Disney, it is still quite nice. In River Island there is a very nice tree in the “center island” section. Christmas music starts at about 9:00AM, and went until 9:00 or 10:00 at night. I believe it is mostly in the pool and clubhouse areas, but at River Island, if your room is on the pool side you will hear this music plainly from your balcony. I do not remember it ever being loud enough to hear with the door closed.

Free shuttles run though out the resort. Except for one night, we never waited longer than about 10-15 minutes. There are designated stops all over the property, just go to one and the next shuttle will pick you up. There are maps to the resort that will show these, and remember that at most stops you need to be aware of which direction you want to go.

I never found this printed anywhere, but if you want to go to the Publix, the shuttle will take you to the visitor center on East Orange Lake Blvd. If you don’t have a car (or just want to walk), it gets you about ½ mile from the Publix. When you return, go to the guard shack at the entry, and he will call a shuttle so the next one will pick you up. From where we were in River Island, a round trip would have been nearly three miles, so a one mile round trip (especially carrying groceries) sounds a lot better. I would recommend looking at Google maps and looking at the area (the actual address is 8505 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747).

Everybody was nice. Every single employee I spoke to (except for the sales people mentioned above) tried to be helpful.

The location is very good. If none of the food options on property work for you, virtually every chain restaurant you can think of is within a couple of miles of the main entrance (again, if you use Google maps, switch to satellite view, and zoom in, you should see these places). There is even a Longhorn Steakhouse, I thought for sure the chain had gone out of business!

There is an Expedia desk in the West Village clubhouse. They can call a cab for you, I believe they can get you tickets, and they can hook you up with a shuttle to most parks, Disney Springs, Universal, or even the airport. When we were there in April, we took a cab to Universal, about $65 one way, plus tip. This time we arranged a shuttle, it turned out we were the only ones in the van going and coming back, and the round trip cost was $21 for each person!

Animal Kingdom (and its resort) are really close. The Epcot resorts, Epcot itself, Disney Hollywood Studios, are all pretty close. Disney Springs is a “doable” distance, Magic Kingdom is kind of far.

I was sure I had a lot more to say, but we are back home in the North East, and we are expecting snow tonight, so I need to get going and chop some wood.

I hope everybody has a great vacation, and a very happy and safe Holiday season.

Smeagol

Thanks for the info. That is the reason I take the phone off the hook when staying at a timeshare I don't want awakened by a sales pitch.

 

[greenclan67]

I did a video tour of the 2 bedroom unit in Orange Lake. Here you go, if you want to check it out.

Hey neighbour, we are 2259

 

[clawmachine]

The toll road is the easiest way into the park. Simply leave orange lake jump on the turnpike and take the first exit. You will be on Disney property that will take you right by the cornado resort and to world drive. This way you don't have to fight 192 traffic

is there a "wrong way" from Orange Lake to Animal Kingdom? My phone maps shows 3 routes. I know that when we stayed at OL 5 years ago, we took the shortest route to AK and it ended up being a restricted road so we had to turn around and wasted a lot of time going a different way. Just want to make sure I don't choose the restricted route again. thanks!

 

[BigredNole]

I have seen mixed reviews of Orange Lake. Glad I found this thread. My biggest issue with OL is not being able to find owners that rent. VRBO has a very small number and they are expensive. I would love to be able to hook up with owners that rent or people that can rent through RCI.

 

[ibob52]

I have seen mixed reviews of Orange Lake. Glad I found this thread. My biggest issue with OL is not being able to find owners that rent. VRBO has a very small number and they are expensive. I would love to be able to hook up with owners that rent or people that can rent through RCI.

Vacation Strategy has Orange Lake listed in their Resort Portfolio

I counted 11 Resort options listed for Orlando via V/S

I will probably venture away from WBC someday . . if the price is right.

HOLIDAY INN CLUB ORANGE LAKE EAST VILLAGE Resort

HOLIDAY INN CLUB ORANGE LAKE WEST VILLAGE Resort

 

[BigredNole]

Thanks @ibob52 !!! We have used VS on previous vacations and love them. I didn't even think to see if they rented non-Wyndham resorts. I love Wyndham Bonnet Creek. We are staying our first week there and looking at other options for our second week. Orange Lake and Windsor Hills look like our other potential options.

 

[greenclan67]

Vacation Strategy has Orange Lake listed in their Resort Portfolio

I counted 11 Resort options listed for Orlando via V/S

I will probably venture away from WBC someday . . if the price is right.

HOLIDAY INN CLUB ORANGE LAKE EAST VILLAGE Resort

HOLIDAY INN CLUB ORANGE LAKE WEST VILLAGE Resort

I have seen mixed reviews of Orange Lake. Glad I found this thread. My biggest issue with OL is not being able to find owners that rent. VRBO has a very small number and they are expensive. I would love to be able to hook up with owners that rent or people that can rent through RCI.

I will private message you.

 

[disney gym mom]

We will be staying at Orange Lake for the first time this coming July...can't wait! We have never stayed at a place like this...can someone tell us what everyday items we need to bring/provide to make a our stay more comfortable. I'm assuming plates/pots/pans are provided...what about things like napkins, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, etc. Also, there will be 6 of us staying in a 2 bedroom...will there be enough bath towels provided? Again, I'm assuming we just rewash those as needed since there is no maid service...thanks!

 

[TamaraQT]

We will be staying at Orange Lake for the first time this coming July...can't wait! We have never stayed at a place like this...can someone tell us what everyday items we need to bring/provide to make a our stay more comfortable. I'm assuming plates/pots/pans are provided...what about things like napkins, dishwasher detergent, garbage bags, etc. Also, there will be 6 of us staying in a 2 bedroom...will there be enough bath towels provided? Again, I'm assuming we just rewash those as needed since there is no maid service...thanks!

How exciting!!! I have always wanted to stay at Orange Lake. Came very close last year but got a better deal at Bonnet Creek. I am going to try for Orange Lake again this year and see what happens. Anyway...back to your questions. You will have a roll of paper towels in your unit, but you should pick up a package of napkins. You will have a few garbage bags, and if you run out you can call to have more sent to your unit. Yes, dishes and cookware are provided, but I do pick up foam plates, plastic cups and plastic forks to keep from having to run the dishwasher so much. The kids go thru glasses and cups very quickly since you will probably keep your fridge stocked with beverages for them. Same with plates. It's easier to keep foam plates and cups on the counter for them to use instead. My kids use the cups to put snacks in sometimes. Yes, they should have enough towels for 6 people if the unit sleeps 6. However, you can always call for them to deliver more to your room if needed. Yes, you will need to rewash sometimes. I do advise to pick up some more laundry detergent. They usually only give you enough to wash a few loads. Depending on what you plan to do for meals determines what you may need for the kitchen.Planning for your stay is all part of the fun of the vacation!!! I am sure you will have a WONDERFUL time at Orange Lake!!!

 

[LynnTH]

HI everyone. Wondering if someone can help me. Looking at going to Orlando July 8-15th. Dates are firm and is pretty much the only week during the summer with nothing else going on. Kind of a impromptu get away for DS's graduation and before he leaves for college. So, it will be Me, DH, DS18, DD16 and possibly DS's girlfriend, also 18. Going to be a laid back vacation. We will get a car. Not doing Disney this trip. Although we do have some old passes with 10 days of waterparks still on them so may do that for a day and just buy a ticket for DS's girlfriend. May do Universal for a day or 2 or SeaWorld. Nothing set in stone yet.

So, was all set to stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort. Looks like an awesome place with lots to do for the kids. Got a quote from Vacation Strategy for $940 for a 2 Bedroom, which I thought was great. Had a few questions on the quote and did not get my answers for almost a week. When I did - I booked the room. Then I got an email telling me the room I booked was no longer available for my dates. So, as of right now I am on a waitlist.

Been reading some on Orange Lake and seems either people love it or hate it... Can someone tell me how this resort compares to Sheraton Vistana Resort . Seems like there is a lot of activities here as well but more spread out and you have to pay for a lot of the extras. Trying to see if I should get a quote on this place . Not sure if it would cost more or not. Trying to keep costs down. Flying on SW Points so airfare is taken care of. Plan on eating breakfast and some other meals in the condo's each day.

Other option is to rent a house with a pool but I think I would miss all the different activities and stuff to do in a resort... Any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[greenclan67]

HI everyone. Wondering if someone can help me. Looking at going to Orlando July 8-15th. Dates are firm and is pretty much the only week during the summer with nothing else going on. Kind of a impromptu get away for DS's graduation and before he leaves for college. So, it will be Me, DH, DS18, DD16 and possibly DS's girlfriend, also 18. Going to be a laid back vacation. We will get a car. Not doing Disney this trip. Although we do have some old passes with 10 days of waterparks still on them so may do that for a day and just buy a ticket for DS's girlfriend. May do Universal for a day or 2 or SeaWorld. Nothing set in stone yet.

So, was all set to stay at Sheraton Vistana Resort. Looks like an awesome place with lots to do for the kids. Got a quote from Vacation Strategy for $940 for a 2 Bedroom, which I thought was great. Had a few questions on the quote and did not get my answers for almost a week. When I did - I booked the room. Then I got an email telling me the room I booked was no longer available for my dates. So, as of right now I am on a waitlist.

Been reading some on Orange Lake and seems either people love it or hate it... Can someone tell me how this resort compares to Sheraton Vistana Resort . Seems like there is a lot of activities here as well but more spread out and you have to pay for a lot of the extras. Trying to see if I should get a quote on this place . Not sure if it would cost more or not. Trying to keep costs down. Flying on SW Points so airfare is taken care of. Plan on eating breakfast and some other meals in the condo's each day.

Other option is to rent a house with a pool but I think I would miss all the different activities and stuff to do in a resort... Any input would be great. Thanks.

I will pm u tonight. If I forget PM ME

 

[BigredNole]

I looked on Google Maps. I wanted to know how far is West Village from River Island. It says only about 1.5 miles. Just trying to see if traffic is difficult or not.

Also, what route do you take to get to the parks to make it the quickest? People have said to get on the toll road. I just don't see it unless you get on 192 and then jump on 429.

 

[greenclan67]

I looked on Google Maps. I wanted to know how far is West Village from River Island. It says only about 1.5 miles. Just trying to see if traffic is difficult or not.

Also, what route do you take to get to the parks to make it the quickest? People have said to get on the toll road. I just don't see it unless you get on 192 and then jump on 429.

West village to river island is a 5 min drive through the resort. Or take the free shuttle. To get too parks you exit West village entrance, turn left and the first left puts you on Disney Roads. Fairly simple.

 

[BigredNole]

Thanks @greenclan67.

We still have plans of a 2 week vacation. The second week has been tentatively scheduled at WBC. I can't commit to anything for about 2 months though.

 

[CarolynFH]

We're scheduled to check in to a 2-bedroom unit in West Village in about a month. I have several questions that I couldn't find answered on the Orange Lake website.

1) Our party will be arriving in 3 vehicles. Will we be able to get parking passes for all 3 vehicles?

2) DH and I will actually arrive the day before so that we can get things ready for the rest of our party. Can we check in early (even if our unit is not available yet)?

3) If our unit is not available when we check in, are we able to leave luggage there? What about groceries, especially items that need to be kept refrigerated or frozen? We'd love to get the shopping done before everyone else arrives!

 

[greenclan67]

We're scheduled to check in to a 2-bedroom unit in West Village in about a month. I have several questions that I couldn't find answered on the Orange Lake website.

1) Our party will be arriving in 3 vehicles. Will we be able to get parking passes for all 3 vehicles?

2) DH and I will actually arrive the day before so that we can get things ready for the rest of our party. Can we check in early (even if our unit is not available yet)?

3) If our unit is not available when we check in, are we able to leave luggage there? What about groceries, especially items that need to be kept refrigerated or frozen? We'd love to get the shopping done before everyone else arrives!

1) yes u will get parking passes for 3 but you will probably have too park 1 at clubhouse parking or you will be taking a parking spot of your neighbour.
2) you cam check in anytime. They will get everything ready for you in your packet even your room keys. They just wont give you your room number until closer too 4.
3) Conceirege will take your luggage at front entrance. I am not 100% sure about refrigeration. You could call and ask.
Enjoy Orange Lake. We arrive in 21 days for 2 weeks.