Vacation Village at Parkway

We just returned from a week long stay at VVP. Our stay was from Sunday, May 29th. through Sunday, June 5th. We arrived at the resort about three (3) hours before the scheduled check-in and the representative was very professional, courteous and helpful. The unit that was reserved for us was in building 6 through RCI's extra vacation program. About a week prior to our arrival I called the resort and advised them that I would like to stay in building 18 on a high floor facing Disney so we could watch the fireworks at Epcot each night. The representative made the notation in the system. When we arrived, I mentioned the request and the representative advised us that since the units is building 18 are A & C units (they have washer and dryers in each lock-off unit and I think a bit larger) compared to the units in building 6 which are A & B units. She didn't think it would be possible. I advised her that we actually own a week at VV&P and she spoke to a manager and was able to check us in to building 18 room 803 A&C. This is the top floor and faces Disney. We were very happy to say the least.

Upon check-in to the rooms, we noticed that they were very large and spacious and identical except unit A had a full size stove and unit C had a hot plate. The furnishing were clean and overall comfortable. I did notice that the couch cushions would sink into the sofa bed where there wasn't any support. A slight annoyance, but we were very comfortable. All TV's were flat screen LCD's in both the living rooms and bedrooms with DVD player in the living room. They patio had seating for four with a table. This was great for watching the fireworks. The master bedroom was very large with a slider to the balcony and private access to the bathroom. There was a huge jacuzzi tub and large walk-in shower. I was surprised how large the master suite was. The king size bed was very comfortable and there were plenty of pillows. The AC worked marvelously, it worked so well that it would get cold in there with a 72 degrees setting.

The kitchen was spacious with granite counter tops (granite in the bathroom too), full size stove and oven in Unit A, ice maker, coffee machine, blender, plenty of utensils. We would have liked more glasses and plates because we felt we had to run the dishwasher too often. Unit A did not have coffee filters or dishwasher detergent but there were plenty in unit C so we just borrowed some and we didn't run out. The washer and dryer was a stand up style unit and it worked quick and efficiently. I have used these type of units elsewhere and this dryer did a great job at drying the clothes quickly. No need to take dirty clothes home to wash. This is a big plus for us.

The resort offers many activities scheduled for every day of the week. So many it would keep you busy without heading out to the parks. We however, did not have kids to entertain so we did not participate in any of the activities. I was looking for more adult theme activities but they were few and far in between. I would have liked to see a wine tasting gathering or maybe some music or breakfast without a sales pitch offered. We went to the pool a few times and it was never crowded. Maybe it is because building 18 and 19 share their own pool. We did not have a problem finding a lounge chair in the sun or shade nor did we have to worry about bumping into kids in the pool. The hot tub was large enough for a small party of a dozen or so, but we never saw more than 2 or 4 other individuals in there. This was a big plus for us. The one thing that we would like to see at the pool is food and cocktail service. It lacks the full resort feel without a frozen drink in 90 degree temperatures while lounging at the pool. In addition, it would be nice to have separate spas for the guys and gals with sauna's, steam rooms, lounge area, spa treatments, etc. This is something that we look for when we travel and this was not found at this resort.

There were plenty of barbecues next to the pool area for grilling. We did not use as we ate out most of the time. There was a $49.99 fee to access the WIFI for the week which I thought was outrageous. I paid it because I like keeping up with my email and work, but $50 bucks is a bit stiff. I own at two other resorts QH in NOLA and FLBR and they both offer FREE WIFI. Seems to me that this could be included in the maintenance fee for a couple extra dollars per year. The only other fees that I noticed and did not take advantage of were the safe in the room for $10 extra per stay and the daily maid service for $25 extra per day. The mid week towel exchange and tidy up was sufficient for our needs. Once again, I have stayed in resorts that offer daily maid service and/or turn down service. It is nice, but not necessary.

The resort was very convenient to to the area parks like Disney, Universal and Sea World. You really have to have a car to experience the area fully. There are a lot of restaurants and grocery stores and shopping near by, but nothing is close enough to walk too. The resort is so close to Disney that we could watch the fireworks from our suite every night from the units.

The resort caters to families because of the location and proximity to all of the theme parks. However, it is not unfriendly to adults and the building we stayed in was very quiet, the pool was usually empty or just a few people using it. The halls were quiet and unless you bumped into other guests in the elevator you did not see a bunch of people at any one time. With that, we enjoyed it.

Overall, it was a very comfortable stay. I would not be against staying here again, especially since I own here, but I think I would prefer a more adult resort with a bit more amenities for adults like the spa and pool side service.

I have owned a timeshare in the Vacation Village at Parkway for several years. The first time I stayed there I was so impressed that I bought an annual week. My week is always the 20th week of each year. I have never been disappointed with the service or property. The location is idea i.e. Disney parks, Universal Studios, and Sea World. We can sleep as many as 8 people in the 2 units, Unit A and B. This is an incredible place to vacation. Try it you'll love it.

Sincerely, Jim Parker

Very convenient to parks. Exceptionally clean and updated. Organized check-in in a separate building with internet access and very friendly staff. Several pools - only thing missing is a pool bar but this seems to cater more to families. Definitely would stay here again.

I stayed here two years ago, twice in one year. The first time I had the 2 bedroom lock out and it was fantastic. It was very large and spacious. The second time I had the 1 bedroom. That was on the small side but worked for us. The place is very clean and never had any problems with the staff. The location is great too!

We are a family of 5 with 3 pre-teen/teen boys. Oct 18 - 25, 2009 we stayed in a 2B/2B lock-off and found it ideal, as we used side A for us & the family meals, while the boys used side B. This let them build their Lego's they bought at Downtown Disney without having to move them out of the way when we needed to eat.

We moved from 8706 to 3608 on our 2nd day. Note the 1st #'s 8 and 3 are the bldgs, the 2nd #'s 7 & 6 are the floor. We moved from the mellower building 8 to the main activities pool/area bldg 3 (bldgs 1-6 are at the main pool). Also bldg 8 still has a view of both their pool and of new building under construction, which the outside is almost done on. We noticed no noise from the construction. There were only slight differences in the rooms, so I will address those first:

Lock-off layouts are the same TV's seemed newer in room 3608 Both units are tiled and decorated similar, 8706 had the West Indies feel while 3608 had more modern decor - our personal favorite was 3608 8706 had vertical blinds while 3608 had drapes Beds in 3608 where softer than 8706 - both where comfortable

Side A ~ has a well stocked full size kitchen with all the appliances you need, a living room, dining room, w&d, master bedroom with king bed, in room Jacuzzi, large double-sink master bath, a balcony that can be accessed from both the L.R. & B.R., and TV's in both the L.R. & B.R. There is also a sofa sleeper which we did not use.

Side B ~ has a well stocked small kitchen, no oven, no dishwasher, no stove top, no w&d, but there is a double burner cook top plate located in an upper cabinet, microwave, frig & coffee maker. There is a small dining room, living room, master B.R. with queen bed, standard good size full bathroom, a balcony that can be accessed from the L.R., TV's in both the L.R. & B.R. There is also a sofa sleeper which we used and left open the entire time.

A note about w&d's ~ all A units have them and some B's do too, excluding bldg's 1&2 which offer free laundry rooms on each floor.

Timeshare presentation ~ we were asked once at check-in and called 1 time in our room. A simple "no thank you" sufficed.

Check-in ~ we requested and got a pool side room. After 2 days we asked to be moved to the more lively area (personal pref thing). Within 5 min's we were delivered keys to first check out our new room, loved it and moved. All this was done with phone calls only, no re-visit to the front desk and all for n/c.

Service ~ Amazing! Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is friendly, happy and eager to accommodate.

Pools/pool area ~ clean and warm pools and hot tubs. The main pool area has 2 hot tubs, 2 pools-one is shallower and has volleyball net, the other is deeper. They also set up a pool side basket ball hoop. There is shuffle board, a nice play area and garden. They have attendants on duty at all times handing out towels and who run other activities.

Activities/main pool area ~ Free snow cones, $1 root beer floats, hot dog/hamburger stand with reasonable prices, game show style games, karaoke, dive in movie night where you can watch a movie while you are in the pool. All these activities are on a weekly schedule.

Activities center ~ I never went but my husband did. I heard they have free DVD's, arcade games and tables.

Unit Condition ~ All units where very clean and the furniture was in good conditions. Even the tile floor grout and the windows where clean. Very nice decor, rooms looked and felt new. There was no noise from other rooms. Side A is larger than side B.

Grounds ~ Large property with nice grounds. There are nature walks and a pond where you can feed cat fish and ducks.

Location ~ About 25 min's and 2 tolls from MCO (bring about $5 in change to drive to & from the airport, and a bit more if you plan to go to the beach). 5-10 min's to WDW, 10 min's to Seaworld, 15 min's to universal. No tolls to get to the parks. There are a bunch of restaurants nearby and the resort is next door to Arabian Knights Dinner Theater.

Summary ~ This is a wonderful Resort!