Restaurants near Windsor Hills

Windsor Hills Resort villas in Orlando, Florida. Situated in the heart of Kissimmee, Florida, Windsor Hills is arguably one of the closest luxury resorts to Disney World, Orlando. Just off HWY192 and only 3 miles to Disney World's entrance - the ideal spot for your dream Orlando family holiday, There are plenty of stores and restaurants near the Windsor Hills.

•Red Lobster 7780 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 321-677-0191 1.5 Miles

•TGI Friday's 7798 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-4300 1.5 Miles

•Key W Koolâ™ 7725 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-1166 1.5 Miles

•Outback Steak House 7804 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-0017 1.5 Miles

•Giordano's 7866 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-0044 1.5 Miles

•Cracker Barrel Restaurant 7878 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-1190 1.6 Miles

•Dairy Queen 7868 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-8175 1.6 Miles

•Subway Sandwiches 7856 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-7119 1.6 Miles

•Taste of China 7832 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-9911 1.5 Miles

•Magic Mining Co 7763 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-8986 1.5 Miles

•Taco Bell 7784 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-0385 1.5 Miles

•Burger King 7757 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-239-4363 1.5 Miles

•Mc Donalds 7627 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-1536 1.5 Miles

•Passage to India 7618 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-6957 1.5 Miles

•Waffle House 7696 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-9550 1.5 Miles

•Sizzler 7602 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-0997 1.5 Miles

•Golden Corral 7702 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-9615 1.5 Miles

•Dunkin Donuts 7646 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-7060 1.5 Miles

•Ponderosa Steak House 7598 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-7721 1.5 Miles

•Dennys7631 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-0757 1.5 Miles

•Fiorino New York Pizza 7531 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-9664 1.5 Miles

•Ihop Restaurant 7529 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-2033 1.5 Miles

•Black Angus 7516 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-4548 1.5 Miles

•Take Japanese Restaurant 7818 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-0333 1.5 Miles

•Perkins Family Restaurant 7451 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-0845 1.6 Miles

•Chick-Fil-A 7891 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-787-4001 1.6 Miles

•Bob Evans Restaurant 7411 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-396-8599 1.7 Miles

•Angel's Diner Lobster Feast 7300 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-397-1960 1.7 Miles

•Pizza Hut 8557 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-239-4456 2.2 Miles

•Beef O' Bradys 8687 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-239-7710 2.4 Miles

•Ace Plus Chinese Buffet 8620 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-390-7588 2.2 Miles

•Domino Pizza 8687 W Irlo Bronson Meml Hwy 407-239-7710 2.4 Miles

•Moe Southwest Grill 19 Blake Blvd 321-939-2455 5.1 Miles

•Smokey Bones BBQ Grill 2911 Vineland Road 407-397-7102 9.5 Miles

•Cold Stone Creamery 15 Blake Blvd 321-939-2897 5.1 Miles

•Carrabba's 7890 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. (407) 390-9600 1.5 Miles

•Celebration Tavern 721 Front St (407) 390-9600 7.5 Miles

The pool from the sky

Going to the beach??

 CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

.From Windsor Hills Resort main gate turn left to Old Lake Wilson Rd, proceed to the stoplight at W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. (Hwy. 192).
Turn right onto Hwy. 192 and continue approximately (3) miles.
Merge onto I-4 West toward Tampa and continue approximately 64 miles.
Merge onto I-275 via the exit on the left. Merge onto Memorial Hwy/FL-60 W via exit number 39 toward Tampa Airport/Clearwater.
Merge onto FL-60 via the exit on the left toward Clearwater and continue approximately 15 miles.
Turn slight left onto Court Street/FL-651 S.
Court St. becomes Pierce Street.
Turn left onto Memorial Cswy/FL-60 W.
End at Clearwater Beach.

COCOA BEACH, FL

From Windsor Hills Resort main gate turn left to Old Lake Wilson Rd., proceed to the stoplight at W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. (Hwy. 192).
Turn right onto Hwy. 192 and continue approximately (3) miles.
Merge onto I-4 East toward Orlando and continue for approximately eight (8) miles.
Take SR 528 TOLL E. Exit #72 (also called the “Bee Line”) toward Int’l Airport/Cape Canaveral.
Merge onto 528 East and continue approximately 50 miles.
FL 528 E. becomes FL A1A-S.
End at Cocoa Beach, FL.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL

From Windsor Hills Resort main gate turn left to Old Lake Wilson Rd., proceed to the stoplight at W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. (Hwy. 192).
Turn right onto Hwy. 192 and continue approximately (3) miles.
Merge onto I-4 East toward Orlando and continue for approximately 69 miles.
I-4 becomes FL 400 E.
Turn left onto S Ridgewood Ave/US-1 N/FL-5 N.
Turn right onto US-92 E/W International Speedway Blvd.
Turn left onto S Atlantic Ave/FL-A1A.
End at Daytona Beach, FL.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride in Disney World's New Fantasyland

A look at the construction of the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride in the New Fantasyland at The Magic Kingdom in Disney World schedule to open in 2014

Weather

Month	Average High	Average Low	Mean	Average Precip.
January	72°F / 22°C	48°F / 9°C	60°F / 16°C	2.39 in. / 60.7 mm
February	73°F / 23°C	49°F / 9°C	61°F / 16°C	2.72 in. / 69.1 mm
March	77°F / 25°C	53°F / 12°C	65°F / 18°C	3.32 in. / 84.3 mm
April	82°F / 28°C	58°F / 14°C	70°F / 21°C	2.02 in. / 51.3 mm
May	87°F / 31°C	64°F / 18°C	76°F / 24°C	3.83 in. / 97.3 mm
June	90°F / 32°C	70°F / 21°C	80°F / 27°C	6.02 in. / 152.9 mm
July	92°F / 33°C	72°F / 22°C	82°F / 28°C	6.55 in. / 166.4 mm
August	92°F / 33°C	72°F / 22°C	82°F / 28°C	7.32 in. / 185.9 mm
September	90°F / 32°C	71°F / 22°C	80°F / 27°C	6.01 in. / 152.7 mm
October	84°F / 29°C	65°F / 18°C	74°F / 23°C	3.17 in. / 80.5 mm
November	79°F / 26°C	57°F / 14°C	68°F / 20°C	2.42 in. / 61.5 mm
December	73°F / 23°C	50°F / 10°C	62°F / 17°C	2.24 in. / 56.9 mm

 Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with August 15 to October 15 considered to be Peak Hurricane Activity.

 The average warmest month is July.

 The highest recorded temperature was 103°F in 1961.

 The average coolest month is January.

 The lowest recorded temperature was 19°F in 1985.

 August is the average wettest month.

GPS Directions

Windsor Hills Resort

GPS Address: 2600 N. OLD LAKE WILSON ROAD, KISSIMMEE, FL 34747.

Airports

Orlando International Airport

GPS Address: 1 Airport Blvd., Orlando, Fl 32877

Sanford International Airport

GPS Address: 1200 Red Cleveland Blvd, Sanford, Fl 32773

Parks

GPS Address for Disney World
1180 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for The Magic Kingdom
1180 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for EPCOT
200 Epcot Center Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
351 South Studio Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
551 Rainforest Road
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for Typhoon Lagoon
1135 E. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for Blizzard Beach
1500 W. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

GPS Address for Sea World
7007 Sea World Drive
Orlando, FL 32821

GPS Address for Busch Gardens
1001 N.McKinley Drive
Tampa, FL 33612

GPS Address for Aquatica
5800 Water Play Way-
Orlando, FL 32821

GPS Address for Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821

GPS Address for Amway Center
400 Church Street
Orlando, FL 32801

GPS Address for Universal Studios
6000 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819

GPS Address for Island of Adventure
6000 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819

GPS Address for Orlando International Airport
9000 Airport Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32827

GPS Address for Downtown Disney
1780 E. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

To Beaches

Clearwater Beach
GPS Address: 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, Fl 33767

Cocoa Beach
GPS Address: Cocoa Beach Causeway East, Cocoa Beach, Fl 32931

Daytona Beach
GPS Address: 126 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, Fl 32118

Grocery

Wal-Mart 
GPS Address: 600 US Hwy 27, Clermont, Fl 34714

Target Super Store 
GPS Address: 3200 Rolling Oaks Blvd., Kissimmee, Fl 34747

Publix Grocery Stores
GPS Address: 7800 Old Lake Wilson Rd., Davenport, Fl 33896

Shoppings

Florida Mall

GPS Address: 1187 Florida Mall Ave., Orlando, Fl. 32809

The Mall at Millenia

GPS Address: 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, Fl. 32839

Orlando Premium Outlets

GPS Address: 8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, Fl. 32821

Orlando Prime Outlets

GPS Address: 5259 International Dr., Orlando, Fl. 32819

The Loop & The Loop West

GPS Address: 2001 W. Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, Fl 34741

Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets

GPS Address: 15561 S. Apopka Vineland Rd., Orlando, Fl 32821

Attendance & Best Times to Visit

Month	General Attendance Levels	Special Events & Factors that may influence crowd levels
January	Low	New Year's Day is very busy.
February	Low up to President's Week; High during President's Week; Medium from President's week onwards	President's Week sees high crowd levels.
March	Medium until mid-March; High mid-March onwards.	Spring Break crowds increase attendance from mid-March onwards.
April	High through to late April; Medium from late April onwards.	Spring Break crowds increase attendance through until mid-April. Easter week is very busy.
May	Medium; High during Memorial Day Weekend.	Memorial Day Weekend is very busy.
June	Medium until mid-June; High from mid-June onwards	Gay Days are held on the first weekend at one park per day.
July	High	Very busy month, July 4th is one of the busiest days throughout the year.
August	High	Very busy month.
September	High through Labor Day; Low from the week following Labor Day.	Busy until after Labor Day.
October	Low	Generally quiet month but MNSSHP and Epcot Food and Wine Festival can draw in more crowds.
November	Low until Thanksgiving week. Medium the first part of Thanksgiving week; High Thanksgiving Day and weekend; Low after Thanksgiving weekend.	Super Soap Weekend increases visitor numbers at Disney's Hollywood Studios for one weekend. Thanksgiving week is busy.
December	Low until the week before Christmas. High Christmas week onwards.	MVMCP and the Christmas decorations draw in some extra crowds. Christmas crowds start to arrive around a week before Christmas, and stay until New Year, making the last two weeks some of the busiest at WDW.

 Quietest times to visit - January after New Year; First half of February; September after Labor Day; October; November up until Thanksgiving week.
 Busiest times to visit - July; August; Thanksgiving week; Christmas week through to New Year's Day.
 The traditional quieter times are getting less so, as more people realise that they are a good time to visit, and Disney puts on new events to increase visitor numbers during those times. Examples being October - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party attracts more crowds during the month; More people are visiting in early December to see the Christmas decorations and attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

 Crowd Level Reviews & Ratings

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Best Days to Visit the Parks 

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These are the estimated attendance levels at the parks based on past history, and Extra Magic Hours, and are given as a general guide only.
They can vary throughout the year depending on various factors (EMH changes, special events). At peak times, each park will be busy every day.

Day	Magic Kingdom	Epcot	Disney's Hollywood Studios	Animal Kingdom
Monday	High	Low	Medium	High
Tuesday	Low	High	Low	High
Wednesday	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
Thursday	High	Low	Medium	Low
Friday	Medium	High	Medium	Low
Saturday	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Sunday	Medium	Medium	High	Medium

Next Week (July 13 to July 21, 2013) at Walt Disney World

Operating Hours

Disney Parks Facts that you didnt know!

MAGIC KINGDOM
Liberty Square

 The colored concrete is indicative of the old time drains (there are NO restrooms within Liberty Square boundaries since they had no restrooms in that time period! The only ones you can find there are inside buildings, and they go so far back in the buildings that they are actually outside of Liberty Square proper!). The CM’s wearing the longer dresses would have been the servants where the short 
dressed women were usually the woman of the house. 
 The addresses on the doors are all two numbers. If you put 18 in front of it, that is the style of door that they would have had for that year. As 
you walk along, you can see the progression of the style. From the windows to the hardware to the door and window styles themselves.
 Liberty Square was supposed to represent the East Coast of the United States all the way across to the Train station behind splash Mountain 
which was to represent the West Coast of the United States. The 17th-century mansion of master Gracie is supposedly on the Hudson River. 
The Hall of Presidents is supposed to represent Pennsylvania. I think the river for the paddle boat was supposed to be on the Mississippi. 
The diamond horseshoe is at the gateway to the west, St. Louis MO. The old wooden cottage of the Country Bear Jamboree symbolically 
represents Colorado. Big Thunder Mountain and the tiny town of Tumbleweed were near Monument Valley, MT., and lastly, the train 
stopped in Frontierland represented California.
 Liberty Square Christmas shop: It’s actually three separate shops with the walls opened between them. They are supposed to be 
owned by three different colonial families–a German family, a woodcarver’s family, and a musician’s family. 
 Liberty Square Christmas shop: Hidden park in Liberty Square in the back of the Christmas Store.
 Liberty Square Christmas shop: there is a small tree called the Magical Moments Tree. Every day, one person is chosen to decorate the tree. That person gets a magical moments certificate and a free Christmas ornament. Typically the person chosen is picked early in the day, and is usually a child, but it can happen at any time to a person of any age.
 Tug on the Liberty Bell rope
 All the shutters on the windows are hanging crooked. This is because in those times leather was used to fasten shutters on and would stretch 
over time to hang crooked. 
 Haunted Mansion: At night, look up at the top story right above the front door. If you watch it for a while you’ll notice a light pass by it and 
some shadows, it looks like 2 people are walking by with a lantern.
 Haunted Mansion: If you look up at the cemetery gate when you are first going into the cemetery, you can see a paper tag hanging off 
of the top-left corner. That is actually the purchase tag that was accidentally left on the gate when it was purchased from a California 
manufacturer. 
 Haunted Mansion: In the graveyard scene, one of the last scenes on the ride, you will find a great hidden mickey. At the end of the room, when the cart begins to turn, look over the right hand side and you’ll see a grim reaper. Look closely at his raised hand, he is holding a hidden ghostly Mickey.
 Haunted Mansion: Be among the first to exit for the Doom Buggies by standing on the side with the painting of the lady with the parasol. 
After riding the stretching room down, as you walk to the cars, there is a lobby with a desk and lamp. On the desk is a 
dictionary that is turned to the word death.
 Haunted Mansion: in the ballroom scene, if you look down on the floor of the balcony the doombuggies are traveling on, about halfway through the scene you will see a patch of light and the shadows of two pairs of legs swinging as if there are two people sitting on a ledge above you. 
 The flag that flies atop of the American Adventure actually has 15 stripes.
 There is a silver plate that runs between Liberty Square and Frontierland. This plate represents the Mississippi River, separating the east 
from the west, and there is water flowing out from the plate into the Rivers of America. 
 Hall of Presidents upstairs window facing Haunted Mansion has 2 lanterns lit “one if by land, two if by sea”

Frontierland
 At the Frontierland RR Station, look for a wooden leg named Smith. It is a reference to a joke in Mary Poppins. “I knew a man with a 
wooden leg named Smith.” “What’s the name of his other leg?”
 Look down at the main walkway (which is also the parade route). Instead of just plain cement there’s also and area a couple feet wide that
goes all the way down the walkway and looks like a brownish/yellow gravel. It seems in frontier times the streets had a urine trough in them for the all of the horse urine. The gravel area represents the urine trough. 
 Big Thunder Mountain: After you exit the ride, and are back outside walking down the exit ramp, look at the rocky wall to your left. You will see a deliberate profile of a hidden Tinkerbell – one of the best hidden characters anywhere in WDW.

Fantasyland
 Carousel: Cinderella’s horse is the horse with the gold ribbon tied on its tail.
 Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: In the first room there is a picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl (Pooh ride used to be Mr. 
Toads Wild Ride).
 When you go to Sir Mickey’s Shop in Fantasyland look at where the roof meets the walls. You will see Willie the Giant from Mickey and the 
Beanstalk peeking into the shop.
 Cinderella’s Castle: Inside the walls of the walk-through of the castle are several mosaics. On the mosaic wall farthest from the entrance are the two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drusilla. The mosaic shows one of them with a red face and the other with a green face. Red with Rage and Green with envy!
 Tink’s Treasures: Anyone visiting Tinker Bell’s Treasures that wants to can now call Tinker Bell to Fantasyland from Pixie Hollow. Just speak to a Cast Member near the registers closest to Mickey’s Phillharmagic
 Peter Pan: Watch when you fly over the Mermaid Lagoon. You can see a mermaid that look remarkably like Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

Adventureland
 Pirates of the Caribbean: Always stay in the left hand side of the queue when entering the line for the ride. At random times of day, Jack Sparrow will be in the jail cell on this side, and it makes for a great picture & is good entertainment.
 Pirates of the Caribbean: Ask the cast member when you board if they said good morning to George today. George is supposedly a ghost that haunts the ride, and if they don’t greet him everyday, the ride will break down frequently or other strange things will happen.

Main Street USA
 When you first enter Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, walk under the train station where the lockers are. Facing Cinderella Castle, look for a door on the right just before you exit from under the station. Open this door and get a look at the Mural on the wall.
 Tony’s Town Square: Paw prints of Lady and the Tramp outside of the porch on the sidewalk.
 Tony’s Town Square: At the back, there is a beautiful 3-paned dark blue window, through which you can see the shadowy silhouettes of Lady and the 
Tramp sharing their late-night meal of spaghetti.
 In the Main St. RR Station lower level, up on one of the shelves (Cast members (CM’s) can help you locate it) you can see Aladdin’s lamp
as well as other characters’ belongings waiting to be picked up. 
 Harmony Barber Shop: This shop is on the left hand side as you walk down mainstreet, and is a little bit hidden. The wait gets very long, so if you want to visit, go early in the day. You can get a haircut, or just get “pixie dusted”. This is especially made into a big deal if it’s a baby’s first haircut as they get a special set of mouse ears and a Magic Certificate.

Tomorrowland
 Carousel of Progress: The current voice of the main character you may recognize as the voice of the narrator from “A Christmas Story”.

EPCOT
Futureworld
 Spaceship Earth: the scene with the monks writing. One has fallen asleep and has a Mickey shaped ink blob next to him.

World Showcase
 The bridge continuing on past France symbolically crosses the English Channel. See if you can find a bike and an easel as if an artist were 
coming back to finish a painting of the store across the canal. (Location may change periodically) This is also the location of the rear 
entrance (International Gateway) from some of the resorts to Epcot.
 Germany: If you know the holiday story about the pickle ornament, find the pickle tree (in a store).
 Germany: At the courtyard if you look up towards the back there is a clock. If you are there around the hour, it will ring and a German boy 
and girl will come out (they are made our of wood, they are not real) and twirl around.
 Morocco: Take a look at all of the mosaic tile artwork on the walls. You will notice that each mosaic has at least one cracked/flawed tile in it. 
The Moroccan people worship Allah and believe that only Allah can create something that is “perfect,” so every mosaic was purposely 
flawed!
 Morocco: There is a “gold” prayer room in Morocco that was included for the CM and is open to the public.
 England: The tea shop outside and inside architecture represents UK in the 1600s–thatched roof, huge hearth inside low ceilings, dark lighting even the style floor. The next shop represents the 1700s and has a sign out front that says Est. 1702. It has higher ceilings and basic wrought iron lighting fixtures. If you look at it from the outside, you can see the cantilever build. They threw out the upstairs windows into the drains that ran down the center of the streets. Just another reason gentlemen walked nearer the road and wore large brimmed hats while ladies walked very near the bldgs. The next building is 1800s neoclassical. See the window styles and even how ornate the window coverings and lighting are? Look up at the ceiling and how it is painted. As you exit that shop, look to your right. There is a whole other building over there, and it is in the same 1800s time frame to stay in sync. Look at the rooftops. See the Mary Poppins style chimneys?

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
 Singing in the Rain Umbrella: Near Lights Motor Action at the end of NY Street. 
 Going into the Great Movie Ride, the lions at the front are not really lions. They are dogs! And the female has a baby whatever-it-is under her paw
 If you exit the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular theater from the far right-side stairway (as you face the stage) pay attention as you go onto 
the landings, look for the hand of a CM rising above the railing holding the golden idol from the show’s Mayan (or South American in the 
movie version) temple. The idea is to pat the head of the idol as you go past.
 While facing the entrance of IJSS, look to the left. There’s a display of Indiana Jones props. There’s a rope that says “do not pull”. Pull the rope and listen.
 Muppetvision 3D. Right after you walk in the building on the right you will see and window that has a sign hanging “Be back in 5 minutes, Key is under the mat”. Check under the mat and there really is a key.

ANIMAL KINGDOM
 I usually enter it by the It’s tough to be a bug fastpass distriubution. you go in the area where the machines are, all the way to the right. it 
looks like it could be a queue line for ITTBAB, but it’s the path.
 Check out the pathways between Africa and Asia for Devine
 On the path, as you walk to get to the FOLK, there is a bridge that you walk over. On the right side of the bridge, if you look over the side to 
the left, you will see what appears to be a Dragon Waterfall (the sole surviving hint of Beastly Kingdom). 
 At the Tusker House Restaurant you can hear kitchen noises if you sit in the outside dining area.

GENERAL
 Ask for a list of Hidden Mickey’s from Guest Relations and/or pins including: “Just Married, Happy Birthday, First Visit, Happy Anniversary, Happily Ever After, I’m Celebrating, My Magical Triumph, Family Reunion” and “Honorary Citizen” pins. Coming next year is “Honorary VoluntEAR”

DOWNTOWN DISNEY
 Downtown Disney, Art of Disney Store – The Art of Disney Store runs a trivia quiz daily with prizes.

Tropical Storm Chantal

Tropical Storm Chantal moving toward southern Caribbean

follow the weather
http://www.orlando-webcams.com/weather.html

Location, location, location!

Location, location, location: Windsor Hills is the closest resort to the disney parks!

If you're travelling to Orlando / Walt Disney World Resort and are looking to rent a gorgeous new home directly from the owners at a great rate, check out the brand new 5* Windsor Hills Resort, located  in Kissimmee, FL, just 5 minutes, 2.1 miles from the entrance to Walt Disney World!   Built in 2005 by Pulte Homes, the incredible Windsor Hills Resort consists of 2 and 3 bedroom condos, 3 bed / 3 bath townhomes with private pool, and 4, 5, and 6 bedroom pool homes / villas, set in an incredible 5* gated resort community! 

 

Some of the magnificent features of this guard-gated community include a luxurious water park pool and clubhouse with fountains, waterslide, and a hot tub lagoon spa.   The amazing clubhouse over-looking the pool has a game room, HD movie theater, state of the art fitness center, and has billiards tables, and a video game area, a sundry shop, fitness room with top of the line fitness equipment, high definition surround sound movie theater, and other outdoor recreational activities such as outdoor poolside ping pong, all surrounding the heated Double Olympic Size Swimming Pool with waterslide!  The clubhouse and lagoon hot tub area are set next to a beautiful wetlands area, amidst lush tropical landscaping throughout the whole resort.  Play outdoor ping pong next to the amazing resort pool, or take the Windsor Hills shuttle to one of the many close theme parks, or play golf at one of the many Orlando championship courses, we're right next door to Mystic Dunes! (#2 rated course in Orlando area).  

There’s more!  resort recreation area, has lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball, lighted basketball courts, as well as a newly opened golf practice putting/chipping green area.  Next, there’s a state of the art children’s playground area.  The unique, castle themed playground has something for everyone. A dragon guards the drawbridge over the moat and once inside, children and imaginations run wild!  Whether it’s a quiet game of jumbo chess or rescuing a damsel in distress from the castle dungeon, boys and girls of all ages are sure to find a one of a kind play experience.

 

Windsor Hills has all the amenities of a 5 star hotel or resort, but with the comfort, convenience, and privacy of a high end home.  These gorgeous homes offer twice the amenities at a small fraction of the cost of staying in a traditional theme park resort hotel room.  Who wants to spend their vacation in a cramped one room hotel room when you can enjoy an incredible home in an amazing resort that is as close to Disney as many of their own properties?    The most impressive feature is our location, just 5 minutes to Disney!

 

Disney Ticket Prices

Directions to Windsor Hills

Orlando International Airport is an easy 30 minute drive from Windsor Hills. Please note that these directions take you on 417, which is a toll road. The total toll needed is $2.50.

• Exit the airport using the South Exit and follow the signs for Toll Road 417 South toward Disney/Kissimmee.
• Get on toll road 417 South (4 ½ miles from the airport). The sign says “Tampa/Disney World”.
• You will go through two toll stations, each requiring $1.00.
• Continue on 417 for 19 miles from the airport. Take exit #2 (“Celebration Ave. to 192”).
• There is a $.50 exit toll, and exact change is required.
• Follow the signs to 192 West (go Right at the exit)
• Turn left on to 192 West/Irlo Bronson Highway
• Drive on 192 West for 3.5 miles until you reach Old Lake Wilson Road/545
• Turn left onto Old Lake Wilson Road/545
• Windsor Hills Resort is ¾ mile down on the right. The entrance road is Teascone Rd.
• Proceed to the security guard and get your temporary parking pass. (You will need to show your Arrival Information Letter or Rental Agreement to gain access, so be sure to have this handy.)
• Welcome!

New Fantasyland Grand Opening Set For December 6 at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort

Today we’re thrilled to announce that the grand opening of New Fantasyland will take place on December 6, 2012. Attractions included in this opening are Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto, Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Previews of these attractions will begin November 19.

As previously planned, the New Fantasyland expansion will continue with the opening of Princess Fairytale Hall in 2013 and the debut of a new Disney “mountain” in the form of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in 2014.

The Storybook Circus section of the New Fantasyland expansion, which includes Barnstormer – Starring the Great Goofini, the Casey Jr. Splash & Soak Station, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, opened to guests in July.

How soon will you visit? And which New Fantasyland attraction are you most excited to experience?

Legoland Florida

LEGOLAND® Florida, opening October 15th, 2011, is a 150-acre family theme park located in Winter Haven, just 45 minutes southwest of the Orlando theme parks or downtown Tampa. The Park will offer interactive attractions, family rides, shows, restaurants, shopping and beautiful landscape specifically geared for families with children ages 2 to12.

There are four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND^® Billund in Denmark (opened in 1968), LEGOLAND^® Windsor, outside of London (1996), LEGOLAND^® California in Carlsbad (1999) and LEGOLAND^®Deutschland in Günzburg, Germany (2002).

An additional LEGOLAND Park project has been announced in Malaysia, and is scheduled to open in 2012.

In 2005, LEGOLAND theme parks became part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the leading name in location-based, family entertainment.

Merlin Entertainments brings together LEGOLAND, Madame Tussauds, London Eye, SEA LIFE, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Dungeons – as well as national brands such as Alton Towers, Gardaland, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Heide Park.

An Orlando Vacation Villa in Windsor Hills Resort: The Ideal Disney Florida Holiday

Author: Mark Whichard

An Orlando vacation villa offers the ideal Disney Florida holiday, particularly if it is situated in the magnificent Windsor Hills resort. Have you any idea just how luxurious these vacations in Orlando are? If you are still using hotels for your Disney holidays in Florida, then obviously not!

Nobody that has spent their vacation in one of these villas, especially in Windsor Hills resort, could ever use a hotel again. It's not only the cost, and we shall come back to that later, but mainly the sheer ambience, luxury and quiet that you get, and what more can you want on an Orlando vacation except perhaps the fun and entertainment for which any Orlando resort is famed.

Let's have a look at three distinctly different groups of people (you likely fit into one of them), and how they can enjoy a Disney Florida holiday using an Orlando vacation villa as their home base. Even if you can't identify with one of these, you will be close, I promise you.

1. The Small Family

The difference between a small and a large family is all relative of course (Ha! Ha!), but let's assume a small family comprises two partners and their two children - a boy and a girl aged about 12 - 15 or so. Had they booked a hotel, they would have had to have three rooms - kids of that age and different genders cannot share a room. This is a common situation, so you have, say, 3 hotel rooms in Orlando for 7 days, 6 nights.

I won't even estimate the prices of the hotel rooms, although a four-bedroom villa will cost less than $190 in high season. That sleeps 6, so even if your kids bring their friends, there's more than enough room. Three bathrooms, 4 TVs and 3 DVD players, and a PS2. You also get your own kitchen, so no having to pay for room service for a burger at the end of the night. If you aren't bothered about your kids' friends, get a 4 -bed condo for only $125 a night.

Thinks of these prices, and that's the last I will say about it. At $145, that's less than $50 per room, and at $125, it comes to exactly $31.25 each. You can get your own pool for $55 total extra for the week.

2. The Large Family

If you are on vacation with a large family - perhaps several children and some aunts and uncles, the price for a 6 bedroom Orlando vacation villa in the Windsor Hills resort comes to $24.50 each for a party of 10 in mid-summer. That gives you the ideal Disney Florida holiday in a luxury villa for less the price of a cabin or trailer/caravan.

3. The Golfers

The third group is the golfing buddies. They are not so much interested in Disney World Florida, but they will be in the Windsor Hills resort with all its sporting facilities, video rental and store. You can enjoy your day on the golf course, and then get back to your villa with a few beers from the supermarket (no hotel bar prices), rustle up a few burgers or hot dogs without paying room service, and sit by your pool enjoying a great evening. Maybe hire a video and watch that on your 50+ inch flat screen TV.

The one thing in common with each of these groups is that there is more than enough sleeping accommodation, you have a private pool, but best of all, you have your own kitchen, freezer, dishwasher and clothes washer/dryer. Saves you a fortune over hotels, and when you add to that the benefits of the resort then it's a no-brainer for your Disney Florida holiday.

The vast majority of people that have tried an Orlando vacation villa have never gone back to a hotel, cabin or anything else, and when that has been situated within the bounds of the Windsor Hills resort, only 5 minutes from Disney - easy walking distance - with all that the resort has to offer, then they have unanimously declared it sheer perfection as accommodation for their Disney vacation. They also question the ultra-low price when they first see it, but the reason is very obvious once explained.

No restaurant and staff, no daily cleaners, no waiters, bellhops, reception staff, bar staff, captains, laundry or anybody else needed to run a good hotel. No lights on all day or anything else needed by guests. It's just like home: sure, you have to clean up, but you can pay extra to have it done for you. However, don't judge your Orlando vacation villa just by comparing it to a hotel.

These villas are just like home, with separate bedrooms, some have games rooms and you also have a kitchen and lounge, with plenty entertainment units such as a games console, TVs, VCRs DVD players, some have Bose radios and all the rest that turns just a villa into a luxury villa.

If you intend having a Disney Florida holiday next year, book an Orlando vacation villa, and if you can get one in the Windsor Hills resort, then so much the better. See you there!


About the Author:
Mark Whichard writes frequently about Orlando Tourism. He is the proprietor of Orlando's Finest Vacation Home and if you are interested in great deals on Quality Orlando villa Rentals and rental homes near Disney World, then visit his website: http://www.qualityvillarentals.com

If You Go

by Cara Goldsbury, Author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer

 

Getting There

Major airlines servicing Orlando are Delta, United, American, Continental, Southwest, Northwest, America West, Air Canada, and US Airways.

What To Do

Walt Disney World is comprised of four main theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. Additional offerings include two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, as well as Disney’s Wide World of Sports, six golf courses, and miles of waterways for boating and fishing. Head to Downtown Disney where you’ll find over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs as well as Cirque du Soleil, Disney Quest, and an AMC 24-screen movie theatre.

When To Go

Each season at Walt Disney World has its pros and its cons. Busy season brings congested parks, long lines, and higher resort rates but also greatly extended park hours and nightly fireworks and parades at the Magic Kingdom. The slower seasons offer half-filled parks, little waiting in line, and lower hotel rates along with later opening times, earlier closing times, attractions that are closed for rehab, and often the elimination of the nighttime parade and fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Here is a guideline to avoiding the parks at their worst:

Busiest: President’s Day week ´the last three weeks of March until the week after Easter ´the second week of June until the third week of August ´ Thanksgiving weekend ´ the week of Christmas until just after New Years

Busy: the last two weeks of February until early March ´ the month of October ´ the week after Easter until the second week of June

Least Busy: the second week of January through the first week of February (avoiding the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in January) ´ the third week of August until early October ´the month of November excluding Thanksgiving weekend ´ the week after Thanksgiving until the week of Christmas, a special time when the parks and resorts are festively decorated for the holidays

The Weather

Summer brings uncomfortably muggy and warm days with almost daily afternoon showers while winter offers many days of beautiful sunshine along with the occasional cold snap. Peak hurricane season begins in August and runs through October, so be prepared for a washout. The best months of the year with delightfully mild and humid-free weather, relatively small amounts of rainfall, and no danger of hurricanes are November, April, and most of the time in early May.

Getting Around

Disney’s complimentary transportation system of buses, ferries, and monorails is in most cases extremely efficient. Taxis can be found at every resort and theme park. If you prefer to rent a car, the convenient Central Florida Greeneway toll road from the airport makes for an easy 25-minute drive to the parks. Once inside the Disney World grounds, excellent signage will direct you to all destinations.

Information

Send for a free Disney vacation planning video or CD-ROM (call 800-515-9450 or visit www.disneyworld.com to order) and call the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (800-551-0181 or 407-363-5871) for maps of the area as well as a visitor’s guide on the many area attractions. Log on to the following Disney-related sites on the Internet where you will find thousands of tips along with photos, menus, and much, much more: www.disneyworld.com, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, www.wdwinfo.com, www.wdwig.com, and www.mousesavers.com.

Reservations

Call 407-WDISNEY or your travel agent for Disney resort reservations. Dining priority seating can be arranged at 407-WDW-DINE.

Provided the following credit is given, you are welcome to reprint this article for free.
Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer.   Visit her at www.wdwluxuryguide.com.

Vacation Homes – The Hotel Alternative

By Nigel G. Worrall

You’ve finally saved up the money to take that dream family vacation – the one you hope you and your kids will remember for a lifetime. You’ve chosen a destination and researched all the activities in the area. You’ve asked the boss for the time off. Now all you need is a place to stay.

This leads to the usual “accommodation dilemma” families face – unless you just won the lottery and have unlimited funds to spend on your trip. Do you crowd the entire clan into a single hotel or motel room for a week or two, giving up any personal space or privacy and the relaxation that comes with your hard-earned vacation time? Or do you essentially double your costs by putting the kids in a separate room so you can get some peace and quiet? That is, if the adjoining rooms you requested when you made your reservation are actually available.

Believe it or not, there is a way to have your privacy and afford it too. Instead of a hotel or motel, book your stay at a vacation home.

Vacation homes – private homes rented for vacation accommodation – are the hottest new travel trend in America. The homes are primarily located in upscale neighborhoods near popular tourist destinations, and range from clean and comfortable to decadent and luxurious. Even the simplest home is professionally cleaned and prepared to comfortably accommodate guests. It’s bound to have a private bedroom for parents, a separate sleeping area – and possibly more than one – for children or other guests, a full kitchen with dishes and cooking utensils, a deck or yard, at least one bathroom, a living room with a television, and more – far more than you’d ever find in a typical motel or hotel room. And all for about the same price.

When it comes to extras, vacation homes offer the gamut – from game rooms to swimming pools, from spa tubs to plasma TV’s to high speed internet access. There’s something available for every budget and every taste and style – from families on a budget to discerning travelers who demand the very best.

Compare that to a hotel room, where you get a bed (or two), a chest of drawers with a TV in it, maybe a small table and a couple of chairs, and a bathroom. If you want to eat, you have to go to a restaurant. If you don’t feel like going out, there’s a small selection of overpriced snacks and drinks in the mini-bar. If you’re hungry for something more elaborate, you’ll have to call room service – and that means a 20 minute wait (at least!), an extra charge just for bringing already expensive hotel food, and of course you’re limited to what’s on the menu. If you want to lay by the pool, you have to compete with all the other guests for a lounge and towels – and then share the water with a bunch of strangers. You may even have to pay to park your car. And if you want privacy and time away from your kids, you have to pay for another room!

When you compare vacation homes with typical hotel and motel rooms, there really is no comparison. If you’re looking for a vacation that offers true privacy, comfort and relaxation for your entire family, don’t settle for another overpriced, overcrowded hotel. Book your stay at a vacation home – you may never want to leave.

Disney Tickets Prices

Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival - Cities in Wonderland

September 26, 2008 – November 9, 2008

Embark on an epicurean adventure as the 13th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival showcases the flavors of the world. Explore marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines, and beers. Learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe. Savor the sizzling sounds of the Eat to the Beat concert series, presenting a stellar line-up of popular musical acts.

For more information, visit the hub at the Festival Welcome Center, where you'll also find the Festival Wine Shop, the Wonders Bar for champagne and wine, and the official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors. Venture inside the Stockpot shop and check out its marvelous merchandise, including the marketplace cookbook and a special festival edition of the Disney Gift Card, which provides a handy way to pay for so much fun at the Festival!

International Marketplaces
Sample the authentic flavors of over 25 countries and regions as you take a tasty trip through World Showcase.

Special Exhibits
Explore fascinating cultural exhibits that feature fabulous cuisine, wine walkabouts, artisans and instructive culinary demonstrations from countries and regions throughout the world.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series
Give your taste buds a rest and groove to the sounds of your favorite musical acts live on stage at this nightly concert series.

Special Wine & Culinary Programs
Satisfy the gourmet within you at these exceptional dining experiences complete with delicious food, fine wine and great company.

Festival Dining Experiences
Indulge in sumptuous premium dining events prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world.

Fun for Families
Bring epicureans of all ages to these activities and exhibits that offer great fun and flavors for the entire family.