Good Place to visit, but too far from attractions. We stayed here in February 2009.
We went to Villas at Regal Palms (VRP) as an “owners update” which was in reality, a thinly disguised ploy to up sell into this resort (we didn’t bite; we had already researched the resort on TUG and had our anti-sales plan in place, we own in TVV). We arrived Friday night, and enjoyed Universal on Saturday. Sunday we spent with some family in town and enjoyed the best steak I have had in years at Manny’s, up the road from the resort, head north on 27 past Wal-Mart. The prices were great and the taste was awesome. My impressions of the resort follow:
Unit:
All units are 3 or 4 bedrooms and very roomy. The window coverings are wooden blinds; even the patio doors have them – very nice. We took lots of pictures of them so we can install them in our own house. Unit was very clean and very comfortable – we turned off the AC. HDTV in each bedroom, radio and HDTV located in common area. Kitchen amenities included a dishwasher, stove, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee pot, fridge with filtered water and ice-maker. Kitchen utensils included a wine opener!! The other, less important utensils were also stocked; plates, bowls, glasses, cups, silverware, full suite of cooking utensils, pots and pans. There was a safe in our unit. Each unit has a washer and dryer. There is no internet connection in the rooms; there is WIFI access in the “Business Center” for a fee.
There was a $0.25 charge to calls in the same area code. We had a tough time receiving phone calls and dialing out. Called the timeshare rep and he held a quick training session on us – a little different phone procedure than I am used to.
Resort:
Access to the resort was easy, there is only one road leading into development. The grounds were clean and well maintained. I would have to give the check in efficiency a “C”. The resort is divided into three sections (Homeowners/Resort/Timeshare). The timeshares have a different check in location; the check in section is actually one of the units modified into an office. Easy to get to and smooth once you get to the right location; but kind of annoying after you’ve driven 14 hours to get there. Both the Resort side check in folks and the timeshare folks were very nice, friendly and informative. All the units are in sort of Mediterranean style decor. Security roamed the resort and seen on premise. Internet was only available in “Business Center”.
There is a fitness center onsite, along with full spa and other amenities. No lazy river here, just a regular pool. There were playgrounds next to the pool. There is a full service restaurant onsite. The timeshare section is located in the back of the resort; as a result it is a walk to anything, including the resort facilities. There is ample parking near the resort facilities though. The sales rep stated there are plans for another pool area in the rear section
There is a shopping center with a Publix store nearby – within walking distance of the main resort but a bit far from the timeshare locations. There is also a Wal-Mart and Walgreens up the road on Rte 27 (going north).
Close to Disney World; about 15 minutes; 30 minutes from Universal. No public transportation that I have seen. There is a shuttle available to Disney for $35.00. There are only occasional trips offered.
I think Check-In is a bit more cumbersome than it needs to be on a first visit. For returning visitors, I don’t think it would be a problem because they’d already know the timeshare check in location.
The resort is very relaxing, and would great for families. The resort doesn’t come across as a big partying location; but that isn’t why we came here.
There is really nothing that a resort could have done to make our stay more comfortable; everything we needed was in the resort when we got there.
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