As many people, particularly in the UK, are not aware of what a condominium (condo) actually is, we thought it a good idea to give a quick explanation.

In the tourist capital of the country there are more than 80,00 rooms available and it is just a matter of personal preference whether you rent a condo, villa or stay in a hotel or motel room.

There are however some serious advantages that come with renting a condo espcially regarding costs and the extra facilities that are provided and maintained by the Condo Home Owners Association.  The swimming pool with a condo is generally much larger than a private villa and is heated at no extra cost to the renter.  Typically in a private villa you will have to pay anything up to $100 extra per week for a heated pool - essential in the cooler months - and this is not always made clear before you book! 

You will as a family be able to sunbathe round the pool as there are ample sunbeds along with tables and parasols and will ususally find that you meet and make friends with other guests and their families.

Most condos include a heated spa or hot tub as well (again at no extra cost).  At Island Club you will also find on site sports facilities like tennis and volleyball, a BBQ area and a clubhouse containing gaming machines - these are unfortunately not free as someone has to pay for them!  There is a room in the clubhouse containing exercise equipment which is also provided at no extra cost.

Don't be put off a condo because you think it could be noisy - our condo is on the upper level and we've yet to hear the neighbours either side or below us.  There is also a strictly enforced quiet time after 10pm.

The living space is comparable with a villa - in fact sometimes more!  There is always ample parking in front of each unit and, if you're a sun worshipper the balcony off the Master Bedroom is a fabulous sun trap and is large enough for dining on with a table and four chairs.

Hotels and motels are cramped.  Even if you tell yourself that you will be spending all your time in the parks, a day or two into any vacation and you will long for the convenience of room to stretch out, different televisions so everyone can watch their favourite show, and the ability to do your own laundry and cook your own meals.  Even if you choose to stay on Disney property, you are still at the mercy of an inconvenient transportation system that can find you waiting 20-30 minutes for a bus when it is easier to drive in and out on your own terms.  Home rentals are nice but they are often zero-lot homes which don't provide any more privacy than townhouses and some will charge you steep cleaning fees and pool heating costs.  The bills will add up and you often find yourself paying 2 to 3 times as much as a condo.

In short, the choice is yours - but we hope that you will want to enjoy our home as much as we do!