November in Disney

Obviously, Walt Disney is the reason anyone really goes to the Orlando/Kissimmee area and I must confess that Walt Disney World was the reason we took our boys there. We really enjoyed both Disney parks (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom). We knew that Universal Studios had a park in Orlando, but we really didn't plan on going. When we reached our Resort, Silver Lake, we were given a discount on two-day passes to Universal Orlando just for attending a 90-minute presentation on their resort. We had a wonderful time exploring the streets of San Francisco and New York, and even took a boat ride on Amity Sound. Of course, the trip took an unexpected turn, but I won't tell exactly what happened. If you decide to go, though, I'll give you a hint. Don't sit on the left side of the boat unless you like water.

Quick Tips:

If you plan to see all of Walt Disney World, plan to take a two-week vacation. Even with the minimal crowds, we didn't cover all of the Magic Kingdom or the Animal Kingdom in the two days we were there. Each park had more than we could see in a day's time. I would suggest at least two days/park. I would also suggest resting for at least 1/2 a day in the middle of the week, especially if you have children, to help restore your strength.

Silver Lake Resort is great for this. Their pool with poolside snack bar is the perfect way to relax with the family. At Universal Studios, we took two days and saw everything in that portion of the park. It was perfect for the boys, too.

If you are planning to go during the summer months, I suggest getting a map and planning exactly what you want to see before going as you'll not be able to see everything in each of the parks in one day, especially with the additional wait times.

The Express Pass is available at all Disney parks and you should definitely take advantage of this option to reduce stress.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around by yourself is to drive. Silver Lake Resort also provides a shuttle, as I'm sure other resorts in the area provide. Since we chose to use our car, I am not sure of the schedules, but I'm sure they would help you at the front desk. Also, Silver Lake is only about 1 mile from the entrance to the Animal Kingdom, if you know the backroads. Again, just ask at the front desk and they will be happy to help you.

Our accommodations were more than we expected. My husband was drooling over the plasma television in the newly opened room we were given; the screen was so big, it seemed to take up 1/4 of the wall in the living area. Our boys liked the new unit because they got a room and bathroom to themselves; they thought the jacuzzi was cool, too. From the window, we could see the top of the Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom. The pool area was very nice; we took the boys for an evening swim and really enjoyed it.

Best Things Nearby:
Walt Disney Worlds Animal Kingdom is within one mile of the resort.

Best Things About the Resort:
RCI Points are available with the purchase of a week at this resort. They are worth their weight in gold.

Resort Experience:
The Resort is small, but expanding. They opened a new building the week we were there and we got to stay in them. The lock off units are nice. They have an outside door, then a small entry and finally two separate doors to each portion of the unit. One of the unit sides to the lock-off was a two bedroom/two bath unit with full kitchen and washer/dryer. That is the type of unit in which we stayed. The other unit had one bedroom/two bath. Both units have pull-out sofas that will accommodate more people. We chose the three bedroom lock-out unit to purchase. Not because we actually needed the space, but because it was cheaper than a two bedroom unit at the time.

The trading power was a major pull for us. Everyone wants to go to Walt Disney World. That makes it easier to trade weeks through RCI. The RCI points available at this resort also help tremendously when trading.

The grounds of Silver Lake are very well planned. With the small area already developed, the accommodations are within walking distance of the pool and registration area. The pool was spacious with plenty of room not only for the swimmers, but for those people who wish to just relax and enjoy the sun.

The registration process was easy and painless. We walked into the registration area, told them our names, and showed our identification. We were given our key and our introductory packet. My husband asked about attractions in the area and how to get tickets and we were directed to that area. It was simple and easy. And with a five year old and a seven year old, simple and easy is wonderful!

I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone who likes peaceful surroundings with activities available upon request. Their no pressure sales technique was easy to understand. We went to the Orlando area looking for a timeshare. We looked at three resorts, but felt that Silver Lake met our needs better than the bigger, more flashy resorts we toured. The RCI points available at this resort also helped sway both my husband and myself toward Silver Lake. If you are looking for a timeshare in this area, check out Silver Lake. You won't be disappointed.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good