Moving to work at Disney...Suggestions? (Orlando, Kissimmee: RV park, apartment complexes, rental)

[Beckibear22]

I will moving to Orlando at the end of the month to work at Disney. I am wondering where I might want to look for apartments. I am hoping to not deal with horrible traffic while trying to get to/from work, but would like to live somewhere that might be in walking distance of a few bars/clubs/cafes etc. Any suggestions for where to look would be much appreciated.

[Wilshire81182]

You should live in Lake Buena Vista or Hunters Creek to be around shopping and dining options and not have too much of a commute. Avoid Kissimmee for the most part.

[earthfaries]

Windermere is really close to WDW, esp. the Magic Kingdom and it's a really nice area.

[Jonotastic]

I wouldn't recommend Hunter's Creek, the area used to be nice, but crime is getting pretty bad there now. Lake Buena Vista is a good recommendation though. I'd also recommend Windermere and I'd add Dr. Phillips to your list.

[Wilshire81182]

I know people who live in Hunters Creek and have no problem, but it is a big area. There are some nice areas around the SuperTarget and Gatorland as well as off John Young Parkway. The other areas (Windermere/ Dr Phillips/ LBV) are nicer, but this area is not bad. I have a lot of experience in this area. I also like the shopping and dining options here. I would be more wary of the South Chase or Landstar areas or closer to Taft and the Florida Mall, but not Hunters Creek.

The thing I would be most careful about is individual apartment complexes in the same area can differ dramatically and nice areas do not always have nicer complexes than worse areas. Hunters Creek is a good area to rent and there are not that many rental properties in Windermere and those in Winter Garden can vary. Look at feedback on the internet specific to individual complexes after you decide upon an area.

[blueoktober]

If you can afford it, Reunion is south of Disney but is very nice.

[Beckibear22]

I am looking for something $500-$600/month...Are there any safe areas in that price range? There are a ton of internet postings for things at that price.

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by Beckibear22

I am looking for something $500-$600/month...Are there any safe areas in that price range? There are a ton of internet postings for things at that price.

You won't find that kind of rent in Windermere nor lake Buena Vista. Your best bet would be Winter Garden. Don't overlook a trailer park or even an RV park. The rates usually include utilities with amenities such as a pool.

If you want to stay really close to Disney, count on sharing an apartment with two or more other people for that kind of rent. It happens frequently with Disney cast members. They want to be close and their home needs are minimal.

[cmj_fla]

Originally Posted by AliceT

If you want to stay really close to Disney, count on sharing an apartment with two or more other people for that kind of rent. It happens frequently with Disney cast members. They want to be close and their home needs are minimal.

Great idea! I was going to say the same thing. A roommate (or 2) would allow you to live in a nicer apartment in a nicer part of town.

[otown native]

Agreed. $500-$600 on your own won't get you a place unless you stay in the less desired apartments off of OBT (not good), Kissimmee, or way on the northern outskirts of Orlando which wouldn't put you anywhere close to Disney.

The stretch of 535 that cuts off at Apopka-Vineland and heads north towards Winter Garden behind Windermere is a newer & nicer area that hasn't been infested with tons of people yet. And it's literally right around the corner from Disney. But again, if you plan to do $500-$600 yourself, you definitely need to look into finding a possible roommate or something of the sort as well.