Windsor Palms Resort Shuttle
A shuttle is available from the Windsor Palms Resort to take you to the main theme parks and shopping. It is run by Maingate Transportation of Kissimmee and it can cater for all your taxi or shuttle needs.
Where do they go to?
Currently, Maingate Transportation operates the following shuttle stops:
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure
- Wet n’ Wild
- Sea World
- Orlando Premium Outlets
- Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When do they operate?
The regular shuttle service runs to a schedule which changes according to the season and anticipated demand for the service. Typically there is one shuttle run in the morning and one in the evening, however during the busy season, they may run additional times. The latest schedule can be obtained from the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or from Maingate Transportation directly.
Where is the shuttle stop at Windsor Palms Resort?
At Windsor Palms, the shuttle stop is at the clubhouse.
How much does it cost?
At time of writing, the shuttle costs from $10 - $14 per person, return, depending on the destination. (The Disney parks are on the lower end of the scale with Universal/Wet N Wild being on the upper end). Obviously these rates can be subject to change anytime by Maingate Transportation and you can contact them directly for the latest rates. The latest rates are also available at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse.
How do I book the shuttle?
Good question! If there are no guests booked on the shuttle, it may not turn up to the community so it is always better to book it at least the day before. This can be done at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or by calling Maingate Transportation directly.
Benefits of a resort shuttle service.
Smaller Groups
This is a great option for smaller groups of perhaps up to 4 people. It can work out cheaper on a daily basis than renting a car and paying for parking at the theme parks.
Larger Family Groups
For larger groups with teenagers who want (or demand) more independence from the rest of the group, the teenagers can go to a different park from the rest of the group.
Disadvantages
For larger groups, the cost for everyone to catch a shuttle can be expensive.
The pick up and drop off times work on a schedule and may not suit your plans.
The shuttle pick up point is the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse and getting everyone ready and up to the clubhouse on time can be a challenge.
If you have younger children, the flexibility to go back to your vacation home when the children could do with a break is not available.
Its not easy to go out for dinner (outside of the theme park that you are visiting) or purchase groceries.
Other options
Maingate Transportation operate a taxi service and can provide a personal shuttle service to you directly. For larger groups, there may be a good cost savings over the regular shuttle option. A private shuttle / taxi can come and go on your times and pick you up from your vacation home directly for more convenience.
Renting a car is my favorite choice when in Kissimmee. It gives maximum flexibility, we can purchase groceries when we need them, we can travel to the parks on our schedule and we can go out for dinner to local restaurants in the evening. We can also visit the other attractions in the Kissimmee / Orlando area that are not on the shuttle route. We have had good service and rates from LM Car Rental (also known as EZ Car Rental) who are located on airport at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Contacting Maingate Transportation
Website:
www.maingatetaxi.com
Office Address:
15 South Hoagland Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
USA
Phone Number:
407.870.5553
Fax:
407.870.1616
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
New Year’s Eve at The Magic Kingdom
Guests staying at thee Windsor Palms Resort in Kissimmee over New Year may be interested in two offerings at The Magic Kingdom.
New Years Eve at Walt Disney World is traditionally a busy time. This year, The Magic Kingdom is offering two options for guests to take a break from the crowds and enjoy an exclusive event.
The first is a special New Years Eve package which includes a 2 hour all you care to enjoy dinner. The dinner is from 6.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. on December 31st at the Tommorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Dinner includes dessert and non-alcolohic sparkling beverages. After dinner, you and your family will settle down in exclusive, reserved seating for the holiday Wishes! fireworks show.
The menu includes fresh fruits, assorted cheeses, sushi, salads, seared tuna, artisan breads, beef short-ribs, and carved pork. Kid friendly foods such as macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets will also be available.
The Magic Kingdom’s New Year’s Eve Wishes! dining experience costs $139.99 for guests age 10 and up and $69.99 for guests ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 can dine for free.
The second offering is the Fantasy in the Sky Dessert Party which starts at 9.50pm. This event features a self service buffet offering a variety of deserts and non-alcoholic beverages. The dessert party costs $35.99 for guests age 10 and up and $19.99 for guests ages 3 to 9.
Theme park admission is required for both events.
For reservations call: (407) WDW-DINE
Not so splendid at the moment
Splendid China is barely a shell of its former self. The theme park based around the cultural history of China is no more, and has been no more for a few years. The park has been stripped of anything that could sell and could be moved.
You have probably driven past the site but never realized what was once there.
Hopefully new life will be breathed into the site soon. Rumor is that the site is one of 3 being considered for a new sports complex in the county. I wait with anticipation on news of development on the site and hope that whatever ends up occupying the space will be of benefit to guests at Windsor Palms.
Free admission to Walt Disney World on your birthday in 2009
Disney announced their 2009 promotion recently based on celebrations. To celebrate your birthday they are offering free admission for anyone on their birthday. You have to provide proof of your birthday to take advantage of the free admission. More details can be found here.
If you have an annual pass or a multiday ticket, they are offering a choice of alternative birthday treats, including a birthday fasspass. These options are instead of the free admission.
You can register in advance here.
Happy birthday!
Random Ramblings of a vacation rental owner!
Wow, this is my first blog ever!
I thought it would be nice to introduce ourselves and give more information on our home at Windsor Palms, events happening in the area and just general (hopefully interesting) ramblings.
My name is Kay and my husband is Neil. We have two children, Arran and Iona. We are from England originally but now live in California.
We have owned our home in Windsor Palms since 2002. Gosh, that’s 6 years now. Doesn’t time fly when you are having fun! We bought it as an investment, but also as a place we can use when we have family vacations in Florida. It has taken a lot of hard work and effort to get to get Avalon to be the home it is today and to provide the level of service that we offer. Perhaps that is a subject of blog post for another day as most people don’t realize what good value for money a vacation rental is and how much an owner invests in their home. Most owners are lucky to cover their costs and break even. It certainly is not a get rich quick scheme. Just know that we put a lot of ourselves into Avalon and love to hear about all the great times that you have there, the magical memories that you make and of course, how much you love our home! It is those moments that remind us why we love renting our home out. We hope that you love it as much as we do!
Kay and Neil
