Wonderful vacation!

Guest: JS (LaGrange, GA)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

We have just returned from our November 2011 Disney vacation, and I am SO glad I booked this condo. We were practically seconds from Disney, surrounded by restaurants and attractions - and a Starbucks, which we used every morning! The condo itself was spotless, the bed comfortable, and everything we needed was already there! We had a fabulous time, and Jared was a dream to work with, answered all my questions quickly and set everything up for us! My ONE tip for people coming to the Blue Heron - Jared mentions as a response to one of the reviews that the tiimeshare presentation is not mandatory. We fell for it - just say NO to the presentation and you will have a PERFECT week!

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

A VACATION FROM OUR VACATION. THIS PLACE ROCKS!!

Guest: bren (georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/25/11

I can’t say enough of this amazing resort! First off the resort itself is beautiful! We were amazed how spacious, clean and well decorated the condo was. It had everything you need! The view of the lake from the balcony was amazing. We all rented the Jet Skis form the resort. That was a blast! It was great to come back to the resort after a long day at Disney and just relax and enjoy the Blue Heron . It was like a vacation from our vacation. And the location was just perfect. The entrance to Disney was 5 minutes and Universal was about 15 minutes, also tons of great restaurants within a mile from the resort. And as a bonus, working with the owner (Jared) couldn’t have been easier. He really made the booking experience easy and safe and took the time to make sure got what we needed. We will definitely be back!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great Deal

Guest: BamaMama (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

My experience in June 2011 at the Blue Heron was a very good one. The place was great for the price paid. It was not in "brand new" condition, but it was a great deal for the money, and very clean. The location is excellent. Close to everything. The pool was cold...it does not get afternoon sun, so an evening swim can be chilly! The view over the lake is lovely in the morning. Be sure to pack a blow dryer, the unit did not have one so I had to go pick one up. Also, I was told that I would have a high floor unit (12th or higher), but when I arrived they gave me a unit on the 3rd floor. I told them that I was supposed to have a higher floor, but the clerk would not hear of it. She basically told me I was already getting a special rate, so I should be happy. Well, I was too tired to pursue it further. And it is nice to have a shorter elevator ride. So, no real harm done. Maybe shouldn't guarantee the higher floor if it is going to be a problem.

Owner response:I am so glad that this guest had a great experience at the Blue Heron. It is truly an EXCEPTIONAL value as you could see by the many positive reviews. I had told this guest that my unit ( on the 14th floor) was sold out and I would REQUEST a higher floor for them and if one was available they would be glad to accomadate them if not they would put them in the highest available floor at that time. The resort was very busy that week and the 3rd floor was the best available ( The unit was Identical to mine ) .

Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great location

Guest: sawatso (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 01/14/11 Review Submitted: 02/13/11

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay here. We didn't have the greatest initial opinion of the resort after being harassed by a particularly pushy sales person while trying to get the parking pass. But we ended up being happy with the amount of space and the location - super close to the parks. The view was nice, too. We would have appreciated a more comfortable master bed and cleaner floors, but the other amenities made up for it.

Owner response: I would like to respond to some of the comments that this guest had. The Blue Heron are indiduallly owned condos. The resort apparently has units for sale and I quess they are asking quests if they would interested in looking at one for purchase in return for some compensation. If a guest is not interested simply tell them you’re not interested and the issue is dropped and you are not asked again. The owners, including me, have no control over the resort asking .(Incidentally, I was told the 'pushy saleperson' was recently fired.) As far as the master bed issue. This guest did not stay in my unit. The beds are are well maintained. However after learning about this experience, the management immediately changed the mattress.

Recommended for:

Comfortable, affordable stay near Disney

Guest: AB (Medina, OH)
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

My family stayed here for 5 nights during Christmas and New Year. We enjoyed our stay. The descrption of the room and its location are accurate. Staff at the resort was courteous and helpful. The owner answered all my questions quickly and very flexible to refund for our last minute change.My family will definitely try to book with him on our next visit! I will recommend this owner and place specially for those who are visiting Disney.

Recommended for:Age 55+, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Excellent place for the price

Guest: Carla (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/17/08 Review Submitted: 01/03/11

My husband and I stayed at this exact unit on our honeymoon in 2008. We LOVED it. The unit was very luxurious. We were only a mile from Downtown Disney. There is also a super Walmart very close by for groceries, as well as tons of restaurants and an outlet mall. You cannot beat the location and the price. I was shocked to pay such a low price for a unit that was top of the line! We were very pleased with how the owner handled booking. Overall, we had a blast! My entire family (all 26 of us), will be coming to Disney in 2011 and we will be staying at the Blue Heron.

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great and close to Disney property!

Guest: Liza (Blythewood, SC)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 12/23/10

My family and stayed here for 4 nights -right before Christmas, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The descrption of the room and its location are accurate. Staff at the resort was courteous and helpful. Concierge was only open until 3PM, but the front desk staff was extremely helpful with directions and suggestions. It's about a mile from the Disney entrance -off of SR 535, so you don't have to get back on I-4 to go to Disney, however, take into account, the traffic on this road is crazy. We sat through a 'condo' sale presentation for the 100$ resort credit. Note, if you wait to buy tix at the resort, the staff will automatically sell you the park hopper option (if you don't know any better). So, I highly recommend buying tickets on-line or at the park since the lines were not busy- first thing in the morning. The linens were clean, & the kitchen / bath were clean: however, the floors did not look like they had been mopped in a while (dusty). In addtion, if you have a small child or are a light sleeper, be prepared for being able to hear loud noises through the walls and the windows - especially if you are near the elevator (like this unit), and especially, if your neighbors liked to party late (like ours did). I'm sure if I had reported to the front desk, they would have stopped it. The owner answered all my questions quickly and gave us a great rate! My family will definitely try to book with him on our next visit!

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, girls getaway, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great Place For Larger Families Visiting Disney

Guest: Steven (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 11/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

My family stayed at the Blue Heron Resort in Orlando during November 2010. It is conveniently located to the Disney Parks, restaurants, shopping and just a few minutes from the Universal Parks. It was so great to have a nice and roomy place to come back to after spending all day visiting the theme parks. The full kitchen was great for eating breakfast before heading out for the day. Way better than staying at an over priced hotel room on Disney property. Would not change a thing. Thanks Jared for your help.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.

October 2010

Guest: Randy (South Carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/02/10 Review Submitted: 10/15/10

Our family stayed at the Blue Heron Beach Resort from 10/2-10/9 2010 on a recent trip to Walt Disney World. My dad, who is a recent widower decided to go on the trip with us, so we selected the two bedroom suite. When I looked at the floorplans, I requested the Sunrise Suite option from the owner of this condo. He accommodated our request. Our overall experience with the condo was excellent, and we will definitely consider the Blue Heron again for future visits. The location was close to everything Disney related...very easy to hop in and out of the parks. I've stayed in the All Star Resorts before, and I'm convinced that this location is closer (not to mention a much better value) than the All Star hotels. You could see both Wishes and Illuminations from your balcony each night. Not only is it close to Disney, it is close to shopping, restaurants...everything. The lake views and sunrise every morning was also amazing. The size of the condo was also excellent. Our party of six had plenty of space, and the kids loved the bunk beds. Having a washer and dryer in the unit also was super convenient and is a big plus on a week's vacation. Lastly, working with the owner (Mr. Simon) was also a plus. He was always very responsive to my requests, even when we were given incorrect information at checkin, he responded to my email question quickly and provided his phone number in case there were any additional issues. I would highly recommend this owner, and the Blue Heron Beach Resort again. I plan on running the Walt Disney Marathon in 2012, and I will be sure to contact this owner again!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Awesome place!

Guest: Michelle (NJ)
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

My family and I went to stay at this awesome condo when we decided to visit Disney. What a fantastic place! It was so close to everything..... Disney, downtown Disney, restaurants, etc! We walked in and it was better than what the pictures showed. My girls LOVED the bunk beds and we loved the fact that we had our own bedroom and bathroom and didn't need to share like you do in a hotel. The pool was wonderful and the staff was very welcoming and helpful. We plan on staying here again next year when we come back to Disney!Thank you so much for renting your condo to us! We will recommend this place to everyone :)

Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children.