posted 05-16-2005 13:08               

I would also like to know what, if any, activities they have for toddlers

Finally, any other suggestions about Summer Bay would be much appreciated

posted 05-18-2005 05:01               

What kinds of astivities do they have for a four year old?

Also, any comments on building suggestions?

posted 05-19-2005 18:49            

Let's start with the best building to request. When we were last there in December, they were nearing completion of a brand new building, but I do not know the number. There may even be an additional one up by now. If you want the newest and shiniest, ask for a unit in a newly-constructed building. I would check though to see if there's a pool in place yet for that newest construction phase because, as much as I like "new and shiny," I wouldn't want to be without an immediately adjacent pool. The new construction is located at the end of the street where the pool house units are. That would place you the length of that street away from the Activities Center and the main pool/clubhouse complex.

If there's no immediately adjacent pool at the new building(s) and if that matters to you, the next best building is 408 or 406, followed by 404. All of those buildings are relatively new (408 is the newest) and all have an adjacent pool (small, vanilla variety but with zero entry which is great for a toddler). All are a painless walk to the main pool complex, clubhouse, activities center, and miniature golf course. They are close to a playground area and only a short distance from the interactive pool/playground in the Villas section.

By the way, we always request a first floor unit at Summer Bay. The patios are open and allow you to walk right onto the grounds to the nearby pool, pond, grills, etc. without navigating stairs or elevators and walking around the building. We love the sense of freedom that comes with that easy access.

Moving on to entertainment for a toddler, that subject is also right up my alley since I have a 4-year-old daughter who has loved Summer Bay since she was 18 months old. The Activities Center, managed by a very sweet man named Gilbert, has the usual toddler-friendly crafts that most resorts offer - painting projects, sand art, tie-dyed tees, tote bags, picture frames, handprints, etc. The fees are also pretty typical, ranging from $2 to $10 (handprints are free).

Be sure to check out the kids check-in where they usually offer a free caricature of the kids, along with balloons, face painting, and candy. Also check out "Wacky the Balloon Guy" on Wednesday evening (assuming he's still there). He's a giant of a man who does great balloon twisting.

There are two fairly new playgrounds on the property - one near Building 402 and one close to the Activities Center and tennis courts. There's a little man-made beach on the lake where my daughter loves to build sand castles. There's a miniature golf course closer to the front of the property. There is some form of an ice cream special in the Activities Center each day, and generally live entertainment at the main pool in the evening (sometimes during the afternoon too). There are lots of other kids activities, but most are tailored to a little older children.

Hope this dissertation helped . . .

posted 05-21-2005 04:39               

It sounds like our 4 year old will be very well entertained.

posted 05-21-2005 08:07            

Be sure to let your toddler feed the sweet sand hill cranes (renamed the "Biggy Birds" by my daughter when she was about 2) that usually roam the property. She enjoys throwing bread to them and to the fish in the pond and lake. (We feed the feral cats too; just can't help ourselves.)

You can also rent bikes and surreys on property, if you like that sort of thing. Fishing in the lake is an option too. There's more than enough to occupy your toddler at Summer Bay. That definitely won't be a problem.

Cindy

posted 05-21-2005 19:49            

I just received my Deed this week for the one bedroom unit I found and snatched on Redweek. I am now a Summer Bay owner! So, keep posting all of those wonderful ideas and suggestions on this board.
Happy and safe travels to all.

posted 05-21-2005 20:47            

We have a house unit booked for the third week of September, and I may book a condo unit either immediately before or after that week so that we'll have two consecutive weeks there.

I'm always happy to hear that my "dissertations" have been helpful. I try so not to be too long-winded, but I just can't seem to keep it short!

posted 05-22-2005 04:47               

I'll be traveling with my husband, 22 year old son, and his 20 year old girlfriend. Are the beds or sofabeds any better in the condos? Also, can you think of anything that would especially appeal to my "big kids".

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Elaine

posted 05-22-2005 11:33            

It seems like another TUGger mentioned an upgrade charge from a condo to a pool house of something like $400 (don't recall for sure). I enjoy the condos enough that I would not contemplate that upcharge, even as nice as the pool houses are (I never pay as much as $400 for a whole week to begin with). If there is a similarly high upcharge to move from a villa to a condo, I doubt I would do that either - but that's me. We're always fiscally conservative, by necessity.

We've never used the sleeper sofa in any Summer Bay unit, so I can't vouch for those one way or the other.

I imagine your grown kids might enjoy the water craft rental (jet skis, etc.). I don't recall the prices, but I don't think they were as high as some other resorts. There is a beginner's tennis clinic, an adult ping pong tournament, an adults billiards tournament, step/sculpt and yoga classes, karaoke at poolside, a beer scavenger hunt, free throw competition, teens volleyball, and other like-type events that your 20-somethings might enjoy.

Hope this helps . . .

posted 05-22-2005 17:16               

Thanks again.

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Elaine