Country Creek holiday villa: Country Creek Estate.

This was our first trip to Florida and it did not disappoint. We had high hopes, having viewed the property online and it was everything it claimed to be. The location was great, nice and quiet, but so easy to access the main routes to all the parks and attractions. We arrived late into the evening had had been a little concerned about finding our way in the dark, however the directions we were given and the road postings made it really straightforward. The Walmart nearby is a great landmark to spot and so convenient for all the shopping you could want.
We travelled as a family of 4 with 2 boys aged 5 & 8. The villa was really spacious and had so much for the kids, and adults, to do. The pool and games room were super, however it was the abundance of wildlife outside which kept them occupied for hours. We couldn't believe the variety we spotted in our first day including turtles, herons, lizards etc.
The villa was really safe for the kids and if you were travelling with a baby or toddler there was everything you could need including safety catches on all the kitchen cupboards and pool doors. The fully equipped kitchen meant that it was really easy to eat at home if you were too tired to go out for meals after a busy day. It was so lovely to eat meals at any time of day in the mesh enclosed dining area.
Prior to our departure the villa owners were regularly in touch by email and offered some great tips on what to do and see in the area. Luckily we had no need to contact the property managers during our stay, but when we requested a flexible check out time on our day of departure they couldn't have been more helpful.
A lot of our time was spent at the big parks however we did do some of the smaller attractions which were close by and ate in some of the restaurants. Gatorland was a great day out. There are some really fun shows and loads of animals to see. Make sure you take a walk through the swamp walkway. Boggy Creek airboat rides is worth a visit. Whizzing over a few inches of water in one of the airboats is amazing and we were lucky enough to spot a gator and bald eagle. We also played a round at the Congo River Adventure Golf which was fun and the afterwards, for a small add charge, kids got to feed small gators pieces of smoked sausage from the end of a fishing pole. A visit to the Old Town is really good fun. We went on a Sat night and got to watch 225 classic cars cruise by.
Overall a wonderful stay and would highly recommend.

Hi Amanda and Mark
We had such a wonderful time in your Moss Bluff Road villa and just wanted to thank you. The villa was spacious and airy with good facilities. Our boys [15 and 11] LOVED Walmart, just down the road! Our favourite food was at the Golden Corral where you can get a huge and resaonably priced buffet throughout the day - breakfast was our favourite. The highlight restuarant for our 15 year old was Hooters!! [google for further information!!]
We didn't get to see the gator in your lake....probably for the best.
We have visited Florida before so didn't do ALL the parks but went to Animal Kingdom [again] Universal Studios [our favourite], Islands Of Adventure [our boys loved the big rides there] and Aquatica [good here but wished we'd gone to Seaworld]. During our second week in Sarasota we went to Busch Gardens [Tampa] which was excellent - big roller coasters and lots of wildlife with a real focus on conservation.
My husband had pre-booked a ticket to see the Little River Band who happened o be playing at the Hardrock Hotel during our week in Orlando (spooky coincidence] He went there [over 21's only unfortunately] and I took the boys to see Harry Potter at City Walk Cinema complex. Citywalk [near Universal] is great at night - lots to do and see and a great atmosphere AND free!!
Thanks again for all your help and advice before and during the booking of your villa. The neighbours [next door and opposite] were very friendly and helpful.
If we return, we'd definately like to stay at your place again.....back to work soon and then start saving all over again!
Best Wishes and a BIG BIG THANK YOU for sharing your Florida home with us.
Helen, Colin, Josh and Louis
July / August 2009

As soon as we walked into the home we loved it! It had plenty of space so everyone had their own space and all of the features were great, it made you feel like you were at home, especially the washer and dryer! The pool was awesome, the kids would have stayed in it all day and night if we let them! We wish we could have had more time there!