Sarosota on the gulf coast offers easy access to Busch Gardens and just a two hour drive for Universal. Shuffle bus service available linking all. There are many owners in the are who are only too happy to let out their properties to subsidise running cost and the beaches on this side are fantastic. Orlando is pretty built up and not as picturesque. Alternatively you could search for accommodation around Lake Buena Vista or Kissimee

Most villa's are closest to Disney. But if you go for villas along the US 27, they are within really easy distance to the I4 which gets you to all the places you want to go, avoiding the 192 and the busy Disney routes.

Universal is within about 20 mins, and a little bit further for the Malls (25 - 30 mins). There is also a new Shopping Centre that has opened on the US 27 "Posner Shopping Centre", it's nothing in comparison to the Florida Mall but has a Target, JC Penny, Sports Shop, Dollar Tree and others opening up.

You can reach Tampa for Busch gardens within about 45 mins. It's approx 1 hr 15 mins to ClearWater Beach and a further 15 mins or so to St Petersburg Beach. Daytona Beach can be reached in approx 55 mins and Cocoa beach in approx 45 mins.

Some villa communities which are in good locations along the US 27, and close to restaurants and supermarkets are - Legacy Park, High Gate Park, Highlands Reserve, Hampton Lakes.