Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts in Clermont, FL

This was our first time with Exploria Resorts, We have just returned from a 10day stay in Orlando at Four Corners. Feb 28 to March 10. The staff upon check-in could NOT have been better. The gate attendant was always helpful and pleasant. Our condo was perfect for us and the location on property could NOT have been better. I would recommend this resort and look forward to another stay there.

The best thing about Summer Bay are the pools, although there are not nearly enough chairs for the number of people wanting one. On a nice day, you will be lucky to get one at ANY of the pools unless you get there early. The management needs to purchase more chairs to support the number of people wanting to utilize their pools. Also, many people are still getting there early and saving chairs with their towels. Supposed to be prohibited, but no one does anything about it. If you have kids, Buccaneer Bay will be a hit (although I think you have to pay extra for some of the activities). Big Kahuna pool area (around the 500 buildings) is a good place to enjoy lots of activities and includes a nice pool bar, IF you are lucky enough to find a place to sit. We have been to Summer Bay on multiple occasions and have discovered not all units are of equal quality. The 500 buildings are the most popular and hard to get into due to their proximity to the good size pool and activities. Their top notch units are in The Reserve, which is a separate RCI resort from Summer Bay at Exploria, and only those who are staying there can use their pool. We have stayed there once - it is very nice. They are also building a new section called the Estates, which include homes with their own pools. Right now there are only 2 units and not in the RCI system so either they are not ready or you may have to reserve them directly through Exploria Resorts. This year, we were assigned a 1-bedroom unit in a 400 building, on the first floor. Our unit in the 400 building was clean and everything was in working order; however, the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen are all VERY tiny (like hotel size). The bedroom dresser needs replacing (it is way too small to fit a weeks’ worth of clothes in, outdated and the drawers do not open and close smoothly). The bathroom is so small that when you sit, it is nearly impossible to reach the toilet paper. The tub/shower unit includes a jetted tub so you have to step up 2 feet to get in. The bathroom cabinet is worthless - there are no drawers or shelves, it’s just one big, open area. The towel bar is loose and looks like they have attempted to fix it many times. In the living area, the TV and cabinet could use an upgrade; as well as the chair and couch, which are stained and lumpy. Everything in the kitchen was in working order; however, it is a very small area to move around and work in. They provide table settings for only 4 guests. Knife set is cheap - and not very sharp. Plenty of pots and pans, bowls, cookie sheet, etc. They even had a blender and can opener. The appliances were in working order, but showing some wear. The labels on the range were worn off and you had to guess which knob turned on the burner you wanted to use. Dishwasher worked but did not always get dishes 100% clean. Sound carries in these units - you could hear the people above/around you moving their chairs around on the tile floor. Bottom line: If you looking for a place close enough to Orlando attractions and yet away from the more congested areas, or you just need a place to crash after a day at the parks, this might be your answer. If you want a place that will keep you busy with onsite activities galore or if you just want to relax by a pool or just chill in your room, you might want to look elsewhere. Their biggest attractions appear to be Buccaneer Bay and the activities around the Big Kahuna pool, but other than that, it’s just a step above a hotel with a few resort amenities. I would not consider this a “Gold Crown” resort - do not be fooled by the pictures on the website. Your unit will look nothing like it! It is not luxurious accommodations as advertised. We have stayed in several different resorts in the Orlando area over the years and Summer Bay did not come close to what we have experienced elsewhere.

First, the apartments need to be remodeled, with the money they charge members. All the electrical appliances are very old, the bathrooms smell bad, there is little stock in the cafeterias, and it is very difficult to get a turn at the restaurants in Summer Bay.

Very bad service, and the room had some insects that go out inside the wall. And the lie to me when we get a timeshare , this isn’t good because you never can’t close or cancel. When you go to take a vacation you have to pay more money , it is not enough money that you pay monthly. My advise don’t buy any timeshare.

I spent two months in the area to avoid the winter up north. I stayed at several different types of property and found that Summer Bay Orlando offered the most for the lowest cost. Of course, you have to like cooking in your own kitchen, playing pickleball, swimming and sunning at one of many available pools, working out, walking and sitting in hot tubs when the cooler evening hits after sunset.