Yet Another Vacation Home Question

[higgin704]

We are looking into the possibility of renting a vacation home on our next trip and need some help. What communities are the most convenient to the parks in travel times,not actual mileage to the parks or the often-mentioned gate. Any recommendations of companies to deal with or will we get a better deal and better house going with a private owner through vrbo.com or other similar websites. I have seen a lot of listings in vrbo.com in Wyndham Palms and can’t tell from it’s location on the maps what type of a drive is involved to get to MK, AK, EPCOT, or MGM and whether or not there are any shortcuts to avoid traveling on 192. Thank you for any help that you can provide.

[BonnieA]

I've rented 2 vacation homes, one in Eagle Point and one in Rolling Hills. The one in Rolling Hills was very close, you could see fireworks from the patio. You could avoid 192 by taking the back way into Disney on Sherbeth Rd. At the time that was good because of the construction which I hope is now finished.
The Eagle Point home was farther away but not a bad drive. We again avoided 192 by taking Poincianna blvd to 535, then 536 into disney.
I rent from an agency because they have a more lenient cancellation policy and do not require a big deposit. If I was not worried about having to cancel at the last minute (which I have never had to do) I would definately consider vrbo.

[Elle]

Wyndham Palms is mighty close to the world in terms of resorts, and you can also use the Sherbeth road shortcut from there. I am an owner on Emerald Island which is also in the same place as WP, Formossa is also nice and right there.
Not all private owners have stringent cancellation policies we for instance do not (not advertising here) I do know that private owners have had to adapt to the larger company way of doing things.
Any of these places would be great for your vacation and you can use the shortcut with all of them.
Elle

[FLeisure]

Apologies for anyone I omit :

5 Mins

Rolling Hills
Formosa Gardens
Indian Creek
Sunset Lakes
Wyndham Palms

10 Mins
Lindfields
Indian Ridge
Indian Ridge Oaks
Eagle Point
Indian Point
Cumbrian Lakes
Montego Bay
Lake Berkley

10 Mins Plus
Anything on US 27
Robbins Rest
Loma Linda
Anything on 54

Please feel free to add on !

[Robinrs]

Chatham Park? Windward Cay? Country Creek? How far are they, FL?

[FLeisure]

I'd put them all in the 10 min bracket :)

[It'sMe]

I received a great offer via vrbo for a 3b/2b in Santa Cruz, in Davenport. How far is that?

[Briggsy]

Highlands Reserve (Hwy 27) is 15 mins from Disney

Great place on a golf course.

[MalcolmC]

Originally posted by It'sMe
I received a great offer via vrbo for a 3b/2b in Santa Cruz, in Davenport. How far is that?

Santa Cruz is a small development about 4 miles south of 192 on US 27. Less than 15 minutes to WDW, I'd say.

Most of the US 27 sites, as FLeisure says, take between 10 (Polo Park/Bass Lake) and 20 minutes (Southern Dunes at Haines City)

[MalcolmC]

Originally posted by Robinrs
Chatham Park? Windward Cay? Country Creek? How far are they, FL?

I'd have thought these were a bit more than 10 minutes. Perhaps 15. There are quite a few lights to go through along the way.

But Hey, what's the rush? It's only maybe another 5 minutes.

[Juliepoohgirl]

How about Savannas?
it is just off 192 (3 miles) on 27north?? TIA

[Brooke Glen]

We recently stayed at a lovely vacation home in Wyndham Palms. This was our first time staying in one and our accomodations far exceded our expectations. The in-laws came with and our 4 bedroom home had more than enough elbow room for everyone it had two-master bedrooms. The kids loved the private pool and we were literally 5 minutes away from Disney. I loved that at the end of a long day at the parks we were a hop skip and a jump away from home sweet home.

I spent countless hours researching our options :confused: and decided to book with Global Vacation Services. They had other communities besides Wyndham Palms. We chose Wyndham Palms because it was gated and the clubhouse it phenomenal. The clubhouse has a convenience store and a private movie theatre which the kids loved. I would definitely stay there again.

I liked that I was able to view each individual home on their website and could make a reservation for a paticular house. I like anyone planning a vacation have a fear of the unkown :rolleyes: and was very pleased when I opened the door to the house and found it was exactly as pictured on their site. :D Wyndham Palms (http://www.wyndhamPalms.net)

Good luck with your research :)

We pray your Disney Vacation is as memorable as ours was.

Brooke & Glen
:earsgirl: :earsboy:

[tednvon]

Hi...we have been many times to Disney from many different directions...so many places say 10 minutes to Disney or 15 minutes to Disney or 5 minutes to Disney....Well, I have driven most all the distances and timed them because we are purchasing in the new Emerald Island which is next to Splendid China ( the big Dragon on 192 just west of Disney entrance) This area is also Formosa Gardens, Rolling Hills is probably the geographically "closest" to Disney....From the driveway in our home to the Disney arch that says Walt Disney World Resort ( not just the exit off the highway that says "Disneyworld") it is 8 minutes via the new 192, and then you have to get to the parking lot, get parked, get the tram and it will be an extra 20 minutes there to get to the entrance to the actual park entrance....all fun... all part of the Disney experience!....Sherberth may be a little quicker especially to Animal Kingdom, but 192 is very nice now and moves along very well. Adds will say 5 minutes and it just ain't so....If you are out on highway 27 It will be 20 minutes to the the arch unless you play Indy 500......so relax and drive safely from wherever you stay. enjoy...Ted

[FLeisure]

Times to Disney are all relative. I used to live on Sunset Lakes (next to Emerald Island) and by taking the back road, I have been on Disney property in 3 minutes, AK in 4 minutes , MK in 8 minutes, Epcot - 6 minutes.

It all depends where you stay but no matter where you stay you will be in Disney in 20 minutes. Most homes off US 192 are easily within 15 minutes and several communities are within 5-10 minutes. Again this can depend on what you call "Disney" - is it the main entrance, Disney property, or one of the parks ?

[UKDEB]

I agree with FLeisure. When you are talking about a place the size of WDW, almost anywhere within Central Florida could claim to be within 15 minutes of Disney! (OK, I exaggerate, but you get the gist). It all depends on your final destination on Disney property in relation to where you are staying. Some places will be closer to MGM, some will be closer to AK, and so on.

If being as close as possible is a top priority for you, then your best bet is to stay at one of the communities at west 192 near Splendid China (Sunset Lakes and Emerald Island being two such communities). Lately we have been staying on Formosa Gardens which is a genuine 5 minutes to AK using the Sherberth Road shortcut. However, we have also stayed at a community on the US27, and we still felt we were within comfortable travelling distances of WDW.

[pomcoach]

We rented a home in Jan. that was near the Splendid China area. Although the home was nice and allowed us to spread out it, the pool was freezing and we couldn't even stay in the hot tub for more than 3 min., because it was so cold. We had paid an outrageous price for the 3 bedroom home and a top added price for the pool to be heated. This home was owned by a lady from England. When we arrived, we wanted to take showers and go to bed. It was Midnight. There were no washcloths and the towels in the closet were damp when they put them away. I called the lady, but she said they didn't provide washcloths! Try driving miles and miles to find a store open in the night, not knowing which direction to go. It was no fun! Then of course no pool at all for the whole week, because it was just too freezing like ice. We called 3 different days about the pool temperature. We even went out and got our own pool thermometer. She didn't even give our deposit back for a month, until we called and asked her. Very unethical person. We'll take our chances with a hotel from now on.

[It'sMe]

I've heard about the washcloth issue. I don't know if it's a cultural thing. But I got the heads up from someone on the boards to BRING YOUR OWN WASHCLOTHS! No problem for me. I will. Then I will have. We will be staying in July so I hope a cold pool will not be our problem.

[pomcoach]

The owner of the vacation home claimed someone had "caught" a disease from one of her washcloths, and that's why she no longer provided them. I believe it was probably more of a "cheapo" thing, than a cultural thing. I was born and raised in FL. and we all used washcloths. At least you are aware of the problem and can bring your own. We wish she had told us in advance. Anyway, hotels have plenty of washcloths, and that's where we'll be staying from now on. I don't like risks that ruin our vacation. Then again, maybe we just got a really bad owner. Sorry to be a downer. :(

[Briggsy]

Hi

I am a villa owner from the UK. In my 4 bed 3 bath villa I provide guests with 16 face towels, 16 hand towels and 16 bath towels.

There is also a washer and dryer for guests to use.

[athurstance]

I just wanted to agree with Julie on this. We have a villa near Disney and we provide loads of towels (all sizes) and washcloths. I've also rented other owner's villas and know lots of other owners and I've never heard of anyone not providing them - I do know someone who charges extra but that's another story!!!
You can always ask before you go and make sure the villa has everything you need - I'm sure most do so why rent from someone too mean to supply washcloths?

Angela

[BonnieA]

I think I will continue to rent my houses from an agency. Last time I rented a house there were a few initial problems and they immediately moved me into another house in the same development. A private owner can't do that. The time I called to complain about AC trouble, they sent someone to fix it the next day. I also didn't have to worry about getting a deposit back since I didn't leave one.

[Robinrs]

I remember being told to bring my own washcloths for my first stay at a rental home. There were washcloths available at this home but the management company told me that not all of them provide them. I always bring my own regardless, but I've never had a problem not finding any.

I'm with Bonnie on this... if you are disappointed by a private owner, you usually are just stuck with it. And the deposit issue, I'm sorry, the fact that I don't have to wait for a reimbursement in case I'm disappointed or have to cancel is priceless in my world.

[pomcoach]

I agree with Angela and Julie about most vacation homes providing washcloths. We come from Iowa, which is very much into hospitality. We have often thought about possibly buying a vacation home to rent and do that sort of thing when we retire. I know we would bend over backwards to make people happy and to give them a nice vacation. I'd suggest you ask about the washcloths. If it's a woman and she says, "No washcloths" Look Out!
And in Julie's and Angela's defense, I'm sure there are wonderful people out there that rent vacation homes and want people to have a nice experience. We just picked the wrong one.:(

[kidzmom3]

We rented a house at Sunset Lakes from ******************* at Thanksgiving 2 years ago. It was great, there was a dirt back road that took us past the traffic and to Disney's door in approx 10 or so minutes. Especially the Animal Kindgom. The house was GREAT! 2 master bedrooms with baths, 3 other bedrooms. There were 2 tv's, vcrs, a private pool that we heated for 10 a day (I think). They came and checked the house everyday to make sure everything was ok. it was very clean and all bedding,towels were provided. There was also a washer/dryer. Another thing I liked was that you could rent some extras right from the company. We needed a highchair and playpen, but we also rented a kids kitchen and dishes, and some legos. Our only regret was that due to the door locks on our house we had to return the key to the company on our final day, which did take us very far out of our way. I believe if the door will lock behind you, you can leave the key in the house (but I am not positive on this point).

[Diz]

Originally posted by pomcoach
We rented a home in Jan. that was near the Splendid China area. Although the home was nice and allowed us to spread out it, the pool was freezing and we couldn't even stay in the hot tub for more than 3 min., because it was so cold. We had paid an outrageous price for the 3 bedroom home and a top added price for the pool to be heated. This home was owned by a lady from England. When we arrived, we wanted to take showers and go to bed. It was Midnight. There were no washcloths and the towels in the closet were damp when they put them away. I called the lady, but she said they didn't provide washcloths! Try driving miles and miles to find a store open in the night, not knowing which diretion to go. It was no fun! Then of course no pool at all for the whole week, because it was just too freezing like ice. We called 3 different days about the pool temperature. We even went out and got our own pool thermometer. She didn't even give our deposit back for a month, until we called and asked her. Very unethical person. We'll take our chances with a hotel from now on.

I was wondering if you had paid for pool heat? Most every home I see for rent has a special rate for pool heating.

As far as renting a home Vs a hotel, I have read alot of horror stories about hotels as well.

I always say read the fine print and make sure you are thorough in cheking everything out before you sign on the dotted line. It is a buyer beware market everywhere you turn.

[FLeisure]

kidzmom3,
Just wanted to apologize for the journey you had to make to return the key. We have tried to learn from this experience and if the house you stay in next time doesn't have a door you can lock behind you we will be pleased to provide a portable lockbox so you can drop the key in there.

General- Wash cloths. Very interesting to read some of the comments here. I do agree about a cultural thing. In the UK not many folks use them these days....most folks I know use towels. Further, some homeowners do provide them but it is not generally something that a MC would provide. We always carry loads of them around in our service vans for those folks who want them, so if they aren't in the house you rent...call the MC company and request them. The comment about bringing your own is well founded and a great idea !

Pool Heat - as far as I know it is always an extra charge. It is essential in the Winter months - Sept - April.

[pomcoach]

When we rented the 4 bedroom, 3 bath home near Splendid China, we paid about $20 a day for pool heat. We even agreed with the woman on the temp. that the pool should be at. We had an e-mail in writing from her about the exact temps, but she didn't keep her word at all. In fact, I'm not sure if she ever actually heated the pool or the hot tub at all. Another weird thing, when we arrived at the home, there was a gadget on the door to the pool that kept beeping loudly like an ear peircing alarm. We called the lady, and she said to just let it beep, or to disconnect it. It was for safety in case a child might go out the door and be near the pool water. We figured out that the battery must be low and that was why it beeped. We had to drive around in the middle of the night to find batteries to put in it so it would quit blasting. No one could even go to sleep. What a nightmare that house was! :eek:

[Briggsy]

We had guests staying in our villa last Christmas who paid for pool heat. Many of you will know that the weather in Orlando at that time was very cold.

The guests contacted my management company because the pool was cold. My MC immediately visited them to explain that when the air temperature falls below a certain level the pool heater can not work. Our guests were happy with this and I am sure it did not spoil their holiday. They spent their time in Disney not in our pool.

On their return home I did not hesitate to refund their pool heat charge.

It is law that alarms are fitted to doors and windows leading on to the pool area.

[Lakul]

Hi Pomcoach

It's such a shame you had a bad experience with your first holiday home. It's the little things that can spoil an otherwise great holiday.

As said by Julie and Angela, most villa owners (including me) will bend over backwards to make sure everything is perfect for your stay. I always ask the guest, before they travel, if there is anything they need. I want them to feel as comfortable as possible with their arrangements. We supply everything - all towels and face cloths and starters of toilet tissue, bin bag and kitchen roll. We had one guest who wanted a juicer so we bought one for them.

Regarding the pool alarms, Julie is right. These are now a requirement of Florida law, to warn parents if the door has been opened as a protection for their children. The alarm should not beep continuously, but only when the door has been opened.

You cannot promise to keep the pool at a set temperature. How can anyone know what the weather will be on any given day. But I would also refund a guests pool money if the pool became unusable. Many of us provide pool blankets to use at night and these are excellent at keeping in the heat that you have paid for.

Please don't let your one bad experience put you off renting a villa. We villa owners want you and your family to have a great holiday:) :)

Regards
Kerry

[tednvon]

Hi, interesting discussion as we have just taken the plunge and purchased a home in the new Enclave at Emerald Island..what a beautiful location!...We will absolutely have wash cloths along with 6 towels per the 6 baths, never occured not to!!....I really hope that the more people from the USA who head for Disney start to see the advantage of home rentals that have been so well received by our friends abroad...best to all...Ted