Advice from those who have rented a home in Windsor Hills..

[Terry36]

Okay I just put a security deposit down for a home in June....I am a little nervous. What should I expect; what should I bring or not bring. I know the owner will tell me some things but I wanted to hear from those who have previously done this.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[cinderella73]

We stayed at WH last OCT and while I dont know which owner you are booked with I can tell you that Wh far exceeded my expectations. I have never stayed offsite before and was unsure of what to expect as well. It varies of course depending on whom you are renting from . And I am sure the best place to be certain of whats included is on the rentals particular website. However usually just about everything you could need is included. Double check with your owner but on average most WH rentals include everything from towels to pots and pans and silverware. Some even have a stroller . I also believe all of them have a washer and dryer in the unit.

You might want to bring ( or purchase at the nearby Publix) for your own comfort things like larger more plush beach towels for by the pool , your own hair stuff like curling iron , shampoo and cond , handsoaps , medicines , dish soap , Clorex wipes , and so on.

I also picked up some foil pans for easy cooking and clean up. We made baked chicken in them a few nights and it was so easy to just throw stuff away.

They do have small trash bins so maybe bring a few small grocery bags because thats about all you can fit in the trash depository which is the bench outside your door ( seat lifts up) .

The dollar store is great for your paper goods and Publix really was not that bad price wise at all ( to us up here in NE PA that is) . Just dont over buy on your food. It was such a shame we had so much leftover we had to throw away.

By the way the playground and pool are lovely. Have a great time. You will love it!

 

[sympatico]

This is a thread from a few days ago about what to bring:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1683114

 

[mtmbyck]

we rent houses every year and last March was a 6 bedroom in Windsor Hills. You will firstly love how close it is to the parks - make sure to learn how to go the back route to avoid 192.

All of the rental homes are gorgeous!! We have never been dissapointed. Because we go in March we get pool heat and we always ask for a BBQ ( these are not usually included in the price). The home is equipped with practically every amentiy you would need.....and the grocery store is very close by.

The clubhouse is ok, my DH who was 7 hit her head on the tube slide and gave her a HUGE goosebump so we did not visit that pool again - plus it was busier and colder than the one in our own backyard so........

This year we have a 7 bedroom in Emerald Island for March. Can't wait!

 

[Terry36]

Thanks guys...its nice to hear others experiences.

 

[skmommy]

We are going to be staying in either a villa or townhome here next week and are booking it this weekend. Nothing like rearranging the entire trip to stay offsite at the 11th hour to save some $$$$. I was wondering how you can be comfortable with the "honesty" of a particular owner-- is there someplace to check them out or do you just "go with your gut" ? Any advice on the booking and payment end of things would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gqchicago]

We are going to be staying in either a villa or townhome here next week and are booking it this weekend. Nothing like rearranging the entire trip to stay offsite at the 11th hour to save some $$$$. I was wondering how you can be comfortable with the "honesty" of a particular owner-- is there someplace to check them out or do you just "go with your gut" ? Any advice on the booking and payment end of things would be greatly appreciated.

Check here for recommendations from other DISsers.

Check their online guestbook for testimonials, most are linked to the rentors.org calendars.

Make sure they have an ERA you sign, and an invoice.

Pay by credit card if you want extra protection / peace of mind.

Buy trip insurance online if you really want extra protection / peace of mind.

Make sure you like the place you've picked, look at lots of pictures, etc, on their website. For us, price is not the #1 factor, it's also quality and amenities, this does vary from home to home.

Ask the owner what is in the home, and what they think isn't included, or you should bring.

Book soon, you're coming last minute! Not a lot left, it's very full, over 90% full.

 

[Mainebound]

We always hit a supermarket the first night to get what we need after we have checked out the home, put our luggage in our bedrooms. Homes range in what they have waiting for you. Some do not have TP, paper towels, coffee, others are well stocked.

We also brought floaties for our kids when they needed them.

You'll have a great time!

 

[deejay-55]

No need to be nervous - if you have any worries, just ask the homeowner. Once you have satyed in a villa with your own pool and spa, you will wonder why you ever stayed in hotels!

 

[Terry36]

Make sure they have an ERA you sign, and an invoice.

What is ERA, is it the Contract?

 

[danny25]

we are a family of Uruguay south America and have been in May 2007 at the Windsor Hills in a townhouse, this is a fantastic place and if you exit the Disney world by the exit near the AK is really really close less than 3 minutes in a car, stay calm you will enjoy too much

 

[skmommy]

Thanks for all the advice and reassurances gqchicago. We leave Friday and have booked a 3br/3bath townhouse with heated splash pool. I think it looks wonderful from the pictures and the owner was really great both by email and phone. We are so excited! Couldn't have done it without the advice from all over these boards.

 

[gqchicago]

What is ERA, is it the Contract?

Yes