When and How to book off-site rental units?

EpcotNerd

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 22, 2015

• Apr 27, 2015

• #1

I'm a year out (looking to go late April 2016) and I think I've narrowed it down to Windsor Hills.

What's the best time to book something to get the best rate? Really far out while demand is low? Closer to the date so that there is more pressure on owner's ends to get it booked?

And what's the best method/website/rental company? The VRBO route? Going through a management company? Something else I'm missing?

Thanks in advance!

 

starvenger

DIS Veteran

Joined

Apr 8, 2015

• Apr 27, 2015

• #2

I've used both VRBO (albeit for California) and airbnb and have not had an issue with either. Haven't seen much in the way of fluctuation though.

 

marynpaul

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 13, 2008

• Apr 28, 2015

• #3

I used Winsdorhillsofficialrentals.com and pick the type of rental I wanted and got several quotes. Then picked what was best for my needs.

 

ParkHopperFan

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 30, 2013

• Apr 28, 2015

• #4

We have stayed in Windsor Hills many times and will continue to do so. We love it there for many reasons! The resort is very popular and April is prime rental season. I would suggest taking the approach of inquiring early so that you have more available properties to choose from. If you wait until later with the expectation that you will be pressuring an owner to fill his/her calendar I think you will be disappointed. The properties that are left in the end are either 1.) the place nobody else wanted to stay or 2.) the most expensive and the owner is holding out because he/she knows they will get a desperate traveler who is willing to pay. Sadly I don't believe that you will find any great bargains in Windsor Hills for April. Dealing with the owner directly is probably your best bet in finding the best deal. windsorhillsrent.com and windsorhillsofficialrentals.com are popular sites where you can contact the owners directly.

Good Luck!

 

EpcotNerd

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 22, 2015

• Apr 29, 2015

• #5

Thanks for your reply. I was actually thinking late April/early May as the crowd calendars show low numbers and that it's a good time to go... I assume your advice still applies?

 

KEVD

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 6, 2008

• Apr 30, 2015

• #6

marynpaul said:

I used Winsdorhillsofficialrentals.com and pick the type of rental I wanted and got several quotes. Then picked what was best for my needs.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what we did and found a great unit that we've stayed at twice. We love Windsor Hills!

 

ParkHopperFan

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 30, 2013

• May 1, 2015

• #7

Yes. My advice to book early still applies even for dates in late April and May. The resort is very popular and the best villas do book early.

 

D

Dave1234

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jun 30, 2011

• May 5, 2015

• #8

WindsorHillsPrivateRentals is another good site to try. I'd recommend trying to book 8 weeks out WH is a large resort so there will be plenty owners with space to fill. Make sure you check availability calendars first so you can target enquiries. Assuming you book your flights now.