We are flirting with the idea of staying offsite for our next visit... Just to see what it's like on the other side.
We are sniffing around at renting a house as it appeals to to group that will be going. 2 Grandparents, 2 parents and 3 kids under 10. I am pretty overwhelmed with VRBO and could use some tips/guidance.
We prefer a bungalow and easy access to the main routes is a plus. Absolute must haves are two master suites and a private pool AND hot tub.
Has anyone stayed somewhere great that they want to recommend?
Thanks in advance!
Windsor Hills is a no brainer. It is about as close as you can get and the houses are generally awesome.
That said... VRBO is your FRIEND! I like to look at the pics of the house and the location on the property... here are the guidelines I use:
1) Villa must have good pics, with recent (mostly) positive reviews... almost any villa is going to have a negative review or two.
2) Pool should back up to a wooded or common area, not another house. (We highly value our privacy...) VRBO will generally allow you to xoom right in and see where the villa sits on the property. Use that feature!
3) Air conditioned game room.... we want pool table, foos ball, ping pong, or other games. It is amazing what a fun thing a properly set up game room can be for the family experience. BUT... if you are there during warm weather this cannot be a non air conditioned garage. In many cases the pools and houses are pretty equal... but the game rooms are NOT.
4) Wifi, laundry, how you will pick up your key to the house, etc... There are a million details... make absolutely SURE you villa has the amenities you want... don't assume.
5) Nereby groceries, shopping, restaurants. (This will be true for nearly any development.)
6) To do this right you pretty much MUST rent/hire a car. I far prefer this, but not everyone does. With the crew you are bringing it will need to be a Van, or perhaps 2 cars. Make sure you have this problem well understood and covered. You definitely want to be in an auto rental program where you can bypass the rental counter and go right to the car/van. The lines in Orlando can be ginormous at certain times of year. A poor car rental experience at the airport can really get you off on the wrong foot if you are not diligent.
Also... are there other key things to make your stay happy? Need golf? Consider Reunion resort. A huge variety of Villas built amongst great golf courses with a private water park. Need fishing out your back door? Then consider Sunset lakes or Lake Berkley. These are just a bit further to drive, but can enrich your experience in ways other than the theme parks. (rules 1-6 still apply).
Hope that helps!
