Condo Rental Vent

[1rockinmamato2]

We had originally planned on staying on-site for our next trip. However, I decided that we needed more space, a much needed full kitchen, etc. and did my research on condo rentals in the WDW area. I was ready to forego the on-site benefits for such great prices off-site.

However, when I got a price quote from one of the sites, the total per night (before tax) and with a discount applied was $43.00 more per night for the other fees charged.

That irritates me beyond belief! A cleaning surcharge for less than a seven-night stay? Accidental damage waiver? And of all things a processing fee???

That means I'm saving less than half of what I thought I would be by staying off-site. So, I have to ask myself if that's going to be worth no EMH, etc.?

 

[FLA NUT]

Have you looked at VRBO.com? There are alot of really nice inexpensive condos listed by owners. Some charge cleaning fees others do not. My family and I stayed at Grand Palms 7 nights in May for $440 (taxes, cleaning fee, everything included). We really enjoyed the extra room with children.

We don't do the EMH, we actually avoid the EMH park of the day, so that was not an issue with us.

Congrats on your two miracles!!!

 

[msmayor]

We had originally planned on staying on-site for our next trip. However, I decided that we needed more space, a much needed full kitchen, etc. and did my research on condo rentals in the WDW area. I was ready to forego the on-site benefits for such great prices off-site.

However, when I got a price quote from one of the sites, the total per night (before tax) and with a discount applied was $43.00 more per night for the other fees charged.

That irritates me beyond belief! A cleaning surcharge for less than a seven-night stay? Accidental damage waiver? And of all things a processing fee???

That means I'm saving less than half of what I thought I would be by staying off-site. So, I have to ask myself if that's going to be worth no EMH, etc.?

In reality, you pay those types of 'charges' on-site at Disney, too.

Part of your nightly charge covers the cost of cleaning your room.
If something is spilled on the comforter or it gets a rip in it, Disney must pay to replace it. Your nightly fee helps pay for that replacement. It also pays for the employees who check you in-out...a processing fee.

Disney just doesn't break it out individually.

We rent homes all the time in the Pocono mountains. We always expect to pay anywhere from $50-75 to cover the cleaning fee (which means WE don't have to vacuum/change sheets/clean the bathroom/etc. before we leave). We also are always fully prepared to front at least $200 in a security deposit to cover any potential damages that may occur. We've always had it returned after our stay, but it is still standard for any landlord to require that payment up front, months in advance, before renting.

 

[chris7]

If one effort that turns out less than desirable means the whole idea goes to the scrap heap than maybe off site isn't the way to go for you. I know that I contacted numerous condos that I liked the look of before I booked. Some I discarded because I thought the price in some way or another was not right and my short list got what I felt was a reasonable offer, and I went with the one that accepted. It is a lot more work. Those who do it obviously think the extra effort is worth the result.

PS, I don't know what site you used but a lot of folks try to do direct through owners. I think Mgmt co.'s up the rates and tack on fees.

 

[mom-mom2three]

We have stayed several times at a condo called The Orbit, it is actually a timeshare but they also rent without having to do a tour. No cleaning fee, it is very nice and it is about 3 miles from disney. You can look at thier web sight, islandone.com. They own several properties. The Orbit is one of thier older places but a good one and very reasonably priced.

 

[HeatherC]

Also check out cyberrentals.com. You can rent directly from the owner and negotiate whether taxes and cleaning fee is included.

Hope this helps!

HeatherC

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

I think you will probably find something direct from an owner - as other posters have mentioned great sites are www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com

You will find that nearly every owner will apply a cleaning fee for stays of less than 7 nights as this is a cost they have to pay aswell. Unfortunately not all guests take care of the property they rent so to safeguard the owners a Security Deposit is requested. This will normally be refunded within a couple of weeks after departure - if not sooner.

On site prices do incorporate all these fees but you will get far more space for your money in a condo/townhome etc.

Good luck finding something

Tracey

 

[LisaInNc]

Check out SkyAuction I just got a 1 bedroom for 2 weeks for less than $500 that was with all taxes and fees. No timeshare presentation involved.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will look into those and see if I can find a better deal. This is just so frustrating. It's almost impossible to save money on this trip.

I need to save as much as I can because 1. we have still have adoptions fees we're paying off and 2. I want to go back next year too.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

In reality, you pay those types of 'charges' on-site at Disney, too.

Part of your nightly charge covers the cost of cleaning your room.
If something is spilled on the comforter or it gets a rip in it, Disney must pay to replace it. Your nightly fee helps pay for that replacement. It also pays for the employees who check you in-out...a processing fee.

Disney just doesn't break it out individually.

We rent homes all the time in the Pocono mountains. We always expect to pay anywhere from $50-75 to cover the cleaning fee (which means WE don't have to vacuum/change sheets/clean the bathroom/etc. before we leave). We also are always fully prepared to front at least $200 in a security deposit to cover any potential damages that may occur. We've always had it returned after our stay, but it is still standard for any landlord to require that payment up front, months in advance, before renting.

I know Disney includes these charges in their room rates. However, they don't post a low rate and then tack on fees at booking. Naively, I was lured in by the low rates only to find out I wasn't getting such a great deal after all with this particular company. IMO, doing that is shady business.

I also don't mind paying the deposit, if it's returned if there are no damages. But, to my knowledge, this fee was non-refundable.

Anyhow, I suppose the best way for me to seek a condo rental is to contact the sellers directly and cut out the "middle man."

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

The company you're describing sounds like VillaDirect. We've used them several times until their additional fees kept getting higher and higher and we ended up buying a timeshare.
Don't give up on getting lots of space at a great price just b/c one company turns you off. Lots of disers have used and recommended www.hotelkingdom.com to get a condo at Cypress Pointe/CP Grand Villas. We stayed there a few years ago and LOVED it. Big jacuzzi in the master bedroom and kids had their own bathroom. Big-screen tv in living room and my favorite: coffee in my pjs while the kids are still sleeping. It's very close to DTD.
good luck in your search

 

[utahkennedys]

Have you considered renting DVC points? No extra fees there, plus you get the on-site benefits.