Could really use help with picking a rental home (M)

[joellyn23]

I really think we want to try getting a rental home for our trip at the end of May (21-28th). We want a pool and jaquizzi.

Does anyone have any personal experience they can share? What do I need to look for? Any subdivisions better than others? I found a home that's available in Rolling Hills. Is that a convenient drive to the parks?

Also, is it worth it to pay for pool heat that time of year?

My husband really wants to rent a home - but I feel so clueless with the whole process.

Thanks, in advance!

Joellyn

 

[AnotherDisneyFan]

I am very interested in these questions as well. Thanks for asking joellyn23. I was looking to do the hotel thing but now my husband wants me to look into a house rental. 4bedroom, pool, jacuzzi and we are going Nov26-Dec9.

 

[bvc314]

I'm renting a 4BR pool home in Rolling Hills in June. I would also like to know if anyone has stayed in Rolling Hills before. The rental company I used is www.justfloridavacations.com. The ...phone, so hopefully everything will be great.

 

[maps]

I've stayed in Indian Creek 2 yrs in a row and I believe Rolling Hills was just across the street. The houses seemed nice and the location to disney is fabulous.

 

[kaylajr]

I have stayed in Rental homes every time i go
last Oct was the best one ever

Any specific questions feel free to send me a PM
Rental homes are great with familys
we alway had breakfast ( except for our PS day) at the house
lunch and snack in the park and back home for dinner and a swim
gave the whole family much needed down time

i never stayed in Rolling hill so i can't help you there sorry

 

[kilee]

In Oct/Nov 2003 we rented 2 homes for our extended family WDW trip. We had a 3 bedroom in Emerald Island. Also a 5 bedroom in Hampton Lakes.

Both were rented direct through www.orlandovillas.com by the owners themselves. We did a lot of research and decided that going direct seemed to be the cheapest and best route to go. Another great site for that is www.vrbo.com which I'm looking into now for our April trip, we are trying to decide between a house or condo.

Anyhow, both houses were truly gorgeous and pretty new. (I'd say both only 2-3 yrs old at the most). The one in Hampton Lakes was about a 15-20 minute drive. The distance was reflected in the price though as it was less than a $100 difference from the 3 bedroom. The 3 bedroom which was in Emerald Island was 5 minutes to WDW property at best. This subdivision had more "amenities". The 5 bedroom house had more amenities personally though. We had pool heat at both, and were glad we did as the evenings were cool and that water would of cooled right off.

 

[winniedapooh]

We will renting the same home in Windsor Palms for the third time in two years at Christmas. It is a beautiful home and a wonderful owner. I go through Global to rent and have never had a problem. I do not know about the other developments as I am one of those "when you find a good thing hang onto it" people. I would not get pool heat in May. I don't think you will need it. You may want to see if it is negotiable. A lot of owners will negotiate a fixed price if you ask. We love renting now for the laundry, privacy, the proximity, etc. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[Jimdamedic]

After bunches of research, the one tip I can offer is that it seems you will pay a bit of a premium to be located in the closest subdivisions. Wyndsor Palms Emerald Island and Formosa Garden area seem to be the most expensive. We rented a 4 bedroom house in Orange Tree resort that was about 3/4 the price of a less well appointed house closer to the parks. The difference in driving time is about 15 minutes. It's all about your needs and preferences.

 

[AnotherDisneyFan]

Winniedapooh, what is global? When are you going in dec.? We are going then too!

 

[kilee]

I'm interested in a website link too for "global". Thanks in advance!!

 

[crazywig]

rollings hills is less than ten minutes to the mk gate . it is behind 'splendid china' on 192 if you know where that is.

we stayed there in jan '03 in a 6br and loved the location. we found our house thru www.vrbo.com

 

[Taratink]

My sister in law always uses premier homes. She has had 4 great experiences with them.
Tara

 

[PattiPB]

We stayed in a home in December located in Rolling Hills estates. All I can say is OH MY GOD!!!! It was AWESOME for a large group, and the price! 10 nights in December for $1495 inclusive total.

We had a 6 bedroom home with a loft (PS2), garage/gameroom (air hockey, pool table), pool and jacuzzi overlooking a small lake. THREE master bedrooms (ensuite bathrooms), two bedrooms with a jack/jill bathroom, and one other bedroom with a bathroom across the hall. The pool had direct access to one of the bathrooms, so you didn't have to go through the house.

Rolling Hills was very close to WDW using the Sherberth Road "shortcut". Never any traffic or hassle. I highly recommend the area near the old Splendid China!!!

Anyone who would like the email for the owner, please pm me. BTW---we have found both the homes we've rented on VRBO.com.