?? Florida Five Star Vacation homes

[Tiffa]

Ok I hope I didnt make a mistake I book thru VBRO.com but it doesnt seem like anyone has used this company has anyone used them they are under justfloridavacations.com - can anyone put my mind to rest !! its like a great deal $139 a night for a 4 bedroom/ 2 master suites, pool, hottub and like 31/2 baths - and we are staying for 10 nights I couldnt stay on Disney property cause it was just not enough room with two kids that just would not even think of sleeping in the same bed its in the Rolling hills area I have never rented a house so please any input would be great !

 

[doodlebugs-mom]

We rent independantly from individual owners and have had nothing but good experiences. I like that I can get a large home/pool spa etc. for awesome prices. It is really nice on off days as we likle to kick back in the evening after the kids goto bed and there is room to run out extra energy too. I also like the laundry, not having to go out constantly for meals (though we still usually do), private pool (bring own towells for that), and I enjoy the quiet that you don't always find in hotels.. I have found it to be a wonderful experience.. Best of both worlds I suppose.
BTW That is a good location close to evverything.
I have little experience with rental companies, only a company once. We have rented homes for 4 years now and already have a home booked for 2006. What types of things would you like to know about the rentals. My brain is fried and cannot think of the things I would have wanted to know the first time. Ask me and I am sure my brain will be refreshed.

 

[kcarp]

Hi doodlebugs-mom,

What area do you stay in? I hear all the great things about renting a home, what is the negative side? How does it work with soap, paper towels, tolit tissue and all the stuff you normally have at your house? I'm sure you have to buy your own, but I was curious if they give you any starter stuff?

TIA

 

[doodlebugs-mom]

Ok first I have always stayed on RT 27 just of 192. I prefer this cause I avoid 192 traffic for quick runs out to the store or visiting MIL in Haines city. There is a Wal-Mart located on 27 now just off the Clarmont exit, very accessible and I have found it to be chaper then Publix.

OK household items, they will provide you with Initial roll of TP in each bathroom, One roll of paper towells and a garbage bag in each can. You will be responible for any after that. It has been my experience that there are ample towells supplied, tons of extra pillows and blankets. Always way more than we would need. Dishes are supplied but it is hit or miss on a drink pitcher. I always bring one for DD's lemonaid and for iced tea. Bring your own towells for the pool, it you damage theirs you will be billed. We always have a grocery list when arriving and head to the store directly after unpacking.

Here are some of the must have things we put on our list:
Laundry Soap
Toilet Paper
Paper Towells
Dishwasher Soap
Dish Soap
Garbage Bags
Shampoo, and bath items (get them when I get there to avoid them leaking)
Food


I hope this helps ya. I find after the initial shopping trip it is nice to have everything there and to kick back and relax when we are not at the parks.

 

[bfila]

Thanks, doodlebugs-mom. I'm following this thread becasue we're renting a house for the first time next month and I didn't know the type of things we needed earlier. Garbage bags didn't even enter my mind! I've added them to my shopping list.

Bonnie

 

[kcarp]

Thanks doodlebugs-mom for answering my questions, and this is also my first time renting a home. I to never would have thought about the garbage bags. Thanks again

 

[maps]

Instead of garbage bags, i just used the plastic bags that the groceries came in. One less thing to have to buy! We usually didn't have that much garbage anyway since we rarely ate in.

 

[Tiffa]

Thanks doodlebugs-mom, I also remember from our confirmation email that only 1 bag of garbage is allowed at the curb at the end of the week, And our house was on VBRO.com but the house I wanted was not available so she said there was a different one actually better one and I cant wait the hotels are just that hotels small crammped and loud I never sleep right in one, I am glad that you said it's a nice area, the last time we were there was in 2002 for the Disney Marathon, DH is the runner. I can't wait all the extra's are perfect esp. the washer/dryer clothes in 10 days can pile up if you remember any extra tips please let me know.

 

[doodlebugs-mom]

no problem, I cannot think of anything else right now, but I will keep thinking of things for you.

Oh here is one, if your place has a dvd/vhs it is always nice to bring a few movies along for the kids or adults. We only actually used them one trip when the weather was miserible for a day. It was nice to have one my DD liked and to watch one when she was sleeping.

 

[isla bonita]

We stayed in a home that had a library of dvd's and vcr tapes with the usual Disney but in addition there were recent ones for adults also.
http://members.cox.net/disneyvacahome/
Was nice to have for us at night when the parks closed early.