Homes4u ?

[sleepymomof4]

Hi, I have been reading tons of posts getting lots of tips and ideas, now I need help. Has anyone ever used Homes4u to rent a cond/house? I found a great deal, 2 bed. condo fo $69March) although you don't actually know where you will be staying until 2 weeks prior to check-in. The only reviews I can find are on the actual homes4u site. Any thoughts?

 

[tednvon]

Hi, this is a good price, no doubt, but I would sure like to see where I am staying and the location in relation to Disney before I sign.
I would go to www.vrbo.com , www.vacationrentals.com and windsorhillsrent.com , http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/ and I am sure you will find some very nice 2-3 bedroom condos in the $69 dollar range that you can see what you are getting, work directly with the owner for a great deal and know you will be safe. There are a few areas that are getting very run down and may not be the best situation...

Good luck...Ted

 

[sleepymomof4]

Thanks for the advice. I had noticed those sites before. I have been searching for hours since I read your post. It seems like all the most appealing ones are booked my week, or considered peak and the price goes up. Ever stayed at Terra Verde, Emerald Island, or Windsor Palms? Thanks

 

[7165red]

To add to you list try www.orlandovillas.com & www.orlando-guide.info/forums/ WP & EI usually get great reviews. If you go to the foeums scroll down to ask the experts.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, Agree with 7165, WPalms and EIsland are excellent developments in great location.

If you are not looking for fancy fancy, we loved the 3 bedroom condos at Villas at Sommerset and Villas at Island Club...both are on vrbo.com. They have a master bath walk in shower, a nice second bath, living and dining area and a nice warm pool that is not huge but it was sure warm!

One other thing to do that has worked very well for lots of folks is to go to
www.lastminutevillas.net and page down a little where you email lots of owners with one email. In the comments section, tell them that you are really excited about your vacation and your budget is about 70-75 dollars a night for 2 or 3 bedroom condo. With the economy there may be lots of vacations getting cancelled or second guessed and as a former owner in Emerald Island I would be real happy to get guaranteed rentals for the spring...when folks answer you, they will have pictures, websites and so on for you to see. If you need any info about a community or an area let us know...

You will find a great place...Ted

 

[sleepymomof4]

Thank you 7165red and Ted for the reply. What about Venetian Bay Villiages?
I found 3 bed 2 bath for 75 tax incl. +65 cleaning. How's the area? What about renting from owners out of the country? Do the local management co.
keep up well? My fear is getting blamed for something we did not do. I will be taking 4 kids and don't want to lose my deposit for no reason. What is usually expected of us before departure? Thank you so much.

 

[tednvon]

Hi again, Venetian Bay is gated newer condo and townhome community located east of Disney off Hwy 192...The others you looked like EIsland, WPalms, WHills are on the far west end of Disney. Disney World is about 7 miles long, east to west.
Only drawback to this location is getting to Disney via Hwy 192. If you look on a map you will see that you need to drive several miles on 192 toward Disney. This area gets very congested because it all heads towards Disney and most cross roads have lights. You can turn RIGHT after going a couple of miles on 192 onto 535 Vinland and then LEFT on World Center Drive and that takes you into the parks eventually.

If you don't mind a 75 cent toll (Cash only, so have 3 quarters ready), I would turn right on Poinciana Blvd. off 192, go a mile to Osceola Parkway, and it takes you right into Disney with no hassle.

I would not discourage you from this location, just know it is about an extra 10 minutes or so to the parks.

As far as renting from owners, 95% are totally honest and the management companies are reputable. Damage deposits are returned if no problems.

It is a matter of some trust as you do have an agreement with an individual. But if they have gone to all the expense to advertise a condo, set up management, build a web page, and furnish a place, they are almost always honest and upfront. I guarantee you the condo at Homes4u is owned by an individual and market by a management company.

Hope this helps...good luck...Ted

 

[sleepymomof4]

OK, one more .Terre Verde and the area? I have a response from an owner who actually lives in Florida. And has offered me a great deal because it backs up to someone elses week and I don't need the full week. $401 tax and all. Thank you. Stephanie

 

[7165red]

TV has received good reviews and it sounds like you are getting a good deal.

 

[7165red]

google terre Verde and scroll down TVR- reviews, excellent reviews.

 

[stevejohnson]

If you look on a map you will see that you need to drive several miles on 192 toward Disney. This area gets very congested because it all heads towards Disney and most cross roads have lights. You can turn RIGHT after going a couple of miles on 192 onto 535 Vinland and then LEFT on World Center Drive and that takes you into the parks eventually.

 

[sleepymomof4]

Thank you everyone, I never thought that this would be such a difficult choice. We have'nt been in 10 years and we always stayed somewhere cheap in the mess on I Drive. Now there are 4 kids involved, we'll need a little more space and Iam guessing we might not be gone every waking moment like we used to do. Anyway, Iam sure this will be so exciting when I finally get this part figured out.

 

[Freaky]

If you look on a map you will see that you need to drive several miles on 192 toward Disney. This area gets very congested because it all heads towards Disney and most cross roads have lights. You can turn RIGHT after going a couple of miles on 192 onto 535 Vinland and then LEFT on World Center Drive and that takes you into the parks eventually.

We stayed off the 192, on the east side of the I4 and drove to Disney without any major issues. This was in July/August time and it took 10 mins to the Disney arch which I thought was fine. We also found it quite good when going to US & IOA - made that journey on a Monday morning arriving about 8.55am and it only took 25mins.

If it is March you are planning on, you miss the Easter rush you will be fine a little further down the 192. Just consider whether you will be heading out of the parks for a break in the middle of the day - in that case you may want to be closer.

Tracey

 

[sleepymomof4]

Thank you Freaky. May I ask where you stayed and how it was? As of now, we really only plan to go to MK and Sea World, the kids are little and Iam not sure what they can handle. We really only have 4 full days and can't really afford to cram it all in at once.(oh how I would love to) Right now I just want to give them a taste of my favorite vacation without continuing to put it off until we can do it all.

 

[Freaky]

Our kids are 12 & 8 and we still don't try to do really long days in the parks - usually try to get there for opening and then have done most of what we want to by around 2pm. Then when we want to do an evening enter the park around 4-5pm - you do need hopper passes though to do this. Will PM you through the other details.

Tracey

 

[sleepymomof4]

Tracey, Thank you for the pm, I can't pm you back just yet b/c I don't have enough posts.

 

[momtotwoteens]

Thank you 7165red and Ted for the reply. What about Venetian Bay Villiages?
I found 3 bed 2 bath for 75 tax incl. +65 cleaning. How's the area? What about renting from owners out of the country? Do the local management co.
keep up well? My fear is getting blamed for something we did not do. I will be taking 4 kids and don't want to lose my deposit for no reason. What is usually expected of us before departure? Thank you so much.

We stayed in Venetian Bay in Dec. 2007 and the townhouse we stayed in was very nice. We actually had reservations there for 2009, but with the 4/3 deal that Disney was offering we decided to stay at POR. We booked the townhouse through VRBO and I could let you know the exact unit we stayed in if you are interested.

 

[sleepymomof4]

Thank you for the offer. before the 4/3 I already booked a townhouse.
Our airline tickets only have us staying 5 nights or I would have been on that one right away. I'll just hope for the best.