How to find a rental house?

[Minnie]

Okay here's the deal as you can tell by my siggie we have been on-site people

However, the new job I'm starting this week offers discount tickets to Orlando attractions (including WDW) as part of the benefit package .

So depending on the price of the tickets and the price of the rental homes we are considering staying off site and not purchasing APs like normal.

Any suggetions of reputable places to find a rental home? How does one trust the owners? I'm a little leary as you can tell as this is our first time considering it.

BTW - The trip will likely be in late July.

 

[5mins2disney]

Well for starters you can come here!

We're full of...err...good advice..yeah...that's it! hehe...

Seriously though...go check the reviews boards..there's quite a few vacation homes DIS members have stayed at and have gotten great reviews, that's one great reference to check.

Next...figure out how big of a home you want.... and where / which resort.

Here's our "favorite" map:
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

Popular resorts in the area include:
Windsor Hills - www.windsorhillsrent.com
Windsor Palms - www.windsor-palms-florida.net
Indian Creek - www.indiancreekflorida.com
Emerald Island

You can also visit www.vrbo.com and find many homes there.

We suggest taking a good long look at the owner's website and see if they have an online guestbook...many do...hopefully with lots of good references! Be sure to see LOTS of pictures of the specific home you're going to rent too!

Besides that, a lot of these sites will let you put out a "general inquiry" or a "3 bedroom inquiry". Do yourself a favor and setup a temporary email account somewhere if you do one of these, you will get 100s of responses. Even better...DON't do a general inquiry...figure out how big of a place you want and narrow it down to a 3 bedroom inquiry or something similar.

This should get you started, it takes a little big of legwork but the rewards will be well worth it, you'll end up with a gorgeous pool home for a fraction of the cost of staying on site or in a hotel, in a beautiful resort setting!

And..we're all here on the DIS to help if you have questions!

- George

 

[Detailor]

I've used e-bay to find pool house rentals, generally in Kissimmee and Davenport. Because of the e-bay feedback tool you can get a sense of how reputable a renter is. I've searched there using terms like Disney Pool House, Disney Pool Villa, or Florida Rental. You'll get a mix of individuals who rent out vacation homes and companies that own and rent or act as management/rental companies.
Or you could do similar searches on the internet to find some of these rental companies. Just be aware that you can save some money by going the e-bay route.

Dick Taylor

 

[JANNYANS]

There are hundreds of listing sites but a few the most popular are
www.orlandovillas.com
www.disneypremiervillas.com
www.floridapremiumvillas.com

these site ask the owner for proof they own the home they list so part of the hard work and worry it already done but you can always do your own checks as well.

Have a good lok atvthe homes on the sites then put in a request stating any "must haves"
Don't get too hung up about closeness to the parks -go for the home that is within your budget and has what you want -they are all within 20mins drive and I have waited longer than that for a bus on property.

Good luck and enjoy

 

[FLParadisevilla]

I have to agree with everyone here! Ask as many questions as you want of the owners.... if they are like most of us here they will just love having someone to talk to about renting homes in Florida!
Make a list of how many Bedrooms, bathrooms, and other things you are looking for in a house such as
Internet, Pool, Spa, Game room, Disney Themed Rooms, How far you want to be from the parks. Etc... the list can go on!
These are some of the closest neighborhoods to Dinsey about 3 to 4 Miles.
That may not be so important to you and you may have a budget that would put you a bit farther out , but all the homes in the area are so nice! I just know you will find a great home! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask here! You will find so much information here its such a great place to go to when planning a trip!
What a great perk of a job to offer Tickets to Disney!!! I wish my work did that!!

Windsor Hills - www.windsorhillsrent.com
Windsor Palms - www.windsor-palms-florida.net
Indian Creek - www.indiancreekflorida.com
Emerald Island

 

[Sunrisedream]

When you do find a house you like the look of, my best advise is get to know the owners - questions, questions, questions, all the owners I know are more than happy to answer, and you will get a feel for what they are like, and if it is the right house for you

 

[FLParadisevilla]

When you do find a house you like the look of, my best advise is get to know the owners - questions, questions, questions, all the owners I know are more than happy to answer, and you will get a feel for what they are like, and if it is the right house for you

Ditto on that one!!! Get to know them as much as possible! By the time of your trip you will feel like your staying in a Friends home and not some place you just rented! The more contact I have with our guest the better I think! I know too my friends get tired of hearing about Florida so I am so excited when I have some to talk to thats just as excited about Florida and Disney as I am! I know I must drive my DH nuts that I am so hooked on Disney!

 

[isla bonita]

I think you have to decide what is important for your vacation and to your group.
ex. bed configuration
bath rooms
amenities
price
location
ect.

Just remember that renting a vacation home is not for every one. Like you have mentioned you are an on site person. This is not your first choice and your vacation will be different.
Personally I think it will be better but that is how we like to vacation.
Have fun planning!