Pros to renting a House?

[Toyztory]

Hi I was wondering if anyone can give their advice on this matter.
I wanted to know for those who have rented a house, how was it ,was the cost cheaper or more expensive than a resort ( we have been to lake buena vistana and the sheraton vistana and we enjoyed both equally). I also wanted to know if anyone has stayed at this place b/c we really like how it sounds.

http://www.offtodisney.com/index.html?source=google

If there are any other places that you know of that youv'e been to and rave about please let me know. Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated. TIA Anne

 

[winniedapooh]

We have done both but my story may be different than some because we have 5 children. Renting on property becomes inpractical for us. We did it once last year and while it was nice with 2 adjoining rooms it was too small and cramped. Just the savings on laundry alone makes it a huge savings for us. Even if we rented a villa on property the cost alone would break us. We just returned from Windsor Palms and loved it. I loved having my own private pool and jacuzzi to use at all hours. Took us no more than 4 Alan Jackson songs from our driveway to parking space at parks daily, lol. Sometimes it was less! Ridng back and forth from parks to a resort in your own car takes the same amount of time and if you use Disney transportation may in fact take longer. I wrote a post about the home we stayed at a little further down and if you would like more info. please feel free to IM me.

 

[disneysteve]

We've rented houses numerous times and, last trip, rented a condo. You can't beat it. We have one child and love her dearly, but spending a week in a regular hotel room drives us all nuts. DW and I put DD to sleep and then we're stuck sitting in the bathroom with the door closed so we don't disturb her. Yes, we could get a suite hotel and we have several times, but the amenities can't compare.

At a house, you have tons of space, a fully equipped kitchen, a private in-ground screened-in pool (and possibly hot tub), multiple tv's, vcr, dvd player, video game systems, stereo and what ever other goodies the owner has provided. Some even have computers with Internet access included. You also have a washer and dryer of your own (not coin operated) so you can trim back what you have to pack.

Its great to come back after a busy day in the parks and stretch out and relax on the sofa watching the big screen tv.

And all of that can be had for as little as $100/nite. How can you beat that?

The houses you mention look beautiful. I haven't stayed there but I've heard of them. That's a fine choice. If you want to compare, take a look also at Windsor Palms.
http://www.windsor-palms-resort.com/

Steve

 

[momm2four]

Looks like Windsor Palms is pretty close to Disney. We may look at staying here in 2005. We've only been once and stayed at HIFS, which is EXTREMELY close to WDW, so we would like to find a house that's a comparable distance away.

Lori P.

 

[JANNYANS]

Pros
space, freedom ,price, space,not as much luggage needed ,free washing /drying of clothes/,space,freedom/ price/,details of actual home if renting direct/lots of info about surrounding area -if renting direct/ space /freedom /,price/ an actual person to talk to -if you rent direct - that will know your home inside out .


Cons

having to pay upfront- not really a con more an inconvenience to some people

 

[kilee]

We too liked the convienence of renting a house. Usually for the same price as a nice hotel room or suite, you can get a nice pool home. It was nice to be able to swim when we wanted. Also, didn't ever have to worry about a really crowded pool, or getting a lounge chair ! Also, it was nice to be able to throw a load of laundry in while we ate breakfast. Not have to spend 1/2 a day at the hotels laundry room!! THe only disadvantage for some people is the drive. However I think you can wait longer to make some of the Disney buses, than it took us. We were in Davenport- on average it took us 30 min to get from driveway to inside the gates (including security checks). I never had it take longer than 40-- we spent most of our time waiting for a monorail at the TTC to MK. The least was 20! But I've heard of people who have to wait an hour to get from a resort to a park.

 

[tednvon]

Hi...I just ran the figures for a big family reunion of 14 for this summer in our 7 bedroom home....Disney moderate 4 rooms ( 8 beds, 4 baths) over $4300 for the week. Our home, 7beds, 6 baths, Pool, spa etc, 6 min. to Disney (quicker than the buses..not those great monorails, though!) is $2233...both plus tax. Really hard to beat a home unless you do Priceline 2 or 3 star for 25 to 35 a night for 4 to 5 rooms.
Good Luck....Ted

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by tednvon
Really hard to beat a home unless you do Priceline 2 or 3 star for 25 to 35 a night for 4 to 5 rooms.
Good Luck....Ted

And even that isn't a fair comparison because you won't have the same amenities at the hotel. You'll be paying for laundry. You won't have a kitchen. You won't have your own pool. And you won't have one central place where everyone can hang out together.

Steve

 

[bugbugmom]

Disney Steve,

Could you tell me which offsite condo you've experienced. Was booking any problems. Did you feel safe and comfortable. TIA

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by bugbugmom
Disney Steve,

Could you tell me which offsite condo you've experienced. Was booking any problems. Did you feel safe and comfortable. TIA

In November, we rented a 3-bedroom condo at Windsor Palms http://www.windsor-palms-resort.com/ for 6 nites. We found it on that website and booked directly with the owners, a very nice couple from Connecticut. The rate was $100/nite and they gave us a 10% discount for paying in full when we booked so final rate was $90/nite. We split that 50-50 with my MIL who came with us, so our share was only $45/nite!

WP is a wonderful gated community built less than 2 years ago. The complex has 2 and 3 bedroom condos, 3 br townhouses and 3-6 br pool homes. Some of the townhomes and all of the houses (I think all) have their own pools. There is also a clubhouse with a community pool which was very nice, a little store, game room, exercise room, etc.

I've got absolutely nothing negative to say about the place. I would highly recommend it. I've seen 2-bedroom condos advertised starting at $55/nite depending on season and there is no way you will find a hotel to match the amenities you'll get there.

Be happy to answer any other questions. Check out the website.

Steve

 

[Sarahsmom85]

We just rented a Villa, I love saying a Villa at the LINDFIELDS. I saw it on ebay for rent from the owner. I wrote and asked for the weeks I wanted. Found the owner was from the UK. A very nice man. Gave us a great price. I only had to send in 10% down and have the pay the rest a month before. I checked it out good with the references. I'm very happy about it.


I like Not having to rent 2 rooms at hotel. No extra fees. You check into a hotel and then have to add this tax and that tax. Tax is included. Swim at 2 am if we want. Eating will save tons of money. Not only that but time too. No wasting time waiting to get feed at resturants. Did anyone mention 2 bathrooms!!!!!!
Some can get ready in the morning while some eat. You can freeze your bottled water and have cold water for the whole day at Disney. Nothing like a quick snack when you return from Disney.

Just to note we rented a 2 bedroom condo in Vegas during World Series in Oct. The guys watched the game had a few beers and snacks, screamed and yelled they wanted. I shut the door and rested and read and watch TV.

I would take a condo or villa or private home over a hotel room Even disney anyday.

 

[kaylajr]

We rented a home in 2002 a 4 bed room 2 bath private pool
we LOVED the home
but had some real problems with the company that managed it
so this time we are renting direct from the owner

the PROS as we see it
as a family of 4 (dd's are 8 and 10) we love each other but the SPACE makes the vacation enjoyable
the KITCHEN save alot of $$$$$
so does the laundry

the pool at all hours is great and the extra tvs

if the weather turns bad and your stuck in a little hotel you can end up with a horrible day
at a house with bad weather you just spread out and still like one another at the end

we looked at on site but just can't beat the house for convience luxury and price


the cons hmmmmmmmmm let me think
nope can't think of any