Rental Homes

[wdw-ocd]

Just wondering how many people rent homes for their vacation and which companies are the best.

 

[TravelinGal]

We're staying in Emerald Island at The Diamond on the Island <owner's website> <vrbo website> in Sept/Oct. It’s a 6 bedroom - 5 1/2 bath home with a private pool and hot tub/spa.

It’s located just a few minutes south of WDW and it’s really easy to get to and from the parks for a break if you have kids that need a nap.

It's a really nice home and the owner is very easy to work with.

(if you contact them, let them know 'Robin from Colorado' referred you - I don't get anything for it - it's just nice for them to know how you heard about them)

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

There are a great many people on these boards rent condos/townhomes/villas direct from the owners or through management companies. We started out renting direct from owners and IMHO it is the only way to stay and going to a hotel for a full vacation just doesn't appeal to us anymore - so much so we have just purchased are own rental townhome

Many of the DISers own property throughout Kissimmee/Orlando so just ask the questions and I'm sure you will get plenty of help and advice One of the main sites to find rental properties is www.vrbo.com - search under Kissimmee and there are a host of options. Another one to try is www.homeaway.com which is a bit easier to search for specific requirements.

Good luck with finding something.

 

[sympatico]

I agree with renting directly from the owners. You get to see the exact home you will get. You can find one that has the ammenities and floor plan that best suits what you want. Along with vrbo and homeaway there's Fabvillas.com
Good luck.

 

[mbb]

We like www.orlandovillas.com www.onlinefloridavillas.com and www.vrbo.com for checking out other areas

I'll zip your question downstairs for some more suggestions - enjoy, looking at homes can get addicting!!

 

[deejay-55]

Another vote for renting direct from owner - taht way you get to choose the exact home and the exact location that suits you

 

[dougsmom98]

We like to rent direct from the owners too. We usually like using vrbo.com to do our searching. This time we found something on greatrentals.com. Staying in a rental home is a lot of fun and a very relaxing way to spend a vacation.

 

[5mins2disney]

I'll put a "plug" in for Windsor Hills Resort!

www.windsorhillsrent.com

(Which you can also find on VRBO but also there which is a better website / easier to use).

Resorts in the area map:
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm

 

[disney kid at heart]

IMO the only way to go is with owners. There are some great ones right here on dis!!!

 

[Mainebound]

IMO the only way to go is with owners. There are some great ones right here on dis!!!

ITA with both points!

 

[KayR]

If you are interested in Windsor Palms or Emerald Island look at

www.windsor-palms-florida.net for Windsor Palms
www.StayAtEmeraldIsland.com for Emerald Island

Find a home that works for you and have a great time!

-Kay

 

[wdw-ocd]

Thanks to all of your great suggestions I spent the night surfing the web instead of doing my work!

There were some great sounding houses out there! Never having been to Florida, but having heard of some scary rental stories, which areas are recommended? Which parts of town would you stay away from?

We've rented a house through our TA and it's driving me nuts that I don't have any information other than the rental company and her glowing review. (That's why I'm looking on my own for a possible Christmas visit )

 

[dougsmom98]

I think the most popular area is the Formosa Gardens area (Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Emerald Isle, Indian Creek...). Here are a couple links to maps of villa communities so that you can see the locations of them.

http://www.thedibb.co.uk/villa/map.htm
http://www.1stfororlando.com/Location-map.htm

I have personally stayed in Windsor Palms and found it to be lovely. On our last trip we stayed a little further out in Davenport because we find it to be a more affordable and that was really nice too.

I think you should spend some time looking at the various sites and decide what exactly you want. Some communities have community pools, hot tubs and club houses. Some communities just have private pools. You need to decide if you want one of the closest communities or one a little further out. Do you want a town house, condo or private home?

Once you narrow it down to a few communities come back and ask us if anyone has stayed in the area and know any of the pros or cons. I have found everyone to be so helpful when I have been in the process of narrowing down my choices.

 

[jen54321]

I also agree with renting direct from the owners. I rented a house from a fellow DISer in May and it was beautiful. Working with the owner was a dream! In fact, it added to the experience. Good luck with your search!

 

[mbb]

Thanks to all of your great suggestions I spent the night surfing the web instead of doing my work! ...

See how the addiction begins..

Let us know what you pick for Christmas!
And don't forget to write a quick review for us when you get home!

 

[wdw-ocd]

See how the addiction begins..

DH is ready to report me to rental homes anonymous!

I found it really helpful when posters mentioned names of specific resorts. I don't suppose it would be o.k. for people to forward the names/sites of the actual owners that they've rented from?

Btw, can anyone tell me the difference between an "estate" category and a "resort" category?

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

DH is ready to report me to rental homes anonymous!

 

[Mainebound]

DH is ready to report me to rental homes anonymous!

I found it really helpful when posters mentioned names of specific resorts. I don't suppose it would be o.k. for people to forward the names/sites of the actual owners that they've rented from?

Btw, can anyone tell me the difference between an "estate" category and a "resort" category?

I would highly recommend any of the three homes in my signature that I have stayed in. PM me with any questions. Two of the owners own another home that I have at least seen and can also recommend. (The March 08 we have yet to actually experience, although we are booked)

I just went through the search for our March 08 home, and I know how it can be. In fact, for the first time this year I just said, "oh to heck with it!" and picked the one I liked best without regard to price (I ought to add a countdown to the date I will regret that move... about 60 days prior to our stay, ahem)!! I still have my short list of 4 and 6 bed homes still on my computer, so send me a PM if you like and I can try to help!

 

[Blondiex46]

When we decided to rent I spent so much time looking. I got what everyone wanted in a place and then took it from there. It takes alot of work and I will let you know if it was worth it in a month. We are about 15 or so min to DW which doesn't really bother me.

 

[Blondiex46]

and I guess which ones are affordable also. Just curious?