Staying off site--vrbo or other ideas?

[KKB]

We have done WDW 3x; Pop 2x, ASM 1x (but that was me & DD for dance team...).

Realizing that since our oldest is a senior in college this may be the last year all of our spring breaks line up for a while...and they have been begging for WDW (it has been 6 years as a family)

Now teens are BIG & value just won't cut it (doubles too small for 2 of them). And onsite prices are ridiculous for March 11-19.

Cousins have rented houses & I looked at vrbo--SO much more reasonable. Will need to factor in the cost of renting a van, parking & gas, but still less than half the price of a family suite at ASM (which would be terribly cramped for 6--all adult sized). Looking at about $1200 or so for 8 nights, several bedrooms, good reviews. (several places look nice)

Even hotels that week are more & will be more cramped (considered Comfort Suites as they have a shuttle to parks but again, pretty cramped, but at least 2 Qs & a double sofa--could trade off...)

Since I have never done this, any advice? Things to look out for? Other suggestions?

THANKS

 

[Gr8t Fan]

We have rented several times at Windsor Hills through vacationcentralflorida.com. We've stayed in 2 bedroom condos, 3 bedroom condos and 3 bedroom townhouse in the past. Very nice community, about 10 minutes to AK and DHS (from community to tapstyle at park), 15 minutes to Epcot and 20 minutes to MK (from community to tapstyle at park).

We've also stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (WBC) in 2 and 3 bedroom condos. WBC is right next to Caribbean Beach Resort on WDW property. We prefer WBC because there is more of a resort feel and Windsor Hills has more of a private community feel, but you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[ZellyB]

We've used VRBO numerous times both in Orlando and elsewhere and have always had good success. I do typically look for rentals that have a reasonable number of reviews and read those carefully to be sure it sounds like a good rental. I also typically pick out at least a few that I'm interested in and then ask for information through VRBO to the owner. I usually make my final decision based on how the interaction with the owner goes. Were they prompt? Were they polite? Did they appear well-organized and businesslike in their response. Be sure you understand the full rate you will be paying with taxes and cleaning fees. Also if you get a pool home, ask about pool heating and if it's included.

We've rented twice in Windsor Hills and twice in Emerald Island and both are very similar and in close proximity to the parks.

 

[100AcreWood]

I will 2nd VacationCentralFlorida. We have used them twice and have been pleased both times. Also, you can ask for quotes through windsor hills private rentals. My neighbor recently used vacationbythemouse.com.

You will LOVE having more space!

 

[KKB]

OK, have found a number of VRBO that fit our needs, have 10+ positive reviews (often more). I spent quite a while looking--amazing how prices can vary.
BUT DARNIT SWA only opened dates until the week before we are traveling!! UGH. And prices on other airlines are running $600+ pp (I have checked multiple airports too).
And looks like they won't open further until at least the end of August...maybe September.
If I book VRBO is it refundable?

 

[BadgerGirl84]

If you have a 1200 budget, I would definitely go for a full-on private pool home in Windsor Hills (more $$), Indian Creek or Emerald Isle. We are renting a 4 bedroom home in Indian Creek with our own pool and hot tub for $850/week including all fees.

If you google each of those communities, you should be able to find a website where you can enter an inquiry to owners and receive quotes in your email. I've found better pricing that way. When you book through VRBO, part of the money is to give a cut to VRBO. An added bonus of renting a private home over a condo or townhome is that most have the garages converted into a game room with pool table, fooseball table, etc. Your teens would probably have fun with that.

 

[catfan98]

VRBO cancellation/refund depends on the person you are renting from. You would need to ask the person you are looking to rent from what their cancellation policy is. I have rented several times through VRBO, but not in the Orlando area. As others have stated, just make sure that the person you rent from has positive reviews. Also, watch what you are paying as VRBO recently added a "booking" fee to all rentals. When we were at Disney in 2015, we stayed in a condo in Windsor Hills. The area was very nice and it was a very short drive to Disney. We rented through magicalvacationhomes.com and the experience was efficient and positive.

And I feel you on the SWA. We are planning for the first week of April.

 

[KKB]

Thanks all. Itching to book...but until we know what airfare is I am not very willing to do much. I realize it means some good ones could get snapped up. But while the ones I narrowed it to were quite nice, there were so many I was able to be very picky--which honestly we aren't. It waiting means we have to go with a bit more dated decor, so be it.
After looking yesterday I feel we can possibly lower the budget--I found a number of great possibilities in the $800-1000 range. Probably townhouse/house with pool & 4 bedrooms (3 teens & gma; one is 6' 4" so twin bed doesn't work well for him), lots with game rooms.