What do need in a pool home?

[isla bonita]

Hello All,
I would like to throw this out to anyone. What do you Disney families need in a pool home? What could you have use of that would make your stay there complete? Is it pool toys? Tv's, DVD players, gamesystems? What can I have in my home that allows you to have down time away from the parks enjoyable? What appliance is a must have besides a blender for cocktails? That Is a must have. Let me know your thoughts on the subject.
Thank you
IslaB

 

[Amirah95]

This is what DH and I look for in a vacation home when it comes to electronics:

KITCHEN: a telephone, coffee maker, microwave, blender, refrigerator/ice maker, dishwasher, washer/dryer, iron and a garbage disposal

LIVING AREA/DEN : DVD/VCR, cable TV, television, lamps (for reading), a radio, a telephone and maybe a video game system. Some places we looked into had a computer with internet access

ALL BEDROOMS: alarm clock, television, VCR/DVD, a lamp and telephone (in master bedroom)

PATIO: a cooking grill, maybe pool toys, pool heating

BATHROOM: Hair dryer

As far as other things we expect:
6 place setting dinnerware and silverware, cleaning items (broom, dust pan, mop), kitchen table that seats 4, a dining room table that seats 6 and central air system.

 

[estherhead]

Because it changes with who I am going. I believe your best customers will be the ones that come every year. I never repeat a house, or at least I haven't so far. For me, the bedrooms are key. Having enough baths and bedrooms, and at least one bedroom off by itself with a bath (for the grandparent's quiet factor.) Then I look at location. I won't drive further then 12 minutes. Weird time, but that is my cut off.

Then I look at extras. I love a computer with internet. A TV in every room is nice. A few toys so I don't have to bring any in a range of kid's ages. Board games & a playstation with a few games.

A coffeemaker in the kitchen with the filters that match (SO irritating to have to buy these every vacation, use 7 and leave the pack, plus the first day you always have to use a paper towel!) Also a vacuum sweeper for the house (not locked up.) Then, I must admit, I like a well stocked kitchen, utensil wise. We actually do cook on vacation and I enjoy a non stick pan or two, at least 2 cookie sheets, one 13x9 inch pan (for boxed brownies ) and lots of bowls for storing leftovers and fruit in the fridge. And a few basic spices is nice, but perhaps people don't do that because they get used up and must be re-bought. I've been a few places that have salt/pepper/cinnamon/garlic powder/sugar in big containers. It's just a nice touch that couldn't cost that much money.

And the washer and dryer must work. I've been to two houses where one was broken. Totally unacceptable. We made such a fuss, the poor housekeeper came and did the laundry at her house (she was going to do it for free but we all felt horrid so tipped her WELL, but there was no way I was spending a minute of my vacation at a laundrimat!) I stay off site so I have a house and basically just want house things.

Older kids do enjoy a game room with pool table/foos table/ or ping pong. And the men enjoy it too to escape and drink their beer. Having little kids, I never use them but someday I'm sure I will.

A Disney themed room is never a bad thing. Especially a girl on and a boy one. Or a Nick room would be good too. One Nick room and one Disney would be perfect for our family.

 

[DisneyDW]

Keyed locks on the door to the pool area! We stayed at a home one time and they had the alarms which were very good (and I think required by law?). They definitely went off a few times. But I saw my 4 year old watching how we pushed the button, then opened the door. I think it was just a matter of a few more observations before he pulled a chair up and did it himself. And if we had an older cousin with us, they definitely would have learned the trick. Both my 2 yr old and 4 yr old love water and would be out there in a flash with no fear but of course, cannot swim. I would never stay in a pool home again with little kids without something that will guarantee that no one will be out there without an adult.

The themed rooms, toys, train table and high speed Internet access made me choose this home. Those were extras, I expect all the basics like a usable kitchen, tv's, w/d, nice rooms and furnishings. DVDs, playstation/games are nice as well.

The most important thing to me was great communication, easy booking and a feeling of confidence that if there were any problems, someone would address them immediately.

 

[Amirah95]

Yes, the vaccuum is a biggie. As far as the coffee machine, get one that doesn't need filters. The metal/plastic filter can just be washed. The owner has the house stocked already furniture, utensil and decor wise but needs advice about electronics, games and toys. I think the grill is the biggie. Some renters don't clean it after each use when they should so I don't know if that's such a good idea or is the job of the mgmt company?

 

[isla bonita]

I am not sure but it can really leave a mess. The house we rented when we were down there had a grill and the side of the house and the pool decking were filthy with grease and soot. I do not want to see that happen to our home. It would break my heart.

 

[MCK588]

I think that rental homes are very attractive to those that have infants. Mine was in that crawling stage when I rented and I didn't want her crawling around a hotel room. So my vote is for baby items.

An exersaucer and highchair are key! I think I was able to pack up everything else I needed (toys, pack-n-play) but those 2 things I just couldn't bring with me. The highchair seems to be standard in all homes, but the exersaucer is not for some reason. Maybe because it's only used until around 9-12 months, but boy do you really need it during that first year! It allows me to take a shower, cook, eat, or even swim! I almost bought one at Walmart when I was there and left if for the homeowner. (I did do that with a potty seat come to think of it)

Anyway, besides the highchair and exersaucer other baby gear that would be nice is a pack-n-play which serves as both a playpen and a crib. With or without a sheet, but make sure you state that so someone can bring a sheet from home. We had our own, but it was a godsend when we were in the pool and baby was napping or just playing. As for infant toys, I think most people pack enough so that you wouldn't have to worry about it, plus since these go in the mouth so often it's best to bring them from home anyway.

Oh, and a bouncy seat wouldn't be bad. Many people with tiny infants travel to Disney and these are also a lifesaver before the exersaucer phase!

 

[mareed]

My vote is for at least one king-size bed. When you're used to sleeping on a king bed at home, 2 squeezed together on a queen just doesn't work well. We've stayed at condos/homes before and I always cross those without a king bed off my list first.