Florida Vacation Rental - The Smart Alternative

By Alison Meacham

So you have decided that you want to visit The Happiest Place on Earth - Disney World in Orlando Florida. Your next big decision is where you would like to stay. An increasing number of people are choosing to stay in an Orlando vacation rental villa. As recently as 5 years ago the choice was limited - but now there is something for everyone. From the 2 bed condo to the 7 bed luxury vacation home on a beautiful Florida vacation rental resort.

When you start your search for an home you will notice that there are a lot of choices. Some would say an overwhelming number of choices! So you need to be a little organized just as you would in your search for an hotel. So here is a list to start your Florida vacation rental search:

How large a vacation home do you want? Decide if you are looking for a condo, or a home. A condo may cost less but if it is a more luxurious stay you are looking for then consider an upgrade to a villa. Most vacation homes in Orlando will have a private pool - is this something that would make your stay that bit more special? Many of my guests tell me that the private swimming pool is the thing which their children enjoy most!

How close to the attractions would you like to be? Many Orlando vacation home rentals are close to Disney World. Ask yourself how important this is to your family. There are some resorts, including the Windsor Palms resort, which are within 5 to 10 minutes of the Disney Main Gate.

What is your price range? Treat this just as you would with an Orlando Florida hotel. It is best
to set a realistic budget which is right for your family. You will be saving money so why not treat yourself to something very special?

There are many different communities offering different things. Some homes are located on a resort with facilities to rival that of a 4 or 5 star hotel. Do you want a home with community pool, spa, sundry store, games room, gym, movie theater - the possibilities are endless. Or would you prefer to pay a little less and have a villa on a community with no facilities? You must decide what would be best for your family group.

So when you have found your perfect choice of vacation home community, or at least narrowed it down to a choice of 2 or 3 maximum, begin emailing owners, that you have found in your search. Look at their website and check out the pictures. A picture speaks a thousand words.
Unfortunately you also have to look at the words! By this I mean the responses from the owner.
Was their response speedy and helpful? Ask as many questions as you need to. If you want to talk to them on the telephone then ask them to call you. This can often be a much easier way of getting the information that you need to know, and also building trust in your vacation home owner.

Whichever Florida vacation rental home you choose I am sure that you will be happy with your choice and never want to stay in the confined space of an hotel room again.

Alison Meacham is the author of the Disney Vacation Money Savings Guide She owns luxury Florida vacation rental homes within 5 minutes of Disney. You can view her resort villas at www.windsorpalmsusa.com Sign up for her free newsletter which gives tips, ideas and suggestions on how to save on your Disney World Vacation