An Orlando vacation is the dream getaway for most families. Every year about fifty million people make the journey to Florida to enjoy the pleasures that Disney, Sea World and Universal provide. It’s a truly magical place for the whole family.
Where to stay in Florida is an important decision. Most families and groups still choose to book a hotel or motel and there are many to consider, including those actually at Disney World and the many that exist within a few miles of the Magic Kingdom. But more and more visitors have become aware of an alternative that has grown up during the past few years.
The area just to the south of Disney World now contains many thousands (yes, thousands!) of condos and single-family homes that are owned by investors and absentee owners and that are available to rent out on a short term basis, just like a hotel or motel. They offer all the home comforts such as kitchens and multiple bathrooms, plus they generally have far more living space than hotel rooms can offer.
In the main, these homes are just a short drive away from the Disney main gates. There is a wide variety of places to choose from, including large single family homes of four, five, six bedrooms or even more. At the other end of the scale there are two and three bedroom condos. In an effort to meet every imaginable need, some resort-style communities have been built around central clubhouses that incorporate exercise facilities, tennis courts and even a movie theater.
The vacation rental industry has grown in popularity so much that few families want to return to the restrictions of a hotel once they’ve sampled the extra freedom and flexibility. But like any purchase, there are hidden aspects to think about.
With the rise of the Internet, vacation rental companies and even individual owners have developed professional-looking websites that provide pictures and descriptions of the properties on offer. But as with much of the information available on the Internet, sometimes not all is revealed up-front. Before reaching a decision there are some very important questions to consider:
* What is the minimum number of nights I can book?
* How much deposit do I have to pay to secure a booking?
* When is the balance of payment due?
* What is your refund policy if I cancel?
* Can you confirm the total amount including tax and other charges that you will require?
* Will I be staying in the property that I’ve seen online?
* What’s the earliest I can check in on the day of arrival?
* What is check-out time on the day I leave?
* I want to pay by credit card - do you accept them?
* Some companies require a security deposit in case of damage to the property - do you?
The best advice anyone can give is to make sure you understand the full terms and conditions before you sign up.