When to rent

[MTP]

I just want to say, as a non-villa owner, that I would definitley book a villa and not hotels. Apart from maybe a couple of nights in one of the WDW hotels, so that you can "stay in the magic", a villa wins hands down. You will also probably not find much cost difference in renting a four bedroom over a three bedroom and will probably get a better bedroom/space configuration.

One point I would like to make is to also consider renting two cars, even two smaller cars, rather than trying to share one. This will allow for a much greater level of flexibility and also for the group to split up to do separate things.

These are all things that could be booked now and budgeted/paid for over the coming year, so may help spread the cost of the holiday. One other cost to figure in is that you will probably need the pool to be heated in a villa, whch will usually incur a charge at the villa.

Just some thoughts.

[neilandkay]

Bear in mind that overall the cost of the villa will be perhaps the best value of your vacation. When you book a villa privately you pay a rate to rent the whole villa and not per person and you have a whole range of features and benefits over hotel rooms. When you look at your overall costs, renting a villa is only a small proportion of your budget.

Decide what you want from your villa and see what is available and the rental rates. There are lots of options to consider like where is the villa, what facilities does it have that you would like or need, are there any facilities on the resort that you would like or need. Do some research on what options owners offer and what your family would need or want during your stay. If this is a one off holiday and if it will be a holiday of a lifetime, then perhaps it will be worth paying a little bit extra for your accommodation to ensure that you get a home that is right for your family.

[allyneil]

No doubt about it that villa renting makes sense, especially with Kids. We have tried hotels but there's so little for the kids to do in most of them, the pool is a trek away and you pay top prices for everything ($2 plus for a bottle of water, 60c in the supermarket).

So if you're on a budget go for the villa, you will get better accomodation, better facilities, and now many have a games room for the kids. Only things you have to do is arrange your own meals - but you'll eat better and save a fortune!

Neil

[Debs]

I can only echo everyone elses comments except to add that with a villa you will have all that extra space which is so important with children - also having a kitchen means that you can have breakfast at home before you leave for the day which is a bonus both a money and time saver. Also you can take a packed lunch out with you too (provided your destination will allow you to bring food of course). Just having a fridge full of drinks and a freezer full of ice cream is great when you are chilling round the pool