When to rent

[AussieAnn]

G'Day all,

We intend to visit WDW the first two weeks in December 2004.

We are a party of 5 adults - Mum, Dad, son, daughter and new
son-in-law. As always we are on a tight budget as we are treating the kids.

Is renting one of your Villas the best way to go and if so when should I be booking my accommodation? We would require 3 bedrooms.

[Jill]

A villa is a much better option for your stay than hotel rooms. By booking a villa (especially from this site, as all villa owners have to prove that they actually own their villa) you get to stay in a very well kept private home, with plenty of space, privacy, plus you get your own swimming pool. If you look at the cost of three hotel rooms and compare how much they cost and how much space you get it should not make your choice too difficult. The earlier you book the better as you will get a greater choice. If you put out a general enquiry for a 3 bedroom villa, owners with availabilty will send you details of their homes.

What ever you do decide to do I hope you have a fantastic vacation.

[DMC]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

I certainly think that a villa would be the best way of holidaying for you in Florida and a 3 bedroom villa should be big enough.

As for when to book, I would spend a few days searching other pages of this web site and once you have made a choice its never to early to book.

The earlier you book the better the chance of getting the Villa you want for the dates that you require, Christmas is always a busy time and if you leave it too long you may not get the dates / the villa you would like.

A small deposit is all that should be required this far out.

[Funshine]

Hi AussieAnn and Welcome!

A villa will be much more suited to you and your family, you will have all the space you need, lounge and dining rooms, family room, well appointed bedrooms and bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen as well as a washer and dryer at your disposal. All these would not be available to you if you opted for a motel or hotel room. In addition, a villa will definitely work out more cost effective, against 3 hotel rooms - why pay for 3 rooms when you could have a whole house. We stayed in motels and hotels and rented villas before buying our own property, there is definitely no competition - a private villa wins everytime!!

And, what more could you want than a front door of your own, a pool all to yourselves, and amenities and theme parks all on your doorstep.

You should take a look at the villa sites by clicking on the links above, where you will find plenty of homes in many different areas to choose from.

Whichever home you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Have a great time in Florida [8D]

[Angua]

Hi AussieAnn!

Welcome to the Forum.

We too were a party of five adults visiting Orlando for the first time in 1987 and we stayed in a Hotel on I-Drive on that visit. We had an amazing time and knew no better until we visited again in 1996 and stayed in a Villa.

Staying in a Villa is so much cheaper and far more relaxing. The most important factors for us are that it's a home to return to, rather than just a place to lay your head. You have so much more room to relax in and can enjoy the company of your family in the communal areas or slope off to your own room for a bit of peace and quiet. You need rest time after the hectic pace of the Theme Parks and in a Villa you get to really enjoy that time. Also, there's nothing nicer than walking out of your bedroom and diving straight into your own pool for an early morning swim!![msnsmile2]

My Hubbie and I again stayed in one of the more celubrious hotels on the Disney resort in 2000 for part of our honeymoon and I have to say, never again. The room felt pokey, even though it was much bigger than hotel rooms we have had in the UK. The pool area was miles away and it felt like such a huge effort to trapse down there after wandering around the Theme Parks.

We're visiting again next year and this time, we've booked a Villa even though there's just the two of us!! Roll on 2004!

Good luck with your holiday planning!

Kind regards
Sarah[msncool]

[huckleberry house]

Hi Aussie Ann

Well as you can tell from all the replies the overall consensus is that a Villa is a far better option than a Hotel,and I wouldnt be one to disagree

Sarah makes a very good point that many dont consider,the daily trapse to the pool carrying all your towels,sun cream,drinks--having to have someone watch the valuables while you take it in turns to swim.None of which applies when you stay in a Villa.You can go for a swim whilst the others sleep without disturbing anyone and if you fancy a break from the parks a Villa is a viable and comfortable option to stay at and relax whereas in a Hotel room you have a couple of beds and a TV.The cost savings can be considerable.Many find they cannot stay in a hotel room all day and end up going out and spending yet more on the rest days.

You have chosen a very good time to go to Florida,not too hot and humid but the Parks are at their quietest for the whole year.I would advise you to have a look at the Villas on the links and make an enquiry as soon as possible as the best ones get booked up early.

Also I wouldnt be too restrictive just yet on the size you may need,sometimes the price differential isnt that great and a larger villa in terms of bedrooms can sometimes give you double the floor areas elsewhere as well.Just take some time to see what is available and what takes your fancy.And think of all the money you will save on buying those Christmas presents in the bargain outlet malls,that should help with the budget as well.

Good luck and have a lovely,lovely holiday.

[msnsmile2][msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

Lesley

[AussieAnn]

Hi all,

Thanx for all the advice, suggestions and best wishes. I guess it's time to check out the Villas!!

[steph_goodrum]

The other point with the villa size is that as you have 2 couples you may find a 4 bed more suitable, in that most 3 beds would most likely be set up as double and 2 twins but there may be the exception or some may have flexible bedroom options.

[bellaepovera]

Not to mention having more then one tv so the kids can watch their programs (if they are able to stay up as they will be exhausted), save loads of money on eating out especially breakfast. But the best part is the pool which is private and you can even enjoy them in the evening hours as hotels close early especially in the winter. All in all a villa is the best choice especially the ones on this site.

[Matt]

I have to agree with Babblin Boo on the room types. As there are 5 adults in your party, you will probably be looking for two double rooms and possibly both en-suite.

You may find these in the 3 bed Villas depending on how the owner has configured and utilised their space. But it also doesn't hurt to check out the 4 and even 5 bed homes for the time of year you are going, which is also when you will find some of the cheapest rates.

Whatever you deceide, and which ever villa you go for, I'm sure you will have a great time, and in the end, will have to come back here and let us know we steered you in the right direction with regards to your accommodation needs.

Matt