Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the my vacation rental located?

Each villa has a map and a written description of how long it takes to get to the Disney World Resort. The arrival information includes detailed instructions on how to get from your arrival airport to your vacation rental villa.

How many people can stay in the villa?

Each villa has a maximum occupancy set by the State of Florida. This is the maximum number of guests permitted in the home and includes all people regardless of age or size. The details for each villa states the maximum. Each villa will normally sleep two people in each bedroom, plus two people on a sleeper sofa (If available). However, we recommend that everyone has their own room � it makes for a more private and peaceful vacation. There is a cot but if this is occupied, the total number of guests must not exceed the maximum including the occupant of the cot.

Can two families share?

Absolutely! In fact many of our bookings are for two families. The living accommodation is very spacious with a large family area, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, a breakfast area and a games room. Out back is a sun deck equipped with loungers, chairs and tables and swimming pool all enclosed in a netted enclosure.

Is the villa suitable for children?

Almost all of our guests are families with children of all ages. When the youngsters are not out at Disney or Universal all they'll want is the swimming pool and a bed! All villas have a cot, and high chair. Some also have a child car seat, stroller/backpack and portable potty.

As a safety precaution all of the exit doors to the pool area are fitted with alarms so that you'll know when the children head for the swimming pool.

How do I make a reservation?

You can do it right here online. Check the availability calendar. If the times that you want are free you can fill in the reservation form and we'll be in touch. Alternatively, use the Contact form to enquire and we'll get right back to you or you can call us and we'll answer all your questions. To confirm any reservation you'll need to pay a non-refundable deposit. The minimum booking period is four days.

How do I pay for the rental?

We take dollar (or UK sterling) personal cheques, cashier's cheques, or money orders. Wired or mailed payments can be sent directly into our bank account in Florida or in the UK. Alternatively, you can pay securely using any major credit card with PayPal in sterling, dollars or euros. Online payments made by PayPal are subject to a 4% surcharge to cover the transaction costs. We will contact you with payment methods as soon as you send the online booking form.

How do I know that this is the villa that I'll get?

We only rent the villas you have chosen. We do not promise you one villa and then on arrival put you somewhere else. Period.

What do we do when we arrive?

You will be sent a complete arrivals pack with everything you'll need to find the property so you can go straight to the villa from the airport and let yourself in.

The pack will contain a unique door entry code, which will open the electronic front door lock or lockbox. There is no trip to the Management Company offices to collect door keys when you've just got off the plane!

How does the security deposit work?

We rent these villas to help cover some of the costs associated. All we ask is that you treat it with respect. Unfortunately, we know of several villas that have been badly treated when rented and have had to adopt a Security Deposit system. Your security deposit will be returned within 4 weeks of your return, subject to confirmation with our representative that the villa and its contents are in the same condition as on your arrival. Any damage, breakages, excessive use of utilities and/or leaving the villa in such condition that warrants extra cleaning will be made good from your security deposit along with an administration charge.

What if we get a problem?

Our local representative will look after day-to-day villa operations. They are friendly, helpful and efficient. If you get a problem you can call them anytime and report the problem.

What do we need to bring?

Just bring the essentials: clothes, toiletries and some favorite toys for the children. Oh! bring lots of money because there is so much that you'll want to see and do!

Towels? What about towels?

The villas are furnished and fully equipped for self catering. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the modern appliances you'll need plus dishes, cookware, cutlery, coffee maker, blender, toaster and even plastic ware for eating out by the pool. It has a washer and dryer, ironing board, vacuum cleaner and hair dryers. There are two sets of sheets for each bedroom and two sets of towels for each bathroom. We do ask that the bath towels are not removed from the villa and if you intend to visit local water parks or beaches you will need to take the pool towels.

The cleaning team leave a bar of commercial soap and toilet paper in each bathroom for your arrival convenience. Further supplies are your responsibility during your stay. It is not necessary that you replace these items before your departure. Please note that we do not provide dishwasher or laundry detergent although previous guests may have left some behind.

Can we smoke in the villas?

The villas have a strict no smoking policy that extends to the lanai, sun deck and pool. Any damage caused by guests smoking will be taken very seriously and will be claimed against the security deposit.

Can we bring a family pet?

Apart from guide dogs, pets are not allowed.

Is the pool heated?

Most villas charge separately for pool heating but you probably won't need it during the summer as the pool will be naturally warm. It is generally advised to have the pool heated from October to April. If you haven't booked this in advance it can be turned on by our representative, however may take up to 48 hours to heat up.

What are the furnishings like?

The villas have been furnished to our individual taste and have beautiful coordinated decor. The family room is comfortably furnished with sofas and armchairs, coffee and end tables to help your relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Does the villa have a telephone?

The villas have one telephone number for outgoing and incoming calls. Local calls and select 1-800 numbers to local attractions, airlines & rental car companies will be free of charge. Out of area and international calls are available and cost about 10c/min. The bill is itemised and will be deducted from your security deposit prior to the refund. In the event that your bill exceeds the deposit, we will invoice you for the difference. Some villas require the use of a phone card available at the local supermarket.

The villa telephone number will be in your arrivals pack.

Internet Access?

We do not supply a PC but if you have a laptop, the phone line can be used for dial up access. Should you need broadband, take the family on a shopping trip and nip into a Panera coffee shop for wireless access. Please remember you are on holiday though!

Cable television?

The villa has a cable TV package with over 50 channels. The villas have a large television in the Family Room plus DVD and VCR. Many villas also have their own cable connected television in each bedroom.

Is maid service included?

Our villas are 'self-catering'. The home will be clean upon your arrival and will be cleaned once again when you leave. The villa is equipped with a washer and dryer, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner and mop. Contact the us in advance if you want a daily or weekly maid service for an additional fee.

What is the swimming pool like?

The extended sun deck is completely enclosed in mosquito proof screening. Receiving the sun from morning to night, the large crystal clear swimming pool can be quickly brought up to temperature by optional heating.

A deep shady lanai complements the sunny pool and sun deck. With comfortable loungers, table, chairs and a ceiling fan the lanai is the perfect cool place to watch your children play in the pool while you read a book or relax and take a nap. The gas grill is perfect for an easy meal and a bottle of wine by the pool as the sun goes down.

What security is there?

The villa includes built-in smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. Many villas have an electric front door lock, which ensures that you can't be locked out. There is no door key to share or lose.

All house exit doors to the swimming pool are fitted with an audible alarm but guests are asked to not allow children to use the pool unsupervised at any time. Use of the pool is at each guest's own risk. The pool doors have further enhanced security features that you are encouraged to use. These are described in the documentation in the villa.

What are the bedrooms like?

The master suite bedroom usually has a king size bed. Further bedrooms are equipped as described in the individual villa details. Take a look at the Villa Slide show on the Villa description page to see photographs of the rooms.

Where is the closest Supermarket?

Typically there is one within 5 minutes drive. Local facilities are described in each of the villas' details.

How far away are the main attractions?

The villas are only generally only 5-15 minutes from Walt Disney World. There you can visit The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom as well as themed water parks and Downtown Disney with evening entertainment, restaurants and retail outlets. Sea World is about 20 minutes away and Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure 25 minutes away.

About an hour to the East you will find the Kennedy Space Centre and the wonderful Atlantic beaches of Cocoa and Daytona. Head west and within an hour's easy drive you can visit Busch Gardens or historic old Tampa. Drive on further to find the Gulf Coast with its wonderful warm waters, beautiful silver sand beaches and great fishing in the calm waters of the Caribbean.

Are there any medical services nearby?

There are many within a few minutes drive. The Florida Hospital is on US 192 at Celebration (about 15 minutes away).

What about a round of golf?

If you are coming to Florida for golf, the closest courses are only minutes away at the Highlands Reserve Golf Club and at Champions Gate; a magnificent PGA championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Further south on Highway 27 is the highly recommended Ridgewood Lakes Golf and Country Club championship course. To the north, there is Legends - a challenging hilly course - really nice people in the Pro-shop.

How hot does Florida get?

At the height of the summer it gets very hot and quite humid. The villa has sophisticated air conditioning and ceiling fans. The cool, deep shady Lanai with it's own ceiling fan is the perfect place to watch your children play in the pool while you read a book or take a nap.

With its warm weather Florida is an all round year destination. The busiest time is from October-April when Americans come to enjoy the mild winters. Most will have left well before the summer arrives, when it can be extremely hot.

The spring temperatures in Florida are in the upper 80's, and lows possible in the 50's. There is plenty of sunshine, but spring showers are common. You should be comfortable in swimwear, shorts and light clothing for the day and sweaters for the cooler evenings.

Typically June through September Florida daily temperatures can be in the 90's. Thunderstorms are possible in the late afternoon, but usually last no more than an hour and can be refreshing. Why not return to the villa during the afternoon, or visit the malls, returning to the theme parks or attractions in the evening to view the shows. Remember to cover up with a high factor sun cream and drink plenty of water. Nonetheless, those who aren't used to it may find 90�F and 70%-90% humidity a strain. Careful pacing, loose, light clothing and a hat with a brim will help. Be particularly careful where long waits in line occur: Some of the theme park attractions can have you standing in the sun longer than you might like.

October to December still offers plenty of Florida sunshine with highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's. This is ideal weather for those who don't want the extreme heat of the summer.

The Florida winter temperatures are cooler, but can still be in the 70's during the day with low temperatures in the evening around the mid 50's. You will still need swimwear and light clothing, but take sleeved clothing or jackets for the cooler evenings. The native Floridians will be noticeable for their warm winter clothing but it's more like spring weather for those of us used to the UK weather.

Average Daily Temperatures

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Average Daily Hours of Sun

But I've never driven in Florida before!

The use of a car is essential. But don't worry; driving in Florida is really easy. If you've not driven in Florida before there are a few things to know.

You are allowed (and expected) to turn right on red at most traffic lights if it is safe to do so. When traffic lights continuously flash yellow it is just a warning - you can proceed with caution.

It is quite normal when highway driving to overtake vehicles on the inside which means that you can happily drive in any lane. If you want to change lane, signal, wait for a gap and then go - everybody does it.

Stop signs at junctions mean just that - you must always stop and then proceed if is safe to do. At four way stop junctions everyone stops before proceeding. It is a very egalitarian system as everyone takes turn to move off across the junction. The rule is that cars leave the junction in the same order that they arrived. It works very well; minimizing traffic queues and making roundabouts unnecessary. Going out of turn is considered rude, if you do it by accident, wave to apologize.

You must stop behind a school bus when children are disembarking even if you are in a different lane. Stick to the speed limits. Some automated tollbooths are unmanned so it is worthwhile keeping a few dollars worth of quarters in the car.

Any other questions?

Please email us.

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