We have now rented three different houses off property near Disney. We like renting villas because we get to experience what it might be like to live near Disney someday. Villa rental can be a great experience so long as you properly set your expectations.
You need to understand that there is an owner and a management company. The owner typically only has one or two vacation villas. They probably bought it because they like to have a place to stay when they come to Florida, but would like to make some money when not here. The management company cares for the villa because the owners are often out of state or out of country. The management company cleans the villa and takes care of the guests, and they often take care of a great number of villas.
First, there are rip off artists in the Villa world. You should only work with people that have many reviews, good reputation, can be verified, allows you to call and ask questions, and takes credit cards for payment. Be very careful!
Second, you are renting a house, not a hotel room. You are paying considerably less than a hotel for something considerably larger. The house is going to be warn. It should be clean, but expect some wear and tare.
Third, pay attention to the location. If you stay in the Famosa Gardens area off 192, or the Neighboring Four Corners area, you will be 15-30 minute drive to any park. If your condo is someplace else? You'll probably have a further drive.
Fourth, don't trust reviews that say everything was great. Those reviews were probably written by the owners or the management company. No villa is perfect, they all have something that is noteworthy and wrong.
Fifth, when you arrive at the condo, before bringing in your luggage, record everything that is wrong: stains on the carpet, anything broken, etc. You don't want to accidentally get charged for that damage. If you see anything significantly wrong, notify the management company immediately and give them time to correct it.
Sixth, most places restrict your use of the air conditioner to 75 or 74 degrees. Mix in humidity and 75 is still very warm.
Seventh, Villas will require that you clean before you leave. That usually means: run the vacuum, run the dishwasher, and put dirty linens in the laundry room.
Eight, you will be responsible for taking out the garbage
Ninth, they will all tell you: this is Florida, expect bugs. But other than an occasional ant, there should be no bugs inside the villa if it is professionally pest controlled.
Tenth, you should expect to find bed linens, towels, plates, silverware, and basic cookery. If you require anything else? Inquire about it.
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