Orlando Villas for Families

Orlando villas, in our opinion, are the absolute best accommodation choice when travelling to Florida as a family.

These roomy accommodations are away from the crowds and very homey.

What's better than evening drinks with your family around the pool while the B-B-Q sizzles and the Florida sun sets in a blaze of colour?

Home From Home!

Honestly, We feel like we're in our own home away from home. Here's what we like best: Lots of room. We travel with up to 8 people in our family. As you know, keeping different ages happy isn't always easy in close quarters. Someone wants to nap, someone else wants to watch a bit of T.V. and another two want to splash about in the pool. With a villa, we have the room to spread out and the freedom to do what we want when we want.

Lots of choice. There are a lot of Disney Vacation Homes located around Orlando. Orlando villas are available everywhere, including Kissimmee north, south, east and west; our personal preference has always been the south and southwest.

Why? Well, we've found the south and southwest areas allow easy access to everything. When you're staying in Orlando holiday villas in these areas, it's easy to get to the theme parks as well as both the east and west coasts. Just hop on the Interstate 4 (I-4) or 192 Highway (Kissimmee). You can also take Highway 27 and the Gulf coast to Tampa or Clearwater or visit Busch Gardens via the I-4.

100's of Orlando villas are available!

Something for everyone. Orlando holiday villas typically have at least 2 bedrooms and up to 3 bathrooms. (If your family is anywhere near the size of ours, we highly recommend springing for the luxury of that third bathroom!)

The more bedrooms/bathrooms, the higher the price, but it's nice to have bigger options in accommodation.

The downside of Orlando villas?

Rarely is anything perfect in this world. And that goes for villas too.

As you can see from the map above, these vacation rentals are spread out over a huge area, so car rental is a must when you choose to stay in a Orlando holiday villa. The villas tend to be in areas further out. You can expect it to take between ten and forty minutes to get to the theme parks, depending on the exact location of your villa. (Remember: If you have a big family, you'll need a big vehicle.)

The huge number of villa rentals means there is a huge range of prices. Price varies with the season, the location of the villa, its size and amenities. The closer Orlando vacation rentals are to theme parks, the higher the price. And if your villa is overlooking a golf course or has a lake view, you'll pay more.

Size and amenities affect price too!

Your best bet? Figure out how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want-and how many you need. Then, determine what you can live without and the things that are must-haves: will you need a swimming pool? Do you require heating if you're travelling during the cool season?

Security also costs more. Many Orlando villas are located in gated communities through out the area....given you that peace of mind if required.

Booking options:

How you book Orlando Vacation Rentals is really up to you. To get you started, here's a list of suggestions:

• Internet search engines...Lots of choices - Google is one of the most popular. Just type Orlando villas (above) into your search engine. Here's a useful site you might find helpful during your search;

• Travel agents...They can arrange an all-in package so you can just relax and enjoy yourself. You can also book separate flights, accommodation, car rental, insurance etc. if you prefer.

• E-Bay...This site is becoming popular for private owners and companies renting out properties. You can bid and secure some excellent deals on Orlando villas through E-Bay. Just remember to check the background history of the seller so you don't get taken for a ride. E-Bay

• TV holiday programs-Teletext...You can pick up some great deals this way but be prepared to spend a lot of time staring at that TV screen.

• Friends and family...Very useful for getting vital information that might result in a great deal, even better if your friends and family are able to deal directly with the owners of Orlando villas.

• People who own private villas...If you know the people personally and you are happy with the conditions set out, go for it! If you don't know the owners, be careful and ask questions.

Here's what to ask private owners of Orlando vacation rentals:

1. Do they have pictures, videos or a website showing the interior and exterior of their home? If not, don't book with them! The exception? If you have a personal recommendation from a friend or family member who tells you the place is great, it's okay to pass on seeing it first.

2. Do they have a license to rent the property? They require such a license because they are running a business and are expected to pay taxes and fees. A license also verifies their credibility and will have details such as their name and address, which you can personally check.

3. Can they provide you with references? If these people are genuine they will gladly supply a list of people-including contact numbers-who have stayed in their villa.

4. Is the villa available for the dates you need it? Some private owners will only rent on a Saturday-to-Saturday basis. If this is the case and it doesn't work for you, you'll have to keep looking.

If you're not getting the answers you want to hear, or even if you're just getting a bad feeling, keep looking. There are plenty of Orlando villas for rent, so don't settle for something you don't really want.

You're normally required to book well in advance, especially in the high season. A 10% deposit is usually required with the full balance due 8 - 10 weeks before departure. You'll also need to pay a holding deposit to cover damage during your stay.

It will most likely be returned when you check out. (Assuming you don't throw wild parties!)

Florida & Orlando villas, Privately owned Florida vacation homes and rentals in Orlando, Disney and the Gulf Coast. Click here for further details Last minute villas

Plus, Here's a useful site we recommend Disney Orlando Villas

Just like your local paperboy

When booking Orlando villas, you don't want to use old news and information. We will keep updating our site via our RSS feed. Simply click onto the RSS feed above and follow the instructions. It's an easy way to stay on top of what's happening in & around Orlando & Kissimmee free of charge.