Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
111
Homes Away from Home
Tips
Some travelers, especially those who like all the comforts of home, prefer quiet
privacy, or are traveling in groups of five or more, bypass motels in favor of
rental condos or homes. Rates vary widely depending on quality and location;
some may require at least a 2- or 3-night minimum. Many of these properties
are 3 to 15 miles from the theme parks and offer no transportation, so a car is
a necessity.
On the plus side, most have two to six bedrooms and a convertible couch,
two or more bathrooms, a full kitchen, multiple TVs and phones, and irons.
Some have washers and dryers. Homes often have their own private screen-
enclosed pool, while condos generally have a common pool and a clubhouse.
On the minus side, they can be lacking in services. Most don't have daily
maid service, and restaurants can be as far away as the parks. (There's another
reason you'll need a car.) And unless a condo or home is in a gated community,
don't expect on-site security. Some properties offer dinnerware, utensils, and
salt-and-pepper shakers; others are fully stocked with pots, pans, and every
gadget imaginable—check when you book, as amenities vary widely.
Rates range from about $109 to $579 per night ($750-$4,100 per week).
All Star Vacation Homes ( & 800/592-5568 or 407/997-0733; www.
allstarvacationhomes.com) is the cream of the city's home and condo rental
crop, with a wide variety of properties to choose from—all of them within a
4-mile radius of Disney. Many of their homes feature such amenities as pool
tables, personal home theaters, and Jacuzzi tubs along with private pools. Do
check their website—you will be able to see the exact home you are renting,
as opposed to a “typical” room—but be sure to call if you have special require-
ments, want a specific theme (they have a Disney-themed home if you don't
want to give up Mickey while sleeping), or want help selecting the home that
meets your needs. The staff is exceptionally cordial and well informed.
Other popular players include VillaDirect ( & 877/259-9908 or 407/397-
9818; www.villadirect.com), Holiday Villas ( & 800/344-3959; www.holiday
villas.com), Global Resort Homes ( & 866/921-1167 or 407/387-3030; www.
globalresorthomes.com), and Elite Vacation Homes ( & 888/510-6679; www.
elitevacationhomes.com), among others.
4
Galleria Palms Hotel & Suites Just 1 1 / 2 miles west of WDW, this welcoming
hotel is a good choice for the budget-conscious vacationer. The rooms are nicely deco-
rated and sport a modern, upscale look, but are a bit on the small side, making them a
snug fit for four. The property is well maintained and provides a bit beyond the basics
with good taste; frills include flatscreen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and rain-shower
shower heads. There's no restaurant, but a free breakfast is served in the lobby, and there
are more than enough dining choices just a minute or two away to keep you from going
hungry.
 
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