• As a business we have seen things change in the villa rental industry.  We have always specialised in renting villas in Florida, both in  ‘Disney area’ (Kissimmee) and also on the Gulf Coast.  We have seen a lot of what goes on, the good, the bad and sadly sometimes the ugly. 

    Throughout the 22 years we have been in business we have seen things change and move with the times.  When we 1st started out things were very different than they are today.  With the advent of new technology Email and the Internet we can do lots more and share lots more than we could ever dream of previously.

    Our websites have lots more pictures and information than we could  have ever realistically printed and sent to anyone by post.

    And we have plenty more in the way of ‘moving with the times’ to come so ‘watch this space!’  as you know we already have a Facebook page and a Twitter Feed. 

    All this new technology and the ‘inexpensive’ websites available mean that more and more individual owners are able to marekt their villas direct to you.  While this is great and there are many positives to this, sadly there are some downsides.

    Booking direct with an owner

    If you book your villa direct with an owner, through one of the many individual websites out there or through one of the directory style websites, it can be a fantastic experience.  You can see the actual villa you will be staying in, you can speak directly to the owner, they will know everything there is to know about their home.  They can give you great tips on the best places to eat, things to do while you are in the area and a whole host of other information.  Booking direct with an owner can also seem to be much cheaper than booking with a traditional travel agent.  But…..

    In the past 22 years we have come across lots of situations where renting a villa direct with an owner has been far from the best or cheapest option.  Some examples of various situations we have come across -:
    1) The family who had booked a villa and had been looking forward to their holiday for many months.  1 week before they were due to travel they had a letter and refund from the owner to say that they could no longer use the villa, due to damage sustained in a storm.

    2) The couple who had booked a villa for their honeymoon, paid a deposit direct to the owner and then could never get in touch with them again.

    3) The family who again had booked a villa through a private individual only to have their money returned just a few weeks before travelling.  The reason the owner gave them was that they were very sorry but they had managed to double book the villa.

    4) The retired couple who had booked a special anniversary trip only to be let down by an individual owner who had not been paying the mortgage on the property and the bank had foreclosed on them.

    In each instance when these people called us, they were understandably upset and rightly so.  Their holiday was on the brink of collapse and they had little or no comeback against the person that they booked the villa with.  Of course they had been given a refund (in most cases) but if they couldn’t find alternative accommodation then they would have had to forfeit the flights that they had paid for and the car hire that they had booked. In every case, (and this is by far from being all of them, just a small selection of examples) we were able to find a comparable villa in the same area required.

    Stuff we can do that a private individual owner probably can’t.

    • We have more than 22 years experience in renting property in Florida
    • All our villas are privately owned, BUT we have access to lots of them.  So if something goes wrong with the home you have booked, all is NOT lost.  We can probably allocate a villa in the very same sub division, you may even be upgraded!
    • Our business is certainly NOT a hobby, we are in the office 7 days a week.  Usually from before 8am til after 6pm.  Making us very easy to contact.  we aren’t ONLY available evenings and weekends!
    • We are licensed and bonded by the CAA this is our ATOL license.  More information about ATOL.
    • We can take credit card payments, so if you want even more security you can pay in this way if you choose
    • Because we are ATOL bonded we are able to get competitive deals on flights.
    • We can also book car hire, and you can be sure that we will include all the right insurances you might need.  We only sell the fully inclusive package that includes the most comprehensive cover (we have heard some horror stories about insurance not being included and extortionate prices being charged at the pick up desk.
    • We also manage ALL our properties.  If there is a problem there is no drama – you let us know – we fix it. (and usually rather rapidly too)  Simple!

    So if you really want the best of both worlds.  Knowing the exact villa you have booked, the personal service and advice, from a team that have detailed knowledge not just of the area you are going to but of the home you are going to too.  But the peace of mind you might get booking through a larger organisation.  We are also private owners and look after the interests of other owners so our view is to simply be able to offer great rates with the added security of booking with a  business rather than an individual person!  Then the choice is simple.  Give us a call, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Email us.  We’ll be more than happy to chat to you.

     

     

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  • Top Tips 24.05.2010 No Comments

    You may know this theme park as MGM Studios, in recent years the name has been changed.  It opened as Disney’s MGM

    Tower of Terror

    Studios in 1989 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.  Adding lots of rides along the way.The Water tower used to be the iconic landmark for this theme park but the Hollywood Tower Hotel seems almost as popular.

    Aerosmith Rock'n'Roller Coaster

    The building houses one of the parks thrill rides The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror , that offers amazing views right across the Disney property. Right next door you will find Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster  another great thrill ride.  Our top tip is to get into the park early and head straight for these 2 very popular rides.

    Of course for all you Star Wars fans out there don’t miss the chance to cruise on a Star Speeder for a once in a lifetime, unfogettable trip to Endor with C3PO as your navigator on Star Tours   For younger one’s they can get the chance to join the Jedi academy and show off their new Jedi skills for the rest of their holiday!
    Hollywood studio’s is also home to a whole host of other attractions including that musn’t be missed. Our particular favourite is The Muppet’s  in 3D. As big Fan’s of Sam Eagle and the Swedish Chef we just love this show.  But be warned strange things happen where, The Muppets are involved! 

    One for the boys and the petrol head’s out there is the ‘Lights Motor’s Action Extreme Stunt Show!  Some very clever stuff and 1 very famous little car gets a cameo.  This show uses car’s, truck’s, motorbike’s and even jet ski’s.  All the secret’s of the stun’t displayed are revealed.
    The Indiana Jones Stunt Show is also well worth scheduling into your day, showing how some of the film’s most memorable scenes were achieved.
    The Great Movie Ride, housed in a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theatre  on Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles lets you get to re-live some great moments in movie history.  And is nicely airconditioned if you need a little time to cool off!

    Pirates of the Caribbean Props

    The Backlot tour is unmissable, the attention to detail is amazing on this tour.  Including items from various movies you might see while you wait in line.  You may even get to visit a ‘Hot Set’ where rehersal or even filming might even be taking place.

    You will need to plan your day a little by taking time out to check show times for some attractions. the Stunt shows will have set times, other’s such as the Little Mermaid live action show you will need to check at the entrance, as well as the Beauty and the Beast live action show and the Bloc Party Bash a street party with a difference featuring 20 of your favourites from the Disney Pixar  family.
    For the children – if they have any energy left then a visit to the ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ Movie Set Adventure. should make sure they sleep well.  They can crawl climb and run through this adventure playground and see everything from a ‘Bug’s eye view’

    For something a little more sedate but nonetheless interesting make sure you pay a visit to the ‘Walt Disney One Man’s Dream’ attraction where you will come across lots’ of  one of a kind memorobilia and explote the Man, Myth and Magic behind the mouse that started it all!

    As always let us know what your favourites are and any tips you want to share let us know about them.  Oh and don’t forget to visit the American Idol Experience!

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