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Orlando Vacation Home - Going Green!

The thought of Going Green can be intimidating to some folks. After all, it's all about doing the right thing for the environment and ultimately saving mother earth. One might assume that it requires a heightened sense of responsibility and at a premium cost while delivering less.

Visions of trading in oversized vehicles for smaller cars running on solar batteries or getting rid of a perfect running refrigerator so that you can buy a new and shiny energy efficient perfect running refrigerator. Can the cost be justified?

It is probably safe to say that most people are not willing to sacrifice paying more or to proactively re-buy goods if they don't need to. However, SunShiny Villa is doing it's part to reduce energy usage and is taking the time to make people aware of the smart products and services that have been invested within our going green initiative. Guests can now feel good staying in a vacation home that is taking steps to be energy efficient without charging extra or sacrificing anything for visitors.

SunShiny Villa is a luxury Orlando vacation home that is going green. This is not a new concept for this villa. In fact, one of the first actions taken was a move towards going green. It wasn't purposely done to save the world or to make us feel like martyrs but being in a situation that allowed for money to be spent up front so that it would be saved moving forward. It was about the color green of dollar bills in savings that just made sense.

The first energy saving move put into play is a programmable network thermostat. The primary goal is to save on HVAC maintenance and to control operational costs. Once installed, homeowners can log into a 3rd party website which brings up the interface seen above. An example of how our Orlando vacation home green program is setup is as follows:

• Tier 1 - Vacation Home Status - Occupied versus Not Occupied


• Tier 2 - Override Parameters - The number of degrees that can override the set points


• Tier 3 - Set Back Schedule - Specify times in which the thermostat will change or hold temperature

This is just a synopsis of action that has been taken to make SunShiny Villa into a green and environmentally friendly Orlando vacation home. Please check back again for more in depth and complete analysis of the tools deployed. If you rally round this effort, please support the SunShinyFlorida.com website by book marking within your browser and sharing with anyone planning a trip to the Disney Orlando area. More progress can be made going green and will be subsidized by future rentals of vacation guests.

TAGS: advice energy efficient florida green home news orlando tourism vacation

Orlando Weather is Hot Hot Hot!

There are more then a few reasons why Florida is a top vacation spot for domestic and international travelers alike. Although not the sunniest state, (Arizona wins that title) Florida’s overall subtropical weather is still a big draw.

Orlando’s annual average temperature is 72ºF while receiving an annual average 50 inches of rain. As a rule, summer is hot and winter is mild. This allows outside activities to be available year round and consequently is the home for many amusement parks and visitor entertainment.

However, as the “Fall Season” has settled in, the temperatures have been resilient and above average. October was giving highs in the 90’s with feel like temperatures well in the 100’s which was hotter then this past summer. The November lows on many nights were staying in the low 70ºF range. Residents have prolonged the pool season and guests have welcomed the above average temperatures. Not to mention that this is the least impacting hurricane season in 27 years. It appears that Orlando's weather is picture perfect. What more could you ask for?

So what does all of this mean? Maybe this is related to El Nino. This weather phenomenon is expected to strengthen through winter and last into spring. If predictions hold true, Florida will be slightly colder and wetter then average. It should be noted though, there have seen no signs of that pattern in Florida up to this point.

Who knows what weather is really in store for 2010. This is just another reason to get out and enjoy every day to the fullest. Regardless of future forecasts, tourists with planned itineraries for the upcoming months should ensure that their accommodations are equipped with a backup plan. Choose an Orlando Vacation Home with full Games Room, Games Console and DVD Library of hit movies. Hopefully all of your vacation days will be sunshiny, warm and dry.

TAGS: advice attractions florida news orlando tourism weather

Orlando Vacation Home Summer Special

In the summertime when the weather is high, kids are out of school and you want to just drive, it's the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time. It's your summer vacation in a fantasy world, let me be the first to welcome you to Orlando.

The economy has been struggling since December 1997 but we are seeing signs of the recession being over with financial institutions starting to show profit and 3rd quarter GDP indicating growth. To furthermore ease concerns of guests, Sunshiny Villa is offering a fantastic end of summer deal for that last minute vacation getaway.

Sunshiny Villa offers a great deal of fun and activity for the whole family even if Theme Parks are not in the budget. You can enjoy the private screened in pool and spa, game room as well as the activities that the community clubhouse has to offer. The special rate that is being offered is $1395 for a 7 night stay. This is an all inclusive price which means pool/spa heat, cleaning and all taxes are included.

This Super End of Summer Deal is in effect for the dates of July 26/09 – Aug 23/09 so grab it up and take your family away for that all important vacation you deserve before Labor Day closes out the unofficial summer.

TAGS: five star florida home luxury news orlando rental vacation

The 5 Star Luxury Vacation Home Difference

Being a 5 star vacation home owner requires real passion. There are several vacation homes available in the Disney Orlando area with varying degrees of rental rates. At first glance it may appear that a luxury 5 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home for $220 weekly is the same as another Orlando vacation home for $120 weekly. That just is not true.

A 5 star vacation home owner needs to invest much time, effort and money to ensure that the guests are getting first class accommodations. One way this can be achieved is by having a trust worthy Management Company to accurately report the condition of amenities and missing items as well as the commitment to maintain the vacation home to that top standard. It is very hard to find this type of company but I was fortunate enough to do so.

However, it is just as important to vacation in the home for personal use to encounter first hand if anything needs attention. As owners of SunShiny Villa, we vacation in the home every 6 months for reassurance that guests will experience the 5 star luxury of the vacation home and the community of WaterSong Resort in which it resides. Many home owners don’t do this and conditions tend to slowly deteriorate.

Our Mediterranean style home was just built over 2 years ago and is kept in top notch condition but as more guests stay for their vacation in Central Florida, it creates more opportunity for something to be misused, broken or maybe receive a request for a new item. On our recent stay we had to fix amenities, replace items, and add some features. Former guests are encouraged to review the 2009 Summer List in greater detail so they can be sure that upon returning it will be just as good, if not better. Tourists can expect a worry free vacation in this home.

Visitors to Orlando that are in need of 5 star luxury accommodation can take comfort in knowing that there are no surprises when staying at SunShiny Villa. Make this your home away from home.

TAGS: five star florida home luxury news orlando rental vacation

Orlando Steakhouse Restaurant

If looking for a unique and delicious dining experience while in the Orlando area, Ruth's Chris Steak House is an excellent choice. Located on West Sand Lake Road in Orlando makes this restaurant convenient for shopping and is easily accessible from I-4. This restaurant is Casual Elegant dining with the price range being $50+. It is recommended that reservations be made but walk-ins are more than welcome too.

Start the experience with a cocktail in the bar/lounge area while the staff prepares your table for dinner. Ruth's Chris is primarily a steakhouse but also offers lamb and chicken along with a variety of fresh seafood such as lobster, shrimp and scallops. Side dishes include many potato choices, fresh vegetables and seasonal favorites. There are over 100 domestic and imported wines to choose from which will complement any food choice made for dinner. Be sure to save room for one of the many “to die for” delicious homemade desserts which will put an end to this superb fine dining experience.

The ambience of Ruth's Chris Steak House restaurant comforts diners whether it’s a romantic dinner for 2, a family celebration or a business affair. If hosting a private event, there are 2 separate dining rooms to match the occasion too. The service is every bit as good as the food especially with giving a full visual presentation of entreés and desserts at the beginning and by having plenty of extra help getting the meals out and drinks topped off. A special touch is when the manager stops by visitors table near the end of their meal to ensure they met expectations.

When it calls for great food and good service by friendly staff, let Ruth's Chris leave a lasting impression that have guests wanting to return to this establishment for future visits.

TAGS: advice dining 5 star florida home news orlando restaurant review tourism tourist vacation

Vacation Home Games Room - Billiards

Many Orlando visitors staying in a vacation home want to maximize their family fun. When the parks close at night or when the weather is rainy, other alternatives for fun may need to be sought out. This is when the game room comes into play. However, it should be known that not all game rooms are created equal.

The focal point of a games room is most often the pool/billiards table but just saying there is one isn't good enough. With the potential of several hours of play it is important to have a quality table. The difference can usually be seen by looking at the materials used in construction of the table such as leather pockets vs plastic pockets or pressed wood vs oak etc.

Some characteristics of a quality billiards table are as follow:

• Integrated cushion rubber - this allows for consistency of bounces and rebounds from hits against the rails.
• 1" Slate - does not warp and provides for a level and quiet playing field.
• Interlocking support beams - Since metal brackets are not used they will not loosen over time.
• Hardwood Leveling brackets - ensures that slate is secure and leveled.

Many features are not within sight and if you don't notice anything you are probably on a good table. However, if you are playing and know the ball is not able to follow through on a straight logical line or when leaning on the table to take a shot and hear a noise or notice a shift in the pool/billiards table then it may be more of an economical table.

Vacationers wanting a professional billiards table are ensured that SunShiny Villa has a quality handcrafted "Legacy Billiards Table" as well as many other upgraded amenities.

TAGS: advice billiards florida games room home news orlando rental vacation 5 star