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Saturday, June 13, 2009

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.

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Friday, April 24, 2009

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.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

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.

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

Added Value of Amenities to Vacation Home Rentals

Winter break is just starting for school kids in NY and other states. Spring break will follow shortly after and of course summer is only 4 months away. These next few months will be especially busy for Orlando vacation home owners with the receiving of inquiries for rate quotes and availability. Some vacationers will send out many requests for booking information and will wait for all the rates to come back so that the lowest price can be chosen for their stay. When executing this tactic it is necessary to evaluate the information coming back to ensure that owners have given fully disclosed prices and that after acceptance an additional line item of state tax or other does not appear. This will allow a decision based on the overall value of provided amenities or simply that it meets the primary budget to be made.

Most vacation home owners take great pride with their homes in the Orlando area. It is hardly a revelation to learn that year after year these same people try to keep their property up to date with upgrades and new features for marketing to new guests and to maintain their repeat clientele. Not all Orlando vacation homes are equal and it would be useful to set a range of rates that you are prepared to reserve for a vacation home that will give you what you need versus what you want. Furthermore break it down into a daily rate to make a precise decision that you will settle for less of a vacation home if the difference in price is $xx per night as such.

Travelers planning on staying in an Orlando vacation home and are interested in learning of the extensive considerations of different amenities and the potential value they mean to guests can read the full report to make an informed decision. The statement of "You Get What You Pay For" is often very much true.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Super Bowl 2009 Accommodations

Football's main event is just around the corner. Super Bowl XLIII is being played out Feb 01, 2009 in Tampa, Florida where the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers will compete for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy in the last game and championship of the season. With Raymond James Stadium equipped to hold 75,000 spectators, it is expected that the hotel rooms of Tampa will be sold out long before the coin toss ever takes the field.

Tickets for the largest annual US based sporting event will come at a premium as do many Super Bowl related activities. Fans who may have the opportunity to attend in person may encounter challenges such as being limited to the number of tickets acquired or the overall incremental cost of tickets limiting the number of tickets financially feasible due to budget constraints.

Visitors attending Super Bowl XLIII should consider staying in an Orlando Vacation Home. Central Florida places fans and guests in close proximity to theme park gates while being approximately one hour away from Tampa Bay's hosted Super Bowl. The location will allow reasonable priced accommodation while providing several options for fun and food. Luxury vacation home amenities include Game Rooms, Private Pools and Big Screen TVs for anyone staying behind to watch the game on TV while enjoying the BBQ. Make the right call and choice of champions.

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

How to get a Cheap Luxury Orlando Vacation on a Budget

The economy is slumping, 401K's are shrinking and the future of jobs are in a state of uncertainty. Most people have never seen it so bad and don't know how to react. Many will cancel the family vacation as a precaution. However, knowing your options can allow a luxury vacation in an Orlando Vacation Home rental at a very modest and affordable price. Comprised below is a list of criteria to get a cheap luxury Orlando vacation.

Learn the dates and rates of Orlando tourist seasons



  • Hotel rooms, vacation homes, car rentals and theme parks lower their prices and/or offer incentives to compete for lower number of visitors to the area during low season.


Rent an all inclusive vacation home


Choosing a home with many all inclusive amenities may cost a bit more but will end up saving with less trips to Disney World and eating out at restaurants. The many benefits may include the following and more:

  • 5 Bedroom homes and larger allow families to vacation together and split the cost

  • Homes have their own private pool and spa. Hours for swimming are when convenient

  • Private game rooms including pool table and full size luxury games

  • DVD libraries, big screen TV's, xBox360 and free Wi-Fi

  • Clubhouse amenities - PC and Internet access, fitness room and sports courts

  • Kitchen facilities including all dishes and utensils allow buying of food at the grocery store for at home meals

  • Square footage. You are not trapped in one room.


Look into Car Rentals


  • There are many travel portals available to help find the cheapest rental. Consider location as some agencies are not at the airport. The inconvenience may be worth the extra discount.

  • Fuel service is commonly offered in which the price per gallon is very cheap but you should know that a service fee is usually charged so it should always be cheaper to deny the service and return with a full tank.

  • Many visitors have rental car insurance as part of their primary policy at home. Know before you go so that you can save money and be covered for incidentals.


Arrange theme park tickets in advance

  • There are many locations that will sell your park tickets in advance at a discounted price.


Save money with coupons

  • By going online to tourist information or picking up brochures in restaurants, gas bars and shops that will allow discounts on merchandise, meals and attractions.


As an Orlando vacation home owner, I routinely receive feedback that our all inclusive home near Disney had something for everyone and gave further savings by enjoying the offerings of the vacation home rather then make trips to the surrounding theme parks. Take an opportunity to see pictures and learn more on all inclusive Orlando vacation home offerings at affordable prices.

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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Orlando's Haunted Theme Park

Visitors to Orlando, Florida looking for heart pounding and adrenaline flowing excitement need look no further. Universal Studios which is best known for its movie themed thrill rides and cartoon attractions, features a scary Halloween Horror Nights attraction yearly in the month of October. The rides are mostly closed as it showcases the following:

  • Scare Zones
  • Haunted Houses
  • Live Shows
  • 1000's of Scareactors in uniquely created costumes

The gates open just after 6:00 p.m. as the sun starts to set and opens way to darkness. Machines cast out a fog that hovers throughout the park and provides an eerie atmosphere that leave guests vulnerable to unexpected scares or disturbing sights. As patrons make their way from one attraction to the next it will be necessary to walk through a scare zone. Screams heard from nearby victims indicate that a startling confrontation with mutants and monsters may be imminent. Visitors who lose focus of their surroundings are in danger of being rushed upon or snuck up on with maybe a deep breath into their ear. Don't look back, just run! Although the Universal crew can jump out at any given moment and get right into your face, it seems that the one clear rule is to not physically touch anyone.

The haunted houses are each unique with new themes each year. The mood is usually set with darkness and dim lighting at best. As guests walk through narrow maze-like hallways, entrances from room to room give way to frightening images and alarming live encounters. Walls can open up as maniacs reach for you in hopes of adding another trophy to one of the disturbing houses that guests are viewing. Strobe lighting and ominous sounds of knives being sharpened sets the stage for what lies ahead.

Lastly there are live shows for those who don't want to scream and jump out of there shoes. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was very well done whereas the magic show was disappointing. While there are disclaimers about the event being a bit much for children, there were some in attendance and they seemed to be fine. Parents will need to evaluate if appropriate for their own kids. Please note that guests are not permitted to wear costumes.

Save money on your attraction tickets and skip all the lines with the express pass. While others wait 45 minutes you will be in within 5. If travelling to the Disney area for vacation, stay in a luxury Orlando Vacation Home at affordable hotel prices.



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