We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have a question and don't see it here just click below and send us a note.
Where do I check in?
You can check-in and pick up your keys right at our property! We will send you full directions, including turn-by-turn maps from the airport. Check-in time is normally anytime after 4pm. There is an electronic lock on the door and a personalized key code will be provided to you prior to arrival, so simply drive to the property and access the unit. Full instructions will be provided once your reservations are paid and confirmed. Once you reach the resort, you will need to show the guard your rental confirmation in order to be admitted to the resort and receive a parking pass. You will also need your confirmation to obtain your pass to the resort pool and clubhouse. If you have any questions or problems please feel free to call us, in addition, you will have an emergency number to call 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
How do I check out?
Checkout time is normally 10:30AM, unless you have made other arrangements with us in advance. Late checkouts will incur a $50 late checkout fee.
At the end of your stay, please empty all wastebaskets and put trash in the bin in the bench outside the front door. Please make sure all lights are off and the door is securely locked behind you. That is it! No keys to return or management company to check-in with!
Are there ever late check outs?
Check out time is normally 10:30AM, unless you have made other arrangements with us. We try to be as accommodating as possible so there are times that we may be able to arrange for a late check out or early check in (this is usually based on other guests and cleaning schedules). Please make sure you arrange for this prior to your stay with us or the management company to avoid the $50 dollar late check out fee.
Are there any additional items available?
Our management company has items such as cribs (although we already include a pack-n-play in the home) andBBQs (please remember to use outside of the lanai) available for rent, and can even arrange for park tickets and auto rentals if necessary. We are always happy to try and help with a request so please just ask if you have something in mind.
How many people may stay in the house?
The house can accommodate a MAXIMUM of 8 guests as regulated by Florida state fire and hotel regulations and codes.
Do you allow pets or smoking?
Sorry but No. As pet owners we can appreciate the desire to bring part of your extended family, but for the health and safety of ALL of our guests, smoking and pets are prohibited. Feel free to smoke outside, but the use of an ashtray is mandatory.
Are you properly licensed?
Our home is licensed in the State of Florida and also with Osceola County for Short Term Rental. Our license is displayed at our home and we will happily provide a copy upon request. Taxes you pay are automaticly forwarded to the State and County on your behalf. Unlicensed homes are illegal to stay in and offer no guarantee of meeting minimum State and safety guidelines.
Is there anything that is not provided?
We provide only a "starter" quantity of hand soap and toilet tissue. Our vacation home is condidered "self catering" so you will want to either bring or pick up your day-to-day household items. We were not familiar with this when we first started renting vacation homes so we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect. We have found a lot of our guests (and us) arrive a bit before check-in which makes it the perfect opportunity to do a quick local shopping at the Super Target or Walmart.
What is provided in the home?
Our home is fully furnished to the highest standards and ready for your vacation enjoyment. There are at least two sets of sheets for each bedroom and two sets of towels for each bath. Pillows, blankets and other necessities are provided. Both master suites are also equipped with a hairdryer and alarm clock/CD player radios. We do also provide 8 pool towels, these need to be returned to the unit if you take them to the clubhouse pool. All kitchen utensils are provided including plates, cups, bowls, glasses, silverware, toaster, blender, juicer, teapot, coffee maker, and pots and pans. There is a dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave and a stove/oven. For your laundry/cleaning needs a washer and dryer are provided along with an ironing board and iron. The house is equipped with small hotel soaps and 1 roll of toilet tissue in each bath.
Where can I pick up any extra grocery store items I need?
Our home is located just minutes from US 192 where numerous supermarkets and superstores are found. There is a brand new Super Target located just 1.5 miles West of Old Lake Wilson Road on Highway 192. There are also 2 Wal-Marts within a short driving distance. US 192 is home to 100's of restaurants, drug stores and convenience stores so you will always be able to find whatever you need.
Here is a map of US-192 and all the stores on it:
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/map/ushwy192mapindex.htm
Is housekeeping service provided?
The home is defined as "self-catering". The home will be cleaned fully prior to your arrival and will be cleaned upon your departure. Further maid service can be supplied for an additional fee of $80 USD per visit.
How goes garbage pickup work?
There is a bench / seat by the front door of the home that opens up where the garbage goes please make sure the lid fully closes after placing BAGGED garbage inside. If you have something bigger than will fit, there's a resort garbage dumpster at the clubhouse. The following information is taken from the Windsor Hills Resort garbage flyer:
WINDSOR HILLS - Trash Collection Procedures
All guests, owners, and property management companies must follow these procedures regarding trash for all homes.
All trash and garbage must be placed inside trash bags. Close the bag securely.
Owners must provide standard size kitchen size (13 Gal.) trash bags for guest use.
Place trash bags inside the Bench-Mate directly outside your front door each day by 7:00 AM. Close lid on the Bench-Mate securely.
Trash collection company will pick up trash after 7:00AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No trash collection will occur on Sunday or National Holidays.
Do not put loose trash inside the Bench-Mate. Place all trash inside trash bags.
Do not pour liquids inside the trash bags or inside the Bench-Mate. Pour all liquids in the kitchen sink.
You must take any large trash items or boxes, which cannot be placed inside trash bags and/or the Bench-Mate, directly to the community trash compactors locations near 7650 Comrow Street and Recreation Park at 7721 Comrow Street,
If you have any questions, please contact our welcome desk at 407-787-4255.
National Holidays are as follows: New Year's Day - Jan 1st, Memorial Day - May, Independence Day - July 4th, Labor Day - Sept., Thanksgiving - Nov., Christmas- Dec. 25th
Is pool service provided?
We have a professional pool maintenance company that cares for the pool and equipment every week. This includes adjusting and adding any necessary chemiclas, vacuuming and cleaning. They are also on call via the management company should you have any problems or issues with the pool.
Is pest control provided?
Yes, we contract with a professional pest control company to provide pest control prevention both inside and outside the home on a regular basis. Regardless of how well our home and area is treated for pests, prevention is always the best medicine. Please take care with your garbage and food items. The pest control company is also on call should there ever be a need or problem. Please let us or Oasis know if you see any bugs, so we can have the exterminators deal with the problem!
Is telephone service provided?
There is a telephone located in the great room and master bedroom. Emergency, local, long distance and international call services are all provided free of charge. The telephone number for the house will be provided to you in your confirmation instructions.
Is cable TV provided?
Yes. Each television in the home is equipped with cable TV. We are also HD Channel enabled on the 50" HD plasma in the great room, 27” plasma in the queen master and 37” plasma in the king master!
Is a stereo or DVD player provided?
We have a DVD player in the queen bedroom, the twin bedroom, and in the great room. The great room has a brand new Sony surround sound high end home theater system with up scaling HD HDMI DVD player connected to the 50" plasma TV. There are a few DVD movies in the home already to get you started.
How about cable internet / high speed internet?
Yes. We provide cable modem / high speed internet access in the unit via the cable company for free. You will need to bring your own laptop or PC. There is a standard wireless network hub device in the great room, you can plug into it with a standard Ethernet patch cable, or connect to it / the internet wirelessly (802.11b/g). Most laptops today will have either / both of these. Connection instructions along with the security code to access the network are at the home waiting for you.
Do I get a private parking space?
Yes. The driveways immediately in front of the house is private and for your use only. There is additional parking (including handicapped spaces) within 30 seconds of our home.
What if I have a problem during my stay?
We pride ourselves on the quality of our home and its amenities, but we do recognize that sometimes things beyond our control can occur. In the unlikely event of a problem, our property management company, Oasis Vacation Homes, is available 7 days a week to assist you. They will attempt to resolve the problem within 24 hours, but in some instances specialized professional attention may be required, and these incidents will be resolved as quickly as possible.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel a reservation, please contact us via phone or e-mail as soon as possible.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
More than 6 weeks before arrival date: $50.00 USD cancellation fee.
Between 4 and 6 weeks before arrival date: 50% of rental amount
Less than 4 weeks before arrival date: 100% of rental amount
Do I need travel insurance?
The need for travel insurance is a personal decision, but we highly recommended it, especially for our non-US guests. This type of booking is definitely insurable, allowing for peace of mind in the event of bad weather, sickness, etc.
http://www.insuremytrip.com/ is a site that allows you to compare multiple offerings of travel insurance.
How far is it to the theme parks?
We are just "2 miles 2 the mouse," actually a bit less but its not as catchy :). Windsor Hills Resort is the closest vacation rental community to the Disney main gate, there is just 2 traffic lights on the way. There is a back door / shortcut route following Sherberth Road that we provide to all of our guests, that takes you right into WDW by Animal Kingdom. Seaworld and Universal is about 15 minutes. I have left the townhouse and been parked at Animal Kingdom in 6 minutes!
How does the Windsor Hills Resort daily shuttle service work/operate/etc?
In the sundry shop in the Windsor Hills Resort clubhouse you can find schedules and make arrangements. Shuttle cost is $10 per person round trip to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, or Animal Kingdom. $14 per person round trip to universal, SeaWorld, and shopping areas. There is an information sheet at the clubhouse with the time schedule. The shuttle company is MAINGATE TRANSPORTATION. They can be called at # 407-390-0000. A taxi cab to Disney is $20 one way and to Universal is $32 one way.
Are the pools heated?
The community pool is heated year round as required. The private pool at our home may be heated if requested, for an additional fee of $15 per day or $95 per week. Pool heat is generally recommended during the months of November through April.
How do I use the resort amenities?
Access to the resort facilities at Windsor Hills Resort is secured via a Guest "prox" card.
To obtain a card, visit the Windsor Hills Resort Welcome Desk located in the clubhouse sundry shop. Each card requires a $10 deposit (refundable upon return) and will be good for the duration of your stay. Use of all community facilities is subject to the community guidelines which will be provided to you when receiving your resort "prox" card. Other than needing a card to gain entrance to the pool and clubhouse facilities, the playground, clubhouse, tennis / golf / basketball / volleyball courts, are all completely free for you to use as you see fit! When you arrive you can turn on any of the TVs to channel 21, the Windsor Hills Resort information channel to find out any current news or special announcements.
The new Windsor Hills Resort recreation area features tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and a putting/chipping green facility! Rental sports equipment and balls for all of these are available in the Windsor Hills Resort clubhouse / sundry shop for a small deposit fee (the rental itself is free).
How tall do kids have to be to use the Windsor Hills Resort pool waterslide?
To use the pool waterslide guests must be at least 42" inches in height. The pool at the bottom of the slide is 4 feet deep.
Tips!
When you arrive allow a little time at the beginning of your trip to shop and stock up on food / etc. Usually the best time to do this is on day 1 if you arrive early for your check in as you can kill two birds with one stone. We usually eat breakfast at home as it is quick and easy and head straight to the parks. The home has 2 "umbrella" strollers which we think are great for running around the parks with the kids.
We take a soft-sided cooler to the parks each day filled with juice, pop/soda, water, small snacks for the kids, etc, so we don't have to eat lunch their every day (you will also find a few of them provided).
If your travelling with young children it is great to get to the parks early, come home for lunch, swim and take a quick nap, then return to the parks with everyone well rested. If your a Disney commando like my wife, you can throw that advice to the wind and squeeze every Disney minute out of your trip as you can! Seriously though, the home is so close it gives you a lot of options either way.
While there is no shortage of dining destinations, it is always best to reserve your Disney Dining as soon as possible. You can do it over the phone at 407-WDW-DINE or even better do it online at: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/. Reservations through Disney can be made up to 180 days out. Populars character meals are:
Breakfast: Chef Mickeys, Tusker House, Hollywood and Vine, Ohana and The Cape May Cafe.
Dinner: The Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table (a must with a princess), Ohana and Boma.