How large should our rental home be?
Rental homes are governed by the State of Florida’s Department of Hotels. Just like hotels, there is a maximum number of people that are allowed in each rental. The formula is very simple. If you have a two bedroom rental home, you may have no more than four in the bedrooms and two more guests using the sleeper sofa for a maximum of six guests. For each additional bedroom you can add two more guests. Therefore a three bedroom can sleep eight and a four bedroom can sleep ten etc…… unless otherwise stated.

What size of home should I rent? What happens if the extra guests are children who can sleep on the floor
Florida Law is very strict. Most of our homes are in residential neighborhoods and between our pool, lawn and maid services we know if there are too many guests in the home. Florida Law allows us to evict guests who violate these laws with no opportunity for compensation.

How are prices determined?
Like hotels, there are different rate seasons for the rental homes, these are - Low Season, Mid Season, High Season and Peak Season. Each period offers special discounts and rate changes. Please contact us for our best rates - (Subject to Availability). If your vacation dates cross between two different rate periods, then the rate is pro-rated accordingly across each period. Please consult with us should you not be clear on any of our pricing formulas.

Are pets allowed?
Sorry, but we have too many guests that have allergies. Our properties are all privately owned by investor owners and therefore, our contract with each owner says we will not allow pets in our rentals. Guests who fail to honor this obligation will lose their security deposit and will be removed from the rental.

Are there “non smoking” rental homes?
All our homes are non smoking homes. We ask guests that do smoke to smoke outside on the pool deck. After each guest departs, the home is professionally cleaned. Smoking has not been a problem in any of our homes.

Is there extra maid service?
This can be arranged in advance of your arrival for an extra fee. It is not always available during busier holiday periods. We have found that most guests change their minds after they arrive as they realize that they can complete most cleaning themselves, as all supplies are provided in the home. Each home comes equipped with a vacuum, broom, mop and pail.

How can I make a reservation?
There are two main methods you can use. You can either telephone us in Florida for the most personalized service or simply e-mail us with your details/questions. Whichever way you select, we always respond quickly.

Why do I have to provide a Security (Damage) Deposit with my reservation?
Each home is privately owned. We need to protect ourselves and our investor owners against incidental or accidental damage while a guest is in residence. We also feel that the amount sends a clear message that each guest must be responsible for their own group or family. When you depart, we clean up the rental and submit a report. With each reservation there is the requirement that you register and supply a cash or check deposit. We hope that you will tell us if you break or damage any items. If you don’t, then your deposit will be applied against these damages.
Some guests question this policy and say they would never damage a rental home. We know this may be the case but then accidents do happen. When you check in to a hotel or rent a car in Florida you also are required to leave a credit card imprint or leave a large cash deposit. Our policy is not unique. Last year, we handled a large number of vacations for families and only two of them substantially damaged the rentals. Our home owner investors were certainly pleased that there were deposits in place to replace the damage. After your departure, once we have the report in place, your deposit is returned. It generally takes 7 to 10 days for this to occur. Please note that we always write you a letter and maintain on file photographic evidence of any substantial damages.

What happens if I cancel a reservation?
Cancellation must be in writing by the party leader, generally this will be via email. If you cancel 6 weeks or more ahead of arrival your non-refundable deposit will be lost. If you cancel in less than 6 weeks your entire rental charge will be lost. For most reasons beyond your control, cancellations will be covered by your travel insurance. We will hold payments against future vacation plans for up to six months after your cancelled date. If you need to make changes in your vacation dates, after it has been mailed, please contact us immediately.

How do I select the right house?
We get this question everyday. Many guests decide in advance what is most important to them. We suggest you make a list and then decide on these items. How many bedrooms? Will I be using the pool a lot of the time? What amenities does the home offer? Many guests do not actually spend a lot of time in the home, so location is important. Others are here to relax, so having a private home in a quieter neighborhood may be the most important. As you get close to Disney®, houses tend to be smaller as land is so expensive.
Once you have made this list you can then start your search. The whole area where the rental homes are is served by high speed roads, therefore, it is just a matter of your deciding what your actual needs are. Remember, generally speaking, the closer you get to Disney® the smaller the properties tend to be and therefore the homes “may” have fewer amenities than you are looking for. It takes time and effort, but we can best advise you if you need assistance.

Am I guaranteed to get the house I requested?
Yes, as it serves no interest for us to feature one home and substitute it with another. Once you have your confirmation we do not substitute homes unless there is a major breakdown in the house or it becomes unrentable due to unplanned circumstances. We always make every attempt to notify guests when changes have to be made.

Where are the rental homes located?
All the rental homes Florida Sunshine Holiday Homes offers are within 15 miles of the Disney World® resort. The rental homes are generally between 3 and 5 miles away from selections of restaurants.

How are the distances on the website calculated?
The distances displayed on the Florida Sunshine Holiday home website have been calculated using Google Maps. This gives the guests more accurate distances they will need to travel to get to the main places likely to be visited whilst on vacation. Some websites will state ‘within 5 miles of Disney’, this may be true, but they will refer to the Welcome to Disney sign when you get onto Disney property, you may have another 5-6 miles to drive to get to your park of choice. The distances on our website are to the actual destination, using the quickest route.

How far are the homes from the airports?
The traveling time from Orlando International Airport is approx 25 minutes and 45 minutes from Sanford.

How far are the homes away from the theme parks?
Some homes are less than 10 miles from Disney World®, all are within 15 miles. The majority of homes are within 20 miles of Universal Studios and 15 miles of Sea World. See the details of each home to find exact distances.

How far are the homes (in miles) from stores and restaurants?
Homes are approximately 3 miles from a 24 hour grocery store, and approximately 3 miles away from restaurants and fast food outlets.

How far are the nearest beaches?
It takes approximately 60 minutes to get to the nearest beach.

Are there golf courses in the area?
There are courses close at hand and at least 5 within 20 minutes of our homes.

Do you offer a shuttle service?
No. Each property in privately owned and is not a hotel. There is very little in the way of public transportation except for taxis. You need to rent a car or van to best maneuver through Florida. Some hotels offer shuttles services but most are not free. They tend to run once an hour and many guests find that after their vacation they wish they rented a car. Disney World®, Universal Studios and Sea World are about 20 miles apart and therefore reaching these parks can be inconvenient if you do not have a rental car of your own.

What about air conditioning, washers and dryers, and televisions?
All rentals have central air conditioning systems that you control. All have a washer and dryer. All rentals have at least two color televisions with cable, and all have VCR’s or DVD players. These homes are individually owned and therefore we can only suggest that each owner maintains a minimum standard. Some homes have extra TV’s and DVD players.

Are all pools heated?
Not as standard. Heating is available (at additional cost) and is particularly advisable between October 15th and May 30th when pool temperatures are at the mercy of the air temperatures and generally fall below 75F. If you think that you will require a heated pool then you can request this. Please be aware that it does take a minimum 24 hours to heat a pool and you are invoiced from the day it is turned on. The pool should reach 82F temperature. Pool heating is required for a minimum of 5 nights. Electric Pool Heater rates are: $25 per day or $175 per week. Pool Heat is taxed by the State of Florida at 13%.

How are the kitchens equipped?
Each kitchen is fully equipped with all major appliances and has an adequate supply of dishes and cutlery to satisfy the needs of the number of guests that are assigned to the rental. Vacation rentals are not intended or supplied for the needs of major meals. Please don’t expect items like baking dishes or large roasting pans. As we say:” just remember that mom is on vacation too…..”

Do the homes have BBQ Grills?
Some do, see the details of each home. If it states it does not have one and you would like to rent on this can be arranged by contacting us prior to your arrival. We can then reserve you a grill for a weekly fee of $50.

I have a baby, what facilities do you offer?
Some homes will have facilities for catering for babies included, such as strollers, cots and high chairs, see the details of each home. If it states it does not have these amenities and you would like to rent them this can be arranged by contacting us prior to your arrival. We can then reserve you them for a weekly fee $30 per item.

Are any homes designed for physically challenged people?
All of our homes are wheelchair accessible.

Who do I call if something goes wrong?
You can reach our property managers for any emergencies 24 hours a day.

What do we do if we have a late flight?
All our homes are fitted with lock boxes, this will enable you to access the home no matter what time you arrive. The lock box code will be emailed to the party leader during the week prior to arrival. If you know you will be arriving late food packs and welcome packs can be purchased and waiting for you in your home for an additional charge.

Are any of these homes available for purchase?
Absolutely! Let us know and a real estate agent can contact you.