Guests frequently asked questions – and answers to them!
We’ve provided a list of the answers to guests vacation home rental frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please ask one of our reservation team or our guest services team, who will be happy to help.
How do I make a reservation?
Using our home finder, you can find the perfect property for your vacation. Once you’ve chosen a home, you can get a quote for specific dates, or call the reservations department for more information. In addition, if you get a quote online, it’s e-mailed to you – complete with a cost breakdown and date availability. Finally, you can either complete the booking online or through our reservations department by calling 1 (407) 397-9818.
Do I have to pay for everything up front?
No. Regardless of the total cost of your reservation, you can also book your dream vacation with an initial deposit as low as $180. We offer a UNIQUE lay-away program. We call it Layaway and Stay. This payment plan allows you to budget your vacation on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, leading up to your stay. Alternatively, if you don’t want to use our payment program, you can pay a deposit on booking and then the final payment closer to the arrival date.
Is the home I see online the one I will stay in?
Yes. The home you see online is where you will stay. We also include a Google map, detailed descriptions, and high-resolution photos of each property right on our website, so you know exactly what home you’re renting and what to expect when you arrive. For each property, we even provide a handy bed-size table that shows what size/type of bed is installed in which room on the floor plan, that’s unique to VillaDirect.
Are there any fees on top of my nightly rate?
No. There are no “hidden extras” or “surprise fees” when you arrive. All fees are fully explained and shown on the quote for your stay. Certain optional fees may apply depending on your choices – but we will always tell you in advance. But most of all, each vacation home still offers a significant savings over comparable websites and hotels. Even after applicable fees, our guests can save 10-15% over the same properties advertised on VRBO, Airbnb and other websites, by cutting out the “middle-man”.
Is pool heating included?
We recommend guests take the pool heating option for stays between the beginning of October and early May, when the temperatures can be cooler. Pool heating is an optional extra fee – to pay for the cost of running the electric or gas heater.
Is there a BBQ at the property I’m renting?
We can provide a gas grill/BBQ at the property for you at competitive rates. It’s a “no brainer”. They’re delivered just before your arrival and taken back at the end of your stay. After each guest departs, they’re carefully cleaned, checked for operation/safety, and then delivered for the next guest – with a new/full tank of propane gas – so that the BBQ is clean for you and works – every time! Check out our Barbecue Grill Rentals page.
Does the house have a crib, stroller or other baby equipment?
To protect you and your children, we offer all baby equipment as a safety option. The baby and toddler equipment that we offer are each carefully maintained and cleaned and tested to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association standards after each use and before delivery (just before your arrival). After each guest departs, they’re carefully cleaned, checked for operation/safety, and then delivered for the next guest – so the items you rely on are all clean for you and work flawlessly and safely – every time! Check out our Baby and toddler equipment page.
Am I protected against bad weather?
VillaDirect includes FREE hurricane protection coverage to all of our guests. If a hurricane warning is issued for the county you’ve booked, you can postpone your reservation by up to 12 months without penalty. If this occurs during your stay and you have to leave, you can be credited the days remaining on your reservation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Occasionally, life throws us surprises that we simply can’t plan for. You can review our published cancellation policy in detail in our property rental terms and conditions.
Do you offer cancellation protection?
Yes. For a small additional fee, you can travel with total peace of mind. No matter what surprises come your way, you can rest assured that the money you’ve deposited with VillaDirect for your stay is fully refundable with this coverage. Read the terms and conditions of our cancellation protection plan here.
How do I check in/check out of my vacation home?
Check-ins and check-outs are a breeze with VillaDirect. You’ll be provided with directions that take you straight to the door of the home you’re staying. No need to check in at a reception desk – you can start enjoying your vacation immediately! Once it comes time to leave, simply walk out the front door of the home, close it behind you and you’re done. Our SecurePASS locking system automatically locks the home and generates a new key code, so there’s no need to return to our offices to check out.
When do I check in/check out?
Standard check-in time is after 4:00 p.m. EST, and standard check-out time is 10:00 a.m. EST. Occasionally, a departing guest departs later than they should, or leaves our housekeepers with a lot more work to do to bring it up to the standard we want you to arrive and experience. When that happens, your arrival/check-in time may get pushed back, but we will always try to get you checked in and ready to go by 4:00 pm.
What am I responsible for when I check out?
The most important thing is to check out on time. We have a limited “window” available to prepare the home you’re staying at for the next guest arrival. If you’re late leaving, then they’re late getting in. We may also have to apply a late-departure fee, so nobody wins. You don’t have to return to our offices to check out. We only request that you lock all windows and leave through the front door, closing it after you. Should you leave any items behind that our housekeepers find, they will be brought to our Guest Services office, where we can also arrange to have them shipped to you.
How many people are allowed to stay in each home?
The occupancy of homes ranges from 6 to 28 people, depending on the number of bedrooms and configuration/type of beds installed. Occupancy numbers are clearly shown on each vacation homes listing and are also provided on the rental agreement that is sent to you.
Can I bring my pet?
We love animals, but unfortunately, all of our vacation homes are currently pet-free zones. Please note: We regret that guests found to have brought a pet will be charged for professional deep cleaning of the property at a charge based on the number of bedrooms for the property/unit.
Are your properties non-smoking?
Smoking is not permitted inside any VillaDirect vacation rental. Please note: We regret that guests found to have smoked cigarettes/cigars/pipes/vapes or any tobacco or other based product (medicinal or other) inside a VillaDirect rental will be charged for professional deep cleaning of the property at a charge based on the number of bedrooms for the property/unit.
Do your properties come with full-size kitchens?
Yes, every VillaDirect vacation rental comes with an equipped, full-size kitchen. Appliances include a stove and oven, microwave, dishwasher, full-size fridge and coffee maker, toaster, plus an assortment of pans and flat-ware/cutlery. If there’s an item that you really must have for your stay that isn’t in the kitchen – please let our Guest Service team know and we will do our best to get one for you (within reason!).
Are linens and towels provided?
Yes. There are fresh linens provided for each bed. Furthermore towels are also supplied, with two of each type also provided for each registered occupant. Please note that, just like in a hotel, a towel and linen count is performed and missing or damaged towels and linens are charged to the guest.
Are the homes cleaned daily?
Because our vacation rentals are maintained regularly, they are thoroughly cleaned immediately before and after your stay. You can optionally request additional mid-stay clean(s) for a small fee per clean.
Is there a telephone in the home?
No. Not all homes provide a telephone line. Some property owners provide a landline in the home, but many do not. Most guests have a cell/mobile phone device with them when they stay. Please ask the Guest Services team or your reservations agent to confirm the type of phone and service provided at the property you will be staying in if you need to know in advance.
Is there Wi-Fi in the home?
Yes. All of our rental properties provide Wi-Fi. Bandwidth speeds may vary from property to property. You will be provided a password for the Wi-Fi in the home in your Arrival Pack. The majority of resort clubhouses also offer free Wi-Fi in the clubhouse and grounds. If you must have Wi-Fi in your vacation rental, be sure to tell the reservations agent when you book. We regret that the Company cannot be responsible for outages and failures of Wi-Fi and telecoms equipment/lines during your stay. In addition, please note that the home is a vacation rental unit – not a business address – so the bandwidth may not be high enough to conduct business as well as recreational use at the same time..
How close will I be to all the Orlando attractions?
Our portfolio includes hundreds of vacation homes, so it all depends on where you decide to stay. Every VillaDirect vacation rental is within 15 miles of Orlando’s top theme parks and attractions, with many just one or two miles away from Mickey’s front door. No matter what vacation home you decide to stay in, you’re never more than a short drive from Orlando’s top destinations.
Is there transportation to the attractions?
Since Orlando’s top attractions are large and spread out, may Florida visitors elect to rent a vehicle while on vacation. When you book with VillaDirect, you can use our complimentary concierge services to find a rental car, and even include it in the cost of your booking.
Can I buy attractions tickets through VillaDirect?
Yes. VillaDirect is a Disney Vacation Home Rental Connection company, and an authorized Walt Disney World® ticket seller. We also sell tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Busch Gardens and many other central Florida parks, attractions and shows.
Is parking available for RV’s or trailers?
While some communities do offer designated RV/trailer parking, it is prohibited in most communities. However, another option is that there are several facilities in Orlando where you can store your RV or trailer for a small fee.
