How do I make a reservation?  (Step 1)

It's super easy! First, check out our rates and availability page to determine the rate for the time of year you would like to visit. Then, check our availability calendar to make sure that our home is not already booked. Next, complete the online enquiry form on the Contact Us page or simply e-mail us with your request or question. Once we have confirmed availability, just use PayPal to place your deposit, and follow the guidelines we send you to complete your final payment prior to your arrival.  If you prefer not to use PayPal we can make arrangements to receive credit cards through our property management company, Oasis Vacation Homes, as well.  

Rental Agreement Form  (Step 2)

Before a reservation can be confirmed you must complete and return a rental agreement.  Complete the document and email it to info@5mins2disney.com and we will let you know it's confirmed.  Alternatively a fax # is listed in the document.

Download rental agreement in Microsoft Word Format

How can I pay for my reservation and/or deposit? (Step 3)

You can use your credit card, securely through our property management company, Oasis Vacation Homes.  We also accept personal checks via mail given ample time for them to clear prior to arrival, however the damage deposit must be made on a credit card in either case.   We now accept PayPal as well!

How do we handle the security / damage deposit? (Step 4)

6 weeks prior to arrival, our management company requires that all guests fillout and return the damage deposit / security form.  They will not actually charge your card unless additional charges or damage is incurred, and we will notify you in the event this becomes necessary following checkout.  This is similar to the imprint all hotels take upon check in, except it saves our guests the hassle of having to find an offsite office location to register and check in, we feel it is a huge added convenience to our guests to do so in advance in this manner!

Security / Damage deposit form  OR  Security / Damage deposit form in .PDF Format

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 if you wish. Check-in time is normally anytime after 4pm, an after hours lockbox with a keycode 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, you will have an emergency number to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The property management company's information is also provided in the information book inside of the unit.

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. Kindly place all used dishes and silverware in the dishwasher. Please turn off lights and appliances, lock all windows, doors and sliding doors before you leave. As a courtesy to us and future guests, please try to leave the home in a reasonable state of cleanliness. The keys must be returned to the unit lockbox, otherwise a key replacement fee will be deducted from your damage deposit.  Please remember to take all of your personal belongings, as we cannot be held responsible for items left behind.   The property management / cleaning company kindly asks if you have sufficient time to strip the bed linens, throw the towels in the washer and start the laundry.

Are there ever late check outs?

Checkout time is normally 10:30AM, unless you have made other arrangements with us.  We can however depending upon the circumstances arrange for later times, and we will make every effort to accomodate our guests if possible.  Please contact us or the management company ASAP and ask if it's possible if you think this may be the case, we are usually very accomodating, depending upon cleaning schedules and subsequent bookings.

Are there any additional options?

A common question or request is for a BBQ.  We do not provide BBQs in our homes due to the problems involved in keeping them clean and stocked with propane, however, our management company does rent them out to guests on a weekly basis.  They can also rent out a high chair and / or pack & play crib / cot (however these items are already provided in the homes, free of charge, but if you needed an additional one, it's available).   Here's the equipment hire form, you can simply download the form and send it into Oasis Vacation Homes, and they will have your BBQ (or equipment) waiting for you in the home when you arrive!  (The BBQ comes clean, stocked with propane, and BBQ utensils such as tongs, brush, etc).  BBQs must never be used inside the pool / screened in lanai, this is a $1500 offense in Florida if caught by the police (and serious fire danger)!

How many people may stay in the house?

The house can accomodate a MAXIMUM of 8 guests, due to Florida state fire and hotel regulations, and includes all occupants regardless of age or size.

Do you allow pets or smoking?

No. For the health and safety of all of our guests (including ourselves), smoking and pets are strictly 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 in the home and we can provide proof of licensing on demand. You can be sure that the taxes you pay are forwarded to the State and County on your behalf. Unlicensed villas are not only illegal to stay in, but you run the risk of being evicted as the State and County crack down on unlicensed villas in Florida. Ask before you rent any home to be sure it is licensed!  Play it safe and only stay in a Licensed Villa - as is ours!

Is there anything that is not provided?

There are a few things you'll want to either pack or pick up locally upon your arrival.  We provide only a "starter" quantity of hand soap and toilet tissue. Personal items like toothpaste, bath soaps, shampoo, etc. are not provided, for hygiene reasons. Also, smaller consumable items like dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, paper towels, trash bags, etc. are also not provided.  We also do not provide items like coffee, tea, or any type of consumables or food, as people's taste vary from person-person, you should expect to find the refrigerator empty and clean upon arrival.  The cleaning company removes any such items left behind as each guest leaves the units (this is the common practice in Florida).  When we first booked a townhome we wondered why certain items such as these were not left behind, then we learned that this is the common practice, so want our guests to know what to expect to provide themselves in advance.

What is provided in the home?

Our home is fully furnished and equipped for your vacation enjoyment. There are 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/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, 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. If you are staying more than a couple of days, you will want to purchase additional supplies.

Where can I pick up any extra sundry items I need?

Our home is located just minutes from US 192 where numerous supermarkets and superstores are found. There is a Publix supermarket located 2 miles West of Old Lake Wilson Road on highway 192 and a Winn-Dixie at Formosa Gardens Plaza, just West of Old Lake Wilson Road on highway 192.  There are also 3 Wal-Marts and a Super Target within a short driving distance, well as numerous convenience stores located on US 192.   Also nearby are stores such as Walgreen's (drug store), and many others, so obtaining nearly anything you should need while vacationing should be quite easy, and a whole lot less expensive than staying on the Disney properties and eating out all the time with no kitchen!  

Here is a map of US-192 and all the stores on it:
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/map/ushwy192mapindex.htm

Windsor Hills Resort is on section 2, the "shortcut" road to WDW is on this map also, Sherberth.

Here's another great idea...don't feel like spending time at the grocery store when you arrive?  Pre-order it all and have it delivered right to your vacation home from http://www.gardengrocer.com/  !!  This company is like what we call "Peapod" here in Chicago. You can pre-order all of your groceries online and have them delivered anywhere in the Disney Resort area whenever you would like!! The groceries cost the same as going to the store yourself, and are of high quality, and they charge you only $10 for delivery... if you spend over $200 then delivery is free!  It's so convenient to do all of your shopping online before you ever even leave home so you're not wasting time at the store when you arrive!  (They even bring them into the home for you!)

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.  It's not the biggest space, which is why they pickup every day.  If left open, this is Florida, there are animals, they go get into the garbage and will make a huge mess (we've seen this happen).   If you have something bigger than will fit, there's a resort garbage dumpster you can take something to, it's located on the right side of the clubhouse by the main entrance, over towards the first big condo building.  The following information is taken verbatim 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.

1. All trash and garbage must be placed inside trash bags.  Close the bag securely.

2. Owners must provide standard size kitchen size (13 Gal.) trash bags for guest use.

3. 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. 

4. 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.

5. Do not put loose trash inside the Bench-Mate.  Place all trash inside trash bags. 

6. Do not pour liquids inside the trash bags or inside the Bench-Mate.  Pour all liquids in the kitchen sink.

7. 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,

8. 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

 

Post this notice in the guest information book or in the kitchen adjacent to the trash receptacle.

Is pool service provided?

We have a professional pool maintenance company that cares for the pool and equipment every week.  Every week it is vacuumed out by them / etc as needed, they are on call via the MC 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 of the home on a regular basis.  They also are on call should there ever be a need or problem.  We call Florida "the land of bugs, sun, and humidity", and everyone down here has to have pest control for this reason!  You can help minimize the chances of getting bugs by being careful with food, garbage, and the like, but as the locals say... "there's much worse critters living down here than bugs..hopefully you'll never see any of THOSE!"... (snakes, gators, other nasty things!.....be careful if you're on a golf course...not the place to go hunting for your lost balls!).   Please let us or Oasis know if you see any bugs, so we can have the exterminators deal with the problem!

Anything else I might need / have forgotten?

Oasis Vacation Homes, run by Iain and Helen Robinson provide top-notch customer service to all of our guests.  They can arrange (sometimes for a small fee) to provide things you might have forgotten or need, such as a BBQ, crib, extra bed, etc., even a car if need be!  They also provide in the unit a binder book with extensive local information on their company / services, as well as addresses and phone #s to many popular stores, restaurants, parks, medical care, etc.  Please don't hesitate to call on them for their extensive and very helpful local knowledge if you have any needs or questions, they are absolutely wonderful to deal with! 

Is telephone service provided?

There is a telephone located between the kitchen and great room. Emergency (911), toll-free and local (Kissimmee area) calls are free of charge. Long distance and international calls will require the use of a calling card. The telephone number for the house will be provided to you in your confirmation instructions. On 1/20/2007 we just installed a VOIP "freephone".  This is an internet based telephone service from a company called Viatalk, and provides unlimited free phone calls to the US, Canada, and UK/EU for our guests!   For the time being, we are "pilot testing" this new phone service in townhome #1 only, and leaving the existing local phone line in place, so you will find 2 phones in our home.  In a few months, if we receive positive feedback on the quality of the service from our guests, we will shut off the existing local only phone line and just use Viatalk for all phone service, and also install it in townhome #2.  If the internet were to go down or the home were to lose power, this service would not work, and services like 911 emergency calling might not be available.

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 via a Cablecard, and HD Channel enabled in the master bedroom on the 32" HD Sharp Aquos via a Cablecard as well!

Is a stereo or DVD player provided?

Why yes!   We have a DVD player in the queen bedroom, the twin bedroom, and in the greatroom.  The greatroom has a brand new Panasonic Stereo 5.1 channel surround sound high end theater in a box system with upscaling HD HDMI DVD player connected to the 50" Philips plasma TV.  There are a few DVD movies in the home already.  The stereo is also capable of playing every major modern music format, SACD, DVD, DVD-A, DTS, WMA, MP3, iPod (jack on front of it for this), etc., so bring your music along if you like, nothing like some music while swimming in the pool!  The 5.1 sound quality is really great, and DVD movies look gorgeous on it!  We found on our last trip that the closest video rental store is 6 miles away, so our suggestion is to pack a few DVDs to bring along in case you decide to spend an evening home watching movies!

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 living 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.

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) immediately alongside the house for any extra vehicles (another advantage of an end-unit!).

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 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
See the Terms and Conditions page for further details.

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.

From http://www.insuremytrip.com/ a site that allows you to compare multiple offerings of travel insurance:

How far is it to the theme parks?

We are just 5 minutes / 2 miles from Walt Disney World main gate - the Windsor Hills Resort is the closest vacation rental community to Disney, there are 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 is 10 minutes away, Universal is about 15 minutes.  We've made it from the door of our townhome to the Epcot parking lot in 7 minutes!  (I timed it, but we did catch both traffic lights green on the way).

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.. cab to Universal is $32 one way.... Don't forget it costs $11 per day for parking at Disney and Universal if you drive, although you can come and go freely from various parks, it's pay just once per day for parking at all of the Disney parks.

Are the pools heated?

The community pool is heated. The private pool in the home may be heated as required, for an additional fee of $15 per day or $105 per week. Pool heat is generally recommended during the months of November through April.

What will the weather / climate be like when I visit?

Depends of course on when you come, here is a link to Orlando metro climate data:

 http://www.orlandoedc.com/Data%20Center/Quality%20of%20Life/climate.shtml

 http://www.orlandoedc.com/core/file.php?loc=/Documents/EDC%20Documents/Data%20Center/quality_of_life/climate/QOL_OrlClimateData_2006.pdf

 Foldup ponchos can be handy to bring along to the parks is you're visiting during a rainy period, it typically rains hard in short bursts like many tropical areas do, then clears up.

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 $6 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 had it's grand opening celebration on Nov 15, 2006, to celebrate the newly finished tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball, and 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 48" inches in height.  There is a pool slide attendant there for your safety to ensure mutiple people aren't on the slide at the same time, and a height sign to measure for the minimum required height.  There are no exceptions to this rule, and they will not let parents go down the slide with shorter kids, please don't ask for exceptions!  (They get this question all the time).  It's an insurance liability concern, and the pool at the bottom of the slide is 4 feet deep, which is why this is the minimum height, they have seen many cases of kids coming down the slide unable to swim / touch bottom and have had to pull them out!

Are there any safety considerations?

The home is located in a gated community with 24-hour security at the front gate, for your peace of mind.  It is a very safe neighborhood. The home itself is equipped with required signage, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, and alarms on the pool area sliding doors which you may "arm" to alert you if children attempt to enter the pool area unaccompanied. There is a mandatory child fence between the sliders and the pool itself that must be in place when the pool is not in use. Parents MUST supervise all minors when using the pool facilities, as well as the resort pool and clubhouse.

Are there bogus timeshare people at Windsor Hills Resort waiting to accost us?

No, this is not one of those kind of places!  There are no timeshares or anything remotely resembling it anywhere on the property!!  Rest assured is this is your thing there are plenty of timeshare tours you can search out while in the Orlando area, but not here!   Windsor Hills Resort is a new construction resort built in 2005 by Pulte Homes, and private owners rent out their homes, townhomes, and condos as well as by other means.

Tips!

When you arrive allow a little time at the beginning of your trip to shop and stock up on food / etc.  Get up in the AM and eat breakfast at home if heading to the resorts.   The home has an "umbrella" stroller which we think is great for running around the parks with the kids (two actually).  We take a small 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.    Also, we found it wise to book character dinners and shows at the Disney Parks in advance of our arrival, as this gives our kids a chance to meet each character, get their autograph, and get their picture taken with them as the characters all stop by your dinner table while you're eating.  (Hint: buy your autograph books and Disney pens in advance at Wal-Mart for 1/10th the cost of the parks!!)  Suggested character dinners we have attended, or excellent dinner shows include:  Magic Kingdom - the Crystal Palace, the Cinderella Dinner inside the castle  - Polynesian Village - the luau - Fort Wilderness - the Hoop-De-Do Review - the Contemporary - Chef Mickey's - Epcot Center - inside The Land - The Garden Grill Restaurant, and 1900 Park Faire inside the Grand Floridian  --- Here's a link to the Disney Character Dining website   MOST IMPORTANT - these book up weeks or months in advance... CALL NOW and make reservations or the best ones will all be booked and gone when you arrive on site...you must plan this well in advance!!!