I'll let you onto a little secret that the Europeans have known for years and have been doing right here in America, right under our noses. The next time you head out to Disneyworld and before you plop down your hard earned cash for that cramped hotel room, why not consider renting a whole house with a private in-ground heated and screened in pool for about the same amount of money. These "vacation rental homes" (villas as the Brits call them) usually sleep upwards of 10 (in the 4 BR/2BA variety) and are spacious enough to accommodate two families on vacation (holiday as the Europeans call it). That is a significant savings and the Europeans have been taking advantage of this for years!

Savings continue by not having to eat every meal in a restaurant. When we are on vacation (holiday), our kids want their favorite breakfast cereal and milk along with watching TV when at home, but always seem to order foods in restaurants that they never seem to like or finish. And it usually costs way too much. Get dressed, drive around looking for food, and wait in line to eat breakfast out with a family of 5 and you will easily spend $25 or more. Enjoy a lazy morning in your rented home, then let the kids jump in the pool while you plan the rest of your day. Saves time, saves trouble and saves money!

First, there are no lines, no carts no check-in. They knew you were coming and the key is waiting. You pull up to the garage and you've pulled up to the front door. You are treated like royalty – you are on the first floor and the views are usually more than just a parking lot. You don’t get one room with two double beds and a single small bathroom. Awaiting you are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a villa that sleeps 10 comfortably. Add to that all the comforts of home and a private screened-in heated pool. You are off to a "royal" start.

Most of these homes are in residental short term rental neighborhoods and are close to grocery stores and all the main attractions. Disney is usually no further than any of the hotels. Enjoy the Parks – Enjoy your Rental Home!

The kids want to get up early. Fine, they have the whole house to themselves. Most homes multiple televisions as well as Playstation, Xbox or other console games - which the kids get to play, far away from you. Close the bedroom door and it is just the two of you. Have a relaxed morning breakfast or family dinner on your schedule and not on some restaurant's waiting list timetable.

Now that is how a family vacation should be! So, consider renting a home the next time you head down to Disneyworld. You may never go back to renting a cramped hotel room again.

Article contributed courtesy by Arnie Rothenbaum for :

Picadilly Paradise
Our Picadilly Palace is a Four (4) Bedroom, Two (2) Bath, air-conditioned spacious home featuring a private screened-in Lanai and an elegantly tiled and heated large pool with panoramic views to a beautiful and serene conservation area. It is in warm and sunny Kissimmee, Florida.