Condominiums and Rentals

Some travelers, especially those who like all the comforts of home, prefer quiet privacy, or are traveling in groups of five or more, bypass motels in favor of rental condos or homes. Rates vary widely depending on quality and location; some may require at least a 2- or 3-night minimum. A lot of these properties are 5 to 15 miles from the theme parks and offer no transportation, so a car is a necessity.

On the plus side, most have two to six bedrooms and a convertible couch, two or more bathrooms, a full kitchen, multiple TVs and phones, and irons. Some have washers and dryers. Homes often have their own private screen-enclosed pool, while condos have a common one.

On the minus side, they can be lacking in services. Most don't have daily maid service, and restaurants can be as far away as the parks. (There's another reason you'll need a car.) And unless a condo or home is in a gated community, don't expect on-site security. Some properties offer dinnerware, utensils, and salt-and-pepper shakers -- check when you book as amenities vary widely.

Rates range from about $109 to $529 per night ($750-$3,600 per week).

All Star Vacation Homes (tel. 888/249-1779 or 407/997-0733; www.allstarvacationhomes.com) is the cream of the city's home and condo rental crop, with a wide variety of properties to choose from -- all of them within a 4-mile radius of Disney. Many of their homes feature such amenities as pool tables, personal home theaters, and Jacuzzi tubs along with private pools. Do check their website -- you will be able to see the exact home you are renting, as opposed to a "typical" room -- but be sure to call if you have special requirements, want a specific theme (they have a Disney-themed home if you don't want to give up Mickey while sleeping), or want help selecting the home that meets your needs. The staff is exceptionally cordial and well-informed.

Other popular players include Advantage Vacation Homes (tel. 407/392-2262; www.advantagevacationhomes.com), Holiday Villas (tel. 800/344-3959; www.holidayvillas.com); Summer Bay Resort (tel. 888/742-1100; www.summerbayresort.com); LikiTiki Village (tel. 407/239-5000); Bahama Bay Resort (tel. 888/782-9722); and Cypress Point Orlando (tel. 407/597-2700).

Smaller Homes Away from Home -- Several area timeshare resorts rent rooms or apartments to tourists when the owners aren't using them. The Disney Vacation Club (tel. 407/939-7775; www.dvcresorts.com) offers studios and one- to three-bedroom villas at its timeshare resorts. Some have small fridges and microwaves; others have full kitchens. Rates start at about $305 per night and can run up to $2,090 per night. Outside Disney World, per-night rates begin at around $189 per night for one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens. As with hotel rooms, you can get major discounts off the rack rates (as low as $79 a night) for these properties if you do your homework. An especially nice choice is Sheraton's Vistana Resort (tel. 866/208-0003; www.starwoodvo.com). Another good place to look is the Marriott Vacation Club (tel. 800/845-5279; www.vacationclub.com).

One minor caveat: Because each room and apartment that's rented is individually owned, quality can vary, so be sure to specify your exact requirements when booking.

The Beach Club's Baby Sister

Disney's Beach Club Villas (tel. 407/934-7639 or 407/934-2175; www.disneyworld.com) make up a resort inspired by Cape May seaside homes of the early 20th century with clapboard exteriors and intricate white wood trim. The 280-room resort, opened in July 2002, is a member of the Disney Vacation Club that rents studios and 1- and 2-bedroom villas ($315-$475 studios, $425-$1,105 villas) to mainstream guests when their owners are not staying on the property. Amenities are shared with the Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, with the exception of the Villa's quiet pool -- which is only accessible to villa guests. It, too, is close to Epcot's International Gateway.