January 23, 2004 -- If the idea of living in homes named Cinderella's Castle, Alice's Wonderland, or even Pooh's Playhouse isn't too saccharine for you, then look to Loyalty USA for your choice of 44 houses in which to sleep next time you visit Orlando -- specially now that the firm is offering our readers a 10% discount off the published web prices. One of many such firms offering other people's homes for rent when the owners are gone, Loyalty makes plenty of promises, but, according to its lists of testimonials, apparently delivers on them all. That may be because a grouping of 44 homes isn't too big for a small firm to handle well.
This patriotically named company says all its homes are within four "real" miles of Disney World; have fully screened pool areas, and some sport spas as well. (Heating those pool is available at additional cost, however.) All homes are fully licensed by the State of Florida; all have child security pool door alarms; all are maintained and cleaned; all have digital door entry systems, so you don't have to go pick up the keys first but can go straight from the airport to your home. All are fully equipped to include towels and linens. They explain that some homes are themed to their names, some with kiddy rooms, and that many of the homes are next door to each other or very close together, "ideal for larger parties."
The firm manages and rents these two- to six-bedroom vacation homes at rates being higher from June 1 to August 31 each year, when school is out and the kids want to see Orlando. Of the 44 properties, the cheapest is called Pluto's Pad, and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small pool and a games room. It rents for $95 a day, $650 a week, except in summer, when it mups to $800. Many of the properties rent for around $750 most of the year, except in summer when some go to $900, $1,050 or more. They often have specials, which they say go as low as $89 per night -- those for early 2004 will be on their site in a few days, they say.
Contact Loyalty USA at www.loyaltyusa.com (don't forget to ask for the 10% Frommers.com discount) or phone 866/397-7018 or 407/397-7475 between 8 and 8; e-mail: Yvonne@loyaltyusa.com. They also have offices in the UK and Ireland.
Another Disney Package
On Wednesday, we reported on another Frommer's only special for Orlando, which you can read by clicking here. Now United Vacations says you can save up to $275 per person with a "Spring Dream Maker" package they are offering if you book between by February 9 for travel February 12 through April 17. Vacations begin at $569 out of New York City, Washington, D.C. or Boston; $599 from Chicago; $699 from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles or Denver; and from $779 out of Seattle or Portland OR.
The deals include roundtrip airfare, three nights' lodging at one of the Disney All-Star resorts, an Ultimate Park Hopper ticket, some trading pins, and a "Choice Feature" per room, as well as 24-hour traveler assistance. The choice features include a round of miniature golf, up to two images displayed on one Leave a Legacy tile at Epcot, a Disney character poster, or up to $25 per room worth of dining at Planet Hollywood. If you want to pay more, you can select a Silver or Gold Plan Add-On Package that includes such extras as a Disney Character Breakfast, 18 holes of golf, spa treatments and more.
These promotions are good for Monday-Thursday travel, and prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Prices do not include airport fees and taxes. Get your package online at www.unitedvacations.com, or by phoning 888/328-6877.