important than most initially believe.

With a vast array of accommodations to choose from, each offering amenities that can range from simple necessities (or the bare basics) to a plethora of posh pluses, diverse room layouts, various perks and packages, and numerous locals, it can be an overwhelming process. After all, where you stay and the type of accommodations you choose (whether hotel, motel, resort, bed & breakfast, house or condominium) will have an enormous impact on your entire vacation. Unfortunately for some however, this realization becomes apparent only after they’ve arrived – and when it’s too late to rectify the situation.

The Vacation Home
Truly a home away from home, vacation homes offer families both large and small an excellent alternative to staying at a resort or hotel.

One company in particular that I have found to be quite exceptional is All Star Vacation Homes.

All Star Vacation Homes
****
$$$-$$$$
Location: 7822 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (U.S. 192), Kissimmee
Phone: 888-294-0854( Toll free US and Canada)
Web site: www.allstarvacationhomes.com

All Star Vacation Home Communities Include: Acadia Estates, Formosa gardens Estates, Windsor Palms Resort Community, Emerald Island Resort Community, the Emerald Island Resort Community, the Windsor Hills Community, Oak Island Cove, Oak Island Harbor, Rolling Hills, Indian Creek, and All Star’s Latest addition - Vista Cay, (located a bit further north, near
International Drive and the Orlando Convention Center).



For Details regarding the all new Vista Cay Community (located on Universal Boulevard – near SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and the Convention Center)
CLICK HERE!




In Brief
Located in Kissimmee (with the exception of Vista Cay which is located off of International Drive on Universal Boulevard)), All Star’s vacation homes (which also include condos and town homes) are spread throughout various upscale neighborhoods, and all (with the exception of Vista Cay) are located farther less than 4 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. The rental office itself is even centrally located (on U.S. 192 - otherwise known as the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) and only a short distance (less than 2 miles) from any one of All Star neighborhoods located in Kissimmee..

---

So what’s so great about a renting a vacation home – especially an All Star vacationhome?

ghts:

Breathing Space
Because you will have the entire home to yourself, there is an abundance of room to spread out and relax without having to be on top of each other as is the case in most hotel rooms. You can unwind in the family room while the kids are off playing in the game room or one of the many large bedrooms. With televisions in every bedroom as well as the family room, there’s never any fighting over what program to watch. You can even enjoy a cup of coffee in the privacy of your own screened-in patio, sitting beside your private pool while the sun quietly sets in the background. Getting the picture?

You can choose from a variety of homes – there’s sure to be one to fit your family’s needs as you’ll find an array of 2- to 3-bedroom condos and town homes, as well as private pool homes with anywhere from 3 to 7 bedrooms to choose from.

In In addition to offering 4 distinct categories of accommodations (from condos to town homes to private homes), there are several different floor plans within each of the categories from which to choose and each is uniquely decorated and chock full of familyfriendly amenities. All of the properties feature a full-size kitchen, including a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave oven, stove, coffeemaker, blender, toaster, electric can opener, electric mixer, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, glasses, as well as a washer, dryer, iron and ironing board, vacuum cleaner, broom, dust pan, and of course all the linens and towels. Cleaning supplies (a starter supply) are also included
(you’ll find 1 roll of paper towels, 2 rolls of toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, bath salt, Kleenex, a bar of soap per bathroom and 1 for the kitchen sink, a packet of dishwasher soap, and 1 trash bag per day of your stay – additional supplies [if needed] are your responsibility [and there are several grocers and pharmacies located right nearby – no matter which community you’re located in)..

Convenience
You won’t have to make your way through hotel halls and corridors in the middle of the
night, sporting your PJ’s, just to get a snack, some ice, or a soda. You can simply make your way directly to the refrigerator.

Trucking the entire family through a crowded lobby and across a busy parking lot with kids and gear in tow won’t be necessary either, as your car will be right in the driveway, just a quick step outside your front door. This also allows you to make several trips if necessary, not having to haul everything (or everyone) at once.

A trip to the pool is just a step out your back door and onto the patio, not down several flights of stairs (or a lengthy wait on the elevator) and across the building (or even the property). This, in my opinion, is a huge advantage when you’re traveling with kids. At an All Star home you won’t find yourself having to split up if of only a few members of the family are up for splashing around or if the little ones need to head up to bed – you can keep an eye (and an ear) on both right from the patio – or even the family room.

All of the homes (with the exception of Vista Cay, All Star’s newest community located just off of International Drive on Universal Boulevard) are located within only 4 miles of the Walt Disney World Resort (with most homes within only 2 miles), so the trip to the parks is relatively painless. If you’re headed to Universal Orlando or SeaWorld, the exit for I-4 is right nearby (as is a sneaky back route to Disney via the very southern extension of International Drive) making for a relatively easy drive north - keep in mind however that with the new Vista Cay community now open, those spending the majority of their days at Universal and/or SeaWorld [and only a few days at Disney] may find that Vista Cay is a more convenient location). U.S.192 can still get quite congested even with all of its improvements (and added off-shoot roadways that have popped up in the past few years), making for pretty slow going at times. Traffic is, however, something that you will run into no matter where you’re staying if you find yourself driving during peak hours (or almost anytime during peak travel seasons).

All along U.S.192, no matter in which direction you are headed, restaurants are plentiful both in number and variety. Shops and smaller attractions line the highway as far as the eye can see. No matter in which neighborhood you may find yourself, you won’t have far to go to grab a bite to eat (though you may find it difficult to choose where to go with so many choices surrounding you), play a round or two of miniature golf, pick up those last-minute groceries, or even pick up a souvenir tee.

What’s Nearby:
The Formosa Gardens Village Shopping Center
Location: 7836 U.S. 192, Kissimmee (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway)
Phone: 407-396-1188
There are an abundance of businesses, shops, and restaurants located here, and all within
only a short distance from the various hotels and vacation homes located along U.S. 192.

Just a few of the businesses located at the village include:
The Marketplace Supermarket (407-397-2210)
The UPS Store (407-390-1899)
A hair and nail salon (Salon Victoria); 407-396-8333)
The Photo Shop III (407-390-0222)
A luggage store (ACA Luggage; 407-390-9878)
A liquor and t-shirt shop are also located in the center.
A Walgreen’s is located right across the street.

With 10 restaurants including:
The Red Lobster (407-677-0191)
Outback Steakhouse (407-396-0017)
Giordano’s (407-397-0044)
Carrabba’s (407-390-9600)
The Cracker Barrel (407-390-1190)
TGI Friday’s (407-397-4300)
Subway (407-397-7119)
Take Japanese (407-390-0333)
Taste of China (407-397-9911)
Dairy Queen (407-390-8175)
Golden China Restaurant (407-390-1606)
Papa John’s Pizza (407-397-7272)

The All Star Vacation Homes Office is located here as well (along with four additional real estate management and sales companies). Just across the street there’s a large Walgreen’s.

There are of course a slew of restaurants, smaller attractions, and business located along the US 192 highway – all within only minutes (most only 5 to 10, with others 10 to 20) away. The entrance to Walt Disney is again only 4 miles or less from any of the vacation home areas.

If you’re staying at Vista Cay (All Star’s newest community located just off of International Drive on Universal Boulevard) there are a slew of restaurants and shops all located within minutes (including the newly renovated Pointe Orlando, the plethora of restaurants lining either side of I-Drive, the Premium Outlets, and much, much more – for details on the various offerings along I-Drive CLICK HERE).



Additional Businesses and Services
The All Star Internet Café; provides high-speed Internet access as well as fax and photocopying services. Complimentary coffee is served daily for guests staying with All Star.

If you are in need of baby equipment contact the All Star office at 888-294-0854 and arrangements can be made for cribs, strollers, car seats, baby backpacks, bouncy seats, swings, gates, bed-rails, monitors, pack’n’plays, rocking chairs, and a slew of other gear through Frosty’s Baby Equipment Rental (additional fees will apply)

Value
Because the All Star homes can accommodate larger groups than an average hotel room or even many hotel suites, families with more than only 1-2 children and families traveling together will find the homes to be a very cost-effective alternative. With prices that range from as low as $129 per night for a 2-bedroom condo that sleeps 6, to as low as $319 per night for a 6-bedroom home that can sleep 14, you can be sure an equivalent room or suite at a hotel would be significantly higher (and in the case of a 5-, 6-, or 7 bedroom home would be near impossible).

Another unique feature of renting with All Star is that with a weekly rental comes a free car rental with Enterprise. The car-rental certificate is for a mid-size car, but you can upgrade to any size necessary (your will simply pay the difference).

Amenities
Now I am sure some of you are thinking that if you don’t stay at a hotel or resort you will miss out on some of the guest services and amenities that they offer. While it’s true that the services and amenities may be slightly bit different than those found at a hotel, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. The 3, 4 and 5-Star homes feature private pools, most with a spa, in a screened-in patio area attached to your home. Several of the private homes offer game rooms and Internet access. The 4-Star homes feature a community pool as well as a private pool, club house (some with small movie theaters and arcades), and other recreational amenities (such as pool tables, fitness centers, arcade games and tennis courts among others). 3-Star homes feature private pools and spas while Condos and Town Homes feature a main clubhouse (some with a small movie theater and game room), sport courts, a central community pool, children’s pool, and other similar conveniences much like you would find at a hotel or resort.

Several of the private homes offer game rooms and Internet access. The condos, town homes, and resort homes located in the Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, and Emerald Island Resorts neighborhoods offer a main clubhouse with a small movie theater, game room, sport courts, central main pool, children’s pool, small convenience store, and fitness room much like you would find at a hotel or resort.

You can borrow video games to play and movies to watch from the main office at any time – they’re free of charge (unlike at hotels and resorts). If you need park tickets or dinner reservations, you need go no further than your own home. Kissimmee Guest Services (which actually is available to anyone, even if they’re staying elsewhere) will come right to your doorstep and provide the tickets you desire. In addition, an agent will sit down and talk with you about the parks, attractions, and dinner shows, as well as provide you with an area map and directions to reach your destination if you choose.

You can check out their Web site at www.kgtickets.com or call 407-931-1027 or 877- 273-5636 for more information.

The All Star Homes concierge service also offers help with making dinner reservations, recreational activities, transportation and car rental, shopping, catered meals, equipment rentals, maps and directions. You need not think that just because you are not staying at a full-service hotel that you’ll have to do without the full service – you most certainly won’t!

You can check out their Web site at www.kissimmeeguestservices.com or call 407-931-1027 or 888-294-0854 for more information.

The All Star Vacation Homes concierge service also offers help with dinner reservations, recreational activities, transportation and car rental, catered meals, and equipment rentals. You need not think that just because you are not staying at a full-service hotel that you’ll have to do without the full service – you most certainly won’t!

All Star: offers multiple bedrooms with one, often times more, master bedrooms
Hotel: one big room, with 1, maybe 2 additional bedroom(s) but only if you opt to pay for a suite

All Star: a separate family room, kitchen with eating area, separate dining room, game room ,and often private screened-in patio with a private pool and spa
Hotel: possibly a small central family area – though usually only if you opt for a suite; possibly a dining area though usually only if you opt for a suite, possibly a very small deck (often only large enough for two chairs)

All Star: Multiple bathrooms
Hotel: one bathroom; one and a half - possibly two if you opt for a suite

All Star: full and completely equipped kitchen
Hotel: may include a small kitchen or kitchenette if you opt for a suite otherwise generally only mini-sized appliances (if any are included at all – there may be extra charges in some cases)

All Star: TV with video game player and free game rentals at the office
Hotel: only select properties include video game players, most that do rent games do so at an additional fee

All Star: individually decorated and furnished giving a more homey feel (even in the properties that are lavishly and exquisitely decorated)
Hotel: Standard furnishings – generally however, the higher the price of the room the nicer the furnishings may be (GENERALLY however, most hotels with rates over $250 a night offer finer and more stylish furnishings – those with rates under $200 GENERALLY offer fairly standard and less intriguing furnishings)

All Star: private pools, many with enclosed patios sometimes with an additional community pool
Hotel: community pool(s) – some offer extensive water play areas (however they are among the most expensive resorts in the area)

All Star: concierge services and guest services are available (though some are available for an additional fee)
Hotel: may or may not include a Concierge and or Guest Services Desk (some Concierge services may require you stay in a club or concierge level room)

All Star: 1 weekly cleaning is included when you rent, additional cleaning is available for an extra fee
Hotel: daily cleaning is included

All Star: chef services and catering services are available for an extra fee
Hotel: room service may or may not be available, and the costs involved are generally rather high

All Star: laundry facilities are located right in the homes and there is no extra charge to use them
Hotel: may or may not include guest laundry facilities (and there is an extra fee to use the facilities), only a very few properties offer in-room laundry facilities

All Star: Internet access (in select units) is available at no extra charge (computers are also located in select units)
Hotel: Internet access may or may not be available. If it is, it is usually at an additional
fee at most hotels and resorts though it may be free at some – be sure to check ahead of time (*comparisons do not include the All Star condos – only the vacation homes)


The Type of Homes You’ll Find at All Star:
ALL STAR Vacation Homes offer a "Series" of homes to choose from. Depending on the number of people in your family, one type of house might be a better value or more comfortable than another. Be sure to check the square footage, the number of bedrooms, and the floor plans (all of which you’ll find on the All Star site) of each home you are considering – this will make it easy to compare homes to see which will be best for your family.