- Universal Orlando

Why Buy a Vacation Home Near Universal Orlando

Central Florida's thriving real estate market is giving today’s buyers of Orlando vacation homes a chance to benefit from developments that draw even more visitors each year. Orlando is home to popular theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and LegoLand. 

Universal is poised to give Disney some serious competition for tourist dollars in the next few years. It's already one of the most popular attractions for visitors from all over the world, featuring Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, along with premier shopping, dining, and entertainment options for the whole family.

Holiday homes near Universal Orlando can help you get the maximum value out of your investment. You can own a home that attracts visitors…

How to Help Victims of Hurricane Irma

Image Courtesy: OUC.com

The area near Disney appears to have weathered the wrath of Hurricane Irma fairly well. Most of the damage seems to be downed tree limbs and some missing roof shingles. Many homes are still without power, but electric crews from Florida, as well as other states around the U.S., are working tirelessly to restore power as quickly as possible. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World have all reopened, following their clean-up of storm debris.

Unfortunately, the Florida Keys and the islands of the Caribbean were not so lucky, and many areas were devastated by the hurricane. If you’d like to help those who have been hurt by the storm, the best way to aid in relief efforts is to donate cash to trusted organizations.…

Margaritaville Vacation Home Resort Unveils New Cottages

Jimmy Buffet fans should feel right at home at the new Margaritaville Resort Orlando when it opens in late 2018. The developers have released the first renderings of the vacation cottages that will be available for purchase, and the vibe is definitely coastal and Caribbean.

The design of the cottages was inspired by Key West, Bahamas, Jamaica, coastal Carolina, the Florida Keys and towns along the Gulf Coast. According to Pat McBride, CEO of the company leading the design process,“…these homes are designed to reflect those diverse architectural styles and periods while capturing that unmistakable Margaritaville paradise.” 

Vacation home buyers will be able to choose from one, two or three-story designs. The rendering that was made public…

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Sell a Home Near Disney

More and more tourists who come to Orlando to visit the theme parks and other attractions are skipping hotels and buying or renting vacation homes. If you live near Disney World or Universal, and are thinking about selling your home, this may be the perfect time to make your move. 

New research from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management shows buyers are willing to pay an average of $269,000 for a vacation home in the attractions area. That’s because the Kissimmee/Osceola County area provides buyers with value, a desired lifestyle and safety. 

Dr. Robertico Croes, a professor at Rosen College, expects this summer to be especially appealing thanks to the Orlando-area’s hot economy, and the opening of “Pandora…

What You Should Know about Buying Short Term Rentals

For years now, Europeans and Canadians have invested in Orlando vacation homes near Disney for use as a short-term rental to holiday visitors. Vacation homes have become a popular option for tourists who spend longer than a week in Central Florida, as well as large families on vacation, since the rental cost is cheaper than a hotel stay. Many vacation homes are located in resort communities too, so they offer hotel-like amenities such as luxury pools, spas and fitness facilities.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a vacation home in Orlando to use as a short-term rental, there are a few key points to keep in mind. 

#1 – Check to see if the home is located in a gated community. These properties are usually more desirable to tourists because they…

10 Best Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orlando

The holidays are a magical time to spend your vacation in Orlando. There are a variety of special events that your whole family can enjoy. And the cooler weather makes it especially nice to spend time outdoors. Here are ten ways to celebrate the season during your holiday stay. 

Light Up UCF – The University of Central Florida hosts this annual holiday event outside the CFE Arena. Light Up UCF features an 8,000 square foot outdoor ice skating rink, rides, including a Ferris wheel and train, and special holiday attractions – such as the Arctic Glide Ice Slide, Santa’s Workshop, and holiday films shown on a giant two-story screen. Capping it all off is a holiday light show that features thousands of lights choreographed to seasonal musical sections and…

Top 5 Things to Do in Orlando this Fall

Did you miss taking a summer vacation this year? Not to worry. There are plenty of things to do in Orlando this fall. As an added bonus – the temperatures are milder, so it’s a great time to head to the area theme parks. Here are a few of the special events going on to help you plan your trip: 

1. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – This annual event celebrates the diversity of food and wine. Attendees can sample tasty offerings from celebrity chefs, watch live cooking demonstrations and listen to great music. Admission to Epcot is required for entry into the festival. 

2. Brick or Treat at LEGOLand – Your little ones will get a treat out of these Halloween themed events including a LEGO Scary Scavenger Hunt in Miniland, Super brick build…