Orlando’s theme parks are gearing up for holiday travelers this summer who make up the bulk of their business. This is good news for homeowners looking for travel guests to return to their Orlando vacation homes after a drop in the market resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
An approved proposal to reopen short-term rental homes is allowing homeowners to welcome back their guests. This is significant for the state’s economy because the vacation-rental industry generates an estimated $27 billion annually, according to a report by the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Reopening Popular Theme Parks in Orlando
Universal Orlando’s water parks and theme parks will welcome guests starting on June 5. Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando, LegoLand, Fun Spot, and Gatorland have already reopened.
SeaWorld and Walt Disney World are in the process of submitting their plans to Orange County officials. Disney World plans to reopen its Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom Park in phases starting on July 11, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT attractions are set to reopen on July 15 with reduced operating hours.
What the Reopening Means for Short-Term Rental Homeowners
Home investors should experience a significant rebound to their bookings in the post-COVID-19 economy. Visitors who’ve been unable to travel in the last few months may be itching to return to normal life as summer approaches.
Vacation home owners may benefit from Disney's decision not to run its popular “Extra Magic Hours” perk which allows guests staying at Disney-owned or affiliated resorts extra time to spend in the theme parks. Many travelers may opt to save money with a short-term rental instead of staying at the more expensive Disney hotels.
Short-term rental homes are approved to reopen in the theme parks areas that include Lake County, Orange County, and Osceola County. But there are new guidelines to consider. For instance, short-term rental homeowners must maintain times between guest check-outs and new guest check-ins to sanitize and clean their properties. Property owners and managers must provide cleaning and sanitation products that guests can use during their stay.
Fitness centers, swimming pools, and other areas used by guests in a shared property must be maintained according to guidelines put in place by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Keeping Short-Term Rental Guests Safe
Homeowners must let guests know that their safety, wellbeing, and comfort are the primary concern. Using mobile technologies to communicate, transfer payments, and give guests access to your home can reduce any concerns visitors may have. Allowing guests to check in remotely makes the process convenient while minimizing unnecessary exposure for everyone.
Post notices throughout your home letting guests know about the cleaning and sanitation practices you've put in place, and encourage them to keep themselves and their families safe.
Reopening businesses and theme parks in Orlando will reinvigorate the short-term rental market. For homeowners, this is a welcome change, and for guests, it's a sign of a brighter future ahead.
Team Donovan helps today’s home investors buy and sell Orlando vacation homes. We can help you navigate the coming changes as Florida and the rest of the country lift restrictions that have been in place since March. If you want to learn more, contact us at (407) 705-2616 and schedule a free consultation today.
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