All Star Vacation Homes Review: Vacation Rentals Can Save You Money
Our Home Away From Home
When life throws you an opportunity you take it. Recently, I was offered an irresistible perspective-changing occasion. To stay at a beautiful vacation home from All Star Vacation Homes located in sunny Kissimmee, Florida.
Talk about a no-brainer.
So, I loaded up the family, grabbed a few items and punched in the address on my GPS, and the A Worthey Family Road Trip of 2014 began.
Some 19+ hours later as our car pulled into the driveway of our newly borrowed vacation home away from home, our collective mouths dropped. This is ours for a week? It stood before us like a green apparition, for we had been victims of the beyond frigid Arctic Vortex of a Michigan winter for far too long. Were we dreaming? I entered the code to the door lock, and we stepped into Paradise Lost.
Let me tell you about this over 3,000-square feet, 5-bedrooms, 4.5 baths, private pool & spa, home theater dream space. Oh, I kinda just did. Ok, the long version. If space is the final frontier, then call me Mrs. Neil Armstrong. This All Star Vacation Homes if nothing else, gave us a healthy abundance of space. Space to spread out, space to relax, space for my husband to cook for me in a gourmet kitchen, space for my crazy 3 boys to run wild, space to dive into a warm sun-dappled private pool, space to do everything a vacation is supposed to do, take you away from an otherwise hectic cold existence.
I loved the Welcome package featured at the entrance of the home from All-Star Vacation Homes. And let me be the first to tell you– their customer service and staff were superb. When I first got to the home, I wondered how it would work if you needed something. When you stay at a hotel or resort, you can just call down to the front desk, and they send up whatever you need. Well… it works the same way in All-Star Vacation Rentals. We needed a spatula, and a guest service representative was at our home within 15 minutes.
How’s that for great customer service!
So let’s talk about the property:
5 Bedrooms meant that we all could have our own room. The twins were not 100% gung-ho about this idea since they are used to sleeping together. I told them- “we’re on vacation, it’s time to try something different!”
And of course.. yours truly took the best bedroom in the house. My bedroom was more like a suite. It had it’s own bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. There were also patio doors that led to the patio and the pool.
Our vacation home included 4.5 bathrooms. Three on the upper floor. Ziah was able to score his own bathroom as well as Zion. Derrick (hubby) and Zayd’n shared a shared bathroom. On the lower floor, this home featured a 1/2 bath which led right to the patio. So if you were having a pool party or the kids needed to use the restroom they had easy access instead of coming all the way into the house.
I stand, no I sit before (who stands and writes?) you, and I am sold on the idea of staying at a vacation home. There I said it, and it is worth every red penny. All Star Vacation Homes is an ideal option for longer vacations. It is simple. It has value and if you know me it all comes down to saving those dollars baby! Although, I love staying at resorts, the idea of having my own “everything” and the level of privacy my family experienced with All-Star Vacation Homes just made me value the vacation home option so much more.
The kitchen was beautiful. All-Star Vacation Homes kitchens come fully equipped with all of your cooking needs and utensils. All you have to do is provide the food 😉
The boys spent the majority of their time in 3 places: the pool, the game room, and the movie theater. Yes, FREE entertainment. Which to me is a huge value. Entertainment and paying for a ton of park tickets will eat up your budget as fast as food.
I loved the features around the pool and hot tub. Great safety net- so if you have little ones… you’re covered!
And unlike at a resort, here in the Vacation Home, you can swim as late or early as you want to. I mean you’re on vacation.. you should not be told when you have to be out of the pool.
The boys loved learning how to play pool and having fun with the old school video system!
Zayd’n our movie expert was just in HEAVEN with this room. He told me he felt like Zuri (from the Hey Jessie Disney show). He loved having a BIG screen to watch some of his favorite movies and TV Channels.
This is such a great feature to have. If you’ve been to the Orlando area before you know that it can rain as fast as it snows in Michigan. So having a movie theater can be a fun activity to do on a rainy or just-too-hot to be outside day.
So how does this save me money?
Hold up; I know what you’re thinking, and I did my due diligence. Yes, I do see great Groupon and Living Social deals for vacation home properties. When you weigh the pros and cons, you may pay a little more than a regular hotel, but the pros translate into HUGE savings. I am a couponer and therefore you all know I maintain a respectable stockpile. So, I loaded up the majority of the foodstuffs we would need and brought them along for the ride. Once there the only food items we purchased were fresh produce and a few dairy items (I shopped mainly at Target using the Cartwheel app and a few coupons in my purse). We saved hundreds of dollars just be cooking the vast majority of our meals. We’re on vacation so of course, we ate out, we just had the option not to have to and for me, there is a huge value in that.
So let me break this down for you:
A family of 5 on the average will spend about $50 bucks per meal (that’s about $10 per person) x 3 times per day= $150.
We were on vacation for a total of 8 days. $150 x 8 day= $1200. Gasp! Yes. When you’re on vacation you will spend the most money on the 2 E’s= Eating & Entertainment.
The All Star Vacation Home Rentals (based on the prices online) start at around $200 per day= $1600.
If you stayed in a regular hotel that would be about $800 ($100 per day).
So if you stayed in an All Star Vacation Home for about $1600, you can get by on the food budget for around $400 with eating most of your meals in, PLUS you have a ton of entertainment (which is another HUGE savings).
*And if you can find a Groupon or Living Social deal on a vacation home rental, you will save a little bit more!
Another way you can save money when staying in a vacation home is the luxury of having your own washer and dryer. By having access to washing/drying your clothes you pack less. If you’re flying that means fewer fees to pay (since the majority of the airlines charge for baggage fees). Or if you’re traveling by car you save more on gas with less baggage in your car. So a GREAT way to save.
Plus you wash all of your clothes before leaving your vacation and guess what? When you get home all you have to do is put everything away- already clean! I love this feature!
Being able to get away for several days was a wonderful vacation and break from our crazy Michigan weather! The best part of this vacation…. staying with All-Star Vacation Homes. This was the vacation. The majority of the time when I go on a vacation I want time to relax. Yes, it’s fun to head to the parks and go check out all of the attractions. But sometimes, just sometimes.. you want to c-h-i-l-l. I am thankful for the chance to review this All-Star Vacation Home and be able to have a vacation where I could just relax. We had several attractions right on our property for the family to do and to be continual entertained.
THAT is the vacation. You get luxury. You get convenience. You get savings. You get your home away from home. This is all wrapped in a home provided for you by All Star Vacation Homes.
So what do you think? Are you sold on the idea of staying in a Vacation Rental Home (or even a resort, a condo that offers amenities and a full kitchen to cook most of your meals) for your next vacation?
If so, please do me a favor and check out All Star Vacation Homes! We were blown away by our vacation home, the amenities, their wonderful customer service, easy access to tourist attractions and more! I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed with your next home… away from home!
Thank you All Star Vacation Homes- we had a blast!
Disclosure: All my opinions are my own and not influenced by this Company. Complimentary accommodations were provided by All Star Vacation Homes in exchange for my honest review. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information.
Alesha @ Full Time Mama says
This place looks amazing!! I’ve always wanted to get a vacation home when we go to San Diego with my family, but I always worry about the price. You make quite a few good points, however, on why it’s totally worth it. Will have to check into one the next time we plan a trip!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Ok, I am convinced! That looks like a wicked awesome place to stay! Wow.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Wow. Look at all of that! I would totally consider doing this. I can see how it would save you tons of money in the long run! Glad you all had fun 🙂
aimee fauci says
I have actually looked into these for one of our Disney trips. We did not do it but it is def something to consider for next time. So is the home owned by a person or a company?
Marisa says
This house is gooorgeous! Never been to Florida before, but I have like always wanted to visit. This house looks amazing! Tnx for sharing! 🙂
Rachael says
I had the opportunity to stay there with my sister and mom a while back. They are lovely accommodations.
Charise says
Vacation rentals are the best! We always save so much money.
Nicole Brady says
I’ve heard so many people say they rented a home while vacationing in Florida and so many say they can’t go back to the hotel option afterwards. Having a place to cook, relax, swim (and in your case, other entertainment too) sounds fantastic. What a great opportunity.
Jen V says
Looks like you had a wonderful time! Last time we went to Orlando, we stayed at a Disney resort. Honestly, I think when you consider all expenses, I think this option would be less expensive. We will have to look into it the next time we go to Florida.
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
I have been wanting to look into rental homes, but wasn’t sure of one I could trust. Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be looking into this.
Shannon Gosney says
Wow! Looks like a great home! If we’re ever out visiting Florida, I’ll definitely have to check them out!
Debbie Denny says
I love staying in vacation homes. I will check them out.
Brett says
Ok I’m ready to pack up now. It’s 17 outside. Gorgeous rental home!
Martha says
I can’t get over all of the amenities in the house! That’s crazy. Like a resort but just for your family.
Melissa says
What a gorgeous home – I love all of the pictures. I like having a lot of space, my own kitchen and laundry on vacation!
Jaime says
If I stayed at one of these vacation homes, I would never leave! Seriously! You guys had a pretty sweet set-up. 🙂
Jaime says
(Not sure if my first comment went through!) This vacation home looks amazing. I don’t think I’d ever leave if I stayed in one of these houses!
Elizabeth Towns says
When I travelled to Aruba a few years ago, we rented a vacation home. It was so wonderful! I want to it again with my family, and splitting the costs with other friends and family make it even more cost effective! We took turns cooking meals, according to a plan.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
What a beautiful home, I would love to take my family and stay here! I love the tv room and the pool looks amazing too. I love staying at places like this so you can save money on food and also do your own laundry.
Karen says
That looks like such a nice house to stay at. I’ll have to remember that when we are planning a Disney trip. Sometimes it’s nice to have a whole house than a small hotel room.
Tonya says
Ever since Hubby and I went on vacation in Florida, we’ve been dying to go back. This sounds like a great way to go!!
Mistee Dawn says
I see how they could ave you a lot of money. Something to keep in mind.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
very nice! As a family of 7 hotels are getting too small for us, this would be a nice fit for us!
Mistee Dawn says
It does sound like it would save a bunch of money. Definitely the way to go.
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
What a GREAT house!!! it looks amazing!! thanks for sharing an alternative that not only saves you some $$$ but also gives you room to spread out
Lisa J Jones says
Look Like You Guys Had A Blast At A Reasonable Price!
mommy2jam says
I want a vacation I need a vacation. What a great place to stay you really were so lucky to do that. I am going to book mark this page and when I am able to travel I know now where I want to go. Thanks for sharing
Rosey says
I have been toying with the vacation rental idea. I like the idea of saving on eating out by cooking myself, that in itself is huge savings!
Trisha says
Wow! A pool, game room and the movie theater?! That is awesome!! I’m so impressed that I’m on their website now! We’ve always wanted to vacation in Florida!
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
I stayed at an All Star vacation home last month while on a press trip in Kissimmee and it was gorgeous! It was one of the few vacation homes I’ve stayed in where it actually felt like home – it was decorated and so cozy!
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
I stayed at an all star vacation home for the first time last month while in Kissimmee on a press trip. It was one of the nicest vacation homes I’ve stayed in, it was so cozy!
Debra says
Looks like you scored for that rental! We do the same when we go on vacation most times. We rent a house instead especially when we travel with extended family – it just makes economic sense.
Krystal says
I’m all about vacation homes rather than hotels! We did this when we went to the FL Keys and had a blast! It’s so much better to have your own personal space and pool!
Janeane Davis is says
One of my favorite vacations was when we stayed in a house in NOLA rather than in a hotel.
Ashley M says
The entire place looks gorgeous but those kids rooms are SUPER fun .
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
This sounds like such an awesome idea. I’d love to stay in a house like this for a few days 🙂
Amanda says
WOW! This looks amazing! I’m sure the kids had so much fun! And you! 🙂 I agree this is the way to go!
Kenda Smith says
I have a few friends who have stayed in a Vacation Home and they swear they’ll never go back to hotels again. After all the snow here, I think we might look into spending part of our summer in one. Just the home alone would be a wonderful vacation.
Amy Desrosiers says
Wow what a beautiful place to stay. I love how they personalize the room with Disney stuff for you all. Each room is so clean and the linens and furniture look brand-new that is wonderful!
Lexie Lane says
I completely agree that vacation rental homes are so much better and can definitely save you money. Plus, you tend to feel more comfortable too. I loved looking at all your photos. So great you got one with a pool!
Tracey says
Looks beautiful and vacation rentals are awesome!
Chelsea says
This place sounds/looks AMAZING. My boyfriend and I are planning to hopefully do a trip in the next couple months to Portland (I live in Canada, so it’s sort of a big exciting deal for us!) and I hope to find a great place to stay.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says
Vacation rental homes like this is the only way to go. I always do it for my family whenever I can. This is awesome. It looks like a great place.
April says
Wow! This is awesome! Yes, I agree vacation homes rental can let you save money plus the fun is doubled too especially when you have kids around since you can manage everything without worrying from other people around you. I can see in your photos you all had a great time. I hope to try one of this vacation homes rental and experience the fun and adventure you just had. Thanks for sharing!