Renting Emerald Island Vacation Homes - FAQ

All Emerald Island Resort vacation homes featured on this website are located in Emerald Island Resort, Kissimmee, just minutes from Orlando’s top attractions. Nestled in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida, our villas are conveniently situated less than 3 miles from Disney World. The resort community is located between mile markers 3 and 4 on US-192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), offering easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Yes! Every vacation home in Emerald Island Resort listed on this website is fully certified and licensed by Osceola County and the State of Florida. All required licenses are displayed within the homes in compliance with county and state regulations.

With online scams on the rise, we encourage guests to ask questions before booking. To ensure peace of mind, read our blog for tips on booking an Orlando vacation home safely. Rest assured, all vacation homes listed by Emerald Island Rentals are verified, privately owned properties, registered with state and county agencies. Have questions? Feel free to contact us at Emerald Island Rentals for further verification.

No! Our luxury Orlando vacation homes are not timeshares. Every villa available for rent is a privately owned vacation home with no hidden fees, obligations, or sales presentations attached to your reservation.

Absolutely! What You See Is What You Get—the pictures displayed on our website are of the actual vacation homes available for rent. When booking, you will select your preferred villa, and that’s exactly where you’ll be staying.

If this is your first time renting a vacation rental by owner, we understand you may have questions. Our team is here to guide you in choosing the perfect Emerald Island Resort villa for your family. Once you find the ideal vacation home, simply follow our easy reservation process to secure your stay.

Just like staying in a hotel, vacation rental homes in Florida are subject to taxes. The total tax rate is 13.5%, which includes:
✅ 7.5% State of Florida Sales Tax (as applicable in Osceola County)
✅ 6% Osceola County Occupancy Tax (also known as the Tourist Development Tax)

Forget about waiting in line to pick up keys! All of our Orlando vacation homes at Emerald Island Resort are equipped with secure keyless entry systems or lockboxes. Before your arrival, we will send you detailed villa access instructions, allowing you to check in seamlessly. You will also receive information on obtaining an access pass from the resort clubhouse—no need to waste valuable vacation time picking up or dropping off keys!

• Check-in: Any time after 4:00 PM on your arrival date
• Check-out: Any time before 10:00 AM on your departure date

With our self-check-in and check-out system, there’s no need to coordinate arrival times—simply arrive at your convenience and start enjoying your vacation!

Yes, a security deposit is required for all vacation home rentals. This deposit acts as a safeguard for the homeowner and encourages responsible use of the property. While we trust our guests to treat the villa with care, accidents can happen, or items may go missing. In such cases, necessary deductions will be made from the deposit. This policy ensures that our luxury Orlando vacation homes remain in top condition for all future guests.

For most reservations, we hold the security deposit (also known as a damage deposit) on a credit card with an authorization. After your departure, our team inspects the vacation home, and the deposit authorization is released—minus any charges for damages, if applicable.

✔ Credit Card Authorization – No immediate charge; funds are held and released after inspection.
✔ PayPal Payments – Refunds are sent back to the same PayPal account used for payment.
✔ Check or Money Order Payments – A refund check will be mailed to the address listed on your Booking Form.
✔ For Your Security – Refunds are only issued in the name of the primary guest on the Booking Form.

If guests choose not to purchase the optional Damage Waiver, the following security deposit amounts apply:

• 6- & 7-Bedroom Vacation Homes – $400
• 5-Bedroom Vacation Homes – $350 
• 4-Bedroom Vacation Homes – $300
• 3- & 4-Bedroom Townhomes – $250

These security deposit amounts apply regardless of the length of your stay.

Per the rental agreement terms and conditions, your damage deposit will be refunded after we assess the vacation home for any:

✔ Damages
✔ Excess cleaning needs

In most cases, the security deposit is refunded within 48 hours of your departure. However, if damages are found, the refund process may take up to 2-3 weeks as we assess and account for necessary repairs.

We strive to process refunds as quickly as possible so you can enjoy peace of mind after your stay at Emerald Island Resort. If you have any questions regarding your deposit refund, feel free to contact us.

If you prefer not to have funds held as a security deposit during your vacation, we offer a Damage Waiver option for all rentals. By purchasing this waiver, no security deposit is required.

Damage Waiver Coverage & Costs:
✔ 3-Bedroom Rentals – $300 coverage for $49.95
✔ 4-Bedroom Rentals – $400 coverage for $59.95
✔ 5-, 6-, & 7-Bedroom Rentals – $600 coverage for $69.95

Important Note: The Damage Waiver fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

This convenient option allows you to enjoy your stay at Emerald Island Resort without the worry of a held security deposit. Book with confidence and start planning your dream Orlando vacation today!

If you have opted for the Damage Waiver, it will cover accidental damages up to the selected coverage amount. However, if the cost of damages exceeds the waiver limit or if the damages are determined to be intentional or not accidental, the Party Lead will be fully responsible for covering the additional costs.

Key Points to Remember:

✔ Accidental damages are covered up to the waiver limit.
✔ Excess damages beyond the waiver limit will be charged to the Party Lead.
✔ Intentional or non-accidental damages are not covered by the Damage Waiver.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free stay at Emerald Island Resort, we encourage guests to treat our Orlando vacation homes with care. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us before or during your stay!

1️⃣ Browse Our Available Vacation Homes – Choose the homes that best fit your group’s needs.
2️⃣ Check Our Orlando Family Reunion Homes – We provide recommendations for families booking multiple properties.
3️⃣ Contact Us for Assistance – Need help coordinating multiple bookings? We’re happy to assist!

Book your Orlando vacation homes at Emerald Island Resort today for a stress-free and unforgettable group vacation! 

Our vacation homes at Emerald Island Resort are designed to accommodate families and groups comfortably. Here’s the maximum occupancy for each rental:

• 3-Bedroom Villas – Up to 8 guests
• 4-Bedroom Villas – Up to 10 guests
• 5-Bedroom Villas – Up to 12 guests
• 6-Bedroom Villas – Up to 14 guests
• 7-Bedroom Villas – Up to 16 guests

Infants are included in the occupancy count for all villas.

✅ No hidden per-person fees!
✅ Flat rate pricing – The rental cost covers the entire villa, regardless of the number of guests (within the occupancy limit).

Enjoy a spacious and affordable stay at Emerald Island Resort with your family or group—without worrying about extra charges!

The minimum age to rent any of our Emerald Island Resort vacation homes is 25 years old.

✅ The primary renter must be at least 25 years of age at the time of booking.
✅ A valid government-issued ID may be required for verification.
✅ The primary renter must be present throughout the stay and is responsible for the property.

Book with confidence knowing our vacation homes provide a safe and family-friendly environment for your Orlando getaway!

Yes, pool and/or spa heating is optional and additional and can be arranged ideally before your arrival for an additional cost as explained in the villa pages and quote emails. We suggest that you opt-in for the pool/spa heating from Oct-Mar. Here is our advice on pool heat options.

✔ Optional Add-On – Pool and spa heating is not included by default but can be added to your reservation.
✔ Best Time to Opt-In – We recommend booking pool/spa heating in advance, ideally before your arrival for seamless activation.
✔ Recommended Months – For a warmer, more enjoyable experience, we highly suggest opting for heating between October and March.

Where to Find Pricing?

✔ The cost for pool/spa heating is detailed on our villa pages and in your quote emails.
✔ For more details, check-out this expert advice on pool heat options or contact us! 

Our cancellation and refund policies vary based on:
✔ Villa size
✔ Length of stay
✔ How far in advance you cancel before your arrival date

For full details, please review Section #5 of our Terms and Conditions.

Need Help? If you have questions about canceling or modifying your reservation, feel free to contact us for assistance.

Book with confidence knowing our policies are transparent and designed to provide flexibility for your Orlando vacation home rental!

We do not provide travel insurance, though we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing it to protect yourself from unexpected events. There are several companies offering travel insurance services to help cover unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

For additional insights on, check out our informative article: why travel insurance is a must these days? 

If you prefer added protection for your vacation, we offer the CFAR-TCPP (Cancel For Any Reason – Trip Cancellation Protection Plan), which provides more flexible cancellation options.

✔ Available for all weekly or longer rentals
✔ Overrides standard cancellation terms
✔ Offered for up to 3 days after booking

Contact us for more details or to get a custom quote with better cancellation terms tailored to your needs.
Ensure your Orlando vacation is protected and stress-free with our additional cancellation coverage!

We accept a variety of payment methods for your Emerald Island Resort vacation home:

✔ Personal Checks, Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders
✔ PayPal, Venmo, ApplePay
✔ Credit/Debit Cards, Zelle
✔ Wire Transfer, TransferWise

Choose the method that works best for you when booking your Orlando vacation rental.

Unfortunately, we do not accept cash payments upon arrival. All payments must be made in advance before your arrival.

Please ensure your payment is completed prior to check-in for a smooth and hassle-free experience at Emerald Island Resort.

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. Here's how we handle the information you provide:

✔ Collection of Information – We only collect the details you voluntarily provide through the inquiry/booking form to establish your identity.
✔ Usage – Your information is used solely to respond to your inquiries and requests.
✔ No Sharing – We will never sell, rent, or share your information with any third parties, except to fulfill your request.
✔ Security – Our website uses HTTPS protocol to ensure secure transmission of your data. For payments, your credit card information is processed securely through our credit card processor using their secure system.

Your privacy is important to us, and we take every measure to protect your information.

Unlike some agencies that require or encourage reviews in exchange for returning security deposits, we believe in giving our guests the freedom to share their experiences voluntarily.

✔ No Pressure – We do not force guests to leave reviews; we simply encourage them to share their feedback if they wish.
✔ Post-Vacation Considerations – We understand that after a great vacation, returning to everyday life can be stressful, and posting a review may not always be a priority.
✔ Guest Choice – We hope guests remember to leave a review, but we respect their decision if they choose not to.

We appreciate all feedback and strive to provide excellent service for every guest at Emerald Island Resort.

Emerald Island Resort is not owned by a single person, entity, or Homeowners Association. Instead, it is a community of independent villas and townhomes, each owned by individual investors or families.

✔ Global Ownership – The property owners come from all over the world and share a love for the resort's central location near Orlando’s famous theme parks.
✔ A Unique Community – Each villa is privately owned, offering guests a variety of accommodations within the same wonderful resort.

Whether you’re looking for a family retreat or a vacation investment, Emerald Island Resort offers a diverse range of homes for every traveler!

Emerald Island Rentals is a privately owned website that promotes vacation rentals for a select group of independent owners. These owners each have one or more properties within Emerald Island Resort.

✔ Direct Booking – When you book a vacation home through this website, you’re booking directly with one of the property owners.
✔ Experienced Owners – Our owners have been renting properties at Emerald Island Resort since 2007, ensuring a wealth of experience and commitment to your satisfaction.

Enjoy the benefits of booking directly with the owner and securing the best rates and personalized service for your Orlando vacation!

Book-Direct means renting a vacation home directly from the Property Owners, rather than through a third-party Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Airbnb, Booking(dot)com, or Expedia.

✔ Avoid Extra Fees – In recent years, many OTAs have added booking fees (typically 15-20%), increasing the overall cost for consumers.
✔ Save Money – Book-Direct eliminates these extra charges, allowing you to secure better rates by dealing directly with the owner.
✔ Better Service – Booking directly ensures personalized service and direct communication with the owner, so you can get exactly what you want for your stay.

At Emerald Island Rentals, we are a group of owners offering direct bookings, providing better value and a more transparent process.

All our vacation homes are located within the Emerald Island Resort, making them very close to one another. Some villas are even adjacent, while others are just a few minutes' drive apart. For a clearer picture, check out our custom Google map to see the exact distances between the villas.

All of our vacation homes are located in Emerald Island Resort, Kissimmee, Florida, and are less than 3 miles from Disney World, Orlando. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to reach the main entrance of Disney World.

For your convenience, we provide the shortest driving directions to Disney World and other popular Florida attractions on this page: Orlando Florida Vacation Rental Information.With such close proximity, you can easily plan a quick break back at the villa during your day at the parks, even fitting in an afternoon nap before heading back for evening fireworks!

Absolutely! There are many top-rated golf courses near Emerald Island Resort, including:

• Celebration Golf Club
• Champions Gate Golf Club
• Falcon's Fire Golf Club
• Mystic Dunes Golf Club

Additionally, Walt Disney World offers several golf courses for visitors.

For discounts on golf courses and other attractions, be sure to stop by the Emerald Island Resort Clubhouse. For more details, visit our Orlando Florida Golf Courses and Orlando Florida Golf Villas pages.

Yes! Emerald Island Resort is conveniently located near numerous shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and gas stations—all just minutes away.

• The nearest grocery store is less than 2 miles away.
• Formosa Gardens Shopping Center, known for its shops and dining options, is just one mile away.
• The Emerald Island Resort Clubhouse also has a mini-mart for quick essentials.

For more details, check out the Guest Information section for directions and recommendations!

The nearest grocery store is a 24/7 Walmart, located just 2 miles away at:

• 2855 N Old Lake Wilson Road, FL 34747

✅ Bonus: This Walmart also offers grocery delivery for added convenience! 

✅ Amazon Fresh, Wal-Mart Delivery & Instacart:

• No pre-arrival delivery allowed.
• Delivery must be scheduled while you are at the villa.
• Delivery agencies can access the resort.
• Services like Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, Instacart, and Shipt deliver to your villa door.
• Many local stores, like Wal-Mart, offer curbside pickup.

✅ Alternative Option:

• Our local manager can shop & place groceries inside the villa before your arrival.
• This service is only available to guests who booked through this website.
• Contact us in advance to arrange this!

Let us know how we can assist!

Our Recommendation: Yes, we highly recommend renting a car for maximum convenience and flexibility during your stay.

Why Rent a Car?

✅ Freedom & Flexibility – Drive to theme parks, shopping malls, and restaurants on your own schedule.
✅ Cost-Effective – Uber/Lyft can add up quickly, especially for frequent trips to Disney World or grocery stores.
✅ Easy Grocery Runs – Stock up on essentials from nearby Walmart, Publix, or Target.
✅ Explore Beyond Disney – Visit attractions like Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens, and Florida beaches at your own pace.

No Free Shuttle Service – Like most vacation rental resorts in the area, Emerald Island Resort does not offer complimentary shuttles to/from the airport or theme parks.

Transportation Options
✅ Paid Shuttle Services – Independent shuttle providers operate in the area; a quick online search will help you find options that suit your needs.
✅ Uber/Lyft – Convenient rideshare services are readily available, but costs can add up with frequent trips.
✅ Rental Car – Highly recommended for flexibility and cost savings, especially for grocery runs, dining, and visiting multiple attractions.

Tip: If you prefer a shuttle service, check with the Emerald Island Resort clubhouse for any available paid transportation options.

✅Free parking for all guests.
✅Limit of 6 vehicles per rental. Resort access fee per vehicle is $20+Tax per stay.

• Condos/Townhomes – Park across from your villa.
• Private Pool Villas – Park in the driveway or curbside.

✅Restricted: No RVs, campers, trailers, buses, or commercial vehicles.
✅Need clarification? Contact us before arrival!

While the convenience of a Toll Pass is tempting, rental car companies typically charge about $10 per day on top of the actual tolls. In our experience, this added cost isn't necessary since most toll roads still have staffed booths where you can pay with cash or exact change. If you're planning extensive driving in Florida, consider purchasing a SunPass Transponder for around $15 (plus toll fees). The SunPass is especially useful on cash-free toll roads in southern Florida.

Yes, if you take the common route via FL-528 → I-4 → Osceola Parkway, you will encounter two manned toll booths, each charging approximately $1.00.

✔ Cash Accepted – Both toll booths are staffed 24/7, allowing you to pay with cash.
✔ Alternate Routes – Some routes may have unmanned toll booths, so it's recommended to keep change in various denominations handy.
✔ Detailed Directions – Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide specific driving directions to your villa.

For a smooth arrival, consider checking SunPass or rental car toll payment options if you prefer electronic tolling.

Yes, cabs, limos, Uber, taxis, and shuttles are allowed to enter Emerald Island Resort to provide transportation services.

✔ Security Check – To ensure smooth entry, please provide your party details and villa address to the resort security staff.

This allows your transportation service to access the community without any issues.

✔ Pet-Free – Our villas listed on this  website are classified as 'pet-free' to accommodate families with children who may have allergies. We strive to create a comfortable environment for everyone during their stay at Emerald Island Resort.

Yes, for the health and comfort of all guests, all our vacation homes are non-smoking.

✔ Outdoor Smoking – Smoking is allowed outside the villa, but not inside the property.

We aim to create a clean and comfortable environment for all guests at our Emerald Island Resort Rentals.

Yes, all our luxury 6- and 7-bedroom villas come with gas BBQ grills.

✔ Other Villas – Some of our smaller villas also offer a BBQ grill. Please refer to the villa-specific pages for more details.
✔ Complimentary – The BBQ grills are provided free of charge, but we kindly ask that you clean them before and after use.

Enjoy grilling while staying at Emerald Island Resort!

Simply contact us, and we will connect you with a local vendor that rents strollers and pack 'n plays at a nominal cost.

✔ Direct Arrangement – You can arrange the rental directly with the vendor.
✔ Free Delivery & Pickup – The vendor will deliver and pick up the items at no extra charge.

Let us know if you need assistance with your rental!

The US Postal Service (USPS) does not deliver to short-term rental communities like Emerald Island Resort. However, private carriers such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL can deliver directly to the villa.

✔ Plan Ahead – We recommend arranging for your packages to be delivered during your stay.
✔ Amazon Deliveries – Amazon may use USPS or private carriers, so we advise checking with Amazon Customer Service before placing an order.
✔ Package Responsibility – Owners are not responsible for any re-directed or lost packages.

Ensure your deliveries arrive smoothly with careful planning!

For any issues or assistance during your stay, please contact our professional property management company.

✔ Concierge Services – They can assist with concierge-type services and address any questions or concerns.
✔ 24-Hour Emergency Contact – A 24-hour contact number will be provided for emergencies during your stay.

Their contact details will be shared with you before your arrival and are also displayed at the villas for easy access.

We ask that you treat the villa with care and keep it clean and tidy during your stay. Here are some simple responsibilities:

✔ Trash Disposal – Place trash in the outside bins for pick-up.
✔ Tidy Up – Please tidy the villa to facilitate the inventory and cleaning process after your departure.
✔ Laundry – Start a load of laundry before leaving (if applicable).
✔ Lock Up – Ensure all side entry doors are closed and lock the home when you leave.

The goal is to enjoy your stay at the villa, resort, and your entire vacation! For more tips on making the most of your stay, feel free to read our tips here at "how to enjoy your vacation home".

For leftover groceries:

✔ Unopened Packages – You may leave unopened food items in the fridge or on the counter for the cleaners.
✔ Open Packages – Please discard any opened food packages before checking out.

Thank you for helping us maintain a clean and tidy villa for future guests! 

Yes, Emerald Island Resort is a gated community, and access is restricted to approved and registered guests only.

The clubhouse, featuring the cyber café, fitness center, and sauna, is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The Tiki Bar is open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The Tiki Bar at Emerald Island Resort offers a variety of beer and wine-based liquors, as well as snacks and hot food for purchase.

• Check-in with Security Gate or at the Clubhouse: Provide your name, address, and villa details.
• Access Pass: Costs $20 per vehicle (+$1.50 sales tax). This can be purchased ahead of time.
• After-Hours Arrival: Security will allow entry, but you must visit the Clubhouse the next day for your pass.
• Vehicle Limit: Each vehicle needs its own pass. There is a limit of six vehicles per villa.

• Vehicle Registration: Required for all overnight guests at the Clubhouse.
• Cost: $20 per vehicle (+$1.50 sales tax).
• Minimum Requirement: At least one access pass per reservation, even without a vehicle.
• Vehicle Limit: Up to 6 vehicles per villa.

No, you do not need to return the access pass. It is yours to keep for the duration of your stay.

Absolutely! Our resort offers 24/7 access, so you can check in at any time—even if you arrive late at night. We will arrange your access before your arrival. If you happen to arrive outside of the clubhouse operating hours, our security team will provide you with a temporary night pass. You can then pick up your permanent community access pass the following morning. Enjoy seamless and secure entry to the resort, regardless of your arrival time.

Yes, golf carts are permitted for use within the community at Emerald Island Resort. They provide a convenient and fun way to get around the resort!

Unfortunately, fishing is not permitted in the community lakes or water bodies.

You can conveniently print your boarding passes at the Emerald Island Resort Clubhouse for a small fee.

Yes! Every vacation villa is fully furnished with high-quality linens and blankets, ensuring a cozy and comfortable stay. In addition, each villa is stocked with pool towels for the entire family.

Yes, all our villas are stocked with towels for the whole family. Our luxury 6- and 7-bedroom vacation villas with private pools also provide pool towels.

Yes, each vacation villa features a full-sized washer and dryer, providing you with the convenience of in-house laundry services during your stay.

We cater to families with young children by offering amenities such as a full-size crib, pack 'n play unit, stroller, high chair, and stair gates—depending on the specific villa. For detailed information, please refer to the individual villa pages.

Our homes are thoughtfully designed with the safety of kids in mind and include many child-friendly features. However, no home can be completely child-proof, so we always recommend that parents supervise their children at all times.

Yes, our vacation villas are equipped with both air conditioning and heating, ensuring year-round comfort no matter the season.

Yes, villas that feature a private pool are equipped with a bug screen to keep insects out, allowing you to enjoy your pool area without any hassle.

We offer free, secure, and unlimited Wi-Fi in all our villas. For enhanced security, you also have the option to connect via an ethernet cable if needed.