Getting To The Villa
The Entire Welcome Guide
What To Pack
Driving Directions
Check-In
Gate Passes
Gate House
Parking
Keyless Door Code
What's Provided
At The Villa
Phone Numbers
Emergency
House Rules
WiFi
Babies
Pets
Trash Pick-Up
The Safe
FAQ
Package Delivery
Rainy Days
Safety
HVAC
Light Switches
Laundry
Grill
Electronics
Pool & Spa
Kitchen
WH Wristbands
Windsor Hills Amenities
Guest Book
Windsor Hills Code Of Conduct
Private Chef
Check-Out
The Area
Post Office
Gas Stations
Eat-In Restaurants
Thank You!
We hope you had a fantastic stay and wish you smooth travels!
When you have a moment, we’d really appreciate a review. ⭐
Book Your Next Stay
Book your next stay with us and save on the booking fees.
As a repeat guest you’ll also get a 10% discount on the rental amount.
Shop The Items
Past guests have asked where we purchased the items they really liked during their stay, so we decided to make a list of a bunch of the stuff in the house.
Click the link below to get the list 🌞
waybefore arrival
Hi [NickName]! Your stay will be here before you know it!
In the mean time, use this guide as a resource to plan your trip
30 days before arrival
Your vacation is almost here! We’re very excited to welcome you {{repeat_guest|back as our guest!|to [PropertyName]!}}
14 days before arrival
Your vacation is almost here! We’re very excited to welcome you {{repeat_guest|back as our guest!|to [PropertyName]!}}
6 days before arrival
Your vacation is almost here! We’re very excited to welcome you
{{repeat_guest|back |}}to [PropertyName] in [DaysFromCheckIn] short days!
[check_in_dayname] will be here before you know it!
1 day before arrival
Yay! Tomorrow is your arrival day – let the fun begin!
Use this guide as a reference for the villa, community and area. Let us know if you have any questions that aren’t in here and we’ll be glad to answer them.
Welcome To [PropertyName]!
Hooray! Today is your arrival date! Everyone must be very excited to start their vacation.
Use this guide as a reference for the villa, community and area. Let us know if you have any questions that aren’t in here and we’ll be glad to answer them.
staying
We hope you’re enjoying your stay at [PropertyName]!
Time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe tomorrow is your departure day.
Villa By The Castle Welcome Guide
Please enter the reservation email address below and we'll generate your customized welcome guide.
Getting your reservation details, it won't be long...
Please reach out if you need help
What To Pack
Clothing & Sunscreen
Sunscreen and summer clothing is what you’ll need most of the year.
A light sweater can also come in handy, whether it’s for the cool evenings in the winter or visiting air-conditioned stores, restaurants, etc., in the summer.
All the stores, restaurants, and indoors in the parks crank their A/Cs in the summer, so a sweater helps.
Cash for Tolls or Electronic Toll Pass
If you are driving in from the Airport and do not have an electronic toll pass, bring change for the tolls.
It takes about $3.50 in tolls, one way over multiple toll roads, and some only accept cash, so have it with you when you start your vacation.
Driving Directions
House Address
The House address is:
[houseaddress1]
[houseaddress2]
In Windsor Hills
If google brings you to the owners entrance then
click here to go to the gatehouse address.
Tolls
Many of the highways in central Florida are toll roads. Although many roads use license plate tolls, not all have them yet.
Below are a few options you have to pay the tolls during your stay.
Visitor Toll Pass
Visitor Toll Pass is an alternative to rental car toll programs available to visitors traveling roundtrip through the Orlando International Airport. Visitor Toll Pass is a temporary toll tag you can use in a rental car to pay tolls electronically while traveling on toll road throughout Florida. Visitor Toll Pass is free to reserve and allows you to pay the lowest toll rate throughout Florida with no additional fees. Visitor Toll Pass is accepted at all electronic toll collection points. Plus, you will pay a reduced toll rate – with no additional fees or charges.
visitortollpass.com
Uni by E-Pass
Uni, by E-Pass, is a portable transponder that works on all toll roads in 19 states, including everywhere E-ZPass is accepted. Uni transponders can be used on all Florida express lanes, including those marked “SunPass Only” and I-4 Express lanes, plus express lanes in the other 18 states where Uni works. E-PASS is also accepted in Georgia and North Carolina everywhere PeachPass and NC Quick Pass are accepted.
epass.cfxway.com/epassweb
E-ZPass
If you have E-ZPass, it is only accepted on the Central Florida Expressway Authority’s 118-mile toll road network in Metro Orlando, including downtown Orlando and surrounding communities. Here is a link that lists the toll locations in Central Florida where E-Z Pass is accepted.
www.cfxway.com/e-zpass
PayTollo App
www.paytollo.com/pt_florida
Arrival Info
[check_in_time]
Check-in
on
[check_in_dayname], [short_check_in_date]
{{request_early_check_in|{{CheckinAndRequestedMatch||<b>We’ll let you know if you can do an early check-in of [requested_check_in_time] a couple of days before your arrival</b>}}|}}
Check-in is any time after [check_in_time] on [check_in_dayname], [short_check_in_date].
If you arrive earlier, you’re welcome to park by the Clubhouse and take advantage of the Windsor Hills Clubhouse pool, water park, and amenities.
House Address
The House address is:
[houseaddress1]
[houseaddress2]
In Windsor Hills
If google brings you to the owners entrance then
click here to go to the gatehouse address.
Door Code
Your Door Code is
[doorcode]
When leaving the house, press Schlage on the top of the keypad to lock the deadbolt
Parking
Two cars can park in the driveway, without blocking the sidewalk.
Additional car can park at the overflow parking
Gate Passes
When we have no gate passes and it’s before check-in date
Please use the link below to provide the names of the drivers in your group—one per car. We don’t need details for additional drivers.
Once we receive the names, we’ll register them with the Gate and issue a Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Pass.
Important: Guests arriving via Uber, Lyft, or other car services, as well as day visitors, must be pre-registered or will be turned away.
After we have gate passes
You can print the Pre-Reg Pass from the link or show it to the gate attendant on your phone at the Gate.
To ensure a seamless entry, please confirm that each car’s driver has the following before their arrival:
(1) a valid driver’s license
(2) vehicle’s registration is up to date
(3) their own Pre-Reg Pass to enter at the gate
When you arrive at the Front Gate, show the gate attendant your Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Pass, along with your driver’s license.
The gate attendant will then provide a Car Pass that is assigned to your car. Once the car is registered anyone in your group can use the Car Pass to drive that car in and out of Windsor Hills during your entire stay.
QUICK NOTE: Guests arriving via Uber/Lyft/car service or day visitors also need a Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Pass, or they will be turned away from the gate.
If you’re expecting additional guests, please let us know during business hours and at least 4 hours before their arrival so we can register them at the gate. Otherwise, please arrange to pick them up at the gate. Guests arriving without a vehicle via Uber/Lyft/car service are also required to be registered.
We provide a Windsor Hills Gate Pre-Reg Form under your name along with your check-in information message. If you have additional cars in your group, please send us the names of the drivers of the other cars. We only need to register one driver per car.
It’s not necessary to provide the details of every person driving the vehicles. Once the gate attendant receives the Pre-Reg Form, they will register the vehicle and issue it a pass. After that, anyone in your group can drive the cars in and out of the community during your stay.
Windsor Hills has very strict gate access. The HOA has a 3-car limit per property address.
We can only provide a total of 3 Pre-Reg Forms per reservation.
PLEASE NOTE: Guests arriving via Uber/Lyft/car service or day visitors will be turned away from the gate if they are not pre-registered in the system.
The Windsor Hills HOA allows for a maximum of 3 cars per reservation. You will have up to 3 pre-reg forms that can be assigned to 3 different vehicles. One will be under your name, and then you’ll have 2 more available for your group. Only the drivers who initially drive the cars when first entering Windsor Hills will need pre-reg forms. Once security receives the pre-reg form, they will register the vehicle and issue it a pass. After that, anyone in your group can drive the cars in and out of the community during your stay. Please note golf carts are not allowed in the community.
Please send us the names of the drivers for your group. Keep in mind that we only need to register one driver per car. It’s not necessary to provide the details of every person driving the vehicles.
Once we receive the names, we will register them with the Gate and issue them a Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Form. Make sure to have it available before your arrival to Windsor Hills.
You can print the Pre-Reg Form from the link or show it to gate attendant on your phone at the Gate.
When you arrive at the Front Gate, show the gate attendant your Windsor Hills Pre-Reg form. They will then provide a pass that is assigned to your car. You’ll be able to use this pass to get in and out of Windsor Hills for your entire stay.
Windsor Hills HOA has a 3-car limit per property address. We can only provide a total of 3 car vouchers.
QUICK NOTE: Guests arriving via Uber/Lyft/car service or day visitors also need a Gate Pre-Reg Form or will be turned away from the Gate.
To ensure a seamless entry, please confirm that each car’s driver has the following before their arrival:
(1) a valid driver’s license
(2) vehicle’s registration is up to date
(3) their own Pre-Reg Form to enter at the gate
When you arrive at the Front Gate, show the gate attendant your Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Pass, along with your driver’s license.
The gate attendant will then provide a pass that is assigned to your car. Once the car has a pass, you and anyone in your group can drive that vehicle in and out of the community during your entire stay.
QUICK NOTE: Guests arriving via Uber/Lyft/car service or day visitors also need a Windsor Hills Pre-Reg Pass, or they will be turned away from the gate.
We recommend saving the gate {{total_gate_pass_count=1|pass|passes}} to your {{total_gate_pass_count=1|phone|phones}} before arrival for quick access.|PLEASE SEND US THE NAMES OF THE DRIVERS IN YOUR GROUP SO WE CAN REGISTER THEM FOR YOU AT THE GATE. UNREGISTERED DRIVERS WILL BE TURNED AWAY AT THE GATE, NO EXCEPTIONS.}}
QUICK NOTE: If you’re expecting additional guests, please let us know during business hours and at least 4 hours before their arrival so we can register them at the gate. Otherwise, please arrange to pick them up at the gate. Guests arriving without a vehicle via Uber/Lyft/car service are also required to be registered.
Your Gate Passes
Once your Pre-Reg Gate Passes have been generated, you’ll be able to access them here.
[guestpasses]
Main Gatehouse
Parking
Where can we park?
There is parking for two cars on the driveway in front of the house
If more parking is needed, there is overflow parking in front of the Clubhouse and the recreation area
The HOA allows for 2 cars to be parked on the driveway and must not block the sidewalk. Street parking is NOT allowed. Additional cars can be parked by the clubhouse, which is a 2-minute walk from the house.
What are the community parking rules?
There’s no parking in the street or on the grass
Blocking the sidewalk when parking on the driveway is not allowed
All parking permits must be visible on the windshield at all times
Registered guests cannot share parking permits with unregistered guests
Please also observe all speed limit signs and watch for children
Where is the overflow parking?
The overflow parking lot is about a 9 minute walk (2 min. drive) from the villa. Click the button below to open up the directions in Google maps.
Keyless Access Code
Your Keycode is:
[doorcode]
To lock the deadbolt from outside, press Schlage at the top of the keypad
If the keypad is not working for some reason, please click the button below.
You’ll get the code for the lockbox to the right of the front door, and it will also let the handyman know that the keypad needs to be looked at.
Clicking the button will also send an email
The lockbox is [lockboxcode]
(located to the right of the front door)
We’re sorry the doorlock isn’t working for you, a message has been sent to the handyman.
Please put the key back into the lockbox after you use it, so it doesn’t get lost. 😉
Thank you!
What’s Provided
Starter Pack
To get you started, we provide a starter pack of paper towels, bathroom soap, and toilet paper.
We also supply kitchen trash bags, laundry/dishwasher pods, and dishwashing soap.
Since the house is self-catering, once the starter packs are finished, plan to replenish them for the remainder of your stay.
Checkout the Groceries section in this guide, where there’s a list of the local supermarkets.
If you prefer having groceries and other essentials delivered, Instacart is also available in the area.
Linens
Towels and linens are provided for your use and enjoyment. If any towels or linens are damaged due to stains stemming from make-up, greasy self-tanners, hair dyes, bodily fluids, etc. Damage and service charges may be deducted from your deposit.
For your convenience, we provide laundry pods, OxiClean, and spray stain remover.
Before check-out, please wash the towels separately with laundry detergent & OxiClean.
Bath Towels
Bath towels are located in two places. They are placed on the bath racks (2 in each bathroom) and also in the first-floor bathroom closet, where there are 6.
Hair Dryers
There are hair dryers in every bathroom.
Coffe Makers
There are two 12 cup coffee makers, both with permanent filters and a single cup keurig.
Phone Numbers
Important Contact Numbers
Emergency / Non-Emergency
Emergency
In case of emergency
Fire, Police & Paramedics
The address is:
2608 Daulby Street, Kissimmee
in Windsor Hills
First Aid Kit
The first aid kit is inside the left-hand drawer of the buffet table in the dining room
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen to the left of the sliding doors and on the wall on the second floor at the top of the stairs
Water Shut-Off
The main water shut-off for the house is on the right of the house when you’re facing it, and it’s on the wall, right before the pool equipment. Click here to see a picture of it.
Hospitals / ER
Urgent Care
In Home Doctor
Other Numbers
House Rules
Towels
The towels are there for you to use only in the house. Please do not take these to the parks, beaches, etc. All of the water parks provide towel rentals.
Furniture
Please do not move the furniture around in the house. If you do, please place it back where it belongs before you check out.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Please keep noise levels to a minimum to allow your neighbors a peaceful night’s sleep.
To report noise and disturbances, please call the Osceola Sheriff’s Department nonemergency number at (407) 348-2222.
Failure to comply with the community rules may result in fines, and you risk eviction.
Please be considerate of the neighbors by keeping noise levels down, even outside of designated quiet hours.
No Confetti or Glitter
Confetti or Glitter are NOT Allowed Inside or Outside the Villa. They are very difficult to remove completely from the villa, and it makes for very unhappy cleaners.
To avoid expensive cleaning charges and to be kind to the environment, please do not use confetti or glitter inside or outside the Villa.
Maximum Occupancy
The maximum number of persons that may occupy the house is 14.
For clarification, this number applies to all overnight guests, day visitors, and children.
Unless otherwise approved in writing, occupancy over the indicated capacity may result in the immediate removal of the guests and other members of your party from the house and forfeiture of all amounts paid.
Windsor Hills Code of Conduct
Please be aware that the HOA requires us to inform you that any breach of the quiet hours, excessive noise, loud music, or inappropriate behavior will incur a fine of $100 per instance.
The fine(s) will be deducted from the guests’ damage deposit.
Pets
Pets that haven’t been pre-approved are not allowed on the property. Guests with unauthorized pets may be asked to vacate immediately without a refund.
Prohibited Equipment
Please note that portable AC units, additional fridges, and generators are not allowed on the resort.
Cleaning
Please leave the house tidy and in the same general condition as you found it. We thank you in advance. 🙂
If the house is left in disarray beyond the bounds of normal housekeeping standards, a $60 fee will be charged for each additional hour that housekeeping is kept cleaning the property.
Items Left Behind
If you happen to leave something behind and want it shipped to you, we are happy to assist.
However, please note that there is a $35.00 handling charge plus shipping costs for any items left behind.
WiFi
Network
[wifiname]
Password
(click the password to copy it)
[wifipwd]
Copied
Wireless internet access is available throughout the house.
You can also use the PC located in the study area on the second floor to surf the web
For The Babies
There are 2 Exersaucers in the game room & a baby rollercoaster table. Inside the laundry room closet, there is a high chair, a lightweight stroller, and two pack-n-plays.
The baby tub, jogging stroller, and booster seat are in the laundry room.
The Green bedroom walk-in closet on the second floor has 2 cribs (The crib dimension is 40″L x 26″W x 38″H, & the mattress size is 38″L x 24″W x 3″H), baby blankets & sheets, a baby gate, and a baby monitor.
The bed rails are in the Mickey & Flower bedroom closets.
In the kitchen food pantry, there is also a baby bottle sterilizer.
We have many of the manuals for the baby equipment available on our website if you need to reference them.
Children’s Books
There are children’s books inside the two drawers in the Livingroom TV console.
Babysitting Services
Pets
We didn’t forget about {{pets_name|[pets_name]|your fur {{pets>1|babies|baby}}}}. Here’s a link to our pet guide. It has a list of the local pet-friendly restaurants, pet specialty shops, and a few other resources.
Please keep in mind that Osceola County has a leash policy, which means dogs must be on a leash at all times. Don’t forget to bring your doggie bags so you can pick up after your fur {{pets>1|buddies|buddy}}.
Just a heads-up!
The Florida sun can make the pavers, concrete, and asphalt super hot and burn their paws.
Use the 5-Second Rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can’t keep it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your fur baby’s paws.
Pets are not allowed at the villa without first being pre-approved.
Guests with unauthorized pets may be asked to vacate immediately without a refund.
Trash Pick-Up
When is trash picked up?
Trash is collected daily after 9 a.m.
Where do you place trash?
Trash bags should be placed inside the Bench right outside the front door – no trash should be left outside of the Bench.
Please make sure to close the built-in latch to keep animals out.
Is there recycling?
There is no recycling in Windsor Hills.
How should the trash be placed outside?
The Daily Valet Trash service will not pick up untied trash bags. All trash must be in kitchen trash bags. Please note: Supermarket bags will not be picked up.
Pour all liquids into the kitchen sink.
All cardboard boxes, including pizza boxes, MUST be broken down and tightly packed.
Please double bag all glass bottles, diapers, pet waste, metal cans, and loose food.
What if there is more trash than fits in the bench outside the door?
If you have large trash items or boxes, which cannot be placed inside the Bench, please take them to the COMMUNITY COMPACTOR.
The closest compactor is next to the Children’s Playground on Dinville Street, less than 3 minutes walk.
Please note that if, upon check-out, the cleaning service has to remove any trash that’s left in or outside the house, there will be a $50 service charge deducted from your deposit.
The House Safe
The house safe is in the primary ensuite closet.
The code for the house safe is
[safecode] #
(Please enter the code followed by a #)
If the batteries in the safe run out, please reach out to us so we can provide you with an override key
Package Delivery in Windsor Hills
Please note that the US Postal Service does not deliver mail or packages to Windsor Hills.
If you have packages coming in from Amazon or another site, make sure they are being delivered via UPS or FedEx to the house.
If you have a package that must be delivered via the US Postal Service, you can have it delivered to the local UPS store for a small fee. Their information is below, they’re about 10 minutes from the house.
Rainy days
Good news! It’s rare for an actual rainy day – usually, it’s just a passing shower. If you end up staying in the house for a day, there are a few things you can do for fun.
The game room has a foosball, air hockey & professional pool table. There is also a dartboard.
We have an X-Box One on the big TV in the great room and a bunch of board games on the lower shelf of the dining room buffet table.
You can also practice your golf stroke with the ball return putting mat & the putter in the game room.
Safety
Main Water Shut Off Valve
The main shut-off valve is located outside the house, on the right-side wall when you’re facing the house.
The valve is to the left of the pool equipment. To turn off the water, just turn the valve clockwise.
Rechargeable LED Flashlight
You’ll find the rechargeable LED flashlight plugged into the outlet to the left of the buffet table by the dining room table.
Smoke Alarms
There are smoke alarms throughout the house.
The smoke alarms are all interconnected, so when one turns on, all will turn on.
To silence a false alarm, press the large button on one of the smoke detectors, and all the smoke detectors will stop.
Pool Safety & Lighning
Pool Fence
The pool has a pool fence to keep the little ones safe. Please keep the pool fence closed if there are young children in your group.
No Glass By The Pool Please
Please do not bring any glass items to the pool deck.
If glass breaks in the pool, the pool would need to be drained to ensure no glass shards are in the pool, and draining the pool takes a loooong time.
Instead, there are plastic pool-safe drinking glasses in the kitchen cupboard. Please use those by the pool.
Lightning
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. — Follow the 30-30 Rule!
When you see lightning flash, count the number of seconds until you hear its thunder.
If the thunder roars in 30 seconds or less, the storm is already close enough to be dangerous.
Exit the pool/spa immediately for your safety and go inside, wait 30 minutes or more after the lightning flash before going back out.
Windsor Hills Wrist Bands
Make sure to stop by the Welcome Center to get your wristbands for access to the clubhouse amenities, including the community pool, hot tub & Sir Windsor AquaVenture. Each house is limited to 14 wristbands.
Windsor Hills Code Of Conduct
Please be aware that the HOA requires us to inform you that any breach of the quiet hours, excessive noise, loud music, or inappropriate behavior will incur a fine of $100 per instance. The fine(s) will be deducted from the guests’ damage deposit.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Please keep noise levels to a minimum to allow your neighbors a peaceful night’s sleep.
Windsor Hills Amenities & Contact Numbers
As our guest, you’ll have access to all the amenities of Windsor Hills, including the basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, Movie Theater, the Olympic size pool with slide, ping pong tables, and pool tables.
Windsor Hills Welcome Center
As our guest, you’ll have access to all the amenities of Windsor Hills, including the basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, Movie Theater, the Olympic size pool with slide, ping pong tables, and pool tables.
Windsor Hills Welcome Center (General Information) – Their number is (407) 787-4255
The Welcome Center is available from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The Cyber Café/Business Center is located in the Welcome Center. Printing, copying, faxing, and scanning services are available for a small fee.
At the Welcome Center, you can reserve sporting facilities and obtain sports equipment. You can also request films to be played at the community cinema.
Windsor Hills Gatehouse
Windsor Hills Club House Fitness Center
The Fitness Center at the Clubhouse is located in the back right-hand side of the Game Room.
The SmartKey number located on your parking pass is needed to enter the Fitness Center.
Note: You need to be over the age of 18 to use the Fitness Center.
Windsor Hills Pool, Slide & Hot Tub
The house is a short walk to the Clubhouse. Take advantage of the Windsor Hills’ double-Olympic sized, heated community pool. There are plenty of areas where you can soak up the warm Florida sun or relax in the Spa.
There are ample sun loungers, a large deck area, and shaded tables with chairs.
Don’t forget to visit the Welcome Center to obtain your wrist bands to use the clubhouse amenities. The bands will give you access to the community pool, hot tub & Sir Windsor AquaVenture during your stay.
At the community pool, there is a shallow swimming area and dancing water fountains perfect for the smaller children, while the double spiral water slide provides a great thrill for the older children. Behind the pool, there is a hot tub.
Windsor Hills Clubhouse Activities
Windsor Hills Sports
Please visit the Windsor Hills Welcome Desk to rent any of the following sports equipment.
Sports Equipment Rentals available for a small fee
Volleyball / Basketball
Tennis / Golf
Billiards
Ping Pong
Windsor Hills also has a large 9-hole putting green in the recreation area. You can rent the putter and ball from the welcome center for a small fee.
The lockbox code is [lockboxcode]
We’re sorry the doorlock isn’t working for you, a message has been sent to the handyman.
Please put the key back into the lockbox after you use it, so it doesn’t get lost. 😉
Thank you!
Guest Book
You’ll find the guest book on top of the buffet table next to the dining room.
Browse through past guests’ entries and don’t forget to write in the guest book — we look forward to reading your comments and are interested in hearing all about your vacation & adventures.
Departure Info
Check-out by
[check_out_time]
on
[check_out_dayname], [short_check_out_date]
{{request_late_check_out|{{CheckoutAndRequestedMatch||<b>We’ll let you know if you can do a late check-out of [requested_check_out_time] a couple of days before your departure</b>}}|}}
Check-out is any time before [check_out_time] on [check_out_dayname], [short_check_out_date].
We appreciate your prompt departure so the cleaning team can prepare the house for the next incoming guests.
As you prepare to depart tomorrow, we recommend taking some time to double-check for any personal belongings. We know how easily things can be forgotten, and we want to make sure you don’t accidentally leave any cherished items behind. Please check under the beds and sofas, bathroom cabinets, drawers, and closets.
If you happen to leave something behind and want it shipped to you, we are happy to assist. However, please note that there is a $35.00 handling charge plus shipping costs for any items left behind.
Please leave the house tidy and in the same general condition as you found it. We thank you in advance. 😊
If the house is left in disarray beyond the bounds of normal housekeeping standards, a $60 fee will be charged for each additional hour that housekeeping is kept cleaning the property. If any towels or linens are damaged due to stains stemming from make-up, greasy self-tanners, hair dyes, bodily fluids, etc. Damage and service charges may be deducted from your deposit.
Check-Out List
To make your check-out process a breeze, here’s a quick and easy check-out list:
- If you could, please place a load of white towels in the washing machine & dryer. Of course, it isn’t required, but it is appreciated.
- Leave beds unmade. Do not remove sheets, bedding, or mattress covers from the beds.
- Please clean and put away all dishes/cookware, etc. There are happy little labels throughout that will help you along the way.
- Empty the refrigerator, kitchen drawers, and kitchen cabinets of all items you brought to the house.
- Load all dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
- Please clean the grill, turn off the propane, and place the cover back on. A clean & covered grill is a happy grill. 😎
- Bring towels inside and check around the pool area for any items you brought out with you and bring them back into the house. Also, please place all pool toys back in the deck
box. - Please do not leave any trash inside or outside the house. If you have large trash items or boxes, which cannot be placed inside the bench outside the front door, please take them to the community dumpster. Directions to the dumpster are posted on the pillar by the front door bench.
- Please let us know if you switched out the BBQ propane tank with the spare so we can replace it.
Thanks for your help with this list. You’re… a gem… a real peach… a rock star… the best…
seriously… it makes a huge difference.
Heat & A/C
How do you set the temperature?
The controls are simple to use. Select cool or heat. The desired temperature should be between 72°-76°.
Will setting the thermostat to a lower temperature cool faster?
Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature will not cool the house quicker. Due to the high temperatures in Florida, it can be difficult for the system to cool the internal temperature below this point.
Please keep the doors and windows closed
Keeping doors or windows opened will cause the units to endlessly run, resulting in the system freezing up.
The AC unit automatically turns off if either the sliding door or the front door is left open for more than 10 minutes. The AC unit will automatically start when the door has been closed for 10 minutes.
What happens if the thermostat is set too low?
Setting the temperature below 70° Fahrenheit (21° Celsius) may result in the system freezing up.
What happens if the system freezes up?
If the system freezes, the air conditioning will have to be turned off to allow the unit to defrost.
It can take up to 24 hours to thaw and for the unit to begin cooling the home. There will be no air conditioning during this time, and the registered guest will be responsible for the technician’s call-out charges.
If the windows have condensation, that is a definite sign, the air conditioning temperature is set too low, and there is a risk of freezing the air conditioning unit. Please keep all windows and doors closed.
Light Switches
The light switches in the common areas of the house are linked together.
The linked light switches are the ones that have LED lights on the left of the switch. The linked light switches can be controlled from other light switches. We’ve placed * symbols on the light switches that also control other light switches.
All the light switches work independently like you would expect them to. In addition to that, if you double click either on or off (depending where the * is) on a master switch, it will perform that action on other light switches.
Primary Light Switch List
Entrance hall light switch
Double-clicking either on or off will affect all the linked light switches. So from this light switch, you can turn on and off all the linked light switches in the house
Light switch at the bottom of the stairs
Double-clicking Off the light switch at the bottom of the stairs turns off all the linked light switches upstairs
Light switch at the top of the stairs
Double-clicking Off the light switch at the top of the stairs turns off all the linked light switches downstairs
Laundry
The laundry room has an ultra-high capacity washer & dryer. We provide laundry pods during your stay.
That’s also where you’ll find an iron & ironing board available.
Note: Please leave the washing machine door slightly open when not in use to prevent odors.
Grill/BBQ
Where is the grill?
The Villa has a four-burner propane grill located to the left as you walk out of the sliding glass doors.
How do you start it?
Starting the grill is pretty straightforward since it has an automatic starter.
If the automatic starter is giving you a hard time, there’s a BBQ lighter in the drawer with the BBQ tools.
TIP: Turn the second knob on the BBQ to ignite the burner using the built-in igniter.
Where are the BBQ tools?
You’ll find the set of BBQ tools in the kitchen drawer at the end of the kitchen peninsula.
What if the propane runs out?
What to do after using the grill
When you are done grilling, it is important you turn the valve clockwise to shut off the propane.
Once the grill has cooled down, use the cleaning brush after every use and keep it covered when not in use to prevent wear and tear.
Cooler
For your convenience, we provide a cooler. You can find it in the lanai next to the deck box to the right side of the sliding doors. Please clean it after use.
Electronics
Movie DVDs
The Movie DVDs are inside the two drawers on the right-hand side of the TV console in the great room.
Xbox One
The Xbox One-S is connected to the TV in the great room, and you can find the controllers in the top left drawer of the great room TV console.
TV/Cable
Turning On/Off The TV
Point the remote at the bottom of the TV & press the power button on the upper right of the remote. It takes a couple of seconds to turn on; when turning off, press & hold the power button for about a second.
Changing The Input
The input (cable, DVD, Game) is changed using the TV remote. To change the input, point the remote at the bottom of the TV and press the input button on the upper left of the remote to bring up the input menu on the screen. Press the input button again to change the input selected.
The smaller power button that is right next to the input button will allow you to turn on/off the selected input device.
When Blu-ray is the input selected, the TV remote will also be able to control the Blu-ray DVD player.
Watch Cable
To watch cable, the cable box inside the TV console needs to be on. To do that first turn on the TV, then on the TV change the input to cable. You can also use the cable box remote to turn it on.
Using Internet Apps (Netflix, Pandora)
Point the remote at the bottom of the TV and press the Vizio button on the remote control. That will bring up the menu where you can select the internet app you’d like to use.
Bluetooth Audio Paring to Great Room Vizio Soundbar. The surround sound system in the great room gives you the ability to pair your Bluetooth devices to the Vizio soundbar.
Here are the steps to pair your device to the surround sound:
Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the soundbar for five (5) seconds or select the BT Pair option from the display remote menu.
When the sound bar is in Bluetooth Pairing Mode, the LED Indicators on the Display Panel on the front of the Sound Bar will light sequentially from bottom to top and back again.
Once the device is paired, the LED Indicators will stop flashing.
You can now search for the sound bar (VIZIO SB3651) using your Bluetooth device.
Play audio from your Bluetooth device. Volume can be controlled on your source device and the sound bar Bluetooth Device.
Unpairing Bluetooth & Returning To TV Audio
Once you’re finished listening to your favorite tunes from your device, you can unpair it by doing this:
Press input on the surround remote until Optical 4 is displayed
The Bedrooms
Turning The TV On/Off
Point the remote at the bottom of the TV & press the power button on the upper right of the remote. It takes a couple of seconds to turn on. If turning off, press & hold the power button for about a second.
Changing The Input
The input (cable, DVD, Game) is changed using the TV remote. To change the input, point the remote at the bottom of the TV and press the input button on the upper left of the remote to bring up the input menu on the screen. Press the input button again to change the selected input.
The smaller power button that is right next to the input button will allow you to turn on/off the selected input device.
When Blu-ray input is selected, the TV remote will also be able to control the Blu-ray DVD player.
When cable input is selected, the TV remote will also be able to control the cable box.
Watch Cable
To watch cable, the little black box needs to be on (green light). If it’s not green, then you’ll need to turn it on. To do that, first, turn on the TV, then on the TV change the input to cable.
Once the input selected is cable, you’ll be able to turn on the cable box using the TV remote. Point the TV remote at the cable box and press the power button right next to the INPUT button on the top left of the TV remote. That will turn on the cable box, it may take a minute for the cable box to initialize, but it will indicate that on the screen if it does.
Using Internet Apps (Netflix, Pandora)
Point the remote at the bottom of the TV and press the Vizio button on the remote control. That will bring up the menu where you can select the internet app you’d like to use.
Troubleshooting Tips
The Remote Is Not Working
Although all the TVs are the same brand, the remotes are not interchangeable. Make sure the remote you’re using is for the correct TV by matching up the label on the side of the remote with the label on the room’s DVD player.
The Power buttons on the remote require you to press and hold it for a second or two for the TV to listen. When the power lights up on the TV, you’re good to go; the TV will be on in a few seconds.
We’ve seen it where the remote control needed a “reboot,” take the batteries out of the remote and put them back in. That may do the trick.
On rare occasions, the digital cable box (the little black box that sits on top of the dressers in all the bedrooms) can be unresponsive and needs to be rebooted. You can reboot it by unplugging the power cord from the back of the box for a few seconds and then plugging it back in. Once you do that, it’ll reset and work again.
On one occasion, we weren’t able to change the volume on the TV, and unplugging the TV and plugging it back in did the trick.
Maybe the batteries are at a low charge or dead altogether. Swap them out, and that will do the trick.
International Plug Adapters
If you need an international plug adapter, you can find them inside the left-side drawer of the dining room buffet table.
Villa’s Pool & Spa
The Pool
Enjoy the South West facing the saltwater pool. The entire pool and lanai area is in a private screened-in pool enclosure.
The Pool Safety Fence
There is also a pool safety fence for the little ones. If you have little ones in your group, please keep the safety fence closed when an adult is not supervising the pool area.
What temperature should the pool be set to?
Do not set pool heat over 90 degrees. It will wreak havoc with the pool water chemistry.
The ideal temperature is 88.
How long does it take for the pool temperature to change?
If you are heating the pool on some of our cool days, the pool water temperature can drop as much as 15 degrees overnight. The electric heaters on the pool operate on the heat pump principle (like a reverse air conditioner).
They take up to 48 hours to heat the pool to the desired temperature. If the ambient temperature is lower than 55 degrees, the heat pumps do not work.
Is the pool pump always running?
The pool pump turns off every night, starting around 8 p.m., and stays off until about 8 a.m. During that time, the water doesn’t overflow from the Spa into the pool. The pool and Spa can both still be used during that time.
Can we use the pool even though the pool pump isn’t running?
The pool and Spa can still both be used when the pool pump is not running.
The pump will turn on when the spa is turned on.
How can we add water to the pool?
If you notice that the pool water level is a little low, you can turn on the timer to the water filler for 30 minutes. It will automatically shut off when it’s done. The automatic water filler is outside to the left of the pool heater. If you’re walking out of the sliding doors, the pool heater is located right outside the screen door on your right.
How often is the pool serviced?
The pool is maintained weekly, so you may catch a glimpse of the pool technician performing their duties.
The Spa
How do you turn on the spa (hot tub)?
Sit back and relax in the pool and spillover spa. The spa timer is by the wall next to the sliding door. The filter system and pump are set to work automatically.
The Spa timer is located on the wall on your right as you walk out of the sliding glass doors. Simply turn the dial to the desired amount of minutes, and the pool valve will focus the pool heater on the spa, the spa will start heating, and the spa water will start bubbling.
What temperature should the spa be set to?
A comfortable temperature for the spa is usually between 101 and 104 degrees.
Please keep in mind that heat pumps struggle in the cold weather. Running the Spa at night when it is cold outside will take longer to reach the warmer temperature or even maintain it.
How long does it take for the spa to heat up?
The Spa usually takes 30 -45 minutes to heat up to 104 degrees and maybe longer depending on the air temperature. On average, it takes about 10 degrees per hour to heat up the Spa water.
Please keep in mind that heat pumps struggle in the cold weather. Running the Spa at night when it is cold outside will take longer to reach the warmer temperature or even maintain it.
Pool Toys
The pool has a pool-side basketball hoop, you can find the basketball inside the deck box by the pool. The deck box also has a volleyball & floaties along with other fun pool toys. Please put the pool toys back into the deck box once you are no longer using them.
Also, when playing ball in the pool, please be careful not to tear the screens. They’re costly to repair.
Pool Towels
The pool towels are in the rope baskets by the sliding door. We provide a total of 8 pool towels, which you can bring to the Clubhouse pool since they do not offer pool towels.
We kindly ask that you refrain from taking the pool towels to the theme parks, as towel rentals are available there. You might want to bring extra pool towels with you to avoid renting them at the parks.
Pool Safety & Lightning
Pool Fence
The pool has a pool fence to keep the little ones safe. Please keep the pool fence closed if there are young children in your group.
No Glass By The Pool Please
Please do not bring any glass items to the pool deck. If they break in the pool, the pool would need to be drained to ensure no glass shards are in the pool, and draining the pool takes a loooong time.
Instead, there are plastic pool-safe drinking glasses in the kitchen cupboard.
Lightning
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S. — Follow the 30-30 Rule!
When you see lightning flash, count the number of seconds until you hear its thunder. If the thunder roars in 30 seconds or less, the storm is already close enough to be dangerous.
Exit the pool/spa immediately for your safety and go inside, wait 30 minutes or more after the lightning flash before going back out.
The Kitchen
If you love to cook (or love saving money by not eating out), then you’ll really love the home’s fully-equipped kitchen.
We’ve made sure the kitchen includes everything needed to feed a hungry group!
Kitchenware
You’ll also have all the kitchenware you’d need to cook your meals. Of course, there is all the standard stuff, a full set of pots & pans, cooking utensils, mixing bowls, plenty of dishes, silverware, glasses, cups, wine glasses, serving trays, BBQ utensils, children’s plates, etc.
Everything you’ll need to make every meal as delicious and enjoyable as the ones you have at home!
Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen has all the appliances you’d find at home – a full-size refrigerator with water dispenser & stove, microwave, and dishwasher.
Kitchen Small Appliances
On the kitchen counter there’s a toaster, blender, a single cup Keurig, and one of the two 12-cup coffeemakers with permanent coffee filters.
In the food pantry (the closet to the left of the refrigerator), you’ll find the popcorn maker, waffle maker, rice cooker/steamer, two coffee makers with permanent filters, hot dog cooker, electric mixer, and a baby bottle sterilizer.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies (glass cleaner, general-purpose cleaner, liquid dish soap, and dishwasher pods) and kitchen trash bags are kept in the cabinet under the kitchen sink.
The Fridge
The internal temperature of the fridge may temporarily raise when first filling the fridge. If the aggregate temperature of all the food that is added is higher than the temperature the fridge is sent to, it will take a bit for the fridge to lower the food’s temperature.
PLEASE NOTE: The refrigerator temperature is set to 0˚F (Freezer) and 37˚ F (Refrigerator). To avoid a service call, please DO NOT change these settings.
Lowering the freezer or refrigerator temperatures from these defaults may freeze the waterline. Changing them will not make the refrigerator get cold any faster.
Instead, the system will freeze, and maintenance will have to turn off the fridge for 48 hours to thaw out the line, which may cause damage. Guest will be responsible for repairs and service calls.
Kitchen Seating
The integrated breakfast nook can seat up to 6 and offers a beautiful view out to the pool. There is also a breakfast bar that seats 2.
Hot Water
Keep in mind that if you haven’t used hot water for some time, it may take a couple of minutes of running the water before the temperature increases.
Amusement Parks & Attraction Tickets
Shortcut To Disney
Discount Tickets
While Windsor Hills Resort does not sell or issue park tickets, Joseph Ortiz at Guest Relations can answer any questions you have about tickets, parks, area information, and more.
Stop by and see Joseph at the Guest Relations desk or give him a call.
We also recommend Undercover Tourist.
Private Chef
If you are interested in hiring a personal chef during your stay, here is a list of private chefs in the area.
Florida Wildlife
From time to time, frogs & lizards may make their way into the lanai and the pool. Frogs & lizards are harmless and can be left alone or removed with the pool net.
Please do not approach raccoons, snakes, or Sand Hill Cranes. Wildlife can be unpredictable, so please keep your distance if you see any of these animals.
Also, do not leave food around the pool deck unattended. The raccoons will rip the screens to gain access to the lanai if they see an opportunity for a free meal. Please keep unattended food inside.
Call & Deliver (Take-Out) Restaurants
No need to call the gate, if receiving take out from the below restaurants or deliveries from Instacart.
This is just a few of the restaurants in the area, there are a TON near by and new ones popping up every day! And thanks to services like DoorDash, many of them can deliver to the villa.
Take-Out Menu Organizer
The take-out menu organizer is inside the right-hand drawer of the buffet table next to the dining room. Feel free to add your favorite take-out restaurant’s menus to the organizer.
Italian
Other
Transportation
Taxis & Shuttles
Windsor Hills recommends GT Transportation Taxi and Mears for taxi and shuttle services. Each company provides great service at an affordable rate for families who do not plan on driving during their vacation.
The prices and destinations vary, but overall each taxi and shuttle company provides transportation to/from Windsor Hills Resort, the parks, airports, shopping outlets, and other area attractions.
For more information, you can visit the front desk at Windsor Hills or call the taxi and shuttle companies directly to get the most up-to-date rates.
Activities
Clickt the link to get the activies guide
https://villabythecastle.com/VillaByTheCastle_Area_Attractions_Activities.pdf
Clickt the button below to get the activies guide
Grocery Stores
Here’s list of some of the areas supermarkets. If you want the groceries delivered, both Walmart and Super Target can do that for you. You can have groceries delivered from the other supermarkets also by using instacart or doordash.
If you’d prefer to use a food delivery service, Instacart, AmazonFresh, DoorDash, Target (via Shipt), and Drizly are available in the area. Please make sure that all food deliveries are in the name of the guest already registered at the gate.
Post Office
When we have something to mail out, we usually go to the UPS Store. They are able to do a lot of the shipping USPS is able to do and offer other options that may be cheaper.
The numbers and addresses for both are below.
Restaurants
This is just a few of the restaurants in the area, there are a TON near by and new ones popping up every day!
Here’s a PDF with a few restaurants to choose from.
https://villabythecastle.com/VillaByTheCastle_Restaurants.pdf
Click the link to get the restaurant list
Gas Stations
Tips On Using The Guide
- Use the menu icon on the right to open the menu where you can click on the section you need and jump to it.
- Click the up arrow on the right to bring you to the top of the page
- Click the round blue icons to call
, text, email, get directions or open the web page
