posted by orlandovacationhome on Oct 14

A recent noteworthy article by the Financial Times indicates that the Blackstone purchase of SeaWorld is a marked indicator that the world’s largest private equity firm has now turned optimistic on the economy and the worst is behind us. More specifically, and as the prestigious publication notes, Blackstone is selling assets in other areas to focus on industries and lines of business that could improve significantly in the coming years. This would certainly include theme park attendance, as indicated by its accumulation of $2 billion in assets in this area. Click here for the Blackstone Asset Group’s corporate website.

Why is this noteworthy? This is an important indicator because Blackstone has been traditionally very good as a market barometer, especially when picking companies in improving industries.

All sources acknowledge that Blackstone has been tops at exploiting opportunities and picking market winners before they become apparent. Some indicate that the roughly 2x sales purchae price was very cheap, and that it was simply a “fire sale” purchase. We believe that this purchase might be at a sweet spot - low valuation metrics and at a time when business conditions are set to turn up noticeably for the theme parks. The latter would not only be good for Blackstone, it would also be good for the local economy.

Improved amusement park attendance would certainly bolster occupancy at a time when Orlando hotels and resorts have been struggling. Peak booking periods tend to come around spring break / Easter and a little good news is needed to restore confidence.

Some of the best resorts in the Orlando area are running enticing holiday specials to kick start business moving into 2010. This will hopefully be the beginning of an improved business cycle, and one that the Blackstone Group has presciently predicted by its actions.

This could be great news for Orlando vacation rentals which are typically an outstanding way to stay in Orlando. For reviews on over 80 vacation home communities, consult our unbiased community reviews section. Each community review includes a quality rating, amenity information and distance to major attractions to help you make an informed decision. Our goal is to provide independent research to save you time and ultimately help you enjoy a pleasurable vacation in Orlando. Vacation rentals can provide you an opportunity to do just that.

Aquatica Sea World Orlando

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posted by orlandovacationhome on Dec 4

If you go to the Walt Disney World Resorts ® web site, they are running some stellar

promotions at the moment.

You can buy a hotel room and a ticket combination package with spendable gift cards included

or amazing values which make it tough for area hotels and other accommodations to compete. Although we don’t promote any company on this web site, this appears to be such a great deal it deserves to be mentioned.

As always, if in doubt, we advocate buying your tickets directly from any theme park you are attending.

Many metro Orlando area hotels we spoke to agree that the “Big Park” is offering some fantastic promotions making it difficult for them to compete even at the economy level. This may be due in part to the fact that the hotel industry in metro Orlando has seen some staggering drops in room revenue (RevPAR) recently. This may also be further evidence of the magnitude and nature of the global recession.

However, Orlando area vacation homes still remain a competitive alternative to all area hotels, as they affordably offer a family or group of people the benefits of an entire house for a little more than the price of a hotel room. We recommend you shop around, assess your needs, and make your own decision. As always, we will try to keep you informed.

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posted by orlandovacationhome on Sep 20

Orlando Florida Vacation Home Subdivsions are Not All Equal

There are some great subdivisions out there for your vacation home, and there are some not so great.

We recommend you stay in vacation home communities that are newer (built in the last 10 years), and those that have extensive community facilities such as pools, club house, play ground, etc…

A gated subdivision is a nice extra touch, as it can keep unwanted elements out of the community.

If you are coming to Orlando for the theme parks, you stay as close to the parks as possible.

Also, find out a little about the subdivision – how many foreclosures are there? Are there incomplete and vacant lots? Are there a lot of lawns overgrown? Can you be at the main entrance to Disney in under 10 mins?

Our favorites:

Emerald Island

Windsor Hills

There are at least 50 other subdivisions to choose from, so be careful. Some of them are terrible and poorly maintained. Do your homework and ask a lot of questions!

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