Orlando Vacation Homes INSIDER

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

I had the pleasure of riding in the 2008 Relay for Life motorcycle event this past Sunday with Russ Kraft (our GM) and Steve Straka - Steve is real estate agent with Global Real Estate. Our trip, although short, was one of the best rides I have taken to date.

Two words: POLICE ESCORT !!!

When was the last time you ever went 35 miles in Kissimmee (including a stretch on Rt. 192) and didn’t stop for a single light? Let me tell you, it was a blast.

We had the honor of being escorted by motorcycle police from the Orange County and Kissimmee police departments. These are the same officers that escort the President and other dignitaries when they visit Orlando. At every intersection an officer would be there blocking traffic and letting our whole group of 60+ bikes pass.  They even rode into oncoming traffic and made approaching cars stop and move to the side of the road. The professionalism and skill displayed by the officers was impressive, to say the least.

Throughout 2008, Global staffers will continue to participate in charitable events throughout Florida and beyond — even if we won’t always have ‘the man’ looking out for us like this past Sunday.

I believe firmly in the philosophy of ‘Paying it Forward‘ and as I get more opportunities to help in my community I hope to assist Global in fulfilling its promise to give back to those who desperately need it. 

Ride Safe!

- Bill Downs

Add comment April 28th, 2008

Cirque Du Soleil Lives up to the Hype

After cleaning up from spaghetti night, I raced to get dressed as I was running late for the 8pm Cirque Du Soleil show I had bought tickets for.  I hopped in my rental car and sped through Windsor Hills Resort, going much faster then the mandated 15 mph!

All my worrying turned out to be wasted energy as it took me no time at all to get to the venue (which is in the Disney’s West Side) and I ended up arriving 30 minutes early for the show.  I grabbed a Bud Light and some popcorn and took my seat, watching two mimes entertain the crowd as we all anxiously awaited the curtain rising.  The mimes were fairly amusing, however I have a small fear (okay, a large fear) of mimes so I was a little uncomfortable especially as they inched closer and closer to my row targeting unsuspecting audience members to poke fun at!  Luckily they did not choose me to prey on so I was able to relax a little and laugh at the people that became victims of the two mime’s shenanigans.

After what seemed like hours, when in actuality it was less then 30 minutes, the curtain finally rose.  I cannot even begin to explain how amazing the show was.  There was so much going on at all times and I saw some amazing stunts, tricks, and talents.  From tight rope walkers to BMX bikers to people flying around on curtains to trampoline gymnasts there was never a dull moment.  Cirque has so much visual stimuli at all times that there was not one second of the show that I was bored or not entertained by.  I wish I could better verbalize how great the show was, but unless you have seen Cirque it is hard to grasp what it’s all about and words simply just don’t do it justice when trying to describe the actual experience

The show lasted around an hour and a half and when the curtains went down I felt like it had only been watching for 20 minutes – it went by so fast and I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to see more!  I will be honest; I initially thought that the 80 dollars I spent on the ticket was a little steep, but now having seen Cirque I believe that it is worth every penny.  So, as so many people advised me before, I will now give the same advice to those reading this:  Do NOT leave Orlando without seeing Cirque Du Soleil!

Jordan

Add comment April 25th, 2008

Globals Newest Orlando Vacation Home Community!

Proudly celebrating 15 years of property management in Central Florida, Global Resort Homes announces its newest Orlando vacation home community, Cypress Pointe!! Cypress Pointe is a private and tranquil gated community that offers spacious 4, 5 and 6 bedroom homes.  Located in Polk County, near Champions Gate, Cypress Pointe is less then 10 miles from the gates of Disney World.

The architectural styling features impressive stone exteriors letting you know that you’re vacation home is something special before you even set foot inside.  The elegant interiors include spacious bedrooms (each having its own TV), large living rooms and fully equipped kitchens.  Each vacation home at Cypress Pointe has its own private screened-in pool and hot-tub.  Enjoy the Florida sunshine in the privacy of your home and relax tired muscles from longs day spent walking around the theme parks by soaking in the hot-tub!  Most of the homes at Cypress Pointe have game rooms strategically located within the home, designed for hours of fun and enjoyment rather then being retrofitted in the garage.

Although Global typically manages vacation homes in large resort communities, Cypress Pointe has a slightly different appeal. With just 69 uniquely designed homes, Cypress Pointe will interest those who are looking for a quieter, more tranquil setting for their vacation.  The feeling of privacy and natural Florida wetlands form the backdrop and environment at Cypress Pointe – yet the community is less than 10 miles to the gates of Disney World!  The community of Cypress Pointe is perfectly designed for those who are seeking spacious rental homes with amenities such as a private pool/spa and game rooms set in peaceful, tranquil and private setting for their Orlando family vacation.

So, as you plan your vacation to Orlando make sure to check our brand new community Cypress Pointe!  Global Resort Homes also manages vacation homes in 5 additional resort communities including Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Oakwater, Vista Cay and Glenbrook.  No matter what accommodations and/or amenities you are seeking, Global Resort Homes is sure to have what you are looking for at one of our resort communities.

Add comment April 21st, 2008

Spaghetti Night in Orlando

I arrived back at Windsor Palms around five o’clock after spending the day checking out Epcot center.  I was absolutely starving at this point (shocking, I know!) and decided to run up to the grocery store and make dinner at home instead of eating out.  I was craving some home-cooked food and the thought of saving some money by eating in was incredibly satisfying to me.  

I went up to the Publix and bought the ingredients I needed to make spaghetti for my dinner that night and a loaf of garlic bread I could stick in the oven.  Not too creative I admit, however I am Italian and as such spaghetti is one of my favorite foods.  (On a side note, I am ashamed to admit that I bought pre-made marinara sauce instead of making from scratch purely due to laziness and convenience.  I could just imagine the disappointment in my grandparent’s eyes if they knew that their Italian granddaughter took the easy way out and bought Prego!). 

As soon as I got back from Publix, I was ready to get started and began cooking immediately as my stomach began to aggressively remind me that I had not eaten all day!  Once I located all of the utensils and cookware I needed (all of Global’s Orlando vacation homes come with fully equipped kitchens), I began cooking.  To be completely honest, I was half expecting to have to run back out to pick up a strainer (or something along those lines) and for the kitchen not be “fully equipped” in the true sense of the word.  I am happy to report however, that I was wrong and everything I needed was right at my fingertips. 

My spaghetti turned out as good as can be expected having used pre-made sauce to dress my noodles and dip my garlic bread in.  I didn’t mind too much though – I was just happy to have been able to eat a home-cooked meal, save some money and relax in the comfort of my vacation home before heading out for the night. 

After dinner, I cleaned up and looked down at my watch, suddenly realizing it was already 6:30 and that I needed to begin to get ready for the night.  I had bought tickets to go see Cirque Du Soleil and the show began at 8!  I was incredibly anxious, to say the least, to see Cirque as I had heard from multiple sources – locals, tourists, friends, family members – that it was a fantastic show and a “must see” while visiting Orlando.  I really had no expectations for what the show entailed – all I knew is that everybody who has seen it has absolutely loved it. I was ecstatic that I was finally getting the opportunity to attend the show I have heard such great things about! 

I got ready in a hurry and headed towards downtown Disney, anxiously anticipating the start of Cirque Du Soleil…..

Jordan

3 comments April 18th, 2008

Global Resort Homes 15th Anniversary Celebration!

Receive an unbelievable 15 % off any Orlando vacation rental when you book your stay in a Global Resort Home property between April 15th and May 15th in honor of Globals’ 15th Anniversary!  Wait, there is more… stay during the celebration month and save an additional 15% off.  That’s right, stay in an Orlando Vacation Home from Global Resort Homes between April 15th and May 15th 2008 and save a total of 30% off. 

Global Resort Homes was founded by Guy and Robyn Bouchard in May of 1993 and over the past 15 years Global has set the standard in the industry and established themselves as the premier Orlando Property Management Company.  By offering an unparalleled service and an incredible alternative to staying in a cramped hotel room, Global gives Orlando Vacationers a perfect variety of choices for their next trip to Orlando. “We are simply a different type of company” says Robyn Bouchard. By staying true to our original vision and only managing in select communities, we can offer the best in location, amenities and properties.  This way we have onsite staff and can offer a much higher level of service to our guests and our owners alike. The best thing is, we take the guess work out of it for our clients!”

Even after 15 years in business, Guy, Robyn and the entire Global Resort Homes team continue to remain committed to maintaining the same vision that began 15 years ago and to carrying out Globals’ mission statement by being committed to excellence.  “We continue to hear outstanding feedback from our guests and this is what we strive for” says General Manager, Russ Kraft.  “Year after year as the same guests return and send their friends and family is the exact thing we look for to know we are doing things right.” 

Guy, Robyn and team remain committed to participating and giving back to the local community as well as engaging on global mission trips.  The team has not only made an impact here locally but has traveled to New Orleans and Jamaica to help people in need.  They are embarking on trips this year to include Mexico and possibly South Africa along with other destination to lend a hand. “Giving back is at the core of who we are”, says Guy Bouchard.  By being in a service business it doesn’t only means servicing our guests and owners but also serving and helping others when they are in need.            

So, in honor of this incredible milestone and the accomplishments Global Resort Homes has achieved the past 15 years, we are launching an unprecedented offer for a limited time only.  BOOK your Orlando Vacation Home from April 15th – May 15th, and receive 15% off! Stay with us between April 15th – May 15th and receive 30% off.  Either way, book now and help celebrate Globals 15th Anniversary this year.  Come, experience the Global Difference!

*Offer excludes bookings for less then 5 nights, bookings made for the months of July, and bookings between December 20 – January 3rd 09 and April 7-19 2009.

Add comment April 14th, 2008