luxury villa in florida

about our community

Highlands Reserve is located just 10 minutes west of Disney World, on highway US27 just south of US192. It has easy access to Interstate 4, which means easy access to all of Florida's main Theme Parks and attractions, including the beautiful beaches of Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coastlines.

Area Information

We have put together some information from our own experience, which we believe you may find of use to you during your stay in our villa. However, if you have any questions, we are more than happy to help you out.

Fastest Route from Airport: The best way we have found with the least amount of traffic is down the Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417). It's a Toll Road, but worth every penny, especially after a long flight. From Orlando International (less than $5 in tolls) head for the 417 SOUTH. From Sanford International, also head for the 417 SOUTH (less than $10 in tolls). Leave the 417 toll road at exit 2 signposted Celebration Avenue to 192, take a right after toll booth and left at T junction onto the US 192 West. Drive along the US 192 until you reach the US27 South - stay in left lane signposted Haines City. Highlands Reserve entrance is well lit along the US27 on the right hand side, about 1-1/2 miles after you joined the US27 - next right after the traffic lights at Publix. Directions to our villa will be given to you prior to your arrival.

Petrol: There are numerous petrol stations nearby, but the closest is next to the Subway (1 mile north on US27 on right). Don't forget to lift the lever !! (We found this out to our embarrassment on our first trip here).

Supermarkets: The nearest supermarket is Publix (great value with an excellent choice & service), which is located on the southbound carriageway of the US27 just north of Highlands Reserve (you can't miss it) less than 5 minutes from our villa (you could even walk there). Wal-Mart, is a popular superstore (now affiliated with ASDA) located about 12 miles south on the US27 - another one is located on the US192 next to Medieval Times. Excellent value shopping (same principle as ASDA in the UK, but much bigger).

Pharmacies: a Walgreen's 24hr Drive Thru Pharmacy is located on the east bound carriageway of the US192 opposite the Orange Lake Resort - about 4 miles from our villa. You will also find another Walgreen's about 1 mile on US27 north of the US192.

Restaurants: There is a loads of shops and restaurants along the US192 (a bit like Blackpool). We found Sizzler is excellent value for breakfast or brunch - arrive at around 10:30am and you can eat breakfast and lunch for less than $5 - no need to worry about eating in Disney ! There are loads of shops and restaurants on the US192. We can definitely recommend Carrabba's Italian Grill by Splendid China (fantastic food at a very reasonable price). There are some excellent takeaways (Chinese, Indian & Pizza) in the area - details can be found at the villa.

Air conditioning: The air conditioning has been pre-programmed at a level for your optimum comfort. We recommend that you keep all windows and doors shut in order to allow the air conditioning to do its job in keeping the villa cool.

DVD Video & Games Rental: DVD's and GameCube games can be hired from the video rental shop next to the Publix supermarket. You will need to show your passport or driving licence as well as a credit card to get temporary membership. We have provided a selection of DVD's and games for your entertainment. Please note that UK purchased DVD's will not work in the USA and visa versa.

Telephone Calls: All local telephone calls and numbers starting '1-800' can be dialled free from our villa. Calls to other numbers (national or international) can be made using a pre-paid calling cards (e.g. Sprint, which are available from any supermarket or petrol station) - full instructions on how to use these are given in our villa. Our Villa has a data port by the kitchen telephone, to enable you to plug in your modem/laptop for internet/email (for those workaholics !!). Feel free to email us if you have any queries.

Check-out Time: Check-out time on the day of departure is 10am, at which time our cleaners will arrive to clean for the arrival of our next guests. Later check-out is available at the Management Companies discretion, subject to subsequent bookings.

Linen: We have provided sufficient towels (including pool towels) and linen in our villa. However, we would appreciate it if these would remain exclusively for use within our villa and pool area. If you are planning a visit to one or more of the water theme parks or even plan a trip to the Gulf or Atlantic coast, then can we request that you use your own beach towels (or you can purchase these really cheaply anywhere along the US192).

The Swimming Pool: For your safety we request that you do not take glass or crockery into the pool area (broken glass is very difficult to see on a wet pool deck and is very dangerous). We have provided ample plastic tumblers, plates, bowls for safe use around the pool.

The BBQ: The gas fired BBQ has been provided for the use of our guests by the pool area. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries resulting from incorrect usage of this facility. If you need any additional gas, a propane bottle exchange can be purchased for around $20 from the local garage (1 mile north on US27 by Subway). Guests are responsible for cleaning the BBQ after use.

The Pool Timer: is pre-set by our management company and controls the pool pump. If you have requested pool heating this is also pre-set by our management company - please do not tamper with the settings as this could adversely affect the return of part or all of your security deposit.

Smoking Policy: For the comfort of future guests, we respectively request that you do not smoke anywhere within our Villa. You are of course more than welcome to smoke within the pool area using the plastic ash tray provided.

Pets: Sorry NO pets of any description are allowed - please do not bring your pets as you will asked to leave the villa without compensation.

In the event of any queries or problems regarding the villa or pool, please contact our management company (details on how to contact them will be available in the villa)