Just Bought a Vacation or Short-Term Rental Near Disney?
Here’s Expert Advice to Help You Get It Booked Faster
If you’ve recently purchased a vacation or short-term rental near Disney, congratulations — you’ve made an exciting move. But owning the right property is only part of the equation. How your home is set up and presented is what ultimately fills the calendar.
I recently walked one of my buyers through this entire process, and they told me how helpful it was — and encouraged me to share it. So here it is: practical, real-world advice to help new owners launch their vacation rental successfully.
If you take even one tip from this guide, it could make a meaningful difference in your bookings.
Location Matters — But It’s Not Everything
Yes, location near Disney is important. But even in the best areas, rentals struggle if they aren’t properly prepared.
Guests book with their eyes first.
Photos stop the scroll.
Experience wins the booking.
The Coffee Station (Yes — This Actually Matters)
This is one of the most frequently mentioned items in guest reviews.
A strong coffee station includes:
• A dedicated, clean coffee area
• A single-serve machine and a drip coffee maker
• An electric kettle (especially important for international guests)
• Matching mugs
• Starter coffee, pods, sugar, and creamer
• Good lighting
A well-organized coffee station immediately signals that the home is thoughtfully prepared and guest-focused.
Did you know?
Consumer surveys show that nearly 60% of travelers say access to good coffee directly impacts their satisfaction with a vacation rental.
Photography tip: This setup deserves its own close-up photo.
The Kitchen — Function Over Flash
Pretty kitchens don’t always rent well. Functional kitchens do.
Guests expect:
• Plates, bowls, and glasses for full occupancy
• Quality pots and pans (families cook)
• Baking sheets, cutting boards, and sharp knives
• Small appliances like a blender and toaster
• Wine opener and basic tools
• Seating for everyone staying in the home
Empty cabinets and mismatched dishware often lead to negative reviews.
Photography tip: Clear countertops, aligned bar stools, and a dining table set for the group size.
Game Rooms & Entertainment Spaces
This is where many bookings are won.
High-performing homes often include:
• Arcade or multicade games
• Air hockey or foosball
• Gaming consoles clearly visible
• Tasteful LED lighting
• Themed décor or wall graphics
Game rooms don’t need to be expensive — they need to look intentional.
Photography tip: One wide shot plus one detail shot works best.
Lofts, Converted Garages & Media Rooms
If your home has a loft or converted garage, treat it as prime space:
• Large TV or projector
• Comfortable seating
• Simple, fun décor
Families love having a shared movie or game area after long park days.
Bedrooms — Comfort Sells
Guests care less about trendy furniture and more about a great night’s sleep.
What matters most:
• Comfortable mattresses
• Blackout curtains
• Nightstands and lamps
• Charging access
• Clean, cohesive décor
Themed bedrooms perform best when they’re clean, spacious, and not overcrowded.
Bathrooms — Hotel Clean Is Non-Negotiable
A luxury feel comes from simplicity:
• White towels
• Clear countertops
• Matching accessories
• Bright lighting
Photography tip: Neatly folded towels, toilet lids down, no personal items visible.
Pool & Outdoor Space
This is often the #1 booking photo.
Key elements:
• A clean, inviting pool
• Clearly arranged loungers
• Outdoor dining space when possible
Pro tip: Include both a daytime pool photo and a twilight photo for higher engagement.
Photography — Where Most Listings Fall Short
Professional photography is not optional.
Your photo order should tell a story:
1. Pool or outdoor space
2. Main living area
3. Best feature (game room or themed space)
4. Kitchen and dining
5. Primary bedroom
6. Bathrooms
7. Resort amenities
If the first three photos don’t stop the scroll, the booking is lost.
Why This Matters Most for New Owners
The first 60–90 days of a listing are critical.
Homes that launch correctly tend to stay booked.
Homes that “fix it later” often struggle to recover.
Final Thoughts
Owning a vacation rental is part lifestyle and part business.
How you set it up — and how you present it — makes all the difference.
This is exactly what I walk my buyers through before their homes go live, because success doesn’t happen by accident.
If even one tip here helps you secure your next booking, it was worth sharing.
Ready to Buy a Vacation Home Near Disney?
Come buy a vacation home with me or my husband, Alan LaFrance, and allow us to guide you through the process from start to finish — from purchase to positioning your home for success.