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At White Rose Villas, we truly value our homeowners’ feedback — and we’ve listened! After reviewing comments and suggestions from many of you, we’re excited to announce an important upgrade:
We’ve replaced the YourWelcome tablets with a more modern, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution — the Breezeway Digital Welcome Book.
Why the Change?
While the tablets were helpful in the past, we heard that they could be time-consuming to maintain, occasionally confusing for guests, and costly. Our new Breezeway system delivers all the same essential information — and much more — in a simpler, digital format that guests can access anytime.
Key Benefits of the Breezeway Digital Welcome Book
- Instant Guest Access Anywhere – Guests can open the welcome book on their phone, tablet, or computer — no device setup needed.
- Always Up-to-Date – Our team can update details instantly, from Wi-Fi passwords to check-out instructions and local recommendations.
- Pre-Arrival Sharing for Owners – You can now enter your guest’s details directly into the system, and the Breezeway welcome book will be emailed automatically to your guests before arrival. This helps set clear expectations and enhances their experience right from the start.
- Cleaner, Easier Experience – No tablets to charge, reset, or replace. Guests receive everything they need in a clear, modern format.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance – A completely digital, sustainable solution that reduces waste and simplifies management.
- Personalized for Each Home – Each digital guide includes property-specific details, community info, and local tips, ensuring a warm and informed welcome.
- Streamlined Communication – Integrated with our property management system, allowing quicker responses and better service during every stay.
Lower Cost for Owners
This upgrade also comes with big savings.
The former YourWelcome tablets cost $200 per year, while the Breezeway Digital Welcome Book is just $45 per year — that’s a 75% reduction in cost while offering even greater functionality and convenience.
Moving Forward Together
We’re thrilled to roll out this improvement and appreciate your continued feedback. The Breezeway Digital Welcome Book will make guest communication smoother, your home management simpler, and your costs lower — a win for everyone.
If you’d like a walkthrough or have any questions about how to share your home’s digital welcome book with guests, please reach out — our team is here to help.
Owner Action
No action is required on your part at this time. However, if you’d like to add personal touches such as:
- A custom welcome message from your family
- Favorite local restaurant recommendations
- House quirks or tips for guests
- Special amenities or upgrade notes
We’d be happy to include those for you! Please reach out to the team at Reservations@whiterosevillas.com
Orlando’s theme parks pull out all the stops for their Halloween events. Whatever you are looking for from your Halloween celebrations, you’ll find a theme park event to suit you.
Here’s our run down of which of Orlando’s theme parks will really give you something to scream about!
Scream for sweets at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Magic Kingdom is hands-down the best Halloween event for children. From the magical Halloween themed parade, magical Disney character meet and greets, to the Halloween Trick or Treat events, this is a special time of year to visit Orlando’s most popular theme park.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party runs on select nights between August 15 and October 31. Your kids can collect candy as they go through the park. And you get to enjoy special shows, including the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, the Boo-to-You Parade and Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks.
Guests of all ages are welcome to wear costumes, which is a special privilege for this event. You must purchase a separate ticket for the party; regular park admission or an annual pass does not grant entry. Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4pm, while Magic Kingdom closes to day guests at 6pm on party nights. Tickets do sell out, so you need to buy them early, especially for dates in October.
Scream for the jump scares at Universal’s Horror Nights
This is the Halloween event that most of the White Rose Villas team has been waiting for all year! Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is the biggest event in Universal’s calendar and if you’ve ever been, you’ll know why. The late night atmosphere, the in-costume characters, the haunted houses and the jump scares will definitely have you screaming – part in fear, all in fun!
This year, Halloween Horror Nights invites you endure ten different haunted houses – including Fallout and Five Nights at Freddies. There’s also live shows, rides, scare zones and more.
We’re especially looking forward to the This Circus is Fire live entertainment, where a once-vibrant circus has festered into an unending nightmare – a sinister spectacle of pyro, aerialists and illusions – and the Masquerade: Dance with Death scare zone. Universal says, “Your First Dance May Be Your Last! You’re invited to a masquerade ball where blood thirsty vampires lurk behind ornate disguises. When their masks fall, you’ll be their prey.”
If you just can’t wait, watch this preview from Universal about what else you can expect!
The World’s Premier Halloween Event runs on selected nights from 29 August until 2 November, with tickets and packages on sale now (an Express Pass is available for these specially ticketed events). We recommend getting to the park at least 45 minutes ahead of the official opening at 6:30pm to make the most of your time – often, gates will open early. The event finishes at 2am.
If you doubt the intensity of the event, please note that universal does not recommend it for children under the age of 13. No costumes or masks are allowed.
Scream for something different
If you’d like to get in the Halloween state of mind with a slightly more wallet-friendly price tag (especially for the early bird tickets), there’s another option for horror fans: Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld in Orlando. Howl-O-Scream runs on select dates between September 5 and November 1, 2025.
Howl-O-Scream is a relative newcomer to Orlando’s Halloween scene. Although it can trace its origins back to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 1999, it didn’t come to SeaWorld until 2021. It’s a nighttime scare event with five haunted houses and six scare zones. We’re tempted by the new for 2025 Rave Yard. SeaWorld warns, “What looks like an abandoned cemetery is anything but quiet. The undead have taken over, turning crumbling tombstones into dance floors and mausoleums into neon-lit party zones. As the bass drops and the graveyard pulses with light, the dead rise for one reason only: to party forever. The music never stops. The dead never sleep. And if you’re not careful… you’ll be the next to join their eternal rave.”
You can also enjoy themed bar experiences and live shows. As with the Halloween special events at Orlando’s theme parks, Howl-O-Scream is not included within standard admission tickets. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed night event. However, early bird tickets have big discounts applied. Note, no costumes are allowed at this event either.
Scream for more!
Our team is always happy to offer advice about things to do in Orlando during your stay with us. Feel free to chat with us online, email us at reservations@whiterosevillas.com or pick up the phone for a chat.
USA: 321-710-8779
UK: 0333-332-1411
It won’t come as a surprise to any Florida resident but it’s official: we have some of the best beaches in the country!
Two Florida beaches have made this year’s top ten list of the best beaches in the USA, as determined by Dr Stephen Leatherman, aka Dr Beach.
For over three decades, Dr Stephen Leatherman has reviewed, evaluated and rated beaches and coastal areas throughout the world. His annual ranking of America’s Best Beaches is published just before Memorial Day weekend and is always widely reported.
In addition to compiling these annual beach rankings, Dr Beach works tirelessly to increase awareness about the dangers of rip currents and to promote no smoking at beaches.
Iconic Florida beach scene at Siesta Beach in Florida
Which Florida beaches does Dr Beach recommend for 2025?
Two beaches in Florida made Dr Beach’s best beaches in the USA list for 2025. Both are situated within Florida State Parks.
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is located just east of Panama City Beach, the tourist hotspot on Florida’s Gulf coast. It enters Dr Beaches best beach list at number seven this year.
Dr Beach explains, “An inlet separates a short section of St. Andrews from the main part of the park which is only accessed by boat both ferry and private. This strikingly white sandy beach is great for shelling and bird watching.” Snorkeling and swimming are also popular.
Sadly, this beach is not a day trip away from our vacation homes in the Orlando area. It’s around a six-hour drive away from our homes. However, don’t despair – there are some other great options if you fancy some beach time!
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Dr Beach has named the beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park near Naples as his number four pick this year. Florida State Parks says, “This popular destination boasts one of the most pristine stretches of beaches in the world.”
Dr Beach says, “This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees. Pine trees provide welcome shade.”
Open 8am to sundown 365 days per year, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is slightly closer to home. This park is a three-hour drive south, past Fort Meyers and towards Naples, from our vacation homes near Orlando.
Which of Dr Beach’s best beaches are closer to Orlando?
Over the years, Dr Beach has named several best beaches in Florida. His work showcases the wonderful choice of beaches when staying in the Sunshine State.
Dr Beach recommendations in Florida include: St George Island State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Siesta Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, TH Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park and Bahia Honda State Park.
The two most convenient beaches for day trips from our vacation homes near Orlando recommended by Dr Beach are Siesta Beach and Caladesi Island State Park.
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach has made the top spot on Dr Beach’s best beaches list twice. The first time was in 2011, when it was awarded the top spot. Then Siesta Beach made the cut again in 2017 – again winning the number one spot in Dr Beach’s best beaches list.
Dr Beach praises its soft, white sand. He says, “With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness.”
Located by Sarasota and just a two-hour drive away from our vacation homes in Orlando, Siesta Beach is a great option if you fancy a day at the beach when staying in one of our vacation homes.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a particular favorite with Dr Beach. It took the number one spot in 2008 and has been a consistent top choice ever since, ranking number two in 2022, number seven in 2021 and fourth in 2024.
Dr Beach explains, “The white beach is composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area.”
One of the few untouched islands along the Gulf Coast, Caladesi Island State Park is accessible by boat. A ferry runs from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Its island location means it’s important to check the park status before you leave. At the current time, the beach is closed to visitors. Florida State Parks expects to open the park and its beaches again soon. When it does reopen, it would make for a wonderful day trip if you’re staying at one of our vacation homes near Orlando.
Located off the coast by Dunedin, past Tampa and Clearwater, the drive can be less than two hours, depending on local traffic conditions.
It’s not only Dr Beach who recommends Florida’s beaches!
There are lots of options for beach time which aren’t too far a drive from our homes in Orlando – not least the beaches along the Atlantic Coast.
And Dr Beach isn’t the only expert to love Florida beaches. The World’s best beaches list also listed Siesta Beach in its list of the world’s top 50 beaches this year – the only beach in the USA to make the coveted listing!
We think a trip to Siesta Beach would make a wonderful day trip from one of our vacation homes, especially if you are staying for a longer break or making the journey from out of state or abroad. You really will get a taste for the wide variety of fantastic days out that Central Florida has to offer.
Ready to book?
If you’ve been inspired to visit the Sunshine State by Dr Beach’s pick of Florida beaches, we’d love to host you in one of our beautiful vacation homes.
Browse our homes to start planning your next adventure: Vacation Homes – White Rose Villas
10 reasons why you should celebrate May the 4th in Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s theme parks next year
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, a phrase was born that would unite fans across generations: May the Fourth be with you!
What started as a clever play on words has evolved into an annual holiday dedicated to celebrating all things Star Wars. And if you’re looking for the ultimate way to mark this special day next year, there’s no better place to do it than in Orlando, Florida, at Disney’s theme parks.
Orlando is home to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge transports guests directly into the world of Jedi, Sith, and smugglers. You’re not simply visiting a theme park – you’ll be stepping into your own fully immersive Star Wars adventure.
That’s why today is the perfect time to plan your 2026 May the Fourth trip to Orlando!
#1. Exclusive May the 4th celebrations and merch
Disney goes all out in its Star Wars themed area Galaxy’s Edge for May the 4th, often featuring special events, exclusive merchandise, themed food and drinks and unique character appearances. Imagine sipping on a blue milk while mingling with stormtroopers or hunting down rare collectibles that are only available on this galactic holiday.
#2. Make it a long weekend
In 2026, May 4th is a Monday, with May 5th – the day for the Revenge of the Fifth – falling on a Tuesday. This gives you the perfect excuse to turn your May the 4th trip into a super-galactic long weekend!
Book one of our homes for five days. Arrive Saturday, settle in, then spend Sunday chilling by the pool. Head to the parks for two days enjoying the Star Wars themed festivities. Then enjoy another pool day before you head back for a two-day week! Enjoy it you will!
#3. Special evening activities on select dates
Disney puts on a show for May the 4th. The parks host special events with character appearances and evening activities – such as light sabre classes. Make sure you visit on a special date (May 4th included, of course) so you can linger and enjoy the show.
#4. Build your own light sabre
What would-be Jedi wouldn’t want to build their own light sabre? Guests can book special workshops at Disney Hollywood Studios in Disney World to create their very own customized light sabre. For a mere $250 (2025 prices) you can book into a special session at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge where you can create the lightsabre you’ve wielded in your imagination!
#5. Ride the fastest ship in the galaxy
Ride in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring Smugglers Run. This thrill ride is great for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re a pilot, engineer or gunner, the Millennium Falcon will blast off, pushing you and your crew back into your seats when you jump into hyperspace.
#6. Combine forces with the resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems. Hidden in the forest outside Black Spire Outpost, the Rise of the Resistance is another kid-friendly thrill ride. Your mission has unexpected twists and turns – especially when your transport is captured by an imposing First Order Star Destroyer filled with legions of stormtroopers!
#7. Create your own sidekick
Take your choice of the BB-series unit or R-series unit and receive a basket and blueprint for parts, then you can begin your droid-building experience at Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot.
#8. Try to stay out of trouble at the Cantina
For those who have long dreamed of visiting one of the galaxy’s most infamous watering holes, Oga’s Cantina brings that dream to life. To sup on a Jedi Mind Trick cocktail, Bad Motivator IPA or Toniray wine, it’s highly recommended that you book in advance, which you can do through the Disney app after purchasing your theme park tickets.
#9. Once you’ve saved the galaxy, head back to the pool for a dip
It’s a great atmosphere and super fun, but there is nothing like being able to return to the comfort of your own vacation home after a busy day at Orlando’s theme park.
Choose one of our homes with private pools and you can rest those tired limbs and recover from your intergalactic adventures in the best way possible.
#10. Go back for more…
In recent years, a new May celebration has grown in popularity. May 5th is the day for Revenge of the Fifth – when the dark side gets to celebrate its own villainous antiheroes… Or perhaps it’s yet another great excuse to enjoy all the fun of Galaxy’s Edge and Disney Hollywood Studios for an extra day!
Ready to book?
If you fancy enjoying the May the 4th celebrations in Orlando in 2026, browse our vacation homes now.
Close to Disney, with more room than a hotel room and all the freedom of your own private pool, our vacation homes are the perfect way to enjoy all the fun of May the 4th with a little extra luxury thrown in!
We’ve got exciting news and we need your support!
White Rose Villas has been nominated for the Best of Florida
The Best of Florida is an annual list of the best-loved businesses in Florida. It includes bars and restaurants, small businesses, shops and services, including travel companies.
As well as potentially winning recognition, the Best of Florida list will be published online and in a Best of Florida directory, helping the included nominees to reach a wider audience.
This is a great marketing opportunity for all of our homeowners. A listing will help direct visitors to our site and help us to fill your calendars.
We need your help!
The winners are decided by pubic vote. So we need your help! Please vote for us.
You can vote here: https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas
You can vote every day until July 31st when this year’s competition closes.
So please bookmark the page above and vote for us every day this month!
This might seem last minute, but the organisers tell us 90 percent of voting happens in the last month of voting! So your vote will make a difference!
Spread the word: Vote for us every day until July 31
Please return to the page https://guidetoflorida.com/kissimmee/hotel-travel/white-rose-villas and add your vote to the White Rose Villas total.
Please share with your contacts and ask them to vote too!
The more recognition we receive, the better placed we are to market your property, so please do join the effort to get White Rose Villas and all of our homes rated as the Best of Florida!
Results are published online at the end of August and the print directory is published in October. We will keep you informed of the result.
Your support is appreciated. Thank you.
It’s the most wonderful time of year! If you’re visiting Orlando this holiday season, why not indulge in these favourite festive holiday experiences, as recommended by the White Rose Villas team?
#1. Take a walk around Disney Springs
At this time of year, the shops and restaurants are decked out in their festive finery. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere while you pick out a few gifts for the folks back home.
#2. Whizz down the ice slides at ICE! Gaylord Palms
See the beautiful ice sculptures at this Kissimmee Resort and, at the end of your tour, you get to slide down giant ice slides. A firm family favourite.
#3. See the giant gingerbread houses at Disney’s Grand Floridian
At Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel, the foyer is filled with Christmas decorations – including giant gingerbread houses. Plus, you can buy more pocket-sized gingerbread Christmas treats to take home.
#4. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town of Celebration
Celebration is a picture-perfect lakeside town just a short drive from the main gates of Disney. At this time of year, you can expect carol singers, lights and even snow! For a really Christmassy feel, take a tour around town in a horse-drawn carriage.
#5. Walk down Main Street and watch the special Christmas fireworks show
It’s hard to imagine a more magical experience than your first Disney parade, but it is extra special at Christmas time.
#6. Meet Santa!
Most of the theme parks offer opportunities to visit with Santa. Outside the parks, the most highly regarded Santa meet and greets can be found at Disney Springs (he has a chalet on the Christmas Tree Trail), at the Mall at Millenia and you can also find his chalet beside the lake in Celebration.
#7. Enjoy the “snowfall” in Celebration
Snow falls every night in Celebration at this time of year and it’s super fun!
#8. Take a festive cookie stroll at Epcot
As you wander around the world showcase, you can collect Christmas cookies as you go.
#9. See Hogwarts decorated for Christmas
If you’ve ever wondered about Dumbledore’s taste in tinsel, take a wander around Hogwarts castle at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at this time of year and all your questions will be answered! Definitely better than the Dursley’s!
#10. Listen to the carols at Epcot
Epcot’s Christmas highlight is the Candlelight Processional. It features a 50-piece orchestra and takes place three times each night.
#11. Enjoy a butterbeer!
Head down to Diagon Alley or the village of Hogsmeade at Christmas and you can enjoy a delicious draught of warm butterbeer – it’s bound to fill you with Christmas cheer.
#12. Breakfast with the Grinch
Bah humbug! You’ll need to book in advance if you want to start the day with the Grinch at Universal’s Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast. You can meet a variety of Dr Seuss characters before heading into the park to enjoy the Who-liday Spectacular show.
#13. See a classic Christmas ballet
The Orlando Ballet’s annual performance of the Nutcracker at the Dr Phillips Centre is something of an Orlando institution. A magical way to celebrate the season.
#14. Sit in a giant Lego sleigh
Of course, Legoland is decked out in all its finery at this time of year too – and if you have Lego-mad kids the giant sleigh is going to be a highlight.
#15. Party with Mickey and friends
What better way to celebrate the season in Orlando than the all-singing, all-dancing Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? The party atmosphere on these select nights through November and December will have you dancing in the Magic Kingdom, plus you can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.
We’d love to hear about your favourite seasonal events and activities in Orlando and Central Florida at this time of year. Please share your thoughts with us!
Or for more tips, ask our team!
US – 321-710-8779
UK – 0333-332-1411