As we approach the festive season, we want to ensure you’re informed about our office hours during the holidays.
Our Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving Day: Closed
Christmas Eve: Open until 1:00 PM
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve: Open until 1:00 PM
New Year’s Day: Closed

Emergency Support
We understand that unexpected situations can arise, even during the holidays. While our offices will be closed on the dates above, emergency support will remain available.
For urgent matters, please contact admin@whiterosevillas.com / 407 605 5865, and a member of our team will assist you as soon as possible.
Plan Ahead
If there’s anything you’d like us to address before these dates – such as scheduling maintenance, finalizing bookings, or coordinating holiday services – please reach out to us as soon as possible.
We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season!

- Our Advent Challenge winners!
- What are the prize draw prizes?
- Thank you for entering into the Holiday spirit!
- Two days to go!
- New: Your Account Manager
As many of you are no doubt aware, earlier this spring, the Florida legislature passed SB 280 which will affect vacation homeowners throughout Florida.
We wrote a blog about this in March, when we asked you to take action to register your dislike of the bill.

What is SB 280?
The legislation is due to come into effect on July 1, 2024.
The legislation could:
- Have damaging effects on Florida’s tourism economy
- Diminish the tax revenue that vacation rental activity generates for the state and local communities.
- Increase the regulatory burden on hosts
- Undermine private property rights and empower local governments to add inspection requirements and revoke your state licence.
You can find more information here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/280
Airbnb is asking you to take action!
We’ve received an email today from Airbnb asking us to register our discontent about the legislation and its likely effects going forward.

As homeowners, this legislation will affect you.
That’s why we’re sharing the information we received from Airbnb with you, our homeowners. We invite you to also register your thoughts about the legislation.
What is Airbnb asking homeowners to do?
Airbnb is asking you to make your voice heard. It says: it’s vital that Governor DeSantis hears from you today.
Let the Governor know:
- You are a Florida resident and voter (if applicable)
- He should veto SB 280
- Why you host
- How hosting benefits you and your family/community
You can use the following link to send an email to the Governor via the Airbnb website: https://actnow.airbnbcitizen.com/vpDiPIi
Airbnb has created this process to make it as simple as possible for you, as a homeowner, to register your unhappiness about the legislation with Governor DeSantis.
After filling in your information, the next page will have a question with space to write three or more sentences and then it will insert your message into a longer email which you can edit on the following page.
Airbnb says: thank you again for taking action as part of the vibrant host community across the Sunshine state.

Questions?
Please feel free to reach out to our team if you have questions about this issue. We are always on hand to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Email us: admin@whiterosevillas.com
Imagine our surprise when the White Rose Villas team stumbled into Florida’s premier snowing event in downtown Celebration. Our tips on enjoying the holiday festivities!

As we sat down for breakfast at the cozy Downtown Diner in Celebration, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. Little did we know that our ordinary breakfast outing would soon transform into a magical experience, complete with unexpected surprises and the enchantment of a winter wonderland.
Amidst the chatter of fellow diners and the clinking of cutlery, we noticed an unusual commotion outside. TV cameras were capturing the excitement and a buzz of anticipation hung in the air. Intrigued, we couldn’t resist the urge to investigate, stepping out into the crisp Florida morning sunshine.

To our great surprise, we weren’t imagining things! Snowflakes gently drifted from the sky, creating a surreal scene in the heart of sunny Celebration. It turns out, our visit coincided with an extraordinary holiday tradition — the town’s nightly snowfall extravaganza which starts on the 25th of November.
We were lucky enough to get a preview – along with the film cameras – because the town was testing its snow-making equipment.
As we strolled through the charming streets adorned with festive decorations, the town revealed its winter makeover. Celebration, known for its picturesque setting, had transformed into a snow-kissed paradise, the snowfall adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting atmosphere.
But the surprises didn’t end there. In the heart of Celebration, where ice is a rarity, an ice-skating rink had been set up. Families and friends twirled and glided, laughter echoing through the air as they embraced the joy of ice skating in the heart of Florida. It was a testament to Celebration’s commitment to creating a holiday experience like no other.
You too can delve into the delightful winter festivities that unfold in Celebration during the Christmas season! From the nightly snowfall that captivates visitors to the whimsical ice-skating rink that brings a touch of northern charm to this southern town, Celebration proves that, even in Florida dreams of a white Christmas can come true!
Explore the unique and magical Christmas celebrations that make Celebration a destination unlike any other during the most wonderful time of the year.
Calendar of Events: Christmas in Kissimmee 2023

As you plan your visit to Kissimmee this Christmas season, it’s essential to mark your calendar for the exciting events happening around the city.
Here’s some useful information about the festive calendar to help you make the most of your holiday experience:
EVENT DETAILS
Join Celebration Town Center for their 25th Anniversary of Now Snowing Nightly, November 25th through December 31st.
Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season.
Now Snowing is a month-long Winter Wonderland Spectacular featuring strolling Charles Dickens-style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, ice skating, a snow village, and nightly snowfall at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM.
It’s a true throwback to the traditional family-style holiday.
In addition to the everyday fun at Now Snowing Nightly, the event will feature a special holiday-themed Art Festival (Celebration Art Walk) on December 16th.
The event is brought to you by Lexin Capital, and sponsored in part by the Celebration Town Tavern, and Experience Kissimmee. Now Snowing Nightly parking and admission are free.
Celebration is conveniently located between Highway 192 and Interstate 4 near Walt Disney World. For more information on Celebration Town Center and Special Events visit us on the web at www.celebrationtowncenter.com or call (407) 566-4007.
Enjoy breakfast and holiday fun in Celebration 2023
We loved our breakfast at Downtown Diner in Celebration. The Downtown Diner is bringing back a place in the wonderful town of Celebration where sitting at the counter or meeting family and friends for breakfast and lunch becomes part of a daily routine.
This being Florida, even at Christmas you can sit inside or out. The service is fantastic. John, our waiter, was amazing.

The menu includes all our breakfast favourites – French toast, waffles, pancakes, muffins, omelettes and skillets of traditional breakfast fare: eggs, bacon, fries, sausage patties, corned beef hash, peppers, onions, etc. There are also healthier options, like oatmeal and avocado toast, and sharables, such as sliders and loaded fries.

Amongst our delicious breakfast choices, we tried – and loved – the “Dutch Baby”. For the Brits amongst you, it looks like a big Yorkshire pudding, but it’s sweet. And oh-so-delicious!
After breakfast, we went for a stroll around the lake.

It’s gorgeous, with views across to the lakeshore hotels and the pretty streets of Celebration.

Kids will love spotting wildlife, we saw a whole variety of different water birds and even an alligator! It’s a beautiful place to take a gentle stroll in the Florida sunshine.

We enjoyed a really special, fantastic day.
Embrace the Kissimmee magic!
Kissimmee at Christmas is a truly magical experience, blending the charm of the season with the city’s unique flair. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor planning a holiday getaway, the festive atmosphere, dazzling decorations, and a plethora of activities make Kissimmee a top destination for creating cherished holiday memories.
Embrace the magic of Christmas in Kissimmee and let the enchantment of the season fill your heart with joy and wonder.
What are we doing to navigate through this new uncertainty? And how can we protect the improvement in bookings we’ve seen lately? Here’s an update from our team.
With the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the uncertainty that had been waning over recent months has returned to the travel industry. Travel operators are waiting to see what the effect will be on bookings.
Booking rates around the world
Travel to South Africa feel dramatically – 750 percent – almost overnight. But with many European countries and the USA imposing travel bans on up to eight South African countries, including South Africa, this was inevitable.
Meanwhile, bookings to the rest of the world have remained surprisingly strong. The swift action of the South African authorities to share what they know has enabled many countries to take pre-emptive actions and identify the few instances of the variant within their borders. This has helped to maintain travel confidence.
Furthermore, so far, countries haven’t reimposed wider travel bans. Travellers are expected to take pre-departure tests in many cases, but this is a manageable inconvenience for most.
As a result, while there has been a small drop off in bookings to Europe and the United States, the fall has not been as dramatic as seen previously.

Latest news on flights into the USA
So far, President Biden has implemented stricter travel rules but not made major changes to who can travel. This is great news for European visitors who have only recently had travel open back up to them.
The new rules mean that, from next week, all international travellers to the USA – including American citizens – must take a COVID-19 test one day before travel. This must be completed regardless of your vaccination status.
Furthermore, mask requirements on planes, buses and trains will be extended until mid-March.
We will keep an eye out on updates to the situation. At the moment, experts are still working to understand what the variations in Omicron will mean in terms of transmissibility and the seriousness of the effects. Until we know more, it is hard to predict what will happen in the short term, either in terms of travel restrictions being ramped up or relaxed or in terms of any effect on bookings.
We will keep you posted!

Strategies to boost booking
In the meantime, we will continue to be flexible in our approach to booking, so that we can maximise occupancy rates and revenues for you.
#1. Communicating clearly about the cleaning procedures we have in place
We’ve always been known for our immaculate cleaning procedures and we continue to emphasise this to guests, including detailing the enhanced cleaning procedures we’ve implemented during the pandemic.
#2. Contactless check-in
As well as enhanced cleaning regimes, we’re doing a few other things differently at the moment to shore up guest confidence. We continue to highlight these standards to ensure guest confidence when they stay at your property.
#3. Marketing to customers within driving distance
Local bookings have been really important throughout the last two years and we are continuing to look at new ways to reach this market. These bookings held strong even when flight restrictions were imposed, so they are an important part of building resilience in your rental income.
#4. Discounts for longer stays
With the increase in remote work holding strong for many people, this is opening the door for travellers to stay for longer. And who wouldn’t want to work poolside? Travellers can take their families away without needing to book extra vacation, so offering discounts for longer stays can be a good way to serve this market and boost occupancy.
#5. Lowering minimum night stays
We know this isn’t for everyone but lowering the minimum night requirement can help to boost bookings. For one, you’ll show up in a greater number of searches in the listing sites.
#6. Adaptive pricing
We’ve seen over the last year just how effective dynamic pricing can be in maximising bookings and revenue. Thank you for working with us on this over the last 12 months. Options include lowering your minimum price, increasing last-minute discounts and offering some special deals. We’ll continue to tweak our activities on this to ensure that we are maximising occupancy without jeopardising maximum rates.
Reach out to our team
If you have any concerns, or would like to talk through anything raised in this blog, please reach out to our team as normal.
There’s no getting away from it: the travel industry has taken a hammering during COVID. Bookings are down. International flights are flying at a tiny fraction of the rate they did this time last year. And the quarantine measures being implemented by governments around the world are stifling demand still further.
As vacation homeowners, I know that you have experienced for yourselves just how different 2020 has been as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Homes that were booked back-to-back for months on end are suddenly experiencing booking rates that have dropped through the floor. For the first time I can remember, we’ve got homes with availability over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with less than two months to go.

However, there have been some success stories too. We’ve managed to keep on going, supporting you right through the pandemic, checking on your homes, and keeping things ticking over. The best results have been achieved by homeowners who’ve been willing to be flexible about how they market their homes and the rates they achieve. So I think its useful to spend some time considering how we can learn from these experiences and help every homeowner to be successful moving forwards.
The new travel trends
Earlier this month, luxury travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller published its list of the travel trends that will become the new normal.
- The staycation surge: there’s been a huge rise in the number of people staying in country for their vacations this year.
- Sustainability paradoxes: less travel means better air quality and more space for wildlife, but how long will it last?
- Wilderness seeking: we’re all longing for the great outdoors after months of lockdown and this is being reflected in our holiday choices.
- Isolation holidays: the trend for quarantine hideouts has to count as one of the most surprising of the year, but parents seeking quiet places to work and locals desperate for a change of scenery are also driving up demand for short-stay isolation.
- Dream trip planning: Conde Nast are predicting a huge surge as a result of pent-up demand for travel after the drawn-out restrictions we’re all dealing with right now.
The great news is that in Central Florida, we’re really well placed to capitalise on all these types of traveller demand.
Adapting to the new types of traveller
In terms of staycations, this is our biggest market right now. Many people inside Florida are looking for a change of scenery. The idea of lounging by the pool while observing social distancing restrictions is a real win for our homes. We’re also getting bookings for people travelling from outside state who are attracted to Florida for the same reasons and the warmer weather.
In terms of sustainability, we will have to wait and see how this affects demand. Governments around the world are keen to get the airline sector operating fully again because of its contribution to their national economies. Conde Nast suggests that when things do start to reopen fully, carbon offsetting is going to be the solution.

Florida is amazingly well placed to capitalise on the wilderness-seeking trend. Many of our homes look out onto conservation areas and there is plenty of wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities to be enjoyed right on their doorstep. Florida has the fifth largest number of state parks of all states in the country, with 191 parks statewide.
Isolation holidays are on the up. Tales abound of hotels replacing their revenues by accommodating worn-out parents during working hours who need a quiet place where they can practice social isolation and get through their workday. There are opportunities for vacation homeowners here too. Investing in a home printer, upgrading the WiFi and adding a desk into one of the bedrooms can all make a big difference to your home’s marketability to this growing segment of customers.
Then there’s the dream-trip planning… the Disney dream family vacation is right up there for dream trips. We need to continue to market to our customer base so they keep pushing their dream Disney holiday to the top of their wish list. We have some bookings for 2021 already and, with the Master Cancel guarantee we are now offering on all holidays booked through our booking partner Ellis Exclusive Villas, we can offer considerable peace of mind for guests.

What can vacation homeowners do on a local level?
While it’s interesting to note these changing trends – and Conde Nast’s list certainly aligns with our own experience – what does it mean in practice? How can Orlando vacation homeowners adapt to meet the demands of these new markets?
Number one: be flexible. Things are in flux right now. And even though news of a vaccine is really positive, things are still very fluid. Homeowners need to be prepared to adapt. This might mean relaxing rules about the types of bookings you’re prepared to accept. Or it might mean being flexible about the rates you offer. It’s a buyer’s market out there right now and you don’t want to lose out on a four-night booking for the sake of $30 a night.

The local market is different. People travelling locally may want to stay for shorter periods. The two-week or three-week vacations of European travellers just isn’t going to happen at the moment. While Europeans, on average, enjoy 25 days paid vacation leave per year, their American counterparts are lucky if they have 10 days – and many aren’t expected to take advantage of it, either. Understand that local travellers who are desperate for a change of scenery or just want to laze poolside for a couple of days are only going to book up for two or three nights. At the moment, these bookings don’t raise the same red flags about house parties they used to and this does require a rethink.
Parents might want to book a home with a pool for a special weekend for their child’s birthday. If parties are out, a day in the pool looks like a great option. Or couples might want a night away together – with restaurants closed, the prospect of a poolside barbeque a deux sounds staggeringly romantic. There a plenty of good reasons to accept single-night bookings, so let’s celebrate them!
The ultimate endpoint of this rethink is to be open to letting homes for just a day. We’ve successfully let a couple of our homes on day rates for businesspeople who wanted to use them during the day. These guests pay the same cleaning fees, so homeowners haven’t lost out and the homes were immaculate when we went in to clean. This is so contrary to the usual market in Florida, it’s a little hard to get used to at first. But in this market, we all have think a bit more creatively.
Attracting business guests is a great idea. Plus, if you can add printers and office equipment, it makes it a lot easier for isolating families to decamp to your home. Parents can continue to work, while the kids have a pool and games room to enjoy.

Another way to increase bookings is to widen out your market to include pet owners. Local travellers are more likely to bring their pet with them, so marketing your home as pet friendly gives you a big advantage in the local market.
If you’d like to speak with our team about different approaches to take when marketing your home, please give us a call. We’re always happy to talk through the experiences of other homeowners and how we can learn from them in the way we market or let your home.
Alternatively, if you have any thoughts or advice you’d like to share with fellow homeowners, please share them here. It’s always great to hear about what’s worked – or hasn’t worked – for you.
We’re pleased to say that we’ve got another fab contribution from one of our homeowners for you. This blog was written by Ian Burgess who is sharing his tips for a day out at Silver Springs.
Silver Springs by Ian Burgess
Silver Springs is situated about two hours north of Kissimmee on the edge of Ocala National Forest.

After reading the last blog which included Crystal River, I thought homeowners and guests may appreciate my tip for a really chilled-out, laid-back day away from the parks and shopping malls.
We first visited Silver Springs one sunny day when my family and I were on our way to Crystal River for the day. During a “discussion” about map reading (this was in the days before Sat Navs existed), we lost track of where we were going.
En route we saw signs for Silver Springs. “That’s it!” we thought… so we headed there. It wasn’t until we got back to Kissimmee later that night that we realised we had been at the wrong place!
To us, it didn’t matter that we’d fallen short of our original destination because we had had a fantastic day out.
Silver Springs Park
Silver Springs is over 10,000 years old and, like Crystal River, it has some of the clearest waters anywhere in Florida.

Silver Springs river is over five miles long and the park covers 4,000 acres. Once there, you will see alligators, fish, birds and other examples of Florida’s wildlife.

There is a bird show which visitors can attend to see more of the Florida wildlife.

The main attraction is the river. The best way to experience it is on one of the glass-bottom boats which take you around the park. On our first visit we were treated to a wonderful commentary by Captain Dave who had a unique one-line response to visitors’ questions! It was a little strange but very amusing.

You can also hire kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Silver Springs history
We really recommend a visit to the historic village in the park. Here you can see what life was like for Floridians a few hundred years ago.

It’s part of the Silver River museum and environmental centre and the little museum is worth a visit too.
Silver Springs has some interesting Hollywood history too: The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel without a Cause, Moonraker and six Tarzan films were made here.

The whole place is run by retirees who absolutely love the special place. We really loved our trip there and definitely recommend you add it to your Florida vacation itinerary!
About Ian’s home
Ian is the owner of the fabulous family-friendly Tropical Breeze on Indian Point in Kissimmee. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living areas and a south-west-facing pool, it’s a fab choice for a family Disney vacation.

If you’d like to book your stay to enjoy Silver Springs or other Central Florida attractions, please check out our homes here.
Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?
We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida. If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team.
We’re so pleased to bring you tips from our homeowners about their favourite days out in Florida. The first blog in this series has been kindly written by Ruth Moriarty.
Why should you go?
If you are searching for a complete change of pace from the Parks, space to breathe and quietly appreciate nature, then Bok Tower Gardens awaits. The gardens are centrally located in Lake Wales between Tampa and Orlando in Polk County and they have been welcoming visitors since 1929.
What can you expect?
You quite simply relax and slow down. The stunning gardens cover more than 7 acres and include a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion to visit and the unique Singing Tower Carillion, from where you hear the tinkling of bells drifting through the air as you wander around.
You can also sit and appreciate a free half hour concert at set times of the day. The Tower is located at the side of a Reflection Pool and creates fabulous opportunities for taking photos or watching the Koi Carp as they gently swim around in the tranquil waters.
How much does it cost?
Entrance per day costs $15 per adult and $5 for children aged 5-12… quite a bargain when you consider entrance to many other places in Florida!
Who should go?
Bok Tower Gardens is for everyone. If you are looking for something a little quieter than the theme parks, you will love this day out.
Is Bok Tower Gardens accessible?
There is good access for people in wheelchairs or scooters and a little “train” runs from the Tower back to the entrance for those whose feet may be a little tired and who may be in need of some refreshment.
Will children enjoy Bok Tower Gardens?
There are all sorts of active and creative things for children as well. Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden incorporates cooling water features, a boardwalk, play areas with climbing features, a stage for little performers, paintings and plenty of space to dig, create and explore.
On arrival at Bok Tower Gardens
When you arrive you pass through a gate with the founder, Edward W Bok’s grandmother’s words inscribed on it: “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it”. You then pass into the most peaceful of spots and one of my favourite spots in Central Florida.

Owner’s visit: Ruth’s day out at Bok Tower Gardens
We had lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, where there is a wide choice of light lunches and ice-cream! I had the Avocado Tuna Salad, which was delicious and filling but there are burgers, dogs, sandwiches, wraps etc… oh and did I say ice-cream?!
The Shop at Bok is a lovely way to end your day, to collect a few souvenirs. There is a good choice, many items are a little out of the ordinary if you are looking for a slightly different gift. You don’t have to walk through the shop to get out of the gardens, which I liked, but it didn’t stop me going in and buying a couple of things.
We came away from Bok Tower Gardens feeling refreshed, revitalised and inspired. It’s a very special place and I recommend it highly for people of all ages. Take your time, slow down, sit a while and think a little about the ethos behind the gardens: Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.
Ruth’s “don’t miss” attractions at Bok Tower Gardens
- Pinewood Estate – view from the back of the Mediterranean-style mansion.
- The Tower and Reflecting Pool – there are tantalising views of the Tower from many areas of the garden – the Carillion bells were tinkling as I took this photo – which was quite magical.
- The beautiful flowers and trees – these photos were taken during my visit in January 2020. If you enjoy taking photos of nature, then you couldn’t come to a better place. There are so many varieties of flowers and trees and everywhere you turn there is somewhere to sit, to think and to Be.

Coronavirus update: What is the situation at Bok Tower Gardens concerning COVID-19?
As with so many places, the Gardens have been closed due to COVID-19. They are rescheduled to open as of 1 June, though do check the website for updates. As I write this, they will only be accepting pre-booked entrance tickets. Find more details here.
About Ruth’s home
If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy Bok Tower Gardens and central Florida’s other wonderful attractions, please check out our homes here.
Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree. See more – and book – here.
Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?
We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida. If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team.