Home Information

Welcome to Orlando

Dear Guest,

Welcome to your vacation home in the beautiful Sunshine State of Florida.  We thank you for choosing to stay in an ARC Vacation’s home. While you are here the owner of this home, as well as ARC Vacation, hopes that your vacation will be relaxing and memorable.

We have provided this Guide to give your vacation the perfect start.  Please take a moment to read the information contained within it.  This will help you to familiarize yourself with your vacation home, ARC Vacation, and the community.

 In the event you need to contact us, please call +1(407)288-3147 or +1(407)455-0793.

We are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday & from 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday

Once again, thank you for choosing ARC Vacation.

Check-In time is 4:00pm

If you would like an early check-in, please contact our office no later than 24 hours before the departure day.  Upon availability, the cost of an early check-in is $65.00 plus tax.

Please familiarize yourself with the layout of the home, the location of exits and the information in this guide.

If you find any damage or cleaning issues, please report them at this time at contact@arcvacation.com. Failure to do so may result in additional costs to you.

Check-Out time is 10:00AM

If you would like a late check out, please contact our office no later than 24 hours before the departure day.  Upon availability, the cost of a late check-out tis $65.00 plus tax.

Please note that where a late check-out has not been arranged as above, guests departing after 10:00am may incur a further charge.

Before leaving the villa, please:

Bag all garbage/rubbish/trash, including food and drink containers and leave inside the large trash bin supplied by the county.

Check all drawers and closets for personal belongings. ARC does not accept any liability for items lost or left behind.

Turn off all lights, & TV’s

Lock all windows and patio doors.

Exit only through the front door.

Please return the keys to the lock box if appropriate.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home and look forward to seeing you again.

Safety and Security Procedures

Safety

Your home is equipped with both smoke and heat detectors. There is also one fire extinguisher per floor, which will normally be located in the kitchen area. (In a two-story home there will be a second extinguisher near the top of the stairs.) However, we recommend that in case of a fire you evacuate the house as quickly as possible and call 911 from a neighboring villa.

Keys (if applicable)

Please leave your key in the lockbox whenever you leave the villa and remember to always exit by the front door. Please note that if you exit by the garage door and the front door is still dead bolted or chained from the inside, you will not be able to re-enter with your key. Should this happen, a locksmith calls-out and other charges will be passed on to the guests. Please return keys to the Lock Box where obtained at the end of your stay. Any guest who fails to return keys is liable up to a $500.00 charge.

Patio Doors

The patio doors and windows leading out to the pool deck may have door alarms for child safety. If doors and windows do not have alarms, then the pool will have an enclosed screen fence which is removable. Most homes have small white alarms which have an on/off button on the side of the alarm. Please keep the alarms armed, particularly if you have small children.

Please note it is Florida Law that these alarms are not to be tampered with in anyway.

Emergency Assistance

FOR  POLICE, FIRE, OR AMBULANCE EMERGENCY CALL 911

For assistance regarding the villa or your vacation, please call ARC Vacation (+1 407-288-3147 or +1407-455-07-93) or email us at contact@arcvacation.com. Our office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. In case of emergency outside of our normal business hours, email us at contact@arcvacation.com.

Do not attempt to handle any fire yourself!

The home is equipped with emergency lighting which will illuminate the points of exit in the case of a complete power cut. Please refer to your villa floor plan located just inside the front door which shows the location of the emergency exits.

No one other than ARC Vacation representatives or an ARC Vacation approved contractor will have the authority to call during your stay. Please question anyone before letting them enter the villa. In the event that a member of ARC Vacation’s staff or an approved contractor in your absence enters the villa to carry out repairs, they are required to leave a suitable notice in a prominent position.

Safety Tips

While in the home always lock the front and patio doors. Never open the door unless you know who is there. Consult the floor plan located inside the front door to familiarize yourself with the fire and emergency exits.

Privat Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is professionally cleaned once a week. At this time, it is also checked for chemical content. However, in Florida when it rains or has been windy, sand or dirt may accumulate in the pool. This will settle to the bottom of the pool and may give the appearance that the pool is dirty. It is not harmful, but if you want this removed before a scheduled clean of the pool there would be a $35.00 charge.

The swimming pool is equipped with a pool pump set on a timer, which is preset to the hours needed to maintain the cleanliness of the pool. Please do not tamper with the timer or any of the pool equipment.  Call ARC Vacation’s Front Desk if you have any questions or problems relating to the pool. Your pool may be equipped with a heater. Pool heating can be requested for a daily charge unless prepaid.

Please do not attempt to use the pool heater if it has not been paid for. Tampering with the lock or any of the pool equipment may result in repair cost and damage charges to your credit card.

Pool Heater

Once switched on, the heater will take up to 48 hours to reach its normal operating temperature.

The heater is not designed to make the pool water feel hot but warm to the touch.

Heated water is pumped into the pool only while the pool pump is operating. This is usually for 10 hours between 8am & 8pm.

In the view of the above, the pool will normally feel cooler in the mornings and evenings.

The heater is designed to operate whereby the water temperature is approximately 10 degrees below the air temperature.

Cold nights will render it less that optimum temperatures will be reached during the daytime and should the air temperature fall to 53F or below the pool heater valve will shut off to protect the motor.

If the water appears to be cooler than anticipated, please bear in mind that this does not necessarily mean that the mechanism is not operating correctly.

In the even that you require us to check the correct functioning of the pool heat, please call us only during office hours and once certain that the heater has not been affected by one of the above reasons, all of which are unfortunately beyond our control.

We regret that a refund of the pool heating charge can only be made if the mechanism is confirmed to be malfunctioning by one of our technicians,

Swimming is at One’s Own Risk

The depth of the pool is marked from 3 to 5 or 6 feet, depth markings are provided showing the relevant depth.

We strongly recommend that children be supervised by an adult at all times.

Pool rules which are posted in the pool area should be strictly adhered to.

Please ensure that you close the patio door when entering and exiting the pool deck. Please refrain from entering the pool while wearing excessive sun block as this will make the pool dirty and will also damage the filtering equipment. We recommend a quick shower before entering the pool. Sunbathing in Florida is a national pastime and should be enjoyed. We must advise you that topless sunbathing in Florida is against the law.

Most Homeowner’s Associations have noise curfews in place for all residents or guests. Therefore, please keep noise down to a minimum after 10:00pm if out by the pool or pool deck area.

Patio furniture is provided for each villa. We ask that it is treated with care and is not taken into the villa. Beach towels are not provided, and we request that you do not take any of the household towels to the beach. If damage is found to any towels, we reserve the right to charge your security deposit for their replacement.

During your stay

Air Conditioning

The property is equipped with a centralized heating and air conditioning unit. The thermostat is set to allow the temperature to be adjusted between 72 and 80 degrees. Note: Only ARC Vacation staff and authorized personnel are permitted to adjust the thermostat outside of these parameters. Setting the temperatures below or above this range can cause the unit to “Freeze” or malfunction. This in turn can cause a water leak in the home causing considerable damage, the cost of which will be charged to the guest party responsible.

Please do not leave any doors or windows open while the air conditioning unit is running.

Appliances

The appliances in your villa are very straightforward and easy to use. You should find in one of the kitchen drawers the instruction manuals for all the appliances. If unsure of the operations of any of the appliances, please call your property manager for guidance.

Dishwasher: When using the dishwasher, please use only dishwasher detergent. Do not use washing-up-liquid (dish soap) which will damage the machine. The cost of repair is approximately $100.00 or more and would be deducted from your security deposit or charged on the credit card on file.

Waste Disposal: The waste disposal unit is built into the sink and is operated by a nearby switch on the wall. Use it to dispose of organic materials only, i.e. vegetable peelings, eggshells, and leftover food and such. No metal, plastic or bones should be put into the waste disposal and always run the water when using or the motor will burn out. Switch the unit off prior to stopping the flow of water. The cost of repairs due to misuse will be charged against your security deposit.

Dryer: When using the dryer, please make sure the lint trap is cleaned after each drying cycle to prevent overheating the elements and fire risk. Please do not overfill the dryer as it will increase drying time.

Blinds

Blinds are the most common form of window dressing in the vacation villas. Please ensure blinds are in the open position before pulling blinds back to access sliding doors or windows. Breakages resulting from misuse of the blinds will be charged for.

Damages

We understand that accidents can happen. Please be sure to report any damages, losses, or breakages to our office as soon as possible. This will help you and future guests enjoy stay,

Guests will be held liable for any damages not reported to ARC Vacation during their stay, or beyond that covered by the damage waiver.

Furniture Moving

If during your stay, you find it necessary to reposition furniture in the property then please do so with extreme care and reinstate everything to the original location before your departure. Any damage resulting from the moving of furniture will be charged to you. If ARC staff members have to move the furniture back after your departure, we will charge the cost of this to you as it entails sending at least two staff members (possibly more) specifically to the property to undertake this task.

Garbage Collection

Garbage is collected on specific days please refer to the sign posted on the refrigerator door in the kitchen. As well, on the day of your departure, please store trash/rubbish in sealed garbage bags inside the bin. On your departure, please dispose of all opened containers of food and dry goods. Any guest who fails to bag all trash items will be liable to a $50.00 charge for extra trash pickup & cleaning.

Housekeeping

The accommodation you have requested is self-catering. ARC Vacation provides only an initial supply of soap and toilet tissue.

Weekly housekeeping service is available upon request. Please contact ARC Vacation’s Front Desk for more information.

We ask you to remember that your holiday home is privately owned. Please treat it as if it were your own and leave it as you would expect to find it.

 As the Management Company we are required to impose a charge on behalf of the owner for any damage, omissions, or undue wear and tear.

Pests/Insects

Florida is notorious for its prolific insect life and for this reason the villas are treated both inside and out every month.

Ants are the most prevalent and annoying pests.  They feed on a variety of food items such as sugars, syrup, jelly, grease, and meats.

You may find occasional cockroaches even in the cleanest of homes.

During April- May and August- September you likely see the “Love Bugs” They descend upon Florida twice a year for 4 weeks at a time. Unfortunately, we cannot spray to prevent them, however they are not harmful.

Therefore, to make your stay more comfortable, please do not leave food on countertops, in wastebaskets and especially on the pool deck and avoid leaving dirty or damp clothes lying around.

Telephone

Every villa is equipped with a telephone which allows local calls free of charge within the local calling code area (Most all villas also offer free calling within the US, Canada & Puerto Rico check with the ARC Vacation front desk if unsure).

Television

The cable service that is provided in the home is the Standard Entertainment Package which provides approximately eighty regular channels. Some of our homeowners at their discretion have upgraded the cable packages. Please note no extra services are included in the cable package.

Toilets

In Florida the waste pipes are considerably narrower than guests from other part of the world may be used to. They block very easily, causing toilets to overflow. The villa is equipped with a plunger normally located in a bathroom cupboard and we ask that you attempt to clear any blockage yourself. If you are unable to do so and wish for one of our maintenance staff to be called to unblock it for you, please remember that the cost of this service will be charged to you.

Please do not flush the following down the toilet:

Any personal hygiene

Baby wipes

Diapers/nappies

Plastic or paper wrappers

IF IN DOUBT, DO NOT FLUSH THE ITEM.

In the event that the toilet does overflow, there is a stop valve behind and below the toilet, please turn the water off in the event of an overflow.

Towels

The towels in the villa are for use within the home only and must not be removed. Please supply your own beach towels.

Wi-Fi Information

Please note the Wi-Fi network name should be displayed in every villa. If you have any trouble, please call the ARC Vacation Front Desk to verify the information is correct.

Additional Services

Pool Heat: if it has not been requested at time of booking pool heat can be added during your stay for an extra cost. Please contact ARC Vacation for prices and availability.

BBQ: if not provided, it can be rented for an extra cost. Please contact ARC Vacation for prices and availability.

Mid-stay clean: can be scheduled for an extra cost. Please contact ARC Vacation for prices and availability.

Florida Wildlife

As you may be aware, Florida’s climate is hot and can be humid. It has a host of different bugs and creatures living naturally in the wild. Although you may never come across any of the ones’ listed below (except in theme park or wild-life park!) we feel useful to point out some of them.

Raccoon, possum & armadillo: They are common in Florida, please do not feed them, and make sure all trash cans are closed.

Alligator: Florida has many lakes and quite a few alligators living in them. They usually stay in the lakes or sunbathe on the edge and cause no problem. However, it is best to be vigilant when near water, it is unadvisable to swim or paddle in the lakes. It is illegal to feed alligators in Florida.

Snakes: Florida has a few snakes but, in the communities, they are rarely poisonous. If you see a snake, the best advice is to walk away and keep children at a distance.

Spiders: Spiders in Florida can be poisonous: the Black Widow is native to the area. It has a black shiny back with a red marking on the abdomen and creates a nest which look similar to a small white slightly spiky, cotton wool ball. Most spiders will not bother you, but should you spot anything you would prefer us to check out for you, please contact our office.

Driving in Florida

You must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration while driving. The speed limit on interstate highways is 65 to 70 miles per hour. In cities it will range from 20 to 55 miles per hour. All speed limits are posted and strictly enforced. Florida Law requires all passengers to wear seat belts. Children under the age of twelve must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle and comply with the following law stipulations.

Proper Child Safety Seat is required for more information

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/

Buckle Everyone!

All children aged 12 and under should ride in the back seat.   

Florida has tough policies regarding drunk driving. Persons arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with blood alcohol levels of .08% or higher can have their license confiscated and suspended immediately by the arresting officer if they refuse breath, blood, or urine requests by a police officer. Please Do Not Drink and Drive. It is required by Florida Law that you should carry your driving license and passport at all times when driving, as in the event that you are asked to pull over by a law enforcement officer, he/she will require that you produce these at the side of the road.

A very useful piece of information, at junctions controlled by traffic lights, it is permitted to make a right turn on a red stoplight provided the way is clear. The only exception to this rule is if there is a sign expressly prohibiting this.

School buses should be approached with caution. Whenever a school bus is stationary and is displaying its warning signs you must stop if you are:

Traveling in either direction on a two-way carriageway.

Traveling in the same direction on a dual carriageway.

Beware of slippery roads during and after rainstorms. Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or turns. Your headlights must be on whenever driving in the rain. The ferocity of the summer rains may even force you to stop, as visibility can sometimes be none.

Severe Weather

The hurricane season is an annual occurrence and usually passes Central Florida by with little effect.

However, after 45 years of no inland hurricanes, in 2004, three major hurricanes hit Polk County in a six weeks time period. While we hope this does not happen again in the future, we believe it is better to be prepared, just in case!

If a hurricane hits, winds can be around 100mph with rain of up to 20 inches per day. Because of the overhead power cable system in Florida, power and telephone services are quickly brought down by severe weather. Gas will be in short supply and your local water may be affected. Airports, local transport, and services (shops, restaurants, etc) will almost certainly be closed for an undetermined period of time.

Hurricanes are difficult to track but, if we are notified of a hurricane heading in our direction, we will come around and make sure you are aware of this and any information you may need.

We also suggest the following:

Keep up to date with the local news on the TV and radio stations. Do not ignore advice.

Communication will be extremely difficult during and after the hurricane. If you need to let people back home know what is happening, we recommend you make the phone call as soon as you are aware of the situation, advising them of our office email. Please make sure they are aware that phone lines will be out for some time and mobile networks will be down after the hurricane so that they are not concerned about the lake of contact.

We advise you to stock your house with plenty of water as soon as possible as the local water supply could be affected. Dry food & snacks will also be useful if the power is out.

Pack ice compartment of freezer with as much ice as possible. This will help to keep food cool as the day temperatures rise. The ice may come useful as the air conditioning system will not work due to the power cut.

Ensure you have a flashlight/torch with extra batteries.

Fill your car with gas and keep it full. Gas supplies run out quickly!

Consider evacuating your rental home to a hotel outside of the path of the hurricane. You’re your travel documents with you.

The day before the hurricane, move all pool furniture to the garage to prevent it from blowing around and causing damage during the hurricane.

Check the outside of the house for potentially harmful “debris”. The trash can must be moved inside the garage or indoor.

If the State government issues an area evacuation, you MUST evacuate! We will come around to advise you that an evacuation order is in place and give you as much help and advice as we are able to. However, in these circumstances, we will also have to evacuate and will not be on site to help if you ignore the evacuation order.

After the hurricane has passed, we will be around to assess the situation whenever possible and as soon as possible.