Crescent Lakes is packed full with wildlife    Crescent Lakes wildlife also includes sandhill cranes    Crescent Lakes natural habitat is in a huge wildlife conservation area    Lakeside Magic's resident guests!    Lakeside Magic frequent visitor in Florida    Crescent Lakes even has its own deer population

Tranquil with great sunsets, Lakeside Magic is your ideal vacation destination...

A little LAKESIDE MAGIC
LAKESIDE MAGIC - Your ideal Florida vacation destination...

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FAQs  
About Us  •

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - FAQs

Here's our easy guide to some of the questions we have been asked

Just click on the question to find out the answer!

If you've got a question we haven't answered here, just let us know and we'll be happy to provide the answer for you!

How do I get more information?

How do I get there? from UK?  /  from USA/Canada?

Do I need to rent a car?

Can we go fishing?

What about equipment at Lakeside Magic?

Who looks after Lakeside Magic?

What if something goes wrong whilst I'm there?

What about safety & security?

Tell me about Lakeside Magic's pool and jacuzzi

Will I need pool heating?

Is there a minimum occupancy time?

How many people can stay at Lakeside Magic?

So when is the best time to visit Lakeside Magic?

One of my party is disabled - is Lakeside Magic suitable?

What if someone is ill whilst I'm there? for UK? for USA?

What are my payment options?

How do I book Lakeside Magic?

 

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Got a question we haven't mentioned?

We are very happy to answer any questions you may have about our home, your holiday (vacation) or Florida in general

PLEASE CONTACT US if you want any help or assistance

Want to know what our previous guests had to say about Lakeside Magic

Go to our Guest references


We've got lots of information about the theme parks, as well as some of the more unusual things to do in Florida, current Florida weather, etc - just ask us!

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WHAT ABOUT PRICES?

Just choose Prices from the top menu to see how you easily you can rent our great home

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HOW DO I GET THERE FROM UK?

Orlando International Airport (code MCO) is within around 20 - 30 minutes drive of our home and Sanford Orlando Airport is around an hour's drive

Tampa Airport is around 1.5 - 2 hours drive away and Miami is around 5 hours drive away

We provide you with comprehensive driving directions from your arrival airport to our home after have paid your final balance

We will also provide you with the key box code and security alarm code before you leave home when we've collected your credit card security deposit authorization (although we don't charge your credit card unless damage or loss occurs during your stay)

If you need any help or advice with your flights or car rental, please click on the above links or let us know and we'll do our best to assist you

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HOW DO I GET THERE FROM USA OR CANADA?

If you are flying, Orlando International Airport (code MCO) is within 20 - 30 minutes drive of our home

Tampa Airport is around 1.5 - 2 hours drive away and Miami is around 5 hours drive away

Whether you are driving or flying to Florida, we will provide you with driving directions within Florida to Lakeside Magic as well as key and security alarm code info when you have paid your final balance

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DO I NEED TO RENT A CAR?

YES - you will need a vehicle (or take your own) as there is little public transport!

However, if you don't want to or can't drive, please ask us for information about affordable chauffeur driven cars

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TELL ME ABOUT DISCOUNT GOLF

We have many lovely golf courses near Lakeside Magic and one of these gives our home guests a great discount and FREE golf club rental - please ask us!

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CAN WE GO FISHING?

A lot of people ask us if they can fish in the lakes adjoining Lakeside Magic

Of course!

In fact, we provide two full sets of fishing equipment so that you can have a try for those 6 - 8lb fish our previous guests have told us about!

Wherever you fish, you'll need a freshwater fishing licence for the over 16s - these are inexpensive and very simple to purchase

BUT there's fishing for even bigger time bass in the larger lakes (Lake Tohopekaglia & East Lake Tohopekaglia - called Lake Toho & East Lake Toho for short!) near our home at Crescent Lakes

Not only can you fish for bass at these two lakes but these are where the Boggy Creek Airboat rides are located (they have two centres/centers)

This is great if your party has only a few fishing enthusiasts - you can send the rest of your party for an airboat ride or have a picnic, leaving you in peace to fish...

We've been on Boggy Creek Airboat rides several times and we loved them so we can personally recommend them to you - we think the Southport location (nearest to our home) is the best!

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WHAT ABOUT EQUIPMENT IN LAKESIDE MAGIC?

To check out the amazing array of equipment in Lakeside Magic please click Lakeside Magic in the top menu

We constantly add extra features and upgrades to our home

So if we've been to stay there before your own arrival, you could find that Lakeside Magic has more facilities than you expected!

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WHO LOOKS AFTER LAKESIDE MAGIC?

Lakeside Magic is supervised by local home managers who ensure that it is kept to our high standards and that you have the GREAT holiday you deserve

They provide a 24 hour emergency call-out service

In the extremely unlikely event that anything should go wrong during your vacation, they will be available to try to resolve the problem

They will also be happy to answer any on-site questions you may have

Lakeside Magic will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to your arrival and again after your departure - the pool is regularly maintained, gardens kept tidy and we have a regular pest program

All you have to do is sit back,   r..e..l..a..x,  chill out and enjoy Florida!

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WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG WHILST I AM THERE?

In the highly unlikely event that something should go wrong whilst you are staying in Lakeside Magic, please contact our home managers as soon as possible so that they can endeavour to put things right

We'd rather try to put things right for you during your Florida stay as we can't do that after you've returned home!

Lakeside Magic will have been inspected and thoroughly cleaned before your arrival but if you have a problem or need some help, please ask!

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YOUR SAFETY & SECURITY

For your safety, Lakeside Magic has a monitored security alarm system and smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector, as well as a fire extinguisher, emergency lighting, waterproof radio with light/siren in addition to mobile/cell phone charging and first aid kit

We have additionally provided pool door alarms to keep your little ones safe

Lakeside Magic is fully licensed (you will find the licence displayed in Lakeside Magic on the kitchen noticeboard) for short term rental with the County and State authorities and meets all current safety requirements

Lakeside Magic also has an electronic safe (for a nominal additional charge) to ensure that your valuables do not go astray - as with most places in the world, even though you may be on vacation, pick pockets and thieves are not!

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TELL ME ABOUT THE POOL & JACUZZI


Lakeside Magic has a great private pool and jacuzzi which overlook our rear lake and, yes, they really do look like this!

The pool depth is about 3' to 5' and jacuzzi is approximately 3'6" deep

Both pool and jacuzzi are lighted and...

the pool has stunning fibre optic lighting

Whilst a pool and jacuzzi can provide great fun, water can be dangerous for unsupervised infants and children

For this reason, we have installed pool door alarms

In the unlikely event that your mobile little ones manage to open the locks on any of the doors leading to the pool area, the alarm will make you aware that they are in danger

The alarms can only be deactivated by an adult

Strict supervision of infants and children should also always be maintained at all times as our rental home is near unguarded water areas, ie lakes and a stream

DON'T LET YOUR KIDS PLAY IN OUR POOL AREA OR GARDEN/YARD UNSUPERVISED... for their safety and your peace of mind

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WILL I NEED POOL HEATING?

Pool heating is available at additional cost and is recommended for stays between October and April (it's never compulsory!)

Pool heating can be ordered at any time of the year, to your choice

Jacuzzi/spa heating is INCLUDED in your rental of Lakeside Magic for our guests as it was our most requested option

To give you an idea of average local air temperatures, you might like to check out our weather guide and note that the water temperature is normally around 10 - 15F below the air temperature without pool heating

Like you, we're not in charge of the weather! We cannot GUARANTEE the water temperature with pool and/or jacuzzi/spa heating as this depends on the prevailing weather conditions

But our pool and jacuzzi/spa heating is run by natural gas which means that it heats quickly and works whatever the weather - unlike some other types of heating which shut off if the weather is cold, just when you need the pool and jacuzzi/spa heating!

You need to let us know when you book whether you wish to order pool heating - this must be ordered for the duration of your stay

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MINIMUM OCCUPANCY TIME

We don't have a minimum occupancy time although you should be aware that stays of less than seven nights or less will incur an additional cleaning charge of US$99

We do, however, like to have a minimum occupancy of 14 nights at (Bank) holiday periods, ie Easter and Christmas/New Year if possible - but please ask us if you'd like less than 14 nights as we are happy to consider all rental requests

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HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN STAY AT LAKESIDE MAGIC?

The maximum licensed occupancy in Lakeside Magic is EIGHT plus one infant under two years of age

We have no minimum occupancy level - you pay the same price if there are two or eight of you so if you want some extra room to spread out and some unashamed luxury, rest assured we won't charge you any extra!

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SO WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKESIDE MAGIC?

We're asked a lot about the weather in Florida and when is the best time to visit - the choice really has more to do with your weather and vacation preferences than ours!

Florida has a tropical climate which means that all year around it's generally warmer and more sunny there than in most other places!

Winter

The winter months are generally the driest time of the year although the weather is still usually pleasantly warm - you'll find that it's also less crowded in the theme parks (apart from Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year, of course!) and flights are generally cheaper


Spring & Autumn (Fall)

Spring and autumn (fall) are less hot and humid, there's less rainfall and it's generally less crowded in the theme parks - you'll probably find that flights are cheaper too!

BUT Spring break time and Easter are very popular and busy and prices are higher at these times


Summer

Because of Florida's tropical climate, there is often high humidity in the summer months - it's also hot, and there's usually a rain shower in the late afternoon which soon turns to sunshine again


Our tip

Unless you have a specific period when you MUST take your vacation - use the weather chart in conjunction with our price list to choose YOUR type of weather


Average Kissimmee (Orlando) Weather

Note that      F = Farenheit      C = Celsius      Rainfall = inches

Month

Average high (F/C)

Average low (F/C)

Average rainfall

January

72/22

48/09

2.09

February

73/22

50/10

2.83

March

79/26

55/13

3.19

April

84/29

61/16

2.20

May

88/31

66/19

3.98

June

91/33

72/22

7.40

July

91/33

73/22

7.80

August

91/33

73/22

6.34

September

90/32

73/22

5.63

October

84/29

64/18

2.83

November

79/26

57/14

1.77

December

73/23

52/11

1.81

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A MEMBER OF MY PARTY IS DISABLED - IS LAKESIDE MAGIC SUITABLE?

If a member of your party has a physical disability, please let us know about their difficulties so that we can ensure that you get the correct facilities for their needs

Lakeside Magic is not disabled adapted (ie it does not have specific bathroom facilities or a pool hoist for the disabled)

Lakeside Magic is on one floor, there are minimal entrance/exit door thresholds (approx 2-3" high) and the doorways are adequate for an adult size wheelchair

Electric wheelchair and scooter rentals are available from several local companies who will deliver & collect them to & from your rental home

If you wish to rent an electric wheelchair or scooter for disabled members of your party, please let us know and we will put you in contact with the companies

Most airlines will carry personal mechanical wheelchairs free of charge in the cargo hold (as long as you give them plenty of notice)

Most of the theme parks have electric or mechanical wheelchairs available for rental - these cannot be reserved in advance and are issued on a first come, first served basis

So if someone in your party needs one for your theme park visits, you need to ensure that you get to the park as soon as it opens to avoid disappointment or rent one for the duration of your stay

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WHAT IF SOMEONE IS ILL WHILST I AM THERE?

For UK travellers

We hope you won't need this section BUT it is vital that you take out comprehensive travel insurance AS SOON AS YOU BOOK ANY PART OF YOUR HOLIDAY and ensure that this covers cancellation as well as medical fees, which can be particularly high in USA

Remember to take your travel insurance documents with you! It's a good idea to make a photocopy of these (& your passport!) and leave the photocopy at home

If anyone in your party is taking any current prescribed medication, take to the USA with you a note of the name, strength, dosage, etc

If anyone in your party needs an ambulance (or you need to contact the Police, Ambulance or Fire Department) in an emergency, DIAL 911 (NOT 999) and ask for the appropriate service

There are local walk-in medical centres and major hospitals near Lakeside Magic but please ensure that you take your insurance policy documents and any current medication with you

Some insurance policies state that you need to contact the insurers before incurring any medical costs - please check out your own policy to see if this applies to you

If you need to do this prior to obtaining treatment, your insurance policy document will tell you who to contact and their (probably 24 hour) telephone number

If you do have treatment without contacting your insurers first, you may find that they will not pay your claim when you return to the UK - please don't take this risk...

You may be asked to pay your medical fees yourself (you can usually do this with a credit card) and claim from your insurance company when you return home

If this applies to you, you must ensure that you retain all receipts and documentation relating to your claim, otherwise you may have a problem claiming your money back after your return home

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WHAT IF SOMEONE IS ILL WHILST I AM THERE?

For USA/Canadian travelers

There are local walk-in medical centers and major hospitals near Lakeside Magic but please ensure that you take your medical insurance documents with you, together with a note of any current medication any member of your party may be taking

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WHAT ABOUT SMOKING & PETS?

Lakeside Magic is NON SMOKING in order to meet fire regulations, insurance conditions, to ensure the comfort of our non-smoking guests and provide a safe environment for those with severe breathing problems

Those who wish to smoke may do so outside the home only (ie on the patio area) and are requested to dispose of ash, cigarettes, etc safely and thoughtfully

Note that some of the theme parks have now introduced designated smoking areas

PETS   We are sorry but we unable to accept pets of any type in Lakeside Magic in order to meet insurance conditions and to provide a safe environment for those of our guests with severe allergies

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WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?

Here at Lakeside Magic, we try to make things as easy as possible for our guests so we can accept different forms of payment in two different currencies, whichever suits you best

We can accept payment at our GB£ rates in GB£s by cheque - personal or building society, internet bank transfer - unfortunately we can only accept credit card payments in US$s and will charge our US$ prices for those wishing to pay by this method

We can accept US$ paments by check, cashier's check,travellers' cheques by insured delivery, money order or MasterCard/Visa    We don't make an additional charge for payments by credit card

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HOW DO I BOOK LAKESIDE MAGIC?

Hey, that's the really easy part... just let us know!

We've made our booking process extremely easy for guests - so we do all the hard work to make sure you have the great holiday or vacation in Lakeside Magic that you always dreamed about!

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