Planning a Disney vacation? The choice of where to stay can make or break your magical experience. While Disney’s on-property hotels grab the headlines, savvy families are discovering that vacation homes in Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando offer unbeatable value, space, and convenience.
With theme park tickets costing more each year, choosing the right home base becomes crucial for maximizing your vacation budget while ensuring everyone in your group stays comfortable and happy.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Feature | Kissimmee | Davenport | Orlando |
| Distance to Disney | 5-15 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 5-20 minutes (varies) |
| Best For | Families wanting proximity | Large groups seeking value | Luxury seekers |
| Accommodation Type | Mix of hotels & vacation homes | Primarily vacation homes | Hotels & luxury resorts |
| Average Nightly Cost | $100-400 | $150-400 | $90-900+ |
| Parking | Usually free | Always included | Often $15-30/night |
| Dining Savings | Full kitchens available | Full kitchens standard | Limited kitchen access |
Kissimmee: The Sweet Spot for Most Families
Why Kissimmee Wins for Disney Trips
Kissimmee strikes the perfect balance between convenience and value. Just 10-15 minutes from Disney’s gates, you’ll enjoy easy park access without the premium price tag of staying on Disney property.
Key Advantages:
- Proximity: Multiple routes to Disney parks, with many vacation homes just 5-8 miles away
- Variety: Choose from budget-friendly hotels, family suites, or spacious vacation homes with private pools
- Amenities: Access to resort-style pools, game rooms, and themed children’s bedrooms
- Dining Options: Mix of chain restaurants, local favorites, and kid-friendly spots with special deals
Popular Kissimmee Resort Communities
Windsor Hills Resort: Features a lagoon-style pool, water slide, and movie theater. Most vacation homes include private pools and game rooms, perfect for unwinding after park days.
Storey Lake Resort: A Newer community with modern amenities, a lazy river, and a FlowRider surf simulator. Located just 6 miles from Disney with easy highway access.
Solara Resort: Interactive water park with FlowRider surf simulator, plus themed vacation homes that kids absolutely love.
Kissimmee Cost Breakdown
- Vacation Homes: $100-250/night for 4-6 bedrooms with pools
- Resort Hotels: $89-287/night depending on season and star rating
- Parking: Usually free at vacation rentals and most hotels
- Dining: Full kitchens in vacation homes save $100-200 daily on restaurant meals
Davenport: Best Value for Large Groups
Why Choose Davenport
Located about 15-25 minutes from Disney, Davenport offers the newest, largest vacation homes at surprisingly affordable rates. Perfect for multi-family trips, reunions, or groups wanting luxury without the luxury price tag.
Key Advantages:
- Space: Newer, larger homes (6-12 bedrooms common) with modern amenities
- Value: Lower per-person costs when traveling with 8+ people
- Privacy: Gated communities with resort-style amenities but a more residential feel
- Modern Features: Home theaters, chef-style kitchens, and elaborate pool areas
Top Davenport Communities
Champions Gate Resort: World-class golf courses, multiple pools, a lazy river, and some of the most luxurious vacation homes in the Orlando area.
Solterra Resort: Resort-style pool with lazy river and waterslide, plus 24/7 security for peace of mind.
Windsor Island Resort: Tennis courts, basketball, a heated spa, and beautiful clubhouse facilities.
Davenport Considerations
- Transportation: Rental car essential (no hotel shuttles)
- Grocery Access: Publix and Walmart are easily accessible along US-27
- Traffic: Plan for 20-30 minutes to Disney during peak times
- Best For: Groups of 6+ people staying 4+ nights
Orlando: Premium Convenience at Premium Prices
When Orlando Makes Sense
Orlando accommodations, particularly in Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs areas, offer the ultimate in convenience and luxury. You’ll pay more, but you’ll get unmatched service and proximity.
Key Advantages:
- Disney Property Perks: Early park entry, Magical Express transportation (select resorts), and immersive theming
- No Driving: Monorails, boats, and buses eliminate parking hassles
- Full Service: Daily housekeeping, concierge services, and on-site dining
- Walking Distance: Some hotels are within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney Springs
Orlando Accommodation Types
Disney Value Resorts: All-Star and Pop Century offer Disney theming at relatively affordable rates ($157-350/night).
Disney Moderate Resorts: Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs provide more space and amenities ($260-328/night).
Disney Deluxe Resorts: Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian deliver luxury experiences ($600-900+/night).
Off-Property Hotels: International Drive and Universal area hotels offer competitive rates with shuttle services.
Making Your Decision: Key Factors
Choose Kissimmee If:
- Your group has 2-8 people
- You want easy Disney access without premium prices
- You prefer vacation home amenities (private pool, kitchen, game room)
- You’re staying 3+ nights
- You want dining flexibility and budget control
Choose Davenport If:
- Your group has 8+ people
- You prioritize space and modern amenities
- You don’t mind a 20-minute drive to parks
- You’re staying 5+ nights
- You want the best value for large groups
Choose Orlando If:
- You want maximum convenience and luxury
- You prefer not to drive or rent a car
- You’re staying on Disney property for the full experience
- Budget is less of a concern than convenience
- You’re staying 2-4 nights
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers
Family of 6, 7-Night Stay
Kissimmee Vacation Home:
- 5-bedroom home: $1,400-2,100 (7 nights)
- Groceries/cooking: $300
- Parking: $0
- Total: $1,700-2,400
Davenport Vacation Home:
- 6-bedroom home: $1,500-2,500 (7 nights)
- Groceries/cooking: $300
- Parking: $0
- Total: $1,800-2,800
Orlando Hotel (2 rooms):
- Disney Moderate Resort: $3,600-4,600 (7 nights)
- All meals dining out: $1,800
- Parking: $210
- Total: $5,610-6,610
Insider Tips for Each Location
Kissimmee Success Strategies
- Book vacation homes with pools for afternoon rest periods
- Use US-192 for easy Disney access and restaurant variety
- Take advantage of direct booking benefits for better rates and flexibility
Davenport Smart Moves
- Stock up on groceries at Publix on arrival day
- Use Waze for optimal Disney routing during busy times
- Book homes with outdoor entertainment for group bonding time
Orlando Maximization
- Take advantage of early park access if staying on Disney property
- Use Disney transportation to avoid parking fees
- Consider split stays: Disney hotels + vacation home for longer trips
The Verdict: Kissimmee Takes the Crown
For most Disney-bound families, Kissimmee offers the best combination of location, value, and amenities. The short drive to parks, abundance of vacation home options, and dining flexibility create the ideal vacation experience.
Davenport excels for large groups seeking space and value, while Orlando suits travelers prioritizing convenience over cost.
Book Your Perfect Disney Stay
Ready to experience the magic of a Disney vacation with all the space, comfort, and savings that vacation homes provide? FunStay Homes offers the perfect collection of properties in Kissimmee, Davenport, and select Orlando areas.
From cozy 3-bedroom homes perfect for small families to elaborate 8-bedroom villas ideal for reunions, we have exactly what you need. Plus, with direct booking benefits, flexible check-in times, and local support, your vacation starts the moment you book.
Discover your ideal Disney vacation home today and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
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