You’ve narrowed down your dates and bought your park tickets, but now comes one of the most important decisions: where to stay. The choice between Kissimmee, Davenport, and Orlando can make or break your magical getaway.
Each destination offers unique advantages for Disney-bound families, from budget-friendly vacation homes to luxury resort communities. After helping thousands of families find their perfect Orlando home base, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about these three top locations.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Location | Distance to Disney | Best For | Average Vacation Home Rate | Key Advantage |
| Kissimmee | 10-20 minutes | First-time visitors, families | $150-$280/night | Perfect balance of proximity and value |
| Davenport | 20-30 minutes | Large groups, budget-conscious families | $130-$250/night | Best value for space and amenities |
| Orlando | 5-25 minutes | Luxury seekers, couples | $200-$400+/night | Premium locations and upscale options |
Kissimmee: The Family Favorite
Why Families Love Kissimmee
Kissimmee sits in the sweet spot between Disney World and incredible value. This charming Central Florida city has become synonymous with family vacations, offering everything from cozy condos to sprawling vacation homes—all within minutes of the magic.
Perfect Distance to Disney: Most Kissimmee vacation homes are just 10-20 minutes from Disney’s main entrance, making it easy to return for those essential midday pool breaks or forgotten Mickey ears.
Unbeatable Variety: From budget-friendly condos for small families to luxurious 8-bedroom villas for large groups, Kissimmee’s vacation rental inventory is unmatched.
Top Kissimmee Resort Communities
Windsor Hills Resort
- 5 minutes to Disney World
- Lagoon-style pool with water slide
- Movie theater and fitness center
- Featured Properties
Storey Lake Resort
- Modern community with a lazy river
- Direct highway access to Disney
- Family-friendly amenities and dining
- Browse Storey Lake Homes
Solara Resort
- Interactive water park with FlowRider surf simulator
- Upscale accommodations with resort services
- Walking distance to dining and shopping
Kissimmee Vacation Home Features
- Private pools (many with optional heating)
- Themed bedrooms perfect for Disney-loving kids
- Full kitchens for easy meal preparation
- Game rooms with pool tables and arcade games
- Resort amenities, including clubhouses and water parks
Kissimmee Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Ideal Disney proximity without resort prices
- Huge selection of family-friendly vacation homes
- Excellent resort communities with amenities
- Easy access to restaurants and grocery stores
- Free parking at most vacation rentals
❌ Cons:
- Can get busy during peak Disney seasons
- Some areas may have tourist traffic
- Less upscale than premium Orlando neighborhoods
Best For:
- First-time Disney visitors
- Families with young children
- Groups wanting Disney proximity with vacation home comfort
- Budget-conscious travelers seeking value
Davenport: The Hidden Gem for Groups
Why Smart Travelers Choose Davenport
Don’t let the slightly longer drive fool you—Davenport offers some of Central Florida’s best vacation home values. This growing city attracts families who prioritize space, savings, and resort-style amenities over ultra-close Disney proximity.
Outstanding Value: Davenport vacation homes typically offer more bedrooms, larger pools, and better amenities for less money than comparable properties in Kissimmee or Orlando.
Newer Communities: Many of Davenport’s vacation rental communities are brand new, featuring modern amenities and the latest home designs.
Premier Davenport Resort Communities
Champions Gate Resort
- Championship golf courses and spa
- Impressive water park with a lazy river
- Upscale dining and shopping
- Champions Gate Vacation Homes
Solterra Resort
- Resort-style pool with water slides
- 24/7 manned security gate
- Modern amenities and clubhouse
- Solterra Resort Properties
Windsor Island Resort
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Swimming pool with heated spa
- Fitness center and playground
Davenport Vacation Home Highlights
- Spacious layouts perfect for large families and groups
- Private pools and spas are standard in most homes
- Home theaters and entertainment rooms
- Gourmet kitchens with modern appliances
- Multiple master suites for privacy
Davenport Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Best value for large vacation homes
- Newest resort communities with modern amenities
- Less crowded than Kissimmee
- Excellent for extended family gatherings
- High-quality amenities at lower prices
❌ Cons:
- 20-30 minute drive to Disney World
- Car absolutely necessary
- Fewer walkable dining options
- Less “Disney bubble” atmosphere
Best For:
- Large families or multiple families traveling together
- Budget-conscious groups wanting luxury amenities
- Extended stays (7+ nights)
- Travelers who prioritize home comfort over Disney proximity
Orlando: Premium Proximity and Luxury
Why Choose Orlando
For travelers seeking the shortest possible commute to Disney World and who don’t mind paying premium prices, Orlando delivers luxury and convenience. From high-rise condos near Disney Springs to exclusive resort communities, Orlando caters to discerning guests.
Ultimate Convenience: Some Orlando vacation rentals are within walking distance of Disney Parks or offer resort-style transportation.
Luxury Options: Orlando features the most upscale vacation rental options, from penthouse condos to designer-furnished villas.
Top Orlando Vacation Areas
Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs Area
- Walking distance to Disney Springs
- Resort-style condos and villas
- Premium dining and entertainment nearby
Dr. Phillips/Restaurant Row
- Upscale residential area
- World-class dining scene
- Easy access to both Disney and Universal
Celebration
- Disney’s planned community
- Charming downtown area
- Premium vacation rental options
Orlando Vacation Rental Features
- Resort-style amenities, including concierge services
- High-end furnishings and designer touches
- Premium locations with exclusive access
- Luxury pools and spas with professional maintenance
- Full-service options, including daily housekeeping (in select properties)
Orlando Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Shortest commute to Disney World
- Highest quality accommodations
- Walking distance to some attractions
- Premium amenities and services
- Best access to Orlando’s dining and nightlife
❌ Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Limited large vacation home options
- Can feel crowded and touristy
- Parking fees at some properties
- Higher taxes and fees
Best For:
- Couples and small families
- Luxury-focused travelers
- Short stays (1-4 nights)
- First-time visitors wanting the full “Disney bubble” experience
- Business travelers combining work with Disney visits
Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Consider
Travel Group Size
Small Families (2-4 people): Orlando condos or Kissimmee townhomes
Medium Groups (5-8 people): Kissimmee vacation homes
Large Groups (9+ people): Davenport villas with multiple bedrooms
Budget Priorities
Tightest Budget: Davenport vacation homes
Best Value: Kissimmee resort communities
Premium Budget: Orlando luxury properties
Length of Stay
1-3 nights: Orlando for convenience
4-7 nights: Kissimmee for the perfect balance
7+ nights: Davenport for space and value
Disney Experience Level
First-timers: Kissimmee for the ideal Disney vacation experience
Disney veterans: Davenport for comfort and value
Luxury seekers: Orlando for premium options
Why FunStay Homes Makes the Difference
No matter which location you choose, FunStay Homes offers exceptional vacation rentals in all three areas. Here’s what sets us apart:
Direct Booking Benefits
When you book direct with FunStay Homes, you’ll enjoy:
- No platform fees – save up to 15% compared to booking sites
- Best rate guarantee – we’ll match and beat competitor pricing
- Flexible check-in – work around your travel schedule
- Local support – real Orlando experts, not call centers
- Property upgrades when available
Our Featured Properties by Location
Kissimmee Favorites:
- Windsor Hills 6BR Villa with Pool/Spa – Perfect for families
- Storey Lake 10BR Lake View Villa – Ideal for large groups
Davenport Gems:
- Champions Gate 8BR Luxury Villa – Resort luxury at vacation home prices
- Windsor Island 5BR Disney Villa – Modern comfort and convenience
Orlando Options:
- Lake Buena Vista 3BR Retreat – Premium location near Disney
Essential Tips for Your Disney Vacation
Planning Your Perfect Stay
- Book Early: The best vacation homes in prime locations fill up 3-6 months in advance, especially during peak Disney seasons.
- Consider Pool Heating: If traveling during cooler months, add pool heating to your reservation for year-round swimming comfort.
- Pack Smart: Take advantage of your vacation home’s washer and dryer by packing lighter and doing laundry during your stay.
- Stock Your Kitchen: Save money on Disney dining by preparing breakfasts and snacks in your fully equipped kitchen.
Maximizing Your Disney Experience
- Plan Rest Days: Use your vacation home’s pool and amenities for relaxing breaks between park days.
- Create a Perfect Disney Itinerary: Balance park time with villa relaxation for the ultimate family experience.
- Explore Beyond Disney: Your vacation home base makes it easy to visit Universal Orlando and other Central Florida attractions.
The Bottom Line: Which Location Wins?
For most Disney-bound families, Kissimmee offers the perfect balance of proximity, value, and vacation home selection. You’ll spend more time making memories and less time in traffic, while enjoying significant savings compared to Orlando’s premium pricing.
Choose Kissimmee if you want:
- The ideal Disney vacation experience
- Great selection of family-friendly vacation homes
- Perfect balance of location and value
- Easy access to parks with midday break convenience
Choose Davenport if you want:
- Maximum space and amenities for your dollar
- Newest resort communities
- Best value for large groups
- Don’t mind a slightly longer Disney commute
Choose Orlando if you want:
- Ultra-premium accommodations
- Shortest possible Disney commute
- High-end resort-style amenities
- Budget isn’t your primary concern
Book Your Perfect Disney Vacation Home
Your magical Disney World adventure starts with choosing the right home base. Whether you’re drawn to Kissimmee’s family-friendly convenience, Davenport’s outstanding value, or Orlando’s luxury options, FunStay Homes has the perfect property waiting for your family.
Don’t wait – the best vacation homes book quickly! Browse our complete collection of Disney-area vacation rentals, compare amenities, and book direct to save money and get the personal service your family deserves.
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