What Is Solara Resort Orlando?
If you’re planning a family vacation near Disney World and want more than a hotel room, Solara Resort Orlando is one of the best-kept secrets in Kissimmee, Florida. It’s a gated vacation home community built specifically for short-term rentals, and it happens to come with its own surf simulator.
Solara Resort sits on an 18-acre amenity campus about 8 miles from Walt Disney World’s nearest gate. Built by Mattamy Homes and opened in 2018, it was purpose-designed from the ground up as a vacation rental community, not a neighborhood that allows rentals as an afterthought. That distinction matters, because it means the amenities, the home designs, and the HOA rules are all centered around guests, not year-round residents.
We manage a property at Solara and have welcomed hundreds of guests through these gates. Our team has walked the resort in every season, dealt with the FlowRider booking system, navigated the clubhouse during spring break chaos, and fielded the honest questions visitors ask before they book. This guide draws on that first-hand experience, not just the resort’s marketing material.
With 549 homesites across single-family homes and townhouses, a 13,000-square-foot grand clubhouse, a FlowRider surf simulator, heated resort-style pools, an on-site restaurant, and more, Solara Resort Orlando offers a vacation experience that sits somewhere between a luxury hotel and a private home. You get the space, the kitchen, the pool, and the privacy of a house, with the water park and concierge feel of a resort. (It’s also one of our picks in our guide to the best resort communities near Disney with water parks.)
Where Is Solara Resort? Location & Distance to Disney
Solara Resort is located at 1575 Carey Palm Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34747, just off US-192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in the heart of Orlando’s vacation corridor. The Solara Resort Kissimmee address puts you approximately 8 miles from the nearest Walt Disney World entrance, about a 10 to 15 minute drive under normal traffic. During morning rush (7:30 to 9:00 AM) or park closing times (9:00 to 11:00 PM), add another 10 to 15 minutes.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World (nearest gate) | ~8 miles | 10-15 min | Via US-192 W. Avoid I-4 during rush. |
| Magic Kingdom (parking plaza) | ~11 miles | 15-20 min | Add TTC monorail/ferry time. |
| EPCOT | ~9 miles | 12-18 min | Closest Disney park to Solara. |
| Hollywood Studios | ~9 miles | 12-18 min | Same general area as EPCOT. |
| Animal Kingdom | ~10 miles | 14-20 min | Via US-192 to Osceola Pkwy. |
| Universal Orlando | ~17 miles | 28-33 min | I-4 E. Can be slow in PM rush. |
| Epic Universe | ~15 miles | 22-28 min | South of Universal main campus. |
| SeaWorld Orlando | ~11 miles | 20-25 min | Via I-4 E. |
| Disney Springs | ~8 miles | 12-18 min | Free parking. Good evening option. |
| Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO) | ~30 miles | 35-45 min | SR-417 is fastest (tolls apply). |
| Orlando Intl. Airport (SFB) | ~60 miles | 55-70 min | Sanford. Budget airline hub. |
LOCAL TIP
The US-192 route avoids I-4 entirely. On busy park days, this can save you 15 to 20 minutes compared to what Google Maps suggests via the interstate. Take US-192 west toward Disney, then follow signs for your specific park.
What’s Nearby
One thing most Solara Resort guides skip is the everyday stuff. You’ll probably need groceries, might want a pharmacy, and will definitely need gas. Here’s what’s within a short drive:
- Publix Super Market (Formosa Gardens Blvd): 1.5 miles, 4 minutes. Full deli, bakery, and prepared foods.
- Walmart Supercenter (US-192): 2.5 miles, 6 minutes. Open 6 AM to 11 PM.
- Walgreens Pharmacy: 1.8 miles along US-192.
- Gas stations: RaceTrac and Wawa within 2 miles on US-192.
- AdventHealth Celebration ER: 5 miles, 10 minutes. Full emergency room.
- Sunset Walk entertainment complex: 3 miles. Dining, movies, mini-golf, escape rooms.
Solara Resort Amenities: Everything You Can Do Here
Solara Resort’s amenities are what set it apart from most vacation home communities near Disney. While many communities offer a pool and a small fitness room, Solara’s amenity campus covers 18 acres and genuinely rivals what mid-tier Orlando hotels offer, with the added benefit that you’re going home to a full house afterward.
Here’s what’s included with every stay:
- Heated lagoon-style resort pool (zero-entry/beach-entry)
- Kids’ splash pad and interactive water playground
- FlowRider surf simulator (separate fee)
- 13,000 sq ft Grand Clubhouse
- Solstice Bar & Grille (full-service restaurant)
- Poolside tiki bar
- Air-conditioned fitness center
- Full-size basketball court, soccer field, and sand volleyball
- Playground
- Tween hangout center with gaming stations
- Outdoor yoga lawn
- Sports simulator
- Cabana rentals
The Grand Clubhouse
The two-story, 13,000-square-foot Solara Resort clubhouse is the heart of the community. The ground floor houses the reception area, Solstice Bar & Grille, and a covered terrace overlooking the pool. Upstairs, you’ll find a lounge area, workstations (handy if you need to check email), and more seating with views of the water park area. The clubhouse also has restrooms and changing facilities so you don’t need to go back to your home to change into swimwear.
Pools & Water Features
The main Solara Resort pool is a heated, lagoon-style pool with a zero-entry (beach-entry) design, meaning the depth increases gradually from the edge. This makes it perfect for toddlers and small children who can splash in inches of water while you sit nearby. There’s also a separate kids’ splash pad with interactive water features and fountains.
For adults, the tiki bar is right at pool level, and cabanas can be rented for a shaded, semi-private area.
Pool hours note:
The US-192 route avoids I-4 entirely. On busy park days, this can save you 15 to 20 minutes compared to what Google Maps suggests via the interstate. Take US-192 west toward Disney, then follow signs for your specific park.
FlowRider Surf Simulator
This is Solara’s headline feature and the one thing that makes it genuinely unique among Orlando vacation rental communities. The Solara Resort FlowRider is a standing-wave surf simulator, the same kind you’ll find at luxury cruise lines and water parks, except here it’s part of your resort community.
How it works: You can bodyboard or stand-up surf on a continuous sheet of water flowing over a padded, angled surface. It’s suitable for ages 5 and up (children under 48 inches ride prone only), and staff are on hand to help beginners.
What it costs: The FlowRider is $30 per person for unlimited all-day access. You’ll want to book at least 24 hours in advance, especially during peak season (June through August, holiday weeks, spring break). Walk-ups are possible on quieter days but not guaranteed.
We recommend booking a morning session. The lines are shorter, the sun is less intense, and you’ll have more energy to actually enjoy it. Afternoons during peak weeks can mean 20 to 30 minute waits between turns.
Fitness & Sports
The air-conditioned fitness center has cardio machines and free weights. Nothing fancy, but enough for a morning workout. Outside, there’s a full-size soccer field, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and an outdoor yoga lawn. The sports simulator offers virtual golf and other activities (check the clubhouse for availability and fees).
Kids & Teens
Beyond the pools and FlowRider, Solara has a dedicated outdoor playground for younger children and a tween/teen hangout center with gaming stations. On busy weeks, the resort sometimes runs organized activities. Check the community events board at the clubhouse when you arrive.
Dining at Solara Resort Orlando: On-Site & Nearby Restaurants
Solstice Bar & Grille
Solara Resort has a full-service restaurant right in the clubhouse, which is something most vacation home communities don’t offer. Solstice Bar & Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that leans American-casual: burgers, salads, flatbreads, wings, kids’ meals. The covered terrace overlooking the pool is the best spot. It’s not going to win culinary awards, but after a long day at Magic Kingdom, having a real restaurant a two-minute walk from your front door is genuinely convenient.
Typical hours: Breakfast from 8:00 AM, lunch through afternoon, dinner until about 8:00 or 9:00 PM. Hours vary seasonally and they tend to close earlier on slow weeknights.
Poolside Tiki Bar
The tiki bar at the pool serves drinks and light snacks. Frozen cocktails, beer, sodas, and poolside bites. Great for parents who want to sit with a drink while the kids are in the splash pad.
Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee Bar
There’s a small ice cream and coffee spot in the clubhouse area as well, useful for an afternoon pick-me-up or post-pool treat without leaving the resort.
Nearby Restaurants
If you want more variety, Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort (about 3 miles away) has a cluster of restaurants: Sunset Walk Brewing Company, Rock & Brews, and several others. Celebration, Disney’s planned community about 6 miles south, has Celebration Brewing Company and a row of lakefront restaurants. And Disney Springs (8 miles) offers dozens of dining options with free parking. For more recommendations, see our guide to the best family restaurants near Disney World in Kissimmee.
Cooking at Home
One of the biggest advantages of staying in a Solara Resort vacation home is having a full kitchen. Every home comes with a fully equipped kitchen: oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee maker, and all the cookware and utensils you’ll need. You won’t find spices, oil, or condiments, so bring those or pick them up at Publix (1.5 miles away).
For families, cooking breakfast and lunch at the house and eating dinner out is the sweet spot. It saves hundreds of dollars over a week compared to eating every meal at the parks, and mornings are more relaxed when you’re not rushing to a restaurant.
Pool hours note:
The US-192 route avoids I-4 entirely. On busy park days, this can save you 15 to 20 minutes compared to what Google Maps suggests via the interstate. Take US-192 west toward Disney, then follow signs for your specific park.
Pro tip: Place an Instacart grocery order before you arrive and schedule it for your check-in window. You’ll walk into a stocked fridge. Publix and Walmart both work with Instacart in this area.
Types of Vacation Homes at Solara Resort
Solara Resort has 549 homesites split across townhomes and single-family detached homes. Every single-family home includes a private pool as standard. That’s not an upgrade; it comes with the house. Townhomes share the resort pool but don’t have private pools.
| Home Type | Bedrooms | Approx. Sq Ft | Private Pool | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townhome | 3-5 BR | 2,000-2,300 | No (resort pool) | Couples, small families, budget stays |
| Paradise Series | 4-6 BR | 2,750-3,500 | Yes | Families with kids |
| Destination Series | 7-9 BR | 3,780-4,760 | Yes | Multi-family groups, reunions, large parties |
All Solara Resort vacation homes were built by Mattamy Homes, one of North America’s largest homebuilders, starting in 2018. The construction quality is modern and consistent. You won’t find the wide variation in build quality that older communities sometimes have. Floor plans are open-concept with high ceilings, and most homes feature a loft or upstairs bonus room that works well as extra living space or a game room.
Because Solara was purpose-built for vacation rentals, you’ll find touches that residential communities don’t have: homes designed for large groups with multiple en-suite bathrooms, layouts that give different families their own wing, and kitchens built for feeding a crowd.
Our Pick: FunStay’s Themed 7-Bedroom Villa at Solara Resort
We manage one Solara Resort villa that we’re particularly proud of, and it’s the kind of home that makes kids lose their minds when they walk in. It’s a 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom Destination Series villa that sleeps up to 11 guests, and every single bedroom has a Disney or movie theme.
The Star Wars room is a hit with older kids (ages 8 to 14 especially), while the Toy Story and Moana bunk rooms are perfect for the younger ones. Adults tend to gravitate toward the Disney World king suite or the Peter Pan exclusive suite. And yes, the Haunted Mansion room commits to the theme, “Foolish Mortals” and all. If themed rooms are a priority for your family, check out our full list of vacation homes with themed bedrooms for kids near Disney.
Beyond the bedrooms, the house has a game room with foosball and air hockey, a private pool with heated jacuzzi (pool heat is optional at $40/day, recommended October through April), a loft area, BBQ grill ($70 for the entire stay), smart TVs in every room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Solara Resort vs Other Orlando Vacation Communities
If you’re comparing Solara Resort Orlando to other resort communities near Disney, here’s how it stacks up. We’ve written about all the top communities in our 20 best resorts in Orlando guide, but here’s the quick version. The most common question we get is “What’s the difference between Solara and Solterra?” This makes sense, since the names are almost identical and they’re both in Kissimmee. But they’re very different communities.
| Feature | Solara Resort | Solterra Resort | ChampionsGate | Reunion Resort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Disney | ~8 miles | ~12 miles | ~10 miles | ~7 miles |
| Key Amenity | FlowRider surf simulator | Lazy river | Water park + golf | 3 golf courses, water park |
| On-Site Dining | Full restaurant + bar | No | Yes (multiple) | Yes (multiple) |
| Home Sizes | 3-9 BR | 4-14 BR | 3-14 BR | 3-12 BR |
| Built | 2018+ | 2015+ | 2005+ | 2004+ |
| Community Feel | Modern resort | Quiet, residential | Large, varied | Upscale, sprawling |
| Best For | Families wanting resort amenities + dining | Families wanting quiet + larger homes | Golfers + large groups | Luxury stays + golf |
Solara vs Solterra: Despite the similar names, these are different communities built by different developers. Solara is newer, more amenity-focused, and has on-site dining. Solterra is a quieter, more residential-feeling community with a lazy river and generally larger homes (up to 14 bedrooms). If you want the resort experience with a restaurant and FlowRider, choose Solara. If you want a larger home in a quieter setting and don’t need on-site dining, Solterra may be better. Read our full Solterra Resort vacation guide for more detail.
Solara vs ChampionsGate: ChampionsGate is a much larger community (1,500+ homes vs Solara’s 549) with a water park and golf course, but the homes range widely in age and condition since it was built over many years. Solara is newer and more consistent in quality, with a more intimate feel. See our ChampionsGate resort guide for the full breakdown.
Solara vs Reunion: Reunion is the luxury option. Higher price point, three golf courses, multiple pools and restaurants, and a more upscale atmosphere. If budget isn’t a constraint, Reunion offers more. But for families looking for excellent amenities at a more accessible price, Solara Resort delivers strong value. Our Reunion Resort guide covers everything you’d need to know. You can also read our ChampionsGate vs Reunion vs Storey Lake comparison for a deeper look at how these communities stack up for families.
What Guests Actually Say: An Honest Solara Resort Review
You’ll find plenty of positive Solara Resort reviews online, and most of them are earned. But you’ll also find complaints, and we think it’s more useful to address both honestly than to pretend everything is perfect. So, is Solara Resort good? Here’s the full picture.
What Guests Love
- The FlowRider. This is the single most mentioned feature in positive reviews. Kids and adults alike call it out as the highlight.
- Resort staff quality. The on-site team consistently gets praise for being friendly and helpful.
- Location. Close to Disney without being in the traffic congestion of International Drive.
- Home quality. Because the community is relatively new (2018+), the homes are modern with current appliances and finishes.
- Solstice restaurant. Convenient, especially after long park days. The bar is popular with parents after bedtime.
- Security. Gated community with 24/7 security presence. Parents feel comfortable letting older kids walk to the clubhouse.
What You Should Know
Here’s where we’re going to be straight with you, because these are the things that won’t show up in marketing materials:
- Noise from other homes. This is the #1 complaint on forums and review sites. Because Solara is a vacation rental community, not a residential one, some guests treat it like a party destination. Loud music, late-night pool parties, large groups in the backyard. The homes are close together, and sound travels. The HOA has quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM), but enforcement varies.
- Gate entry delays. During peak check-in times (Friday and Saturday afternoons), the security gate can back up. It’s usually a 5 to 10 minute wait, but on busy holiday weekends it can be longer.
- Quality varies by management company. There are dozens of different management companies operating homes at Solara, and they don’t all maintain the same standards. A home managed by a professional company (like us) will have consistent cleaning, quick maintenance response, and clear communication. A home managed by a distant owner might not. Read reviews for the specific home, not just the community.
We enforce strict quiet-hour policies with our guests, provide 24/7 multilingual support (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Filipino, and Chinese), and conduct professional inspections after every stay. We can’t control the neighbor’s property, but we can make sure ours is the one people come back to.
How FunStay handles this:
We enforce strict quiet-hour policies with our guests, provide 24/7 multilingual support (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Filipino, and Chinese), and conduct professional inspections after every stay. We can’t control the neighbor’s property, but we can make sure ours is the one people come back to.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary From Solara Resort Orlando
Here’s a realistic 5-day plan using Solara as your home base. This is paced for families, not a military march through every park but a mix of theme parks, resort time, and recovery. Adjust based on your group’s energy and what parks you’ve purchased tickets for. (Planning your trip around budget? Our guide to the cheapest time to visit Disney World can help you pick the best dates.)
Day 1: Arrive & Settle In
Afternoon: Check in at 4:00 PM. Unpack, explore the house, assign bedrooms (this takes longer than you think with themed rooms; everyone wants Star Wars). Do a quick Publix run (1.5 miles) for breakfast supplies, snacks, drinks, and pool essentials.
Evening: Walk to the clubhouse. Let the kids test the pool and splash pad while you grab drinks at the tiki bar. Dinner at Solstice Bar & Grille. Keep it easy tonight.
Day 2: Magic Kingdom
Morning: Leave by 7:30 AM for rope drop. The drive is 15 minutes, but parking and the Transportation & Ticket Center monorail/ferry add 30 to 45 minutes. Eat breakfast at the house before you leave. Park food at 8 AM is overpriced and rushed.
Full day at the park. Take a midday break if you have kids under 7. The drive back to Solara and back is only 30 minutes round trip, and a pool break plus nap makes the evening so much better.
Evening: Return to Solara. Pizza delivery or cook at home. Night swim in your private pool.
Day 3: Resort Day (Things to Do at Solara Resort)
Morning: Book the FlowRider for morning sessions. Arrive by 10:00 AM for the shortest waits. Budget 2 to 3 hours for the whole family to take turns.
Afternoon: Resort pool, splash pad, cabana time. This is the day everyone recharges. The kids won’t complain; there’s enough to do here for a full day. For ideas beyond the resort gates, see our guide to things to do near Solara Resort.
Evening: Fire up the BBQ grill at the house ($70 for the stay, reserved in advance). Steaks, burgers, corn on the cob. Publix has everything you need. Eat on the pool deck. This is the evening guests tell us was their favorite of the trip.
Day 4: Universal or Epic Universe
Full day. Universal is about 28 to 33 minutes via I-4. If you’re visiting Epic Universe (opened 2025), it’s slightly closer at about 22 to 28 minutes. Park at the garage and plan to stay the full day. The round trip doesn’t justify a midday break.
Evening: Dinner at Sunset Walk (3 miles from Solara) on the way back. Or grab takeout and collapse.
Day 5: Final Park Day & Departure Prep
Morning: EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, whichever you haven’t done. Leave early for rope drop again. EPCOT is only 12 minutes from Solara Resort.
Afternoon: Disney Springs for shopping, lunch, and a relaxed final few hours. Free parking. Browse World of Disney, grab Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies, let the kids play at the splash area.
Evening: Back to Solara. Pack up, start laundry (washer/dryer in-unit), one last pool session. Check out is 10:00 AM the next morning.
Tip for arrival day: If your flight lands before 4:00 PM check-in, don’t wait at the airport. Drive to Solara, drop your bags with us (we can sometimes accommodate early access to the home), and spend the wait time at the resort pool or Sunset Walk.
Solara Resort Practical Tips: Check-In, What to Bring & Costs
Solara Resort Check-In & Check-Out
- Check-in: 4:00 PM. Keyless entry. You’ll receive a door code before arrival. No need to stop at an office or meet anyone.
- Check-out: 10:00 AM. Leave the keys (if applicable), start the dishwasher, take out trash.
- 24/7 contactless check-in: Late flight? No problem. The keyless system works any time.
What’s Free vs. What Costs Extra
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resort pool & splash pad access | Free |
| Fitness center | Free |
| WiFi (100+ Mbps) | Free |
| Parking | Free |
| Private pool (single-family homes) | Free |
| Playground & sports courts | Free |
| Starter supplies (trash bag, TP, dish soap) | Free |
| FlowRider surf simulator | $30/person/day |
| Pool heating (Oct-Apr recommended) | $40/day |
| BBQ grill rental | $70/stay |
| Poolside cabana rental | Varies |
What to Bring
FunStay provides bed linens, bath towels, and starter supplies (one set of toilet paper, paper towels, one trash bag, dish soap). Beyond that, plan to bring or buy:
- Pool towels / beach towels: bath towels are provided, but you’ll want dedicated pool towels
- Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap (not provided)
- Hand towels and washcloths
- Cooking condiments: oil, salt, pepper, spices, butter (kitchens have cookware but no pantry staples)
- Sunscreen and bug spray: Florida mosquitoes are real, especially at dusk near the pool
- A portable Bluetooth speaker: for pool and patio time (keep it at a respectful volume after 10 PM)
House Rules
- No pets. Solara’s HOA does not allow pets in vacation rentals.
- No parties or events. Registered guests only. The HOA monitors for unregistered vehicles.
- Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
- No RVs, trailers, or boats in the driveway.
- No smoking indoors. Outdoor smoking in designated areas only.
- USPS delivery: Note that standard USPS mail does not deliver inside the resort gates. If you need to receive a package, use FedEx or UPS, or have it delivered to the clubhouse.
How to Book a Solara Resort Vacation Home
You can find Solara Resort vacation rentals on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com, but here’s why booking direct through FunStay Homes is worth considering:
- No service fees. Third-party platforms charge guests 12 to 18% in service fees on top of the nightly rate. Book direct and that fee disappears.
- Direct communication. If something goes wrong at 11 PM (the A/C isn’t working, you can’t figure out the pool heater), you reach us directly, not a call center.
- Multilingual support. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Filipino, and Chinese. We serve families from around the world and communicate in your preferred language.
- Flexible cancellation. Cancel up to 30 days before check-in for a 100% refund.
- Local team. We’re based in Orlando. Our maintenance team can be at the property within the hour if something needs fixing.
Ready to book your Solara Resort Orlando vacation home?
If you’re a property owner at Solara considering professional management, we’d love to talk. Our management team handles everything from listing optimization and pricing to guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance. Learn more about FunStay property management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solara Resort Orlando
How far is Solara Resort from Disney World?
Solara Resort is approximately 8 miles from the nearest Walt Disney World entrance, which is about a 10 to 15 minute drive via US-192. During peak traffic times (typically morning rope drop and evening park closing), add an extra 10 to 15 minutes. EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are the closest parks at roughly 9 miles and 12 to 18 minutes.
What amenities does Solara Resort have?
Solara Resort’s amenity campus includes a heated lagoon-style pool with zero-entry, a kids’ splash pad, the FlowRider surf simulator ($30/day), a 13,000 sq ft grand clubhouse, Solstice Bar & Grille restaurant, a poolside tiki bar, an air-conditioned fitness center, basketball and volleyball courts, a soccer field, a playground, and a tween hangout center with gaming stations.
Is Solara Resort good for families with kids?
Yes. Solara is one of the best resort communities near Disney for families. The FlowRider surf simulator appeals to kids ages 5 and up, the zero-entry pool is safe for toddlers, and the splash pad keeps younger children entertained. Themed vacation homes (like our 7-bedroom villa with Star Wars, Moana, and Toy Story rooms) make the house itself part of the adventure.
How much does the FlowRider cost at Solara Resort?
The FlowRider costs $30 per person for unlimited all-day access. Book at least 24 hours in advance, especially during peak season (June through August, spring break, holiday weeks). Children must be at least 48 inches tall to stand-up surf; shorter kids can bodyboard. Staff assist beginners, and no prior experience is needed.
What is the difference between Solara Resort and Solterra Resort?
Despite the similar names, Solara and Solterra are different communities. Solara (built 2018+) is closer to Disney at about 8 miles, has a FlowRider, on-site dining, and a more resort-oriented feel. Solterra (built 2015+) is about 12 miles from Disney, has a lazy river, offers larger homes (up to 14 bedrooms), and has a quieter, more residential atmosphere. Choose Solara for resort amenities and dining; choose Solterra for larger homes and a calmer setting.
Does Solara Resort have a restaurant?
Yes. Solstice Bar & Grille is a full-service restaurant located in the grand clubhouse. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with American-casual fare: burgers, salads, flatbreads, kids’ meals. There’s also a poolside tiki bar for drinks and snacks, and an ice cream parlor in the clubhouse area. Hours vary seasonally.
Are pets allowed at Solara Resort?
No. Solara Resort’s HOA does not permit pets in vacation rental properties. This applies to all homes in the community, regardless of the management company. If traveling with a pet, you’ll want to look at other communities that allow them or arrange pet boarding nearby. Service animals with proper documentation may be an exception; contact us to discuss.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Solara Resort?
Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM. FunStay homes use keyless entry, so you receive a door code before arrival and can check in at any hour, even if your flight lands at midnight. Early check-in or late check-out may be available depending on the booking calendar; contact us in advance to request it.
Is the pool at Solara Resort heated?
The resort’s community pool is heated year-round. Private pools at individual homes are not heated by default. Pool heating for your home’s private pool is available as an add-on at approximately $40 per day. We strongly recommend it from October through April. Florida winters are mild, but unheated pool water can drop to the mid-60s°F, which is too cold for comfortable swimming.
Where is the nearest grocery store to Solara Resort?
The nearest full grocery store is Publix Super Market on Formosa Gardens Boulevard, about 1.5 miles (4 minutes) from the resort gate. For a larger selection, there’s a Walmart Supercenter on US-192 about 2.5 miles away. Both stores work with Instacart for delivery if you’d rather have groceries waiting when you arrive.
Does Solara Resort have activities for teens?
Yes. Beyond the FlowRider (which is hugely popular with teenagers), Solara has a tween/teen hangout center with gaming stations, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, a soccer field, and a sports simulator. Many of the vacation homes also have in-home game rooms with foosball, air hockey, and video game consoles. Teens rarely complain about being bored at Solara.
Is there a shuttle from Solara Resort to Disney World?
Solara Resort does not operate its own shuttle service to Disney World. Most guests drive, since the parks are only 10 to 15 minutes away and having a car gives you flexibility for grocery runs and dining outside the parks. Uber and Lyft are reliable in this area and typically cost $12 to $18 each way to Disney. If you’re flying in without renting a car, consider a Sunshine Flyer or Mears Connect from the airport.
How many bedrooms do Solara Resort homes have?
Solara offers homes ranging from 3 to 9 bedrooms. Townhomes are 3 to 5 bedrooms (2,000 to 2,300 sq ft), Paradise Series single-family homes are 4 to 6 bedrooms (2,750 to 3,500 sq ft), and Destination Series homes are 7 to 9 bedrooms (3,780 to 4,760 sq ft). All single-family homes include a private pool. Our featured property is a 7-bedroom Destination Series villa that sleeps 11 guests.
What is the cancellation policy for Solara Resort vacation rentals?
Cancellation policies vary by management company. At FunStay Homes, our policy is straightforward: cancel at least 30 days before your check-in date for a 100% refund. Cancellations within 30 days are handled case by case. We recommend travel insurance for any trip, especially during hurricane season (June through November). Always confirm the cancellation policy before booking, regardless of which company you use.
Is Solara Resort a gated community?
Yes. Solara Resort is a gated community with 24/7 security at the main entrance. Guests receive a gate access code or pass before arrival. Visitors must check in with security. The gated setup adds peace of mind, especially for families. Parents frequently mention feeling comfortable letting older children walk to the clubhouse on their own. During peak check-in times (Friday and Saturday afternoons), expect a short wait at the gate.





