Three communities, three different vibes, all within 20 minutes of Disney World. Find the best resort community near Disney for your next family vacation.
Why Picking the Best Resort Community Near Disney Matters
Every resort community near Disney with water parks promises pools and proximity to the parks. But the experience varies more than you might think. The Champions Gate vs Reunion Resort debate alone splits families into two camps, and Storey Lake adds a third option that’s hard to ignore.
Knowing the difference before you book saves you from a week somewhere that doesn’t match your family’s energy.
Champions Gate: The All-Rounder
Champions Gate sits about 13 miles southwest of Disney World, roughly a 20-minute drive. It’s anchored by the Oasis Clubhouse, one of the largest amenity centers of any vacation home community near Disney World.
The headline feature is two full water park complexes with lazy rivers, waterslides, and a 1,023-foot lazy river. Beyond the pools, you get a tiki bar, fitness center, movie theater, game room, basketball and volleyball courts, four pickleball courts, and a Kids Camp program. There’s also a free shuttle to Disney you can pre-book online. Homes range from 4 to 14 bedrooms with private pools, and nightly rates typically fall between $250 and $500.
Best for: Active families who want the most amenities per dollar. If you’re weighing Champions Gate vs Reunion Resort, Champions Gate wins on variety and value. If your kids will spend half the trip at the clubhouse water park, this is your pick.
Featured FunStay Home
ChampionsGate Fun Villa — 6 BR / 6 BA · Sleeps 11. Six themed bedrooms with a private pool, game room, and full Oasis Clubhouse access.
Reunion Resort: The Luxury Pick
Reunion Resort is located about 10 miles from Disney, a 15-minute drive. This is the resort community that feels like a destination in itself. Three championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson set the tone.
The five-acre water park features a 1,000-foot lazy river, water slides, cabanas, and lawn games. Reunion also has on-site dining at multiple restaurants, a spa, tennis and pickleball courts, mini golf, and 10 resort pools spread across the property. Homes range from 3 to 15 bedrooms, and nightly rates run higher at $350 to $700 because the homes tend to be larger and more upscale.
Best for: Families who want a premium experience. In the Champions Gate vs Reunion Resort comparison, Reunion takes the crown for luxury and dining. It’s ideal for multi-generational trips where grandparents want golf while the kids hit the water park, and it’s the strongest pick for large groups with homes up to 15 bedrooms.
Featured FunStay Home
Reunion Golf-Front Condo — 3 BR / 3 BA · Sleeps 6. Sunset views over the Arnold Palmer course with full resort amenities.
Storey Lake: Closest to Disney
Storey Lake sits just 5 miles from Disney’s eastern gate, making it the closest resort community of the three. You can be at Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom in about 10 minutes.
The Hideaway Club features a lazy river, two waterslides, a splash zone, and a resort-style pool. You also get a fitness center, a movie theater, mini golf, basketball and volleyball courts, and kayak rentals on the lake. Homes range from 4 to 14 bedrooms, and nightly rates are the most affordable of the three at $200 to $400.
Best for: Families who want to be closest to the parks without overspending. If you plan to spend most days at Disney and Universal rather than hanging at the resort, Storey Lake is the best resort community near Disney for convenience and budget. The full Storey Lake guide has more on amenities and home layouts.
Featured FunStay Home
Storey Lake Townhome — 4 BR / 3 BA · Sleeps 8. Private pool, lake view, and Disney-themed rooms just minutes from the parks.
Champions Gate vs. Reunion vs. Storey Lake: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Champions Gate | Reunion Resort | Storey Lake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Disney | 13 mi / 20 min | 10 mi / 15 min | 5 mi / 10 min |
| Gated Community | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Park | Yes (2 complexes) | Yes (5-acre) | Yes |
| Lazy River | Yes (1,023 ft) | Yes (1,000 ft) | Yes |
| Golf | Yes (championship) | Yes (3 courses) | No |
| Shuttle to Disney | Yes (free) | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Theater | Yes | In-home only | Yes |
| Mini Golf | No | Yes | Yes |
| On-Site Dining | Yes | Yes (multiple) | Limited |
| Bedrooms | 4 to 14 | 3 to 15 | 4 to 14 |
| Nightly Rate | $250 to $500 | $350 to $700 | $200 to $400 |
| Vibe | Active family resort | Luxury golf retreat | Compact, convenient |
How to Pick the Best Resort Community Near Disney for Your Family
Whether you’re leaning toward Champions Gate vs Reunion Resort or eyeing Storey Lake, these three questions will help you decide:
- What is your budget? Storey Lake gives the most value per night. Champions Gate lands in the middle. Reunion is the premium pick.
- How important is park proximity? If you want the shortest drive to Disney, Storey Lake wins at 5 miles. If you don’t mind 15 to 20 minutes in the car, Champions Gate and Reunion open up bigger amenity packages.
- Where will your family spend non-park days? If the answer is “at the resort,” Champions Gate or Reunion gives you more to do on rest days. If the answer is “we will be at the parks every day,” Storey Lake keeps you closest and saves you money for dining at Disney on a budget.
All three communities are gated with 24/7 security, offer vacation homes with private pools and full kitchens, and sit in the sweet spot between Disney World and Universal Orlando. The best resort community near Disney really depends on your family. The right choice comes down to how you vacation.
If you’re renting a vacation home for the first time, any of these three is a safe bet. Book direct with FunStay Homes to skip third-party fees and browse homes across all three resort communities.
Find Your Perfect Orlando Vacation Home
Browse vacation homes in Champions Gate, Reunion Resort, and Storey Lake. Book direct and skip the fees.
FAQ: Choosing the Best Resort Community Near Disney
Which resort community is best near Disney World?
It depends on your priorities. Storey Lake is closest at 5 miles. Champions Gate has the most amenities for the price. Reunion Resort is the best resort community near Disney for luxury and golf. All three are gated, family-friendly, and within 20 minutes of the parks.
Is Champions Gate or Reunion Resort better for families?
Champions Gate is better for active families on a moderate budget who want water parks, sports courts, and a movie theater. Reunion Resort is better for families seeking a luxury experience with championship golf, fine dining, and a five-acre water park. Both are excellent vacation home communities near Disney World.
How far is Storey Lake from Disney?
Storey Lake Resort is about 5 miles from Disney’s eastern gate, making it the closest major resort community to the parks. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are roughly a 10-minute drive, with Magic Kingdom and EPCOT about 12 minutes away.
Are Champions Gate, Reunion, and Storey Lake good for kids?
Yes. All three have water parks with lazy rivers, waterslides, and splash zones. In the Champions Gate vs Reunion Resort comparison, Champions Gate has a movie theater and Kids Camp while Reunion has the largest water park at five acres. Storey Lake adds mini golf and kayak rentals. Each community offers vacation homes with private pools and themed bedrooms that keep kids entertained between park days.
