Emerald Island Resort is one of the closest vacation home communities to Walt Disney World, sitting just 3 miles from the main gate in Kissimmee, Florida. The gated resort spans more than 300 acres of conservation-bordered land with roughly 600 homes, two heated community pools, a poolside tiki bar, tennis and pickleball courts, an 11-acre nature trail, and a clubhouse that hosts activities throughout the week.
Built between 2002 and 2006, Emerald Island has become one of the most established short-term rental communities in the Disney corridor. It draws families, multigenerational groups, and repeat visitors who prefer the space and privacy of a vacation home over a hotel room. Most homes have private screened pools, fully equipped kitchens, and game rooms with pool tables and themed bedrooms.
Below is everything you need to know before booking, from the full amenity breakdown to distances, fees, nearby grocery stores, and how Emerald Island compares to other resort communities in the area.
Where Is Emerald Island Resort? (Location and Distances)
Emerald Island Resort is located at 2751 Emerald Island Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747. The entrance is off US-192 (W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy) near Mile Marker 4, with quick access to I-4 and Osceola Parkway. The location puts it among the closest vacation home communities to Disney World in the area.
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World (main gate) | 3 miles | 10-15 min |
| Magic Kingdom / EPCOT / Hollywood Studios / Animal Kingdom | 3-7 miles | 10-20 min (varies by park) |
| Island H2O Water Park | ~2 miles | 5 min |
| SeaWorld Orlando | ~11 miles | 15-20 min |
| Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure | ~14 miles | 20-25 min |
| LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven) | ~24 miles | ~35 min |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | ~24 miles | 25-35 min |
| Publix (Orange Lake) | ~2 miles | 5 min |
| Walmart Supercenter | ~2.5 miles | 5-7 min |
The 3-mile distance to Disney is a major advantage. On a typical morning, you can leave the house at 8:15 and be at the Magic Kingdom parking plaza by 8:30. Compare that to resorts in Davenport or ChampionsGate, which are 10 to 20 minutes farther. If minimizing drive time is a priority, Emerald Island is hard to beat.
Island H2O Water Park is about a 5-minute drive from the resort, making it an easy afternoon activity. If you are wondering whether renting a car in Orlando is necessary, the answer for Emerald Island guests is yes. Nothing is within walking distance, but everything is a short drive.
What Amenities Does Emerald Island Resort Have?
Emerald Island Resort has a full-service clubhouse, two heated pools, a licensed tiki bar, a fitness center, sports courts, a playground, and an 11-acre nature trail. The community amenities are included for all guests, and the clubhouse is open seven days a week with a concierge team that organizes activities and events.
Clubhouse
Lounge with large-screen TV, meeting rooms, business center, concierge desk. Open daily. Hosts weekly activities and events for families.
Two Heated Pools
A larger family pool and a quieter adult pool. Both heated year-round. Ample lounge chairs and shade areas around each.
Hot Tub / Spa
Adjacent to the main pool area. Open to all guests during pool hours.
Tiki Bar (Licensed)
Poolside bar serving drinks and light snacks. One of the few resort communities near Disney with a licensed bar on-site.
Fitness Center
Gym with cardio and weight equipment. Sauna and steam room available.
Sports Courts
Tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball court, and sand volleyball court.
Playground
Children’s playground with multiple play structures. Great for younger kids who need to burn off energy after a park day.
11-Acre Nature Trail
Walking trail through conservation woodland. Peaceful morning walk or evening stroll. Some areas designated for off-leash dogs.
Game Room
Community game room at the clubhouse with activities for kids and families.
BBQ Area
Outdoor grilling stations near the pool for cookouts. Bring your own food from the nearby Publix.
Standout amenity: The tiki bar is a genuine differentiator. Most vacation home communities near Disney have a pool and a clubhouse, but very few have a licensed bar where you can sit poolside with a drink while the kids swim. It makes the pool area feel more like a resort hotel than a residential community.
The 11-acre nature trail is another underrated feature. The conservation woodland that borders the resort is home to birds, turtles, and the occasional sandhill crane. The trail is flat, shaded, and an easy loop for families, joggers, or anyone who wants a break from the parks. Pet-friendly areas along the trail are a bonus for guests traveling with dogs (check your property’s pet policy before booking).
What Types of Homes Are at Emerald Island Resort?
Emerald Island Resort has roughly 600 homes ranging from 3-bedroom townhomes to 7-bedroom single-family villas. Most homes were built between 2002 and 2006, and many have been updated with modern furnishings, themed bedrooms, and upgraded game rooms. The majority of villas have private screened pools and covered lanais (patios), so you are not limited to the community pools.
| Home Type | Bedrooms | Approx. Size | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townhomes | 3 BR / 2.5 BA | ~1,300 sq ft | Private pool, equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, patio |
| Smaller Villas | 4 BR | ~2,000 sq ft | Private pool, game room, themed bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms |
| Mid-Size Villas | 5-6 BR | 2,500-3,000 sq ft | Private pool/spa, game room, multiple living areas, themed rooms |
| Large Villas | 7+ BR | ~3,500 sq ft | Private pool/spa, game room, themed rooms, outdoor BBQ, multiple masters |
The 3-bedroom townhomes are the most affordable option and work well for small families or couples. The 5- to 6-bedroom villas are the most popular for families with kids, offering enough space for everyone to spread out after a long day at the parks. The larger 7-bedroom villas are ideal for multigenerational groups or families traveling together who want to split the cost of a single home rather than booking multiple hotel rooms.
A full kitchen in every home is one of the biggest advantages of staying here. Cooking breakfast and lunch at the house and saving the dining budget for one great restaurant dinner each night can easily save a family of four $100 to $150 per day compared to eating every meal at theme park restaurants.
Browse FunStay Homes vacation rentals at Emerald Island Resort to see available homes with photos, pricing, and guest reviews.
Is Emerald Island Resort Gated?
Yes. Emerald Island Resort is a gated community with a 24-hour manned guardhouse at the entrance. Security patrols the property around the clock, and all visitors must check in at the gate before entering. The resort is surrounded by conservation land on multiple sides, which provides a natural buffer and adds privacy.
When you arrive, you will need to provide your reservation details at the gate. Your property manager will typically register you in advance so the guard has your information ready. If you have guests visiting during your stay, let your property manager know ahead of time so they can be added to the guest list.
Arrival tip: If you are arriving late at night after a long flight, have your booking confirmation easily accessible on your phone. The gate staff are friendly and efficient, but having your details ready speeds up the process, especially if there are cars waiting behind you. We put together a full breakdown of getting from MCO to your vacation rental in Kissimmee with all the options.
What Are the Fees at Emerald Island Resort?
Some guests are surprised to find out that Emerald Island Resort charges a resort access fee and a parking fee in addition to the nightly rental rate. These fees are common across vacation home communities near Disney, but they are not always clearly communicated during booking.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort Access Fee | ~$10 per reservation | Covers access to community amenities (pools, clubhouse, courts) |
| Parking Fee | ~$20 per vehicle per stay | Per vehicle, for the duration of your stay |
Important note: Fee amounts and policies may vary depending on your property management company. Always confirm exact fees with your property manager or rental host before booking. Some management companies include these fees in the rental rate while others list them separately. When you book direct with FunStay Homes, all fees are clearly disclosed upfront with no surprises at check-in.
What Grocery Stores and Restaurants Are Near Emerald Island Resort?
Nothing is within walking distance of Emerald Island Resort, but grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations are all within a 5- to 7-minute drive along US-192. You will not need to go far for anything.
Grocery and Essentials
- Publix (Orange Lake location): ~2 miles, 5 minutes. Best option for fresh produce, deli items, and prepared foods.
- Walmart Supercenter (Old Lake Wilson Rd): ~2.5 miles, 5-7 minutes. Lower prices, wider selection, open 24 hours.
- Formosa Gardens Village: ~1.5 miles east on Funie Steed Road. Small retail center with convenience stores.
- Gas stations: Multiple along US-192 within 2 miles of the resort entrance.
Restaurants
The US-192 corridor near Emerald Island has dozens of restaurants. A few minutes west toward Kissimmee you will find the best family-friendly restaurants near Disney, including seafood boil houses, steakhouses, and casual chains. Highlights near the resort include:
- Casual dining: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Buffalo Wild Wings
- Quick meals: IHOP, Denny’s, Starbucks (all within 5 minutes)
- Seafood: 192 Crab & Lobster, Mr. & Mrs. Crab (Cajun seafood boils on US-192)
- Family favorites: Giordano’s (deep dish pizza), plus plenty of family-friendly pizza spots near Disney
- Margaritaville Resort / Sunset Walk: ~10 minutes. A growing entertainment district with restaurants, bowling, and a movie theater.
Pro tip: Stop at Publix or Walmart on your way in from the airport and stock up on breakfast supplies, snacks, water, and pool drinks. Having a stocked kitchen from day one makes the first morning at the house easy and saves a rushed grocery trip later.
How Does Emerald Island Compare to Other Resorts Near Disney?
Choosing a vacation home community near Disney often comes down to proximity, amenities, and price. Here is how Emerald Island stacks up against the other popular options. We also have a full comparison of resort communities near Disney with water parks and lazy rivers if water features are high on your list.
Emerald Island’s biggest advantage is location. At 3 miles from Disney, it is one of the closest vacation home communities in the area. It also has a more established, tree-lined feel compared to newer developments, and the conservation borders give it a quieter atmosphere. The trade-off is that the community pool and water features are less elaborate than ChampionsGate’s resort-style pool or Storey Lake’s splash pads. If water park amenities are important, those communities may be a better fit. If proximity, privacy, and a relaxed atmosphere matter more, Emerald Island is the stronger choice.
Tips for Your First Stay at Emerald Island Resort
- Stock the kitchen on the way in. Hit Publix or Walmart before you drive to the resort. A stocked fridge from day one means no morning grocery run.
- Arrive before dark if possible. The resort is easy to navigate in daylight, and you will want to unpack and orient yourself while you can still see the layout. The 11-acre trail, the pool area, and the clubhouse are all easier to find before sunset.
- Bring pool toys. Your private pool will get heavy use. Dollar-store pool noodles, goggles, and inflatable floats make the pool area feel like a mini resort for kids.
- Use the tiki bar. After a long park day, pick up the kids from the community pool, order a drink from the tiki bar, and sit poolside. It is one of the most relaxing experiences in the Disney corridor.
- Walk the nature trail in the morning. The trail is quiet, shaded, and a nice reset before another day at the parks. If you have a dog, the trail has pet-friendly areas to explore.
- Book Disney dining reservations 60 days out. Popular restaurants at Disney Springs and the parks fill up fast. Set a reminder and book early.
- Plan at least one rest day. Use the private pool, explore Kissimmee with the kids, or visit Island H2O Water Park (5 minutes away). The vacation does not need to be nonstop theme parks.
Book Your Stay at Emerald Island Resort
Three miles from Disney, private pool homes, gated security, and a tiki bar by the community pool. Browse FunStay Homes vacation rentals at Emerald Island Resort to find the right home for your family, or learn more about why families book direct with FunStay Homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emerald Island Resort good for families?
Yes. Emerald Island is one of the most family-friendly vacation home communities near Disney World. The gated entrance with 24-hour security gives parents peace of mind, the two heated pools and playground are built for families, most homes have private pools and game rooms, and the 3-mile distance to Disney means less time driving and more time at the parks. It is popular with multigenerational groups and families with young children.
How far is Emerald Island Resort from Disney World?
Emerald Island Resort is approximately 3 miles from the Walt Disney World main gate, which translates to a 10- to 15-minute drive depending on traffic. Individual parks within the Disney property range from 3 to 7 miles. It is one of the closest vacation home communities to Disney.
Is there a resort fee at Emerald Island Resort?
Emerald Island charges a resort access fee (approximately $10 per reservation) and a parking fee (approximately $20 per vehicle per stay). These fees cover access to the community amenities including the pools, clubhouse, and courts. Exact amounts and policies may vary by property management company, so confirm with your host before booking.
Can you walk to Disney from Emerald Island Resort?
No. While Emerald Island is only 3 miles from the Disney main gate, there are no pedestrian paths connecting the resort to Disney property. You will need a car, ride-share (Uber/Lyft), or shuttle service. The drive is short, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
Is Emerald Island Resort pet-friendly?
It depends on the individual property. Some homeowners at Emerald Island allow pets (typically dogs, with a fee of around $75 per pet per stay), while others have a strict no-pet policy. The community itself has an 11-acre nature trail with pet-friendly areas. Always confirm the pet policy with your property manager before booking.
What is the best time to visit Emerald Island Resort?
The best time for lower prices and shorter theme park lines is mid-January through mid-February and mid-September through mid-November (excluding holiday weeks). The weather is still warm enough for the pool. Summer (June through August) is peak season with the highest prices and longest park lines but the best pool weather. Stone crab season (October through April) is a bonus for seafood lovers dining along US-192.
Does Emerald Island Resort have a lazy river or water slides?
No. The community pools are heated swimming pools with a hot tub and a tiki bar, but there are no water slides, lazy rivers, or splash pads. If water park-style amenities are a priority, other resort communities near Disney offer those features. Most homes at Emerald Island have private pools, which is where families spend the majority of their pool time.
