Orlando isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s where smart investors and families build legacies. Whether you're dreaming of a second home in the sunshine or eyeing passive income through Airbnb, this city delivers.
With 75 million+ annual visitors and endless demand for short-term rentals, Orlando offers serious potential, and it starts with location.
So, where should you look? We’ve rounded up the seven best neighborhoods in Orlando with vacation homes, from family-friendly enclaves to high-return vacation rental communities near Disney World.
Let’s find the right fit for your next move.
What Makes a Great Vacation Home Neighborhood in Orlando?
If you're buying in Orlando, it’s not just about the house; it’s about the neighborhood. The best vacation home communities offer more than location; they deliver lifestyle, income, and long-term value.
Proximity to Disney World: Homes just minutes from the parks consistently perform better. Guests want convenience, and so do you.
Short-term rental zoning: The top neighborhoods are built for investors, with STR-friendly HOAs and no rental restrictions.
Resort-style amenities: Think pools, water parks, gyms, and restaurants. These family-friendly vacation home neighborhoods in Orlando make every stay feel like a resort escape.
High ROI potential: You’ll find stronger occupancy and better returns in the gated communities with vacation rentals Orlando investors rely on year after year.
Professional community management: Clean, safe, and beautifully maintained. That’s the standard in the places we recommend when clients ask where to buy a vacation home in Orlando
Top 7 Vacation Home Communities Near Disney
1. ChampionsGate
A Golf-Lover’s Paradise Just Minutes from Disney
Looking for vacation home communities near Disney that blend luxury, recreation, and consistent rental appeal? ChampionsGate checks every box.
Developed by Lennar, this master-planned community is home to resort-style villas, single-family homes, and new vacation homes for sale near Disney, all STR-approved. Investors love the year-round demand driven by international tourists and Disney families alike.
Why buyers choose ChampionsGate:
Two Greg Norman-designed golf courses
10,000 sq. ft. spa, fitness center, and wave pool
Private cabanas, lazy river, and splash zones
Access to the Omni Resort’s upscale amenities
Onsite retail, restaurants, and gated access
Whether you're seeking an investment vacation home area in Orlando or a family-friendly getaway with serious income potential, ChampionsGate delivers both ROI and luxury living.
2. Reunion Resort
Luxury, Golf, and Family Fun in the Best Resort Community Near Disney
Reunion Resort is where luxury vacation living meets world-class amenities. This expansive, gated community just six miles from Disney is home to some of the best resort-style vacation homes near Orlando, and it’s fully short-term rental approved.
With three championship golf courses, a water park, and elevated dining, it’s no surprise this is one of the best resort communities near Disney for both families and investors.
Why buyers choose Reunion Resort:
Signature courses by Palmer, Nicklaus, and Watson
5-acre water park with slides, lazy river, and splash pad
11 community pools, tennis courts, and pickleball
Fine dining, rooftop bars, and in-home chef services
Luxury villas, condos, and custom homes with STR zoning
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a five-star resort and performs like a smart investment, Reunion sits high on the list of Disney-area vacation rental neighborhoods.
3. Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Effortless Resort Living Just Minutes from Disney
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa blends vacation comfort with income potential, all just 4 miles from the parks. This condo-hotel style property is fully zoned for short-term rentals and ideal for buyers looking for a turnkey experience in a professionally managed setting.
Why buyers choose Lake Buena Vista:
Spacious 1–4 bedroom condos with full kitchens and private balconies
Pirate ship-themed pool, whirlpools, and splash zone
Full-service spa, fitness center, arcade, and on-site pub
Walkable to outlet shopping and a short drive to Disney Springs
STR zoning and optional rental program for hands-free hosting
Suppose you’re searching for vacation homes for sale inside a true Orlando resort near Walt Disney World.In that case, this community makes it effortless to earn income and unwind in one of Central Florida’s most convenient locations.
4. Storey Lake Resort
Minutes from Disney World
An investment vacation home hotspot in Kissimmee offering world-class amenities, endless entertainment, and a strong short-term rental track record.
Why It’s Popular:
STR-zoned and Airbnb-friendly
Perfect for families and group bookings
Tiki bar, lazy river, waterslides—guests love the amenities
Ideal for your next vacation home or rental portfolio
Homes Available: New and resale options: 2–5 bedroom condos, townhomes with splash pools, large villas with private pools
Amenities:
2 lazy rivers, splash pad, waterslides
Fitness center, sports courts, and mini-golf
Lakefront clubhouse + on-site dining
Resort shuttle + 24/7 gated security
This is where to buy a vacation home in Orlando if you want high occupancy, breathtaking amenities, and sunny weather year-round. Homes here are proven performers, whether you're investing or just escaping winter.
5. Windsor Island Resort
Tropical Vibes, Top Returns — The Newest Gem Near Disney
Just 9 miles from Walt Disney World, Windsor Island Resort is one of the best resort communities near Disney for new buyers. Built by Pulte, this gated community blends vacation magic with serious income potential, and the amenities feel more like a cruise than a subdivision.
Why buyers choose Windsor Island:
✔️ STR-approved homes built for Airbnb bookings
✔️ 5–10 bedroom townhomes and villas with splash pools and private yards
✔️ Lazy river, waterslides, cabanas, hammocks, and tiki bar
✔️ Fitness center, arcade, playgrounds, tennis courts, mini-golf
✔️ Minutes to Sunset Walk, Island H2O Water Park, and golf courses
If you're wondering where to buy a vacation home in Orlando with a fresh, upscale vibe and strong ROI, Windsor Island might be the one. From big family groups to quick weekend getaways, this place keeps calendars booked and guests smiling.
6. Solara Resort
Vacation Homes Built for Fun, Families, and ROI
Looking for where to buy a vacation home in Orlando that checks every box? Solara Resort is a top contender. Built by Mattamy Homes and STR-zoned from the start, this investment vacation home community brings the best of location, lifestyle, and rental appeal together under Florida’s sunny skies.
📍 Location: Kissimmee, just minutes from Disney and I-4
Homes: 4–9 bedroom townhomes and villas with private pools
Why It’s a Favorite:
FlowRider® surf simulator (a guest favorite!)
Resort-style pool, splash pad, clubhouse, and full gym
Soccer field, basketball court, beach volleyball
On-site bar, café, sundry shop, and outdoor fitness lawn
STR-approved and managed for hands-free ownership
From family reunions to group getaways, Solara’s amenities create a breathtaking experience your guests will rave about. For you, it’s a perfect place to invest and a picturesque retreat for your next Orlando escape.
7. Windsor Cay Resort
Orlando’s Newest Master-Planned STR Community
Just 15 minutes from Disney, Windsor Cay is the final chapter in the award-winning “Windsor” series. This brand-new resort in Clermont delivers everything today’s Airbnb investors and vacation-seeking families are looking for: bold design, short-term rental zoning, and five-star amenities, wrapped into one breathtaking destination.
Why It’s Popular:
✅ New construction in a STR-approved resort
✅ 5–10 bedroom homes with private screened pools
✅ Exclusive $15K–$40K buyer incentives available
✅ Clubhouse, water slides, tiki bar, splash pad (opening 2025)
✅ Manned gated entry + concierge services
Homes Available:
Spacious townhomes and single-family homes (5–10 bedrooms)
Modern finishes, entertainment-ready layouts, and private pools
Rental-ready models and customizable upgrades are available
If you’ve been searching for a vacation home for sale near Disney with early equity potential, this is it. Windsor Cay combines smart investment with sunny, easygoing living before prices peak.
Let’s Find the Right Vacation Home—From Someone Who Lives This Every Day
I’m not just a Realtor—I own and manage over 100 Airbnbs right here in Orlando. I know which communities deliver real ROI, which HOAs are STR-friendly, and where guests actually want to book. Whether you're buying your first vacation home or expanding your rental portfolio, I’ll help you avoid the pitfalls and invest with confidence.
