A vacation to Orlando’s theme parks is a kid’s dream come true.
Imagine the thrilling roller coasters, come-to-life cartoon characters, fantastical interactive rides, live musical entertainment, and daily fireworks.
But it’s the parents who have to navigate the logistical nightmare of turning this dream into reality. There are seasonal surges in visitors within the theme parks (check this crowd calendar for Disney Magic Kingdom) - no one wants to wait for 1 hour or more in ride queues. Then there’s planning a multi-day itinerary across multiple parks (Disney World, alone, consists of 4 parks), booking flights, airport transfers, car rental, restaurant options and, of course, accommodation.
And that is where I come in, as your fairy godmother.
While I can’t grant your every wish, I can help make finding and booking affordable accommodation as easy as Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.
I’ve recently discovered a source of high-quality Orlando vacation rentals that is a complete game-changer. You can easily select the perfect family villa to suit your travel group size and budget, and it’s cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Sounds like a fairy tale?
Let’s find out.
Orlando tip: Disney World parks are not actually in Orlando city proper; they are, in fact, located in the town of Kissimmee, which is around 30 miles southwest of central Orlando and a 20-minute drive from Orlando International Airport.
Why Choose a Resort near Disney World?
There are 30+ luxurious resort developments offering vacation home rentals near Disney World. These prime locations include Reunion Resort, Encore Resort at Reunion, Championsgate, Storey Lake Resort, Solterra Resort, Windsor Hills, and more.
You get the best of both worlds with these luxury resorts – the privacy of a villa and facilities matching or exceeding top hotels, such as pools, restaurants, fitness facilities, tennis courts, mini golf, bike rentals, and even waterparks. Some of the villas include private pools, game rooms, home theatres, and personal gyms.
Booking multiple hotel rooms for a large family or group of friends can start to get expensive quickly, not to mention fiddly in terms of logistics. Larger groups can save a lot of money with a luxurious private villa. Plus, you can spend more time with your loved ones in spacious indoor and outdoor living areas.
Orlando Tip: These resorts are not just near Disney World, but also within easy reach of other theme parks like Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld Orlando.
Why Choose Top Villas?
When it comes to family vacation rentals near Disney World, you have a few providers to choose from. But they are not all equal.
To cut to the chase, I recommend Top Villas.
Here’s why.
They offer over 1,600 homes around Disney World in Florida to suit group sizes from 4 up to 36 people. The Top Villas website features a silky smooth online reservation process. Your vacation rental can be booked in just a few minutes, with only a deposit required to secure your dates.
There’s no need to waste time on the complicated Disney Vacation Club (DVC) with its points system and redemption limitations. Ergh!
Top Villas’ Personal Travel Planners are available from their US and UK offices to help plan your trip and provide support during your stay. This is available via dedicated local phone numbers, email, web form or live chat, as well as an FAQ area for instant answers. You get complete peace of mind that you’re not just booking a property and crossing your fingers, but a caring team is always there to help you.
Houses are professionally cleaned to the highest standards between each stay, so when you move in, everything is sparkling.
Top Villas has earned hundreds of positive reviews on Trustpilot from satisfied travellers (4.3 stars out of 5). Every year over 100,000 guests stay in a Top Villas vacation home, so you’re in good company.
Top Villas is one of the world’s leading luxury vacation rental specialists, with several major industry awards, including “World's Leading Villa Collection 2022” from the World Travel Awards.
And when you want to travel further, Top Villas offers over 10,000 high-quality homes in 150+ destinations across North America, the Caribbean and Europe.
It’s safe to say, Top Villas is doing something right.
How to Find the Best Orlando Family Vacation Rentals?
Ok, now that you’re convinced Top Villas is the way to go for your Florida trip, here’s my proven process for choosing the vacation rental villa of your dreams.
Headcount
Firstly, consider how many people are travelling together. Usually, the more people, the lower the price per person. If you’re travelling with friends, that means making sure each person in the group is willing to commit to putting down the money. You can’t choose the correct sized villa until you have a headcount. If your group size is fluid, especially in the early planning stages, then err on the side of caution and pick a larger rather than smaller villa.
Consider Ages
What are the age ranges of your travellers? If you have younger children, look for villas with facilities suited to youngsters, like themed bedrooms, video games, slides, and a kid-friendly swimming pool.
Got a Fur Baby?
If you’re bringing your cat or dog, some villas are pet-friendly. You can use the search filter tool to select only villas that allow pets.
Refund Policy
Check the refund policy, which can vary from villa to villa. Top Villas offers free 14 and 30-day cancellations on some properties. You can use the search filter tool to select only villas that offer free cancellation if you need that level of flexibility.
Guest Reviews
Compare reviews from other verified guests for each villa so you know what to expect. Top Villas already vet every property to ensure it meets their high standards, and each listing is super detailed so you know what to expect. But guest reviews add a little extra peace of mind.
Transport
Consider how you will get to Disney World. Parking fees can get expensive. Some villas include free shuttles to Orlando theme parks and in-resort transportation, so you can really relax on your holiday and save a bit of money. No need to get behind the wheel. But if you want to rent a car, Top Villas can arrange that for you at an extra charge.
Check Resort Membership Perks
Some villas include specific membership programs so you can receive the full benefits of the resort facilities. The programs vary from resort to resort, so to check the details, look for the “learn more” link on the villa listing page. It looks like this:
Add Extras for Stress-Free Travel
Top Villas can arrange everything you need beyond the villa, including theme park tickets, car rental, airport transfers, baby equipment, grocery packs, and even a private chef. If you’re thinking of splashing out on your Orlando vacation, then add all the relevant extras during the booking process, and take the pressure off so you can really unwind.
Compare The Price: Orlando Vacation Rentals vs Hotels
How does Top Villas compare against popular hotels? Based on a common scenario of an extended family visiting Disney World, I’ve compared the cost of accommodation for 6 adults and 6 children for 4 nights (during the same dates in September).
Top Villas:
- Total price: US$859.85 ($214.96/night)
- Sleeps: 12 people (4 bedrooms)
- Includes: fully equipped kitchen, private pool, and sun loungers.
- Resort facilities: lagoon-style pool and splash park, a fitness centre, multiple sports courts, an arcade room, a kids playground and a movie theatre.
- Total price: US$1,077.28 ($269.32/night)
- Sleeps: 12 people (5 bedrooms)
- Includes: fully equipped kitchen, dual living spaces, private pool, and themed bedrooms.
- Resort facilities: 10,000 square foot clubhouse with a tiki bar, fitness centre, video arcade, huge pool featuring a waterslide and lazy river.
Booking.com:
All hotels below include 3 double queen rooms (with 2 beds in each, to sleep a total of 12). Note, that Booking.com shows the taxes and charges separately (such as “resort fees”), which can add up quickly. The prices below include all taxes and charges.
Palazzo Lakeside Hotel
- Total price: US$2,821 ($705.25/night)
- Star rating: 3
- Hotel facilities: basic outdoor pool, includes continental breakfast
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club
- Total price: US$1,381 ($345.25/night)
- Star rating: 3
- Hotel facilities: basic outdoor pool, includes hot continental breakfast (extra daily resort fee)
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
- Total price: US$2,365 ($591.25/night)
- Star rating: 4
- Hotel facilities: 2 outdoor pools, breakfast optional extra
Every time Top Villas comes out ahead, and in some cases, up to 70% cheaper. Plus, you get more space than regular hotel rooms, and shared spaces like living rooms, kitchens and outdoor pools to enjoy your time together as a family or group.
There’s no hard sell. Choosing an Orlando vacation rental is really a no-brainer.
Bottom Line
Planning a Disney World trip requires a lot of effort and dedication.
But the magical memory of watching Mickey roll by on a colourful musical float, almost in slow motion, will stay with your family forever.
These are the precious moments that matter.
And make your quality time last longer with a spacious vacation rental villa. It might be cooking a meal together, swimming in the pool, or relaxing after a long day with a fun movie on the big screen. It’s up to you.
You will know that all your planning and preparation paid off because you made a smart choice with the help of your fairy godmother, Josh.
Now go live happily ever after.
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!
Reader Comments...
"I respond to every comment by direct private email. I look forward to your feedback" - Josh BenderThis post is perfect for planning a Disney World vacation! The tips on selecting rentals and what to look for are really useful. Thanks for making the search easier.
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