Off-Site Hotels and Vacation Homes More Space, Less Cost
Choosing where to stay in Orlando is almost as big a decision as choosing which ride to rope drop first. Do you go all-in on the immersive Disney Resort or Universal Orlando Hotel experience? (Read about staying on-site here.) Or do you opt for an off-site hotel or vacation rental, trading convenience for extra space and potentially huge savings? If you’re looking for more room to stretch out, a kitchen to cut down on dining costs, and a breather from the theme park madness, staying off-site might just be your happily-ever-after. The aim of this off-resort accommodation guide is to help you make this decision easier.
That said, off-site accommodations come with their own set of considerations. While you might find a Fantasmic deal on a villa with a pool, you’ll need to factor in things like travel time, transportation costs, and the dreaded early-morning hustle to make it to rope drop (though at least you won’t be frantically refreshing My Disney Experience for a Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind boarding group any more). Because let’s be real—no one wants to tell their kids they missed their Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane because of a poorly planned commute.
Why a Vacation Rental Might Be Your Best Bet
A vacation home rental in Orlando can be a game-changer, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group or just need some breathing room after a long day dodging Dementors at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or failing to defeat Zurg on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and become a Galactic Hero.
For those visiting in the summer, a rental can be a lifesaver when you hit a rainy day and decide to stay in rather than squelch through the parks with soggy socks (Check our Guide to Packing for the parks).
Unlike a hotel room, a vacation rental gives you multiple bedrooms, a living space, and best of all a kitchen. Now, I’m not saying you need to spend your vacation whipping up a feast worthy of Be Our Guest, or skip making a dash for the Spring Roll cart in Adventureland but being able to make a quick breakfast or late-night snack can help save money.
Eating out for every meal, especially in the parks, adds up fast. Plus there’s only so many Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Butterbeers a person can consume before both your stomach and your wallet start protesting.
Then, there’s the private pool. Instead of fighting for lounge chairs at packed resort pools, you can come home, skip the crowds, and unwind in your very own poolside paradise. Speaking from experience, a private pool is an amazing way for kids to gain confidence in the water—over half my family learned to swim in the pool of an Orlando vacation rental, and if that’s not a Big Blue endorsement, I don’t know what is (Just keep swimming…).
Throw in a poolside BBQ, and suddenly, your Disney trip has an extra dose of relaxation you never knew you needed. (Or maybe you did).
The Trade-Offs of Staying Off-Resort
Of course, all these perks come with one major trade-off: distance from the parks.
Unlike staying at a Disney Resort or a Universal Premier Hotel, where you can just hop on a monorail, Skyliner, boat, or bus, staying off-site means you’ll likely need a rental car (or be ready to Uber everywhere).
For example, if you’re staying in a rental home in the Indian Ridge area, expect about a 25 minute drive to Magic Kingdom’s parking lot and that’s before you factor in the wait for the monorail or ferry to actually reach the park entrance. Plus, unless you’ve got an Annual Pass with free parking, you’ll need to budget $30 per day for Disney parking.
Universal’s parking situation is a little easier thanks to its massive parking garage at CityWalk, but you’ll still have a bit of a trek to the gates. That said, Epic Universe will have its own separate entrance and parking lot, so we’ll see how that changes things!
And, of course, gas isn’t free (despite our best wishes), so don’t forget to budget for fuel costs
Off-Site Hotels
Budget-Friendly, But Choose Wisely
If a vacation rental isn’t your thing but you still want to save some cash, consider staying at an off-resort hotel. Orlando has no shortage of options, everything from wallet friendly motels to luxury resorts.
Where you stay really matters. Some areas are significantly more convenient than others, so here are three top picks depending on your priorities:
1. Lake Buena Vista: Best for Disney
If you want to be near the magic without paying Disney prices, Lake Buena Vista is a fantastic choice. You’ll find plenty of brand named hotels, some even offering free shuttles to the parks. Plus, you’re minutes from Disney Springs—home to some of Orlando’s best dining and shopping.
Another perk of Lake Buena Vista If you’re planning on hitting the parks hard but crashing early, you won’t have to deal with the late night noise and traffic of other areas
2. International Drive: The Heart of the Action
Looking for non-stop fun? International Drive (I-Drive) is right in the middle of the action, and perfectly placed between Disney and Universal.
We’ve stayed in several I-Drive hotels and even walked to Universal in under 40 minutes great if you want to squeeze in some extra steps.
There’s loads to do: ICON Park, Orlando Premium Outlets, and more mini-golf courses than you can swing a putter at. The I-RIDE Trolley makes getting around a breeze—like the PeopleMover, but with less waiting.
3. Kissimmee: Best Budget Option
Need to stretch your budget? Kissimmee offers some of the cheapest hotel rates in the area, while still keeping you close to the parks.
You’ll also find loads of vacation rentals here, making it a great hybrid option for families or longer stays.
Things to Watch Out For
Before you book your off-site stay, there are a few potential pitfalls to keep in mind:
- Resort Fees: Some off-site hotels sneak in nightly charges, so check the fine print!
- Shuttle Schedules: Some off-site hotels offer free theme park shuttles, but they often run on a limited schedule. If you’re planning an early morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to snag a quick getaway from the First Order on Rise of the Resistance, double-check that your hotel’s shuttle will get you there on timeor be prepared to Uber or a long wait in line
- Commute Time: Even if a hotel says it’s “minutes from Disney”, that doesn’t include traffic, parking, and waiting for transportation.
Vacation Rentals What to Watch For
Before you book that dreamy Orlando villa with a pool, make sure you’re not setting yourself up for unexpected surprises. Not all vacation rentals are created equal, and while they look magical in photos, the fine print can make or break your stay.
- Pool Perks… or Problems?: A private pool sounds like the ultimate post-park relaxation spot, but here’s the catch: many rentals have strict pool heating schedules or charge extra to heat the pool at all. If you’re visiting in January, a non-heated pool is about as refreshing as getting soaked on Splash Mountain right before sunset (yes, I’m still bitter about that time I forgot my poncho). Always double-check if pool heating is included and whether you need to request it in advance.
- BBQ Policies: That gorgeous patio might look perfect for a BBQ around the pool, but not all rentals allow BBQs. Some communities have strict fire regulations, meaning you’ll need to swap out your backyard cookout for takeout from 4 Rivers Smokehouse (which, honestly, isn’t a bad backup plan).
- Surprise Fees & House Rules: Look out for hidden cleaning fees, service charges, and deposits that can quickly add up.
A vacation rental can be a fantastic option, but always read the fine print, ask questions, and check guest reviews or sites like Trip Advisor. The last thing you want is to arrive exhausted from a full day at the parks only to find that your pool is freezing, your BBQ dreams are dashed, and your Wi-Fi is slower than the line for Peter Pan’s Flight on a holiday weekend. Do your research, and you’ll be set for a magical, stress-free stay!
Final Thoughts: Which Option is Right for You?
If you love full theme park immersion, staying on-site is worth the splurge. But if you want to save money, have more space, and add some relaxation, an off-site hotel or vacation rental could be the better choice.
Still undecided? Check out our Ultimate Disney vs. Universal Resort Comparison!
Or, why not mix and match? In 2022, we split our stay between a Disney Resort, a vacation home, and a Universal hotel (hello, free Express Passes!). It was the perfect mix of magic, comfort, and savings.
Want more tips? Check more out here in our Ultimate Orlando Vacation Planning Guide!
