A Complete Buyer & Vacation Rental Comparison Near Disney World (2026 Guide)
If you’re considering buying a vacation home or short-term rental near Disney World, two communities consistently rise to the top of the list: ChampionsGate and Reunion Resort.
Both are premier master-planned resorts located minutes from Walt Disney World. Both attract investors, vacationers, and second-home buyers from around the world. And both offer strong short-term rental performance.
But despite their similarities, they serve very different types of buyers and investment goals.
This in-depth comparison breaks down everything you need to know from location and pricing to rental performance, HOA costs, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential, so you can confidently decide which community fits you best.
Quick Comparison: ChampionsGate vs. Reunion Resort
| Feature | ChampionsGate | Reunion Resort |
| Distance to Disney | 13–15 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Property Types | Townhomes, villas, large homes | Condos to luxury estates |
| STR Friendly | Yes (select zones) | Yes (most zones) |
| HOA Costs | Lower & predictable | Higher, varies by village |
| Rental Income | Strong & consistent | Higher upside, more variable |
| Amenities | Family-focused resort | Luxury resort + golf |
| Ideal Buyer | Investors, families | Luxury buyers, golfers |
| Overall Vibe | Energetic, vacation-driven | Upscale, private |
Location & Accessibility
ChampionsGate
Located in Davenport with direct access to Interstate 4, ChampionsGate offers:
- 13–15 minutes to Disney
- Easy access to Universal & SeaWorld
- 25–35 minutes to Orlando International Airport
- Fast access to Tampa via I-4
This location is ideal for investors who want strong guest accessibility and regional convenience.
Reunion Resort
Reunion sits slightly closer to Disney in Kissimmee and benefits from:
- Direct access via Western Way
- Less traffic congestion
- Faster routes to Disney Springs
- 28 minutes to MCO
Property Types & Home Styles
ChampionsGate
Built specifically for short-term rentals, ChampionsGate features:
- 4–9+ bedroom vacation homes
- Townhomes with splash pools
- Themed bedrooms & game rooms
- Modern layouts optimized for groups
The Retreat at ChampionsGate is one of the most popular STR communities in Florida.
Reunion Resort
Reunion offers the widest variety of properties near Disney:
- Condos & villas
- Golf course homes
- Ultra-luxury estates (up to 15 bedrooms)
- Residential-only and STR zones
Many homes include:
- Private theaters
- Resort-style pools
- Custom interiors
- Golf course views
Amenities & Lifestyle Comparison
ChampionsGate Amenities
- 16,000+ sq ft Oasis Club
- Lazy river & water slides
- Fitness center & arcade
- Movie theater
- Golf courses
- Family-focused environment
Reunion Resort Amenities
- 3 championship golf courses
- 5-acre water park
- Multiple resort pools
- Fine dining & rooftop restaurants
- Spa, fitness, and wellness programs
- Concierge & private services
Home Prices & Rental Income (2026)
ChampionsGate
- Median Price: ~$474,500
- Homes: $175K – $1.1M
- Nightly Rates: $300–$700+
- Avg Occupancy: ~61%
- Annual Revenue: $47K–$88K+
Reunion Resort
- Median Price: ~$439,000
- Luxury Homes: $1M–$4M+
- Nightly Rates: $700–$1,200+
- Occupancy: 60–70%
- Higher ADR, higher expenses
HOA Fees & Ownership Costs
ChampionsGate
- HOA: $55–$564/month
- Oasis Club Fee: ~$85/month
- CDD is included in taxes
- Predictable operating costs
Reunion Resort
- HOA: $420–$850+/month
- Club membership often required
- Costs vary by neighborhood
- Higher operating expenses
Short-Term Rental Performance
ChampionsGate
- Designed for STRs
- High occupancy
- Strong demand year-round
- Flexible management options
- Excellent for first-time investors
Reunion Resort
- Higher nightly rates
- Strong luxury demand
- Requires preferred managers
- Better suited for experienced investors
Family Experience & Guest Appeal
ChampionsGate
✔ Kids’ water park
✔ Game rooms
✔ Themed bedrooms
✔ Active, energetic atmosphere
Reunion Resort
✔ Luxury pools
✔ Golf & spa
✔ Quiet, upscale environment
✔ High-end guest experience
Which Community Is Right for You?
Choose ChampionsGate if you want:
- Strong STR cash flow
- Lower entry cost
- Family-focused rentals
- Easier management
- High booking volume
Choose Reunion Resort if you want:
- Luxury appreciation
- Higher nightly rates
- Golf & resort lifestyle
- Exclusive amenities
- Long-term value play
ChampionsGate vs Reunion Resort: Which Disney-Area Community Is the Better Investment?
Both communities are among the best Disney-area investment locations, but they serve different buyers.
ChampionsGate delivers:
✔ Strong ROI
✔ High occupancy
✔ Family appeal
✔ Predictable income
Reunion Resort delivers:
✔ Prestige & luxury
✔ Premium rental rates
✔ Long-term appreciation
✔ Elite buyer appeal
The right choice depends on whether your priority is cash flow or luxury positioning.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in ChampionsGate or Reunion?
If you’re considering:
- Buying a vacation rental
- Selling an existing STR
- Comparing ROI between communities
- Understanding current market pricing
A data-driven strategy matters.Mike Chen specializes in Disney-area short-term rental properties and works directly with buyers and investors to maximize value, income, and resale potential.
EN
ZH