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
âś” Game rooms
âś” Themed bedrooms
âś” Active, energetic atmosphere
Reunion Resort
âś” Luxury pools
âś” Golf & spa
âś” Quiet, upscale environment
âś” 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:
âś” Strong ROI
âś” High occupancy
âś” Family appeal
âś” Predictable income
Reunion Resort delivers:
âś” Prestige & luxury
âś” Premium rental rates
âś” Long-term appreciation
âś” 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.
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