Orlando is one of the hottest short-term rental (STR) markets in the country. Millions of tourists visit every year, creating steady demand for great places to stay.
But not all communities are created equal. As vacation home owners ourselves, we know the difference between a property that just gets by and one that delivers a fantastic return on investment. The right location, amenities, and home type can make all the difference.
This guide is for investors who want to make a smart, data-driven decision. We’ll break down the top four short-term rental communities near Disney: Windsor Hills, Storey Lake, ChampionsGate, and Windsor Island. We’ll compare their investment potential, guest appeal, and what makes each one unique.
Let’s find the right fit for your goals.
The Big Four: A Quick Comparison
Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot of what makes these communities stand out. Each one offers something different for investors and guests.
| Resort | Vibe & Audience | Distance to Disney | Key Investment Metric |
| Windsor Hills | Classic Family Favorite | 2 miles (5-10 min) | Best value & proximity |
| Storey Lake | Modern & Amenity-Rich | 5 miles (10-15 min) | Highest occupancy potential |
| ChampionsGate | Luxury Golf & Large Groups | 9-13 miles (15-25 min) | Top-tier rental income |
| Windsor Island | New & Resort-Style | 9-11 miles (18-22 min) | Strong appreciation & guest ratings |
Now, let’s explore what these numbers mean for your investment.
Windsor Hills Resort: The Reliable Veteran
Windsor Hills is a name that every Orlando investor knows. It’s one of the closest communities to Disney, just a 5-minute drive away. This makes it a huge draw for families with young children who need quick trips back for naps. It’s a well-established, gated community that has been a favorite for years.
Guest Appeal
- Location is Everything: You can’t get much closer to Disney. This is its biggest selling point.
- Family-Focused Fun: It has a massive lagoon-style pool, a water park with slides, playgrounds, and even a movie theater.
- Value: Guests feel they get more for their money here compared to a Disney hotel, especially larger families.
Investment Profile
- Average Rental Income (5-6 BR): $48,000–$65,000 annually.
- Occupancy Rate: A solid 68–75%, hitting 80%+ in peak seasons.
- Property Appreciation: Steady and reliable at 3–4% annually.
- Entry Price (5 BR Home): Starts around $480,000.
Windsor Hills is a smart choice for investors looking for a dependable performer with a lower entry price. Its unbeatable location keeps it in high demand. Just be prepared to update older units to stay competitive.
Storey Lake Resort: The Modern Occupancy King
Storey Lake is newer, sleeker, and packed with modern amenities. It’s located just a bit further out than Windsor Hills but offers incredible access to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Its two clubhouses, lazy river, and kayak rentals make it feel like a true resort destination.
Guest Appeal
- Modern Homes: Guests love the new, clean, and modern feel of the homes.
- Amazing Amenities: The lazy river and dual waterslides are huge hits with families.
- Central Location: Perfectly positioned between all the major theme parks and shopping outlets.
Investment Profile
- Average Rental Income (5-6 BR): $65,000–$90,000+ annually.
- Occupancy Rate: A market-leading 77–83%, thanks to its broad appeal.
- Property Appreciation: A strong 4–5% annually.
- Entry Price (5 BR Home): Starts around $600,000.
Storey Lake is a top performer for occupancy and rental income. If you’re willing to invest a bit more upfront for consistent, year-round bookings, this community is hard to beat.
ChampionsGate Resort: The Luxury Powerhouse
ChampionsGate is a mega-resort known for its scale and luxury. With two championship golf courses and a massive clubhouse called the Oasis Club, it attracts large groups, golf lovers, and travelers seeking a high-end experience. Homes here are often large mansions with themed rooms and private theaters.
Guest Appeal
- World-Class Amenities: A wave pool, lazy river, adult-only pool, and full-service spa set it apart.
- Golfer’s Paradise: The Greg Norman-designed courses are a major draw.
- Spacious Homes: Perfect for multi-generational families or large groups who want to stay together.
Investment Profile
- Average Rental Income (7-9 BR): $80,000–$120,000+ annually.
- Occupancy Rate: A wide range of 68-85%, with luxury homes performing at the top end.
- Property Appreciation: An impressive 4–6% annually.
- Entry Price (5 BR Home): Starts around $650,000.
ChampionsGate is where you go for big returns. The investment is higher, but the potential for top-dollar rental income is unmatched, especially for large, luxury properties.
Windsor Island Resort: The New Star
As the newest member of the “Windsor” family, Windsor Island has quickly become a fan favorite. It offers a “mega-resort” water park and stunning, modern homes built with today’s traveler in mind. Guests love the “wow” factor, and it shows in the stellar reviews.
Guest Appeal
- Brand-New Water Park: The huge zero-entry pool, lazy river, and slides are a massive attraction.
- Modern Design: The homes are fresh, stylish, and often feature incredible themed rooms.
- Resort Vibe: With a fire pit for watching Disney fireworks and a hammock garden, guests can enjoy a full vacation without leaving the resort.
Investment Profile
- Average Rental Income (5-6 BR): $58,000–$100,000+ annually.
- Occupancy Rate: A strong 72–80%, with newness driving high demand.
- Property Appreciation: A healthy 4–5% annually, with early investors seeing great gains.
- Entry Price (5 BR Home): Starts around $670,000.
Windsor Island is a fantastic all-rounder. It blends new construction, incredible amenities, and strong rental income potential, making it one of the most exciting investment opportunities in Orlando right now.
ChampionsGate is where you go for big returns. The investment is higher, but the potential for top-dollar rental income is unmatched, especially for large, luxury properties.
Find the Best Short-Term Rental Community Near Disney
Choosing the right short-term rental community near Disney is the most important step in your investment journey. Each of these four communities offers a proven path to success, but the best one for you depends on your budget, goals, and investment style.
- For value and proximity: Windsor Hills is your go-to.
- For modern appeal and high occupancy: Storey Lake delivers consistently.
- For luxury and top-tier income: ChampionsGate is the powerhouse.
- For newness and “wow” factor: Windsor Island is the rising star.
As vacation home owners and experienced Orlando realtors, we’ve helped countless investors navigate this market. We understand the data, the trends, and what it takes to build a profitable portfolio.
Ready to explore your options?
- Schedule a call with me, Mike Chen, to discuss your investment goals.
- View current listings in these top communities and find your next great investment.
Let’s find a vacation home you’ll love.
