Planning a trip to Walt Disney World usually starts with the parks, flights and tickets. But one decision can have an even bigger impact on your vacation: where should you stay?
For families looking for a vacation home rather than a traditional hotel room, three of the most popular areas around Disney are Kissimmee, Davenport and Clermont.
All three offer vacation rentals within convenient driving distance of Walt Disney World, but they have different advantages. The best choice depends on what matters most to your family: proximity to the parks, space, neighborhood amenities, price or a quieter atmosphere.
Here’s how they compare.
Kissimmee: Best for Being Close to the Action
Kissimmee is one of the most established vacation-rental destinations in Central Florida and a popular choice for Disney visitors.
Many vacation-home communities are located close to the Disney area, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Depending on the neighborhood and traffic, some homes can be only a short drive from the Walt Disney World property.
Why choose Kissimmee?
Kissimmee is particularly attractive if you want to spend most of your vacation around Disney and the surrounding attractions.
You’ll find a large selection of townhomes and private homes, including properties with private pools or spas. Many communities also offer resort-style amenities such as community pools, fitness centers and clubhouses.
Families also have easy access to the restaurants, shops and entertainment along the major tourist corridors.
Best for: Families who want convenience, lots of nearby dining and entertainment, and easy access to Disney.
Davenport: Best for Space and Value
Drive a little farther from the busiest tourist areas and you’ll reach Davenport, another major vacation-home destination.
Davenport has experienced significant growth and offers a huge selection of newer vacation communities. Homes here can often provide more space for the money, making the area particularly attractive for larger families and groups.
Private pools, multiple bedrooms, game rooms and large living spaces are common features in Davenport vacation homes.
Depending on the exact community, the drive to Disney can still be very reasonable. Keep in mind, however, that the specific address matters more than simply seeing “Davenport” on a listing. Two Davenport homes can have noticeably different drive times to the parks.
Why choose Davenport?
If you’re traveling with grandparents, multiple families or a larger group, having extra bedrooms and your own kitchen and living areas can make a major difference.
After spending an entire day in the parks, coming back to your own private home and pool is pretty hard to beat.
Best for: Larger families, groups and travelers who prioritize space and value.
Clermont: Best for a Quieter Vacation
Clermont sits northwest of the main Disney tourist corridor and offers a somewhat different Central Florida experience.
The area is known for its rolling terrain, residential communities and generally quieter atmosphere. Yet many vacation homes in southern Clermont remain conveniently positioned for Disney trips.
Clermont can be an excellent option for families who want to visit the parks but don’t necessarily want to spend their entire vacation surrounded by tourist activity.
Why choose Clermont?
You can enjoy Disney during the day and retreat to a more relaxed environment afterward.
It’s also a good base for travelers planning to explore more of Central Florida beyond the theme parks.
Best for: Families who prefer a quieter setting while remaining within driving distance of Disney.
Kissimmee vs. Davenport vs. Clermont: Which Is Best?
There isn’t one winner for everyone.
If your priority is being close to Disney and surrounding entertainment, start with Kissimmee.
If you want a larger vacation home and strong value, look closely at Davenport.
If you prefer a quieter residential atmosphere, Clermont may be the better fit.
But there’s another important consideration: don’t choose a vacation rental based on the city name alone.
Look at the home’s actual location, amenities, number of bedrooms, pool options and driving routes to the places you intend to visit.
Vacation Home or Disney-Area Hotel?
For a couple spending most of the day in the parks, a hotel room can make perfect sense.
For families and groups, however, a vacation home offers some major advantages.
Instead of squeezing everyone into one or two hotel rooms, you can have separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining areas and, at many properties, your own private pool.
Having a kitchen can also make mornings much easier. Breakfast at the house before heading to Disney can save both time and money—particularly when traveling with children.
And after a long park day, parents may appreciate having somewhere to relax after the kids go to bed instead of whispering in a dark hotel room.
Find the Right Vacation Home Near Disney
At Invilla, we offer professionally managed vacation homes throughout the Disney area, including Kissimmee, Davenport and Clermont.
Rather than choosing solely by city, browse the homes and find the combination of location, bedrooms, amenities and price that works best for your trip.
Ready to start planning your Disney vacation? Browse our available vacation homes and book directly with Invilla.