Choosing the best area to stay near Disney World shapes your whole trip: drive times, prices, space and what's nearby. Here's how the main areas compare, and why West Kissimmee, right beside Disney, works so well for families.
Lake Buena Vista
Next to Disney Springs, with many hotels and some Disney-area resorts. It's close to Disney, but mostly hotel rooms, with higher prices and less space for big families.
International Drive
Orlando's tourist strip, near Universal, SeaWorld and the convention center, with lots of restaurants. It's lively and good for Universal, but farther from Disney with busier traffic.
Celebration
A charming, walkable town near Disney with a small-town feel. Lodging options are more limited and often pricier.
Davenport and ChampionsGate
Farther south and west, with many large vacation homes. Prices can be lower, but most Disney drives are longer; see how far Solterra is from Disney for an example.
West Kissimmee (Windsor Hills)
Right on Disney's southwest edge, West Kissimmee offers vacation homes with private pools, gated resorts and easy access to US-192 for groceries and dining. At Windsor Hills, Disney property is about 10 minutes away, and you get a heated lagoon pool, a water park and a clubhouse inside the gates. See how close Windsor Hills is to Disney.
Quick Comparison
- Closest to Disney with space: West Kissimmee (Windsor Hills).
- Best for Universal: International Drive.
- Best for a hotel stay: Lake Buena Vista.
- Small-town charm: Celebration.
- Biggest homes for the price, longer drives: Davenport.
The Bottom Line
For a Disney-first family trip, the best area combines a short drive with room to spread out. That's exactly what West Kissimmee and Windsor Hills offer. Start with our Windsor Hills Resort guide, and see Epic Universe with kids if Universal is on your list.
