Where to stay?

Question

We are an extended family of 10 - ranging in ages 2 - 66. Fly in 9th April for 15 nights. Had originally reserved a house on Anna Maria but need other options now due to the island still devastated from the hurricanes and price is extortionate especially for reduced amenities. We are looking at maybe Orlando. Not been for many years so out of touch now as to the best areas to stay. Looking for a house, at least 5 beds in a relatively quiet area but close to amenities. Did look at Solara resort but mixed reviews especially with regard to noise and security. Would appreciate any advice!!

Answer

Orlando can be a fantastic option for a large extended family, especially if you want a house with multiple bedrooms, access to amenities, and proximity to attractions. Since you’re looking for at least 5 bedrooms and a quieter neighborhood but still want conveniences nearby, focusing on gated vacation home communities is usually the best approach. These areas offer security, family-friendly amenities like pools and playgrounds, and relatively quiet streets, yet are still close to grocery stores, restaurants, and theme parks.

Here are some areas and communities you might consider:

Kissimmee / Formosa Gardens / Emerald Island Resort: Very popular for large vacation homes. Quiet gated communities with 5–8 bedroom homes, pools, and sometimes game rooms. Short drive (10–20 minutes) to Disney, and grocery stores are nearby.
Solterra Resort: Newer gated community with luxury homes, private pools, and resort-style amenities. Slightly more modern than Solara. Good security and family-friendly, usually quieter at night. About 15–20 minutes to Disney.
Watersong / Reunion / Windsor Hills: Established vacation home communities with multiple-bedroom homes, gated access, and shared amenities (clubhouse, pool, playground). Reunion is slightly higher-end; Windsor Hills is very popular with families.
Champions Gate / Encore / Bellavida: A little further south, these neighborhoods have very large homes, quiet streets, and golf/resort amenities. Good for larger families who want space and privacy but still within a 25–30 minute drive to Disney.

Some practical tips when booking:

Check if the house is professionally managed — this usually ensures reliable amenities, working air conditioning, pool maintenance, and security.
Confirm the number of bathrooms — for 10 people, at least 4–5 bathrooms is ideal.
Look for homes with private pools or screened lanais if you want a comfortable outdoor space without dealing with hotel crowds.
Read recent guest reviews carefully regarding noise, maintenance, and management responsiveness.

While Solara has mixed reviews, newer gated communities like Solterra, Bellavida, or Emerald Island tend to have better-maintained homes and more consistent quiet atmospheres. If Disney/Universal is a priority, aim for Kissimmee or Davenport area for proximity. If you want to balance quiet and shopping/restaurants, Champions Gate is ideal.

In short, your best bet is a gated vacation home community in Kissimmee/Davenport with at least 5 bedrooms, private pool, and security features. Avoid standalone rentals outside these communities if you value quiet and predictable amenities. Once you pick a neighborhood, websites specializing in Orlando vacation homes (like Vacasa, Airbnb, VRBO, or local property management companies) will let you filter by number of bedrooms, private pool, and other amenities.

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