Villa or condo/suites hotel

Question

I've been to Orlando several times when younger and we always hired villas with a pool/ Windsor hills/ rolling hills/Indian ridge etc all quite close to Disney. Now we are planning to come back with my own kids and some friends with kids 8 of us altogether. We've found a lovely villa on emerald island resort..but I keep thinking would we be better booking a hotel or suits/apartment with pool access and free shuttles to parks. As with 8 of us parking could get costly...

Not sure what to do for the best?! If so would we be better off lake buena vista/celebration or International drive area?

Answer

When planning a trip to Orlando with a large group of 8 people, there are a few key considerations: convenience, cost, amenities, and park access. Both villas and hotel/condo-style suites have their advantages.

Villas, like the one you found at Emerald Island Resort, are popular because they provide:

Private pool and outdoor space, ideal for kids to play and for relaxing in the evenings.
Multiple bedrooms and living areas, giving everyone privacy and comfort.
Full kitchens, which help reduce costs by cooking some meals instead of eating out all the time.

However, villas usually require driving to the parks and paying for parking, which can add up with multiple days and multiple vehicles. Also, if the group wants more spontaneous park trips or daily activities, the lack of shuttles can be a drawback.

Hotels or condo/apartment resorts near Disney or Universal offer:

Shuttle services to the parks, removing the need to drive and park each day.
Resort-style pools, often larger and shared, with amenities like playgrounds, arcades, and fitness centers.
Flexible accommodations like suites or multiple-room apartments, which can fit large families while still offering hotel conveniences.

When considering areas:

Lake Buena Vista / Celebration: Very close to Disney, making park access easy. Great for families who plan to spend most of their time at Disney parks.
International Drive (I-Drive): Convenient for Universal, SeaWorld, shopping, and dining. A bit farther from Disney but offers more entertainment options outside the parks.
Resorts near the 192 corridor / Kissimmee: Many villa communities, including Emerald Island, are here. A good balance of Disney access and cost-effective lodging with large villas.

Overall advice:

If your main focus is Disney, staying closer to Lake Buena Vista or Celebration with a hotel/resort offering shuttles might reduce daily stress and parking costs.
If your group prefers privacy, cooking meals, and enjoying a pool just for your party, a villa in Emerald Island or Kissimmee is ideal, but budget for parking and driving.
Consider a hybrid approach: a villa for a few days of relaxation, or a resort with shuttle access for days packed with park visits.

Ultimately, with 8 people, villas offer more flexibility and space, while resorts or condo hotels provide convenience and less driving hassle. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize private amenities or park proximity and transport convenience.

Villa or condo/suites hotel

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