💰 Top 5 Vacation Rental Communities Near Disney for Highest Rental Income (2025)

Orlando continues to dominate the short-term rental (STR) market, with millions of visitors annually and a strong demand for resort-style vacation homes near Disney World. If you're an investor looking to maximize cash flow, these five communities consistently produce top-tier rental income — and stand out in terms of occupancy, nightly rates, and guest experience.

Here are the Top 5 vacation home communities near Disney ranked by rental income potential in 2025:

🥇 1. Paradiso Grande Resort (🏆 Best in 2025)

Why It Ranks #1
Paradiso Grande is Orlando’s newest luxury resort zoned for short-term rental, and it's already outperforming others in nightly rates and bookings.

Key Rental Highlights:

  • Prime location: Sand Lake Rd + I-Drive, minutes from Disney and Universal (ONLY Resort zoned for short term rentals in Orlando City proper)

  • Brand new construction with 5–15 bedroom floor plans

  • Most homes offer themed rooms, game lofts, and private pools with spillover spas

Rental Income Potential:
New listings are projected to gross $120K–$180K+ annually, with multiple properties under contract by investors pre-launch.

🥈 2. Reunion Resort

Why Investors Love It
Reunion is a flagship luxury community with unmatched golf amenities and rental demand — especially for large, themed vacation estates.

Key Features:

  • 3 signature golf courses (Palmer, Nicklaus, Watson)

  • Massive water park, fine dining, rooftop bar, and tennis complex

  • Diverse inventory: condos to 12+ bedroom luxury mansions

  • Many homes are already optimized for STR with themed rooms, theaters, and arcades

Rental Income Potential:
Top-performing homes earn $100K–$500K/year depending on size and interior design quality.

✅ Investor Tip: Homes with proximity to the water park and upgraded interiors consistently outperform comps.

🥉 3. Windsor Island Resort

Why It’s a Strong Contender
Developed by Pulte, Windsor Island is one of the most sought-after gated STR communities, with impressive guest amenities and strong family-friendly appeal.

Standout Amenities:

  • Lazy river, splash pad, water slides, fire pit, mini golf

  • 5–10 bedroom homes built for STR usage

  • Great location right off of highway-27 (15 minutes from Disney)

  • Zoned exclusively for short-term rentals

Rental Income Potential:
Homes generate $90K–$150K/year, depending on proximity to amenities and how well they're themed/staged.

✅ Investor Tip: 7+ bedroom homes with arcade rooms and strong listing photos book out faster and command higher rates.

🏅 4. ChampionsGate (The Retreat)

Why It's Reliable
A long-time favorite for vacation rentals, ChampionsGate’s Retreat section continues to deliver high returns due to its proximity to golf and strong brand recognition on Airbnb and VRBO.

Highlights:

  • Oasis water park, 2 golf courses, clubhouse, movie theater

  • Massive home sizes: up to 9 bedrooms and multiple suites

  • Well known by travel groups, sports teams, and extended families

  • Right off I-4 highway for quick access to Dinsye/Universal

Rental Income Potential:
Many homes pull in $80K–$150K/year, particularly the 6–8 bedroom units.

✅ Investor Tip: Homes within walking distance to the Oasis Clubhouse are the first to book during peak season.

🏖 5. Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Why It Stands Out
A newer entrant with a unique lifestyle brand, Margaritaville Orlando draws renters with its tropical vibe and walkability to Sunset Walk and the H2O water park.

Key Features:

  • Full resort access (pools, bars, spa, restaurants)

  • Cottages zoned for STR ranging from 1–8 bedrooms

  • Walkable entertainment district next door

  • Low-maintenance, brand-driven vacation experience

Rental Income Potential:
Smaller homes earn $50K–$80K, while larger 5–8 bedroom homes can bring in $100K+ annually — especially during peak seasons and holidays.

✅ Investor Tip: Guests love the Margaritaville brand experience, so reviews, concierge service, and furnishings matter more than square footage here.

🧠 Final Take: Which One’s Best for You?

  • Highest Income Potential: Paradiso Grande or Reunion

  • Best for Turnkey Rental: Reunion or Margaritaville

  • Best Established Performer: Best lesser price point option Champions Gate

  • Best New Development Opportunity: Reunion