Timeshares have grown in popularity with families over the years due to their spacious layouts and unparalleled amenities. Since timeshare resorts can be found across the globe, offer more in the way of comfort, and can be more affordable, it’s easy for families to make the switch from hotels. Fortunately, the Orlando area is brimming with this style of resort and even Disney offers their own take on these fabulous accommodations, allowing families to experience truly unforgettable vacations.
Some of the best timeshares near Disney are actually located AT Disney and are known as DVC resorts, or Disney Vacation Club resorts. Each Walt Disney World timeshare and nearby Orlando timeshare resort has something unique to offer and we’ll go over a few of them below so that you can choose the resort that best suits your unique needs. And remember, you don’t have to be an owner to stay at a timeshare resort; there are plenty of timeshare rentals available by-owner as well!
The Disney Vacation Club is a points based vacation ownership program, meaning individuals can purchase a certain amount of points to use as their chosen resort, and when these Disney Vacation Club owners cannot use their points, they often choose to put them for rent on sites such as SellMyTimeshareNow.com. You can also buy DVC points for less by purchasing from that site, if you decide you’d like to have a guaranteed luxurious vacation to Disney every year. Most other timeshare resorts you’ll find close to Disney are on the “weeks” system rather than the “points” system, meaning individuals own a fixed week every year at that resort. This is a great option for those who tend to visit the Disney area on school breaks or other breaks that happen the same time each year. These types of timeshares can also be rented by owner if you’d like to try a suite out before buying, or just score a cheap vacation.
If you prefer to stay at a hotel near Universal, we have also outlined the best hotels at Universal separately.
1. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped tower in the banks of one of the closest lakes to Disney World. This makes the views from this property extra special. Not only can you enjoy the vista of Disney’s evening fireworks from most of the resort, but the sparkling fireworks are reflected in the waters of the lake.
The views are what make this lakeside property really special. You look out over cypress trees, Bay Lake, and even Cinderella’s Castle. Not only that, but you can actually walk right into the Magic Kingdom! If you are too tired after all the excitement in the parks, or are simply not a fan of walking, the resort provides transportation to all of Orlando’s other fantastic parks.
Accommodations include standard, lake, or theme park views and all the studios and, one-, two- and three-bedroom villas have a private balcony to enable you to enjoy the sunshine in privacy and, of course, watch the sparkling fireworks at night, as well as enjoying views of the Magic Kingdom all lit up under the stars. We recommend the theme park views for the best vistas and a true Disney experience.
Whichever view you decide on, all accommodation has a modern design and colorful interiors to remind you that you are on the edge of Disney World.
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas is located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, but you will feel as though you’ve entered the jungles of Africa.
It is quite extraordinary how the designers of this beautiful resort have bought Africa to Florida and this African theme goes beyond the vibrant safari-style interiors. There are more than 30 species of African wildlife in the resort grounds!
Beyond this, restaurants serve traditional African dishes, and the zero-entry Uzima pool is a dream for families. Think lush vegetation, palm trees, rock formations and brilliant slides and you will be imagining how lovely this pool is.
Two villa styles are available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: Kidani Village villas and Jambo House villas. The Animal Kingdom lodge villas come in various sizes and styles offered to accommodate any sized family.
In terms of views, the parking lot view offers the best value but if you are looking for something more inspiring, go for a pool view, landscape view or water view. The ultimate view at this resort is the view of the savanna and African wildlife. You won’t find a view like this anywhere else in Florida, and the animals mixed with the jungle decor will make you feel like you have left America completely.
3. Disney’s Beach Club Villas
In my opinion, this charming New England style resort with baby blue and white clapboard frontage is the most lovely looking of all the Disney resorts and it is great that you can stay here at a discounted rate with suppliers like SellMyTimeshareNow. You will not be losing any of the class by booking a cheaper rate and you can still laze on your wooden balconies in this, oh so pretty, almost turreted resort design.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas are walkable from Epcot and just a short boat ride (what fun!) to the popular Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We love the fact that most of the resort looks over the charming pools and the lake beyond. Kids and adults of all ages will love splashing and sliding at the 3-acre on-site water park. A kids club also gives the younger members of the family a chance to make crafts and play games. If you have little ones, you must stay here for the character dining – what could be more fun!
Well-equipped studios, one-, and two-bedroom villas are classy and offer views including Stormalong Bay, Disney’s BoardWalk, woodlands, the resort pool, or the scenic courtyard. There isn’t a bad view here although we like to look over the resort pool to watch people having fun.
The decor will remind you of a New England beach cottage but the Disney flair make them that bit better. Sit out on your private balcony and cook meals with your kitchen facilities, or just enjoy the luxury and fun of this Disney resort.
4. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
The BoardWalk Villas are also within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you want to visit the other parks there are free shuttles provided by the resort.
Highlights include multiple themed pools with a waterslide, the delicious Flying Fish Cafe, and a 1940’s Atlantic City vibe. This resort sparkles by night, and by day, the way it crowds around the pool means that you can take advantage of vintage charm with great views of the pool, if you choose one of these rooms.
Villa accommodations are available in studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with standard, boardwalk, or pool/garden views. We like the pool views, which are particularly handy if you have children and only one parent or guardian wants to watch over them by the pool. The other family member can relax on the balcony and see what is going from the peace and quiet of the balcony. Villas have full kitchens and washers and dryers are available in most units, and separate bedrooms are also on offer. Decor is simple and relaxing.
5. Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are Victorian in style but with a Disney makeover of the Victorian times. Located just one stop from the Magic Kingdom, you can get to the parks by riding the complimentary Resort Monorail – what a brilliant way to arrive!
This resort is classy with mosaic floors, fountains with nymphs, lots of creams and whites, pillars and an impressive lobby. Within the rooms, the creams are complemented by forest greens which brings the outside in.
In terms of the resort itself, you can cool down at the Beach Pool or the Seven Seas Lagoon, ride down the water slides, enjoy a massage at Senses Spa, and dine with Disney characters.
The Villas at Grand Floridian come in three sizes—studio, one-, and two-bedroom. with a standard view or a lake view to enjoy from your private balcony. Obviously, the lake view villas are the most memorable and the views twinned with a separate the living area, ensuite kitchen, and bedrooms make this the perfect place to watch fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella’s Castle.
6. Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Who knew you could stay in the Florida Keys whilst being next doors to Disney World. Well at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, you are minutes away from the best attractions in Orlando and yet you feel like you are in the Florida Keys. This place even comes complete with a lighthouse!
Disney’s Old Key West Resort is just idyllic. The main meeting place is fronted by wooden balconies and pontoons that jut out into the lake. Surrounding this pretty clapboard resort it tropical palm trees, and pristine golf fairways.
The pools are particularly impressive here. There’s a sandcastle waterslide, a dry sauna at the base of a lighthouse a whirlpool spa, and even a sandy beach, yes really. Next to the beach is the children’s pool. In addition, there 3 all-ages quiet pools in the Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road sections of the resort, each with a whirlpool spa.
Other facilities include casual dining options and a fitness facility. Complimentary Disney Bus transportation will get you to the parks and get to and Disney’s Magical Express will get you to and from the airport, saving you the expense of a rental car and also offering a much more eco friendly way to travel.
This luxurious, high-end resort offers three different sized Disney Old Key West Villas. The villas are spacious and well-appointed with an en-suite kitchen and a living area. Views offered include water, woodlands, or fairways. The ever-changing water views are the ones to pick.
While DVC resorts are notoriously popular for families this resort is so pretty and romantic, with so many adult-orientated activities, it is perfect for couples too.
7. Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa was inspired by historic Saratoga Springs, which was a late-1800s’ New York retreat for the rich, known for its spas and horse racing.
The white buildings of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa sit amidst the rolling greens of the golf course greens and they overlook Lake Buena Vista. There are two pools, a waterslide and a play area. Admittedly, the location, in the center of the golf course, is a major advantage if you like to play golf. You couldn’t be more conveniently located for Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. There is also a glorious Senses full-service spa and movies under the stars. And yet, Disney theme parks, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and more are just moments away.
There are four different kinds of units available at the resort with garden, pool, lake, woodland, and fairway views. Our favorite is the fairway views as it is relaxing watching people trundle around the golf course. Pick a villa with a furnished balcony so that you can enjoy the Florida warmth.
8. The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge feels more like an alpine resort or a hotel in the Rocky mountains than a resort in sunny Florida. Pines and other trees make up a deep, dark forest that surrounds this pretty resort.
Outdoor pools are surrounded by this forest and excellent cuisine and an excellent kids’ play area will attract you to this superb resort. The hotel also provides complimentary transportation to all the Disney parks and attractions so it is easy to get around.
Rustic ambiance is present in all the cabin-style timeshare villa, plus you get full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and spacious living areas. Studio, one-, and two-bedroom Boulder Ridge Villas are available to rent or buy with your choice of pool, woodland, courtyard, or resort views that you can enjoy from your private balcony or patio.
9. Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista is a nice looking resort with plenty of pools, close to Walt Disney World. It is not part of DVC resorts which are all located within Walt Disney World Resort, but this resort is ultra-convenient for the parks.
Blue Tree Resort has all the comforts of a fully furnished apartment, all within minutes of downtown Orlando, Florida. A highlight here is the lovely gardens, smart pools and the close proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. even better, there are free scheduled shuttle vans or buses provided by the resort which will take you to the resort.
The resort also provides free scheduled transportation to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores for discount shopping. Unusually for many hotels in Orlando, you can actually stroll to a number of restaurants and shops which means that there is loads to occupy your family nearby. The Marketplace is a brilliant grocery store right in the resort for your essentials.
There are four swimming pools (3 heated) two outdoor Jacuzzis and a children’s wading pool as well as a playground. You can also play tennis and basketball on the lighted courts, volleyball, miniature golf, shuffle- board, exercise at the fitness center or tee off on the nearby 18-hole championship golf course. Most importantly, the resort provides free wireless high-speed internet which was recently upgraded and free parking.
Rent the 2 Bedroom Deluxe Suite, the largest unit available, with 1200 ft2 of glorious space. The 2 Bedroom Deluxe Suite sleeps 6 and has a fully furnished kitchen, Jacuzzi bathtub, full-size washer & dryer and 2 TVs.
10. Alhambra at Poinciana resort
Alhambra at Poinciana resort is serenely settled amidst 47,000 acres of picturesque Florida countryside! The lawns here literally go on and on and on. Again, this is not part of DVC resorts located within Walt Disney World Resort but is incredibly convenient for all the attractions in Orlando.
Not only are there neverending lawns. A stay here will surround you with serene lakes and creeks, romantic pathways, and woods filled with oak, pine and palmetto trees.
Activities surrounding Alhambra at Poinciana resort include horseback riding, boating, sailing, fishing, or water skiing. Enjoy large two-bedroom units that offer comfort and space for 6-8. At the same time, the unique lockout capability provides separate entrances for both the master and guest suites, providing privacy and convenience for 8. This is a great all-around family resort near Walt Disney World.
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