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# Should You Stay Off-Property in Orlando? Here’s What to Know
When planning a trip to Orlando, finding the right place to stay can feel overwhelming. With over 130,000 hotel rooms, 47,000 vacation rentals, and 26,000 timeshare properties in the area, according to Visit Orlando, travelers have no shortage of options. Walt Disney World alone boasts more than 25 resort hotels, while Universal Orlando Resort has 11, including three new additions this year.
Staying at a Disney or Universal hotel comes with perks like early park access, character meet-and-greets, free transportation, and the immersive feeling of being inside a “vacation bubble.” But venturing off-property can offer more space, amenities, and savings — if you’re willing to trade a few conveniences.
## A Home Away from Home
On a recent trip, I stayed at Villatel Orlando Resort, a new property located between Universal’s existing parks and the upcoming Epic Universe. Villatel offers a mix of apartments, townhomes, and villas ranging from two to nine bedrooms — blending the feel of an Airbnb, timeshare, and traditional resort.
My three-bedroom apartment was larger and more luxurious than any apartment I’ve lived in, complete with marble finishes, gold accents, a full kitchen, and in-unit laundry. These features can help families save money by cooking meals and packing lighter.
Many units also include themed kids’ bedrooms — mine had an Old West motif with a bunk bed styled like a jailhouse and an arcade machine loaded with hundreds of games. Some villas even feature private home theaters.
Unlike standalone vacation rentals, Villatel operates as a full-service resort with amenities like a lazy river, water park, gym, playground, and free shuttles to Disney and Universal. Other off-property villa-style resorts in the area include Evermore Orlando Resort and Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
## More Space for Less
One of the biggest advantages of staying off-property is value. While Universal’s Endless Summer Resort offers budget-friendly two-bedroom suites, off-site properties often provide even more space at competitive prices.
For example, over Memorial Day weekend, a five-bedroom villa at Villatel cost around $654 per night (with a two-night minimum). In comparison, a standard room at Universal’s new Helios Grand Hotel was priced at $745 per night, with Disney’s Contemporary Resort and others exceeding $730 nightly.
Of course, standard rooms at mid-range hotels — both on and off property — can be found for much less.
## Location Matters
In Orlando, everything is relatively close — but “minutes away” can be misleading. Disney World alone is nearly twice the size of Manhattan, and traffic between Disney and Universal is common.
Many off-property hotels are strategically located for easy access to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Some offer free or paid shuttle services, though schedules may not always align with your plans. Rideshare options like Uber and Lyft are plentiful and affordable.
If you’re driving, remember to budget for parking: Disney charges $30 per day, while Universal charges $32 for off-property guests.
## Is Staying Off-Property Worth It?
Choosing where to stay depends on your priorities. Consider:
– How much space you need
– Whether perks like early park access are important
– If you want a kitchen to prepare meals
– Whether you’ll have a car
– If you plan to leave the parks for midday breaks
For travelers willing to trade a few on-property perks for more space, amenities, and savings, staying off-site can be a smart move.
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Source: usatoday.com