Encore vs Reunion Resort: Which is Best for Families?

When planning a family vacation to Orlando, choosing the right resort community can make or break your trip. Two of the most popular options for luxury vacation home rentals near Walt Disney World are Encore Resort and Reunion Resort. Both offer world-class amenities, stunning pools, and easy access to the theme parks — but they each have a distinct personality. In this guide, we break down the key differences between Encore vs Reunion Resort so you can choose the perfect home base for your family with Jeeves Florida Rentals.

Location & Distance to Disney World

Both resorts are located in the Kissimmee/Davenport corridor, putting you within a short drive of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Encore Resort sits just off US-192 near the Disney World main entrance, making it one of the closest vacation communities to the parks — typically a 10–15 minute drive to Magic Kingdom. Reunion Resort is located slightly further west, off US-27, offering a more secluded, country-club feel. Drive times to Disney average 20–25 minutes, but the resort's expansive grounds and golf courses more than compensate for the extra miles.

Amenities Face-Off: What Does Each Resort Offer?

Encore Resort is renowned for its spectacular water park-style amenity center, featuring a massive resort pool with waterslides, a lazy river, splash pad, volleyball courts, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It's a self-contained entertainment hub that keeps kids busy even on non-park days.

Reunion Resort, on the other hand, is a sprawling 2,300-acre community with a very different vibe. It features three championship golf courses (designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson), multiple resort pools, a water park, tennis courts, a full-service spa, and multiple dining venues. For families who want a true resort lifestyle with more space and variety, Reunion is hard to beat.

Vacation Home Styles & Sizes

Both communities offer a wide range of vacation homes through Jeeves Florida Rentals, from cozy 4-bedroom townhomes to sprawling 10-bedroom luxury mansions. Encore Resort homes tend to have a more modern, contemporary aesthetic, with open-plan layouts and stylish interiors. Reunion Resort properties often feature more traditional architectural styles, with many homes offering private pools, game rooms, and home theaters. If you're traveling with a large group or multi-generational family, both resorts have properties that can comfortably accommodate 20+ guests.

Price & Value: Which Resort Offers Better Bang for Your Buck?

In general, Encore Resort vacation homes tend to be slightly more affordable, making it an excellent choice for families on a moderate budget who still want access to top-tier amenities. Reunion Resort homes command a premium, reflecting the larger lot sizes, golf course access, and the overall grandeur of the community. However, both represent exceptional value compared to booking multiple hotel rooms — especially when you factor in the savings from cooking meals in your fully equipped vacation home kitchen.

So, Which Resort is Right for Your Family?

Choose Encore Resort if: You want to be as close to Disney World as possible, you have young children who will love the on-site water park amenities, and you prefer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

Choose Reunion Resort if: You want a sprawling, country-club atmosphere, your group includes golfers or guests who appreciate luxury at a larger scale, and you're looking for the ultimate in privacy and space.

The good news? With Jeeves Florida Rentals, you can't go wrong with either choice.