ChampionsGate vs Reunion vs Encore: Which Kissimmee Community Is Best?

Aerial view of Encore Resort Clubhouse at Reunion West near Disney World

If you’ve researched Kissimmee vacation rentals, you’ve seen three names over and over: ChampionsGate, Reunion Resort, and Encore at Reunion West. They’re all premium gated communities with resort amenities — but they’re surprisingly different. Here’s the honest comparison.

Quick Comparison

Encore at Reunion WestReunion ResortChampionsGate
Size~420 homes~2,300 homes~1,500 homes
Built2017–20242002–ongoing2010–ongoing
Gated24/7 guarded24/7 guarded24/7 guarded
On-site water parkNoYesYes (Oasis Clubhouse)
GolfNo3 championship courses2 Greg Norman courses
Clubhouse sizeShared with ReunionResort-scaleLarge resort clubhouse
Distance to Disney15 min15 min17 min
Typical nightly$395–$895$280–$1,500+$300–$1,100

Encore at Reunion West — The Newest, Most Curated

What it is: A smaller, newer community built adjacent to Reunion Resort. Every home is 2017+ construction. The community shares the Encore clubhouse with Reunion Resort guests.

Best for:

  • Families who want a newer home with luxury finishes
  • Those seeking themed or upgraded vacation rentals
  • Quieter vacation experience
  • First-time vacation rental guests

Not ideal for:

  • Golf enthusiasts
  • Those wanting an on-site water park

Reunion Resort — The Largest, Golf-Focused

What it is: The original large-scale Kissimmee vacation rental community. 2,300 homes spread across 2,300 acres, 3 championship golf courses (Watson, Palmer, Nicklaus), a full on-site water park, dining, and spa.

Best for:

  • Serious golfers (real courses, not putting greens)
  • Water park lovers
  • Larger groups who want mixed amenities
  • Anyone wanting the biggest range of home sizes and prices

Not ideal for:

  • Those who want newer construction (many homes are 15+ years old)
  • Smaller groups not using golf/water park

ChampionsGate — The Middle Ground

What it is: A large master-planned community by Lennar/Pulte with resort-style clubhouse (Oasis), lazy river, fitness center, and two Greg Norman-designed golf courses.

Best for:

  • Families wanting resort amenities at mid-range prices
  • Groups wanting a mix of modern homes and quality amenities
  • Those prioritizing lazy river water feature

Not ideal for:

  • Those who want the absolute closest Disney access

Drive Time to Key Places

DestinationEncore at Reunion WestReunion ResortChampionsGate
Walt Disney World (MK)15 min15 min17 min
Universal Studios25 min25 min26 min
MCO Airport30 min30 min32 min
Publix grocery5 min7 min3 min
Starbucks5 min7 min2 min

Community Vibe

Encore at Reunion West

Quiet streets, newer homes, fewer nightly rental ads. Feels residential.

Reunion Resort

More activity, golfers on property, families coming and going. Feels like a resort.

ChampionsGate

Busy main clubhouse, lots of kids at the lazy river. Feels like a family resort.

Which to Choose for Your Trip

Family of 4, Disney-focused: Encore or ChampionsGate. Both deliver great homes; Encore is newer.

Multi-gen group of 10+, mixed interests: Reunion Resort (for golf + water park + dining diversity) or ChampionsGate (for lazy river + amenities).

Couple, no kids, no golf: Encore (quietest).

Golf trip + Disney: Reunion Resort (on-site golf).

450 Burma’s Location

450 Burma is in Encore at Reunion West — the newest, most upscale of the three. See our 6-bedroom home or read more about Encore vs Reunion Resort specifically.

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