Alternative Places to Stay in Central Florida

By: Christopher Follenus

If you’re looking for cheaper places to stay near Disney World or any of the great attractions of Central Florida and Orlando, then we have the perfect list for you!

Unique Accommodations in Central Florida Near Disney

It’s tempting just to throw ‘Orlando’ into Google when looking for a place to stay near the attractions, but the nearby cities of Polk County are the sweet spot for some great alternatives that won’t break the bank.

Davenport and Vacation Rentals

This is Vacation Home Central! Davenport is hugely popular for vacation and holiday homes due to its wide selection and proximity to Disney and the I-4.

Vacation rentals have just exploded in popularity over the last few years, and Central Florida is home to over 7,000 of them. Vacation rentals can often provide you with more bedrooms, more privacy, more convenience, and more bang for your buck. Check out JC Vacation Homes, Welcome Homes USA and Love Rentals for some good options in this area.

Holiday Inn Resorts in Davenport

And Davenport is not just for vacation rentals. A great value resort option only minutes from the less busy Disney entrance is Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando Breeze Resort which offers spacious hotel suites as well as condo-style 3-bedroom villas. Amenities include two outdoor pools, a kiddie pool and fitness center. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando South-Davenport is smaller but also a cost-friendly option. 

Pool area at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando Breeze

Winter Haven and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Winter Haven is the location for LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, and it’s our top tip if you want to treat your kiddos to the full, immersive themed accommodation experience, while not taking out a second mortgage! It has two wonderfully themed hotels on site including the brand-new LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel. Also check out the LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, with its selection of 83 themed bungalows. These properties are also a great value option during popular holidays, and they always have some great vacation packages. 

Haines City and Vacation Rental Resorts

Jump off the I-4 and drive down US-27 for about 15 minutes and you arrive in Haines City. Balmoral Resort Florida in Haines City is the perfect example of a hybrid of vacation rental home community and resort. Balmoral offers guests the space and value of its vacation homes, along with all the convenience and service of a top-class resort.  Amenities on site include a water park, bar and grill, free video games arcade, fitness center, as well as regular live entertainment. Check our Deals & Specials page for special deals at Balmoral!

Cabins and RV Resorts

If you’re looking for a cabin or RV Resort Polk County does not disappoint. Camp Margaritaville, part of the global Margaritaville brand, is a new favorably priced luxury RV and cabins resort in Auburndale, stocked full of great amenities and lots of vacation atmosphere.  The resort features 170 RV sites, with 93 pull-through lots, as well a large selection of brand-new cabins. Amenities on site include a fabulous swimming pool, a kid’s splash pool, a putting course, dog parks and dog washing station and unbeatable service. Check out a special offer from Camp Margaritaville here!

Other great options include Orlando Southwest KOA RV and cabin resort in Davenport, offering back-in and pull-through RV sites as well as furnished deluxe cabins for rent. Guy Harvey’s Camp Mack a little further down in Lake Wales is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as the fabulous new Canopy Oaks Resort.

Our Favorite Central Florida Airbnbs

Let’s not forget about Airbnb! Central Florida has a phenomenal selection of Airbnbs for your vacation. Check out our blog of 7 Extraordinary Airbnbs in Lakeland for some inspiration.

2 couples enjoying pool outside 2 story historic home Airbnb in downtown Lakeland

 

Escape to the Wilderness at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo is not only spectacular camping resort, but is also an attraction in itself. Here you’ll have a truly western-style stay at the all-inclusive resort. The largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi, offering Glamping Tents, RV Campsites, Luxe Teepees and brand-new Wagons. And every Saturday night you can experience the famous River Ranch Saturday Night Rodeo!

For more information visit westgateresorts.com

For more places to stay, be sure to visit our Places to Stay and Deals & Specials pages! And for any questions, the hard-working staff at Visit Central Florida’s Welcome Center are on hand during office hours through the chat, or by phone on (+1) 863 420-2586.

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