Windsor Hills and Solara Resort are both popular with families who want a vacation home instead of a hotel. Solara centers its stay on a big clubhouse. Windsor Hills centers it on what matters most on a Disney trip: being close to the parks, with a pool, a water park and private-home comfort waiting when you get back.
Location: Windsor Hills is much closer to Disney
Windsor Hills sits just off Old Lake Wilson Road, immediately south of Walt Disney World and about 2–4 miles from the Disney entrances. Most families are parked at a park roughly 10 minutes after leaving their driveway (see how close Windsor Hills is to Disney).
Solara is farther west near US-192 and US-27; its own community information describes it as roughly eight miles from the major theme-park areas. Over a week of park days, that extra distance means more time in the car and less flexibility for midday breaks.
Solara’s clubhouse, and what it costs to use
Solara’s Grand Clubhouse is built as a major part of the stay, with recreation, dining and organized activities, and teens who want a busy clubhouse scene may enjoy it. But a long amenity list only adds value if you use it, and depending on the home and rental program, Solara may charge guests a separate resort or amenity fee.
Windsor Hills: water fun without the drive
Windsor Hills puts its fun in one compact spot that works around Disney days: the heated zero-entry lagoon pool and hot tub, Sir Windsor’s AquaVenture water park with its slides and splash zone, and a clubhouse with a games room, movie theater, fitness center and the Marketplace & Grill. Three-bedroom townhouses include private splash pools, and larger homes commonly have private pools, so a swim doesn’t require a trip to the clubhouse.
Which family fits each resort?
- Windsor Hills: Disney-focused families, multigenerational groups, kids who love water slides, and anyone who wants short park drives and easy private-home downtime.
- Solara: families who plan several full days at a busy clubhouse and don’t mind a longer drive to the parks.
Budget tip: count the extras you’ll actually use
If you’re spending six days at Disney and one afternoon by the pool, prioritize what makes those six Disney days easier: location, the right number of bedrooms and a kitchen. Compare the total booking cost, including amenity fees, transportation and food. Booking direct with a Windsor Hills owner can also help you avoid platform fees.
The verdict
Solara is a reasonable choice when the clubhouse is the main attraction. For a Disney-first vacation, Windsor Hills earns the edge: closer to the parks, a real water park for rest days, and rentals from condos to private-pool villas. See Windsor Hills’ location and townhouses with splash pools to compare.
