Solara Resort and Encore Resort are two of the most popular vacation rental communities in the Kissimmee and Davenport area for families visiting Orlando. Both have spectacular pools, large homes with resort amenities and a family-with-kids-oriented proposition. But there are concrete differences in price, type of amenities and overall experience that make one or the other the better option depending on what your family prioritizes. This comparison gives you the elements to decide.
Solara Resort is in Kissimmee, on the US-192 corridor, about 15 to 18 minutes from Walt Disney World and about 28 to 32 minutes from Universal Orlando. It is one of the communities with the best balanced access to both main parks in the area.
Encore Resort at Reunion is adjacent to the Reunion Resort complex, also in the Kissimmee-Davenport area, about 20 to 25 minutes from Disney World and about 30 to 35 minutes from Universal. Access is similar to Solara, with a small Solara advantage in Disney distance.
Location verdict: Solara has a slight advantage in proximity to Disney. For families prioritizing that park, it is a factor worth considering.
This is where the two communities differ most clearly and where the decision for families with kids is often made.
Solara’s clubhouse has a family-fun oriented aquatic proposition:
Solara’s splash pad is one of the most complete in the area for kids ages 2 to 6, making it a concrete advantage for families traveling with babies and toddlers. If you are traveling with kids in that age range, the Orlando with toddlers 2026 guide has specific tips for planning each day of the trip.
Encore Resort has one of the most impressive clubhouses in all of Orlando. Its facilities include:
The level of Encore’s facilities is considerably more elaborate than Solara’s. The investment in infrastructure shows in the pool size, variety of slides and overall quality of the space.
Amenities verdict: Encore wins clearly in size and variety of facilities. Solara is solid but in a different league in terms of spectacle.
Properties in Solara are mainly townhouses and homes with between 3 and 8 bedrooms. Homes have a private pool in the backyard and clubhouse access. Finishes are modern and the maintenance level is consistent.
Solara properties tend to be slightly more compact than Encore’s, making them better suited for groups of 6 to 12 than for very large groups.
Encore has larger homes on average, with options ranging from 4 to 14 bedrooms. Properties are well designed with good-sized private pools and a finish level that reflects the resort’s premium positioning.
For groups of 10 to 20, Encore has more options in the large property range than Solara. The variety of Orlando family homes with private pool within Encore covers properties from 4 bedrooms up to 14-bedroom mansions at different price points.
Property verdict: Encore wins in size and variety for large groups. Solara is sufficient for families of up to 12.
| Property type | Solara Resort | Encore Resort |
|---|---|---|
| 4 bed, private pool (mid season) | $160 – $220/night | $200 – $270/night |
| 6 bed, private pool (mid season) | $220 – $290/night | $270 – $360/night |
| 8 bed, private pool (mid season) | $290 – $380/night | $360 – $480/night |
| 4 bed, private pool (peak season) | $250 – $340/night | $320 – $430/night |
Solara is consistently more affordable than Encore for equivalent properties. The difference reflects Encore’s higher infrastructure investment and more premium positioning.
Price verdict: Solara is the more affordable option. Encore charges more and delivers more.
Solara has a slight distance advantage to Disney, at about 15 to 18 minutes vs Encore’s 20 to 25. For families whose visit centers on Disney, that detail can be relevant.
At most properties in both resorts, yes. Confirm with the specific property manager before booking as there can be restrictions or additional charges in some cases.
Solara has the advantage for that age range because of its splash pad specifically designed for young kids. Encore also has a splash zone but Solara’s is more developed for the youngest guests.
Neither resort includes direct transportation to Disney or Universal as standard. A rental car is needed for transfers.
Top Stay can guide you on the best available properties in both communities for your dates and group size. Check availability directly to see current options.
Solara is a very good community with a solid proposition and more accessible prices. Encore is a step up in practically every category, but with prices that reflect it. If the budget is tight or the group is medium-sized, Solara delivers very well. If the group is looking for the most complete experience available in the area and is willing to pay for it, Encore is hard to beat.
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