A detailed, lifestyle-first breakdown of one of the most popular resort communities near Disney… perfect for STR investors, hybrid buyers, and families wanting value near the magic.
ChampionsGate is one of the most well-known master-planned resort communities in the Disney area. With its newer construction, large resort homes, amenity-rich lifestyle, and massive STR demand, it’s a top choice for buyers seeking proximity to Disney with strong affordability and rental potential.
This guide gives you a clear, buyer-focused look at what life in ChampionsGate actually feels like… and whether it matches your relocation or investment goals.
🌴 1. Overall Vibe & Community Feel
ChampionsGate feels lively, social, active, and vacation-friendly.
If Reunion is the “luxury resort,” ChampionsGate is the “big, energetic, fun-for-everyone resort.”
Lifestyle keywords:
✔ active
✔ family-friendly
✔ energetic
✔ STR-friendly
✔ convenient
✔ accessible
ChampionsGate is a community where you’ll always see activity… from families headed to the Oasis Club to groups arriving for Disney vacations to locals grabbing groceries in the nearby town center.
🏘️ 2. Main Neighborhoods & Villages Inside ChampionsGate
ChampionsGate includes several large, distinct enclaves. Each one has its own vibe, HOA structure, and purpose.
The primary neighborhoods include:
✔ The Retreat at ChampionsGate
The iconic STR-friendly community with large themed vacation homes.
Best for investors + hybrid buyers.
✔ The Oasis Club Area
Condos + townhomes with direct walkability to the amenity center.
Best for convenience-focused buyers and entry-level STR investors.
✔ The Country Club at ChampionsGate
A more residential, golf-oriented enclave with calmer streets.
Best for full-time residents and snowbirds wanting less STR turnover.
✔ The Vistas
Townhome community next to the golf course.
Great for lower-maintenance living and hybrid second-home use.
✔ BellaTrae
55+ style, gated condo/townhome community with a quieter feel.
Best for retirees or those wanting a calm, low-maintenance lifestyle.
Each of these areas feels very different… and buyers need help choosing the right fit.
🎢 3. Proximity to Disney World
ChampionsGate is about:
- 15–20 minutes to Disney
- Easy access to I-4
- Close to 27 + 192
- Quick drive to Celebration + Four Corners
Reunion is slightly closer…
but ChampionsGate wins for sheer convenience thanks to everyday services being right next door.
🏪 4. Shopping, Dining & Everyday Convenience
This is one of ChampionsGate’s biggest strengths.
Nearby you’ll find:
- Publix
- Target (Posner Park)
- Walmart
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Gyms
- Gas + services
- Fast food + dine-in options
Everything you need for daily life is within 5–10 minutes.
Compared to Reunion, ChampionsGate has:
✔ more shopping
✔ more food options
✔ walkable convenience (depending on your enclave)
💦 5. Amenity Highlights
ChampionsGate’s amenities are designed to impress STR guests and residents.
The centerpieces include:
The Oasis Club
- massive resort pool
- water slides
- lazy river
- bar + grill
- theater room
- fitness center
- splash zones
- cabanas
- events + activities
The Plaza Club (Country Club section)
- quieter, more upscale
- pool
- gym
- dining
Golf Courses
Two championship golf courses run through the community.
ChampionsGate is high-energy, family-focused, and resort-forward.
🏡 6. Home Types & Architecture
ChampionsGate offers:
- large themed vacation homes (6–14+ bedrooms)
- new-construction-style single-family homes
- townhomes
- condos
- golf-front homes
- maintenance-free communities
- gated enclaves
Architecture leans modern Florida + contemporary resort design.
Compared to Reunion, ChampionsGate is more uniform and newer.
🧳 7. Short-Term Rentals in ChampionsGate
This is one of the top STR communities in the entire region.
Why STR buyers love it:
✔ high occupancy
✔ consistent family demand
✔ large bedroom counts
✔ walkable access to the Oasis Club
✔ affordable price points
✔ strong international travel appeal
Best enclaves for STR:
- The Retreat
- The Oasis Club Area
- Vista at ChampionsGate (in certain sections)
Check this out:
Best STR-Friendly Communities Near Disney
🏠 8. ChampionsGate for Full-Time Living
While many full-time buyers prefer Reunion, Horizon West, Windermere, or Winter Garden… ChampionsGate can work for certain relocation buyers.
Ideal full-time residents include:
✔ retirees
✔ golfers
✔ snowbirds
✔ remote workers wanting resort convenience
✔ buyers wanting value + amenities
Best residential areas:
- The Country Club
- BellaTrae
- Quieter pockets of non-STR sections
These areas feel calmer, cleaner, and more residential than the STR-heavy center sections.
⚖️ 9. Pros & Cons of ChampionsGate
⭐ Pros
✔ Newer construction
✔ Affordable price points
✔ Massive resort amenities
✔ Top STR performance
✔ Very convenient shopping/dining
✔ Big, themed investment homes
✔ Great for hybrid owners
✔ Near Disney + I-4
⚠️ Cons
✘ Busy during peak seasons
✘ STR-heavy feel in many sections
✘ Higher HOA fees in resort zones
✘ Less “luxury” than Reunion
✘ Not a traditional suburb
✘ Some buyers want more peace/quiet
Don’t miss this:
Reunion vs ChampionsGate
🎯 10. Who ChampionsGate Is Perfect For
✔ STR investors
✔ Out-of-state buyers wanting income + flexibility
✔ Disney-loving families wanting occasional stays
✔ Buyers wanting walkable resort amenities
✔ Those who want a newer home at a reasonable price
✔ People who don’t need a traditional suburban vibe
Buyers wanting a quieter, more luxury-leaning experience may prefer Reunion, Windermere, or Dr. Phillips instead.
🧭 11. ChampionsGate vs Nearby Options
| Community | Best For |
|---|---|
| ChampionsGate | STR investors, hybrid buyers, large vacation homes |
| Reunion Resort | Luxury STR + full-time living pockets |
| Four Corners | Value buyers + suburban convenience |
| Celebration | Walkable, charming, suburban lifestyle |
| Horizon West | Families + new construction suburban life |
Dive deeper:
✔ Reunion vs ChampionsGate
✔ Four Corners / ChampionsGate Guide
✔ Best Suburbs for Disney Lovers
✨ Ready to Explore ChampionsGate with a Local Disney-Area Expert?
If you’re trying to decide between ChampionsGate, Reunion, Four Corners, Horizon West, or any of the Disney Bubble suburbs… I’d love to walk you through each one and help you choose the right fit.
👉 Schedule your Disney Bubble Relocation Strategy Call
Let’s make your move to the Magic feel as smooth as a ride through Soarin’ Around the World.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter

