Universal Orlando Resort and the Vacation Home Resorts Closest to It

Orlando's second big draw – and why International Drive resorts sit closest to it

By David Myers, Broker Associate · MyOrlandoVacationHome.com · Last updated October 2026

Universal Orlando Resort is Orlando's second major theme park destination, with Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay and CityWalk. Vacation home resorts in the International Drive area are closest to Universal, many within a few miles. Lake Buena Vista and East Hwy 192 resorts put guests within reach of both Universal and Disney. With three theme parks, Universal gives families a reason to add days to an Orlando trip, which helps vacation rentals. Owners near Universal are usually buying a condo or condotel; the larger pool homes are farther south.

Plenty of Orlando trips split time between Disney and Universal, and some groups – especially teens and adults – come mainly for Universal. That makes the parks along Interstate 4 near International Drive the second anchor of the vacation rental market.

Here is what Universal offers, how far each resort area is from it, and what that means if you are buying a vacation home.

What Is at Universal Orlando Resort?

Three theme parks, a water park, the CityWalk entertainment district and several on-site hotels.

Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Islands of Adventure in 1999 and the Volcano Bay water park in 2017. Epic Universe, Universal's third theme park, sits on its own site a few miles south of the original parks. CityWalk, the dining and entertainment district between the first two parks, needs no park ticket.

How Close Are Vacation Home Resorts to Universal?

From about a mile in the International Drive area to roughly 19 miles at the far end of Champions Gate.

Straight-line miles to Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure). Driving distances are longer.

Which Resort Area Is Best for Universal Guests?

International Drive for Universal-first trips; Lake Buena Vista and East Hwy 192 for trips that split time with Disney.

The International Drive area is mostly condos and condotels, a short drive from Universal, SeaWorld and the Convention Center. Lake Buena Vista and East Hwy 192 sit between Universal and Disney. Guests who want a large pool home for a Universal trip usually accept a longer drive from Champions Gate or West Hwy 192.

How Does Universal Affect Vacation Rental Demand?

It adds days to Orlando trips and draws groups who might otherwise skip a Disney-centered stay.

With three theme parks and a water park, a Universal visit is no longer a one-day add-on. That gives families a reason to book longer stays and brings in groups of teens and adults who come mainly for Universal's rides. For owners in the International Drive area, Universal and the Convention Center bring guests beyond the school-holiday peaks.

What Do Universal Guests Look for in a Rental?

Easy access to Interstate 4 and International Drive, parking and enough beds for the group.

• A short drive to Universal, plus easy access to the rest of Orlando
• Free, simple parking at the resort
• Separate bedrooms for teens and adults traveling together
• A pool and a quiet place to rest between long park days

How Much Can Owners Use a Home Near Universal?

It depends on the resort and, for condotels, on the rental program.

Depending on the resort, owners may use the home either up to 6 months a year or without limit. If the on-site rental program manages your unit, it may set a lower limit. Contact us for current terms, or compare resorts by maximum owner usage.

Pros, Cons and Our Take

Pros

• Universal's three theme parks give guests a reason to book longer stays.
• International Drive resorts are close to Universal, SeaWorld and the Convention Center.
• Condos and condotels near Universal cost less to buy than large pool homes.

Cons

• Few single-family pool homes are close to Universal.
• The closest resorts are mostly condos and condotels with smaller groups.
• Resorts farthest south are a long drive from Universal.

Our Take

If your guests are coming mainly for Universal, buy in the International Drive area and accept a condo or condotel. If you want a big pool home that serves both Disney and Universal guests, Lake Buena Vista and East Hwy 192 are the best middle ground.

What Owners Should Know

• List the drive time to Universal and Epic Universe separately – they are on different sites.
• Plan pricing around Universal events as well as school holidays.

See our Walt Disney World guide and the buyers guide.

Official Sources

• Universal Orlando Resort (official site)