Staying in a vacation home near Disney World versus a hotel room offers many basic advantages. You have a lot more space, often have a private pool and there's always much more privacy. Beyond these comfort reasons there are also some cost advantages in reserving a vacation home.

Kitchen = Lower Food Costs

Obviously, having a fully functioning kitchen means your family can dine out less often. Meals can represent a huge chunk of the vacationing budget, and with a home you can minimize the damage to your wallet significantly. In addition to having a full breakfast or late dinner on days you visit the theme parks, you can always store snacks and drinks to bring to the parks as well. While the theme parks do not want entire meals stored in coolers coming through the gates, they certainly will not frown on bottled water and crackers.

Cost per Room

If you have a party of more than five or six, you will have to get more than one room at a hotel. Rarely are suites available that accommodate more than six that are not very expensive and individual rooms add up very quickly. If you are planning a family reunion or have a large party, the cost savings are even more pronounced. A group of twelve people can fit into a five bedroom home, whereas it would take at least three or four rooms at a regular hotel.

More Choices

Staying at a Disney resort usually means that you are many minutes away from non-Disney restaurants and shopping. The eateries on Disney property are quite pricey, especially compared to the vast amount of options available outside Disney's gates. There's also a lot more of choice when it comes to shopping with everything from Wal-Mart to retail outlets selling brand name clothes at a huge discount. You'll also have more of a choice when it comes to attractions such as the ability to visit the many miniature golf courses or go-kart parks.

Less Temptation

When staying at a Disney resort or other hotels, you'll often find yourself walking past gift shops selling enticing merchandise. The constant barrage of advertising and accessibility can make many people buy lots of little items they often don't really need. In your own home you have a break from this, a place where you can retreat from the "buy me now" attitude so prevalent around the tourist attractions.

It also can mean fewer arguments with children over what you are and are not willing to buy as souvenirs.

Staying at a vacation home can mean a more relaxed and tranquil vacation than the hustle-and-bustle found in the neighboring hotels.

It can also mean a lot of saved money for your wallet.