Highlands Reserve
Highlands Reserve Villa Rentals - Spacious Orlando Villas Near Disney
Looking for a beautiful Florida villa in a peaceful setting, close to Orlando's world-famous theme parks? Highlands Reserve is a popular choice for families and groups looking for spacious villa accommodation near Disney, with a championship golf course, leafy surroundings and shops and restaurants close by.
Located in Davenport, just off US Highway 27, Highlands Reserve Golf and Country Club combines the relaxed atmosphere of an established residential community with convenient access to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and many of Central Florida's other attractions.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a golfing getaway or a memorable trip with friends, you'll find a choice of private holiday villas offering space to relax, your own pool and the freedom to enjoy Florida at your own pace.
Why Choose Highlands Reserve?
Space, scenery and a relaxed setting
One of the things that makes Highlands Reserve stand out is the way the community has been developed. The golf course was established before the villas were built, allowing homes to sit alongside the fairways rather than feeling tightly packed together.
The result is an attractive setting with tree-lined streets, open green spaces and a wonderful sense of room to breathe. Many villas enjoy views across the golf course or towards conservation areas, making this a lovely place to unwind after a busy day exploring Orlando.
Private Pool Villas for Families and Groups
Choosing a private villa gives you the freedom to enjoy your holiday your way. Start the morning with breakfast by the pool, spend the afternoon cooling off in the water, or relax together after a day at the theme parks.
Our Highlands Reserve villa rentals offer a choice of homes for different group sizes and preferences. Depending on the individual property, you may find private screened pools, spas, games rooms, spacious living areas and outdoor dining space.
Every villa is individually owned and furnished, so compare the descriptions, photographs, facilities and availability to find the right fit for your holiday.
Highlands Reserve Golf and Country Club
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate having an 18-hole championship golf course right within the community. The par-72 course winds through the development, with villas overlooking selected fairways and greens.
The clubhouse features a pro shop and refreshments, making it a convenient place to take a break before or after your round.
Guests may also qualify for discounts on green fees. Check the current arrangements with the golf club before booking.
And if golf isn't your thing, the open views and peaceful surroundings are still a big part of the appeal.
Community Facilities at Highlands Reserve
Alongside the golf course, guests can enjoy a range of shared facilities, including:
- Community swimming pool: a large 76-foot (approximately 23-metre) pool.
- Tennis courts: ideal for a friendly game during your stay.
- Children's play area: somewhere for younger visitors to enjoy some outdoor time.
- Golf clubhouse: with a pro shop and refreshments.
- Walking areas: enjoy a stroll through the community and take in the surroundings.
Facilities and access arrangements may vary, so check any relevant rules locally during your stay.
Shops, Supermarkets, Restaurants and Bars
One of the advantages of staying at Highlands Reserve is that you don't have to travel far for everyday essentials, a casual meal or somewhere to enjoy a drink.
Berry Town Centre, close to the US Highway 27 corridor, has a Publix supermarket and a selection of shops, restaurants, takeaways and bars. It's handy for stocking up on groceries for breakfast by the pool or picking up something easy for dinner after a day at the parks.
Restaurants and takeaways near Highlands Reserve
Around the Publix shopping area, you'll find a choice of casual dining options and takeaways. Options have included:
- Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar – a relaxed American-style restaurant serving familiar favourites.
- Bamboo Wok – Chinese takeaway.
- Mia Pizza – pizza restaurant and takeaway.
- Kumo Japanese Restaurant – Japanese food and takeaway options.
- Kokopelli's Bistro – another option to look out for in the local dining area.
- Sunday's Grill – fish and chips and other casual meals.
Restaurant names, locations and opening hours can change, so check current details before setting out.
Linksters Tap Room – a relaxed local bar
Fancy a drink somewhere informal without travelling far from your villa? Linksters Tap Room, near the Applebee's area, has been a popular choice for visitors looking for a friendly bar atmosphere.
The venue has been known for its extensive drinks selection, pool table and relaxed setting. Check its current location, opening hours and facilities before visiting.
More restaurants along US Highway 192
If you fancy a wider choice of restaurants, shops and entertainment, head towards US Highway 192. This busy tourist corridor has plenty of places to eat, from quick and easy family meals to larger restaurant chains.
Sizzler has traditionally been a popular choice for breakfast and brunch, particularly for visitors looking for a filling meal before heading out for the day. Menus and prices change, so check the latest offers before visiting.
Carrabba's Italian Grill and TGI Fridays
For an Italian meal, Carrabba's Italian Grill has been another restaurant worth considering in the wider US Highway 192 area. It is known for Italian-American dishes, including pasta, grilled meats and seafood.
TGI Fridays has also been a familiar option in this part of the Orlando area. Depending on where you are travelling from, you may also find Chinese, Indian and pizza takeaways nearby.
Check the current restaurant locations before travelling, as businesses can move or close.
Manny's Chophouse in Haines City
If you're happy to drive a little further, Manny's Chophouse in Haines City has been a favourite recommendation for steak lovers visiting the area.
Expect a casual, lively atmosphere and a menu centred on steaks and classic American dishes. It can be busy, so contacting the restaurant in advance to check availability and ask about reservations is a good idea.
Haines City is south of Highlands Reserve along the US Highway 27 corridor. Allow extra time for traffic and check the route before setting off.
Gusto's Italian Restaurant near Clermont
For another Italian option, look into independent restaurants around Clermont. Gusto's has previously been recommended by visitors for its food and local atmosphere.
Check its current location, menu and opening arrangements before making a special journey.
Le Coq au Vin – for a special meal
If you fancy making an evening of it, Le Coq au Vin in Orlando has long been known as a French restaurant offering a more traditional dining experience.
It is further away than the restaurants around Highlands Reserve, so allow time for the drive and check its current address, opening days and reservation arrangements before visiting. If you enjoy French cuisine, it may be worth considering for a special evening out.
Pharmacies and Everyday Essentials
It's reassuring to know where to find everyday essentials when you're away from home, particularly when travelling with children.
A CVS Pharmacy has been listed in the wider Highlands Reserve area, while Walgreens has locations along the US Highway 192 and US Highway 27 corridors.
Some Walgreens branches have offered 24-hour drive-through pharmacy services, but this varies by branch. Check the current store locator for the nearest pharmacy, opening hours and available services before travelling.
If you need prescription medication, confirm availability and speak directly to the pharmacy about local requirements. If you're travelling from the UK, it's sensible to bring sufficient supplies of your regular medication and keep it in its original packaging.
Gym and Fitness Facilities
If you enjoy keeping up your fitness routine while on holiday, there are gyms in the wider Davenport area.
Anytime Fitness has been listed in the Cagan Crossings area near US Highway 27, north of the US Highway 192 junction. Membership options and guest passes vary by location, so contact the club directly to ask about day, weekly or short-term access.
A quick check before travelling will help you confirm the current address, facilities and costs.
Fishing and a Relaxed Afternoon by the Lake
Florida offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and fishing can make a lovely change from the theme parks.
One place worth investigating is the waterfront area around Lake Minneola in Clermont, where visitors have enjoyed lakeside refreshments and boating. Local boat-hire options and waterfront venues can change, so check current availability before making plans.
If you're exploring the area, take time to enjoy the lake views and, if conditions allow, stay for sunset. It can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon away from the crowds.
Always check local fishing regulations, any required licence and the rules for boat hire before heading out.
DVD and Video Game Rentals
If you're looking for entertainment for a quiet evening in your villa, you may remember the video-rental shops that once operated around the US Highway 192 area.
Traditional DVD and video-game rental services have become much less common, and the shop previously mentioned near the local Publix may no longer offer this service.
Check locally for current rental options, or consider bringing your own games and using the streaming services available to you. Remember that streaming subscriptions, internet access and content availability may vary.
Highlands Reserve Location and Travel Times
Highlands Reserve is situated on US Highway 27, just south of US Highway 192, in Davenport, Florida. Its location offers access to Orlando's major attractions while providing a more relaxed base away from the busiest tourist areas.
Approximate driving times
The following times are retained from our existing Highlands Reserve guide as a planning reference:
- Disney's Animal Kingdom – approximately 12 minutes
- Disney's Magic Kingdom – approximately 15 minutes
- Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld – approximately 25 minutes
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) – approximately 35 minutes
- Orlando Sanford International Airport – approximately 50 minutes
- Tampa International Airport – approximately 75 minutes
- Miami International Airport – approximately 3.5 hours
Actual journey times vary with traffic, route choice, roadworks and the time of day. Check your intended journey in Google Maps before setting off.
Highlands Reserve also has access to Interstate 4, which connects with many of Central Florida's attractions and provides routes towards Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Walking Times to Publix, Restaurants and Bars
Berry Town Centre is close enough to walk to from some parts of Highlands Reserve, although the distance varies considerably depending on the location of your villa.
The following walking-time estimates are retained from our existing guide:
| Area within Highlands Reserve | Approximate walking time |
|---|---|
| Bonville Drive / Higher Combe Drive | 5–10 minutes |
| North Hampton Drive | 5–15 minutes |
| Herring Street | 10–15 minutes |
| Birkdale / Prestwick intersection | 15–20 minutes |
| Oxford Drive | 20–25 minutes |
| Brighton Drive | 20–25 minutes |
| Gleneagles Circle | 20–25 minutes |
| Belfry Circle | 20–25 minutes |
| Bottom of Prestwick Drive | 30–35 minutes |
| Bottom of Troon Circle | 30–35 minutes |
These times are approximate and depend on the precise villa location, route and individual walking speed. Please check the route for your chosen property in Google Maps.
Getting to Highlands Reserve from Orlando Airports
From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Our existing driving guide recommends using the Central Florida Greeneway (State Road 417), joining Interstate 4 westbound towards Tampa and taking Exit 55 onto US Highway 27 north towards Clermont.
Highlands Reserve is approximately five miles further north on US Highway 27. The main entrance is on the left-hand side when travelling north.
From Orlando Sanford International Airport
The existing route guidance also recommends using State Road 417 before joining Interstate 4 westbound and continuing towards US Highway 27.
Always check your navigation app for the best route on the day, as traffic conditions and roadworks can affect the journey. Toll routes and charges can change, so check the current costs before travelling.
Follow the arrival instructions supplied by your villa owner or property manager to locate the correct entrance and property.
Do You Need a Rental Car at Highlands Reserve?
A rental car is generally the most convenient option for guests staying at Highlands Reserve, particularly if you plan to visit Disney, Universal, shopping outlets and attractions beyond the immediate area.
There is no complimentary theme-park shuttle service from the community. Local taxis and app-based ride services such as Uber may be alternatives for guests who prefer not to drive, although availability and fares vary.
If you'd rather arrange transport in advance, visit our Florida car hire and transport information page for further details.
Find Your Highlands Reserve Villa
The best villa for your holiday depends on the size of your party, your preferred facilities and the experience you're looking for.
Perhaps you'd love a private pool overlooking the golf course, a games room for the children, extra bedrooms for a larger family or a home where two families can share the space comfortably.
Browse our available Highlands Reserve villas to compare properties, photographs, facilities, prices and availability.
At I Want A Villa, we've been helping holidaymakers find Florida villa accommodation since 2002. Our website offers direct online booking, with property information and availability to help you choose with confidence.
Ready to find your Florida home from home? Search our Highlands Reserve villas, select your travel dates and discover the possibilities for your next Orlando holiday.
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