Rental area with larger private pools

Question

Hi, looking for recommendations on rental homes- I've been looking at Windsor Hills, Formosa Gardens and Storey Lake. We are 5 adults, going in March sometime. We're not doing parks, probably Disney springs to eat and shop. The private pool area is important to us (with a cage). The rental home pools look so small, or the homes are on top of each other. Formosa Gardens looks great-more room, but I know they don't have any amenities. Not sure if we should give up on the amenities and book there, or if there is another community where the homes have a little more space, or larger private pools. We like Storey Lake as well. Any thoughts appreciated!

Thank you! Budget up to around $750 night.

Answer

Great question — this is a common trade-off when picking a vacation-home community around Orlando. You want a private pool that’s roomy enough to spend real time in, but also don’t mind driving around rather than relying 100% on shared resort amenities. Given your preferences and budget (up to ~$750/night), here are my thoughts and some alternative recommendations beyond Windsor Hills, Formosa Gardens, and Storey Lake.

Thoughts on the Communities You’re Already Considering

Formosa Gardens — This is one of the strongest contenders given your pool-priority. According to a vacation-rental listing, many homes in Formosa Gardens “have larger than average plots, private pools, and general living spaces” which aligns exactly with what you’re looking for.
The community is gated and relatively quiet compared to more “resort-resort” subdivisions.
Some homes also back onto ponds, which gives additional privacy — so you’re less likely to feel like the houses are “on top of each other.”
Windsor Hills — This is a very well-known and established vacation-villa community. While you noted a concern about pool sizes, there are Windsor Hills homes with decent lanai / pool footprints, depending on which property you pick. (Just be sure to check photos carefully.)
Storey Lake — Storey Lake is appealing for its modern homes, community amenities, and relatively newer builds. If your selected rentals are small, though, it comes down to the specific owner / listing. Some may have modest pools, so make sure to filter for “private screened pool” in your booking platform.

Other Communities to Consider — for Larger Private Pools / More Space

Here are a few other Orlando-area rental communities that might better match your desire for a larger, more private pool — while still keeping you within reach of Disney Springs and the Orlando area:

Champions Gate / The Retreat at Champions Gate — This is a very strong option. Vacation-rental companies offer homes here with private screened pools, sometimes with spill-over spas, and generous deck space.
The community has a big resort-style clubhouse (lazy river, slide, tiki bar), so you can get both space in your own villa *and* shared amenities.
Reunion Resort — This is a slightly more upscale community. There are large villas with private screened pools, sometimes very elaborately designed (waterfalls, splash pads, spas).
For example, one VRBO listing (“Timeless Oasis”) mentions a screened private pool and spa.
If you're okay paying a little more (or finding a deal in your budget), this gives you a really spacious home feel.
Emerald Island Resort — A gated community not far from Disney. According to their brochure, their homes often include “south-facing private pool, spa, and lanai.”
The community has resort-style amenities (clubhouse, pools, playground), giving a good balance of community + private space.

My Recommendation

Given your priorities (5 adults, good private pool, not doing theme parks, more chill time):

I lean toward Formosa Gardens for your group — it sounds like the pool-house size and lot size in that community match exactly what you want. It’s peaceful, and the lots are bigger, which helps make the pool feel more private.
If you don’t mind being a little further out or want more luxurious / resort-style villas, Champions Gate or Reunion are excellent. The extra cost (if any) could be worth it for a more impressive pool setup.
If you want a combination of gated security + resort amenities but also really good private-pool homes, Emerald Island is a solid contender.

Things to Watch When Booking:

When you’re looking at listings, filter for “private screened pool” rather than just “pool” — this ensures you're not getting a tiny splash pool or a shared amenity pool.
Check the pool deck photos carefully — some pictures can make small pools look bigger, so pay attention to how many lounge chairs are shown, how much deck space there is, etc.
Ask about pool heating cost (if needed) — some owners charge extra for heat, especially in March.
Make sure your rental agreement / listing clearly states how “private” the pool is — is it fenced / lanai? Does it back into other homes?
Double-check cancellation policies and security deposit, especially for higher-end villas — these can vary significantly by management company.

Bottom Line: You don’t necessarily need to give up on amenities to get a larger, more private pool. Formosa Gardens itself might already meet your needs, but exploring Champions Gate or Reunion could open up even more space and pool options — all possibly within your $750/night budget depending on the property. Book soon and make sure to read listing details carefully.

Rental area with larger private pools

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