The hype
Families love the massive rooms and pool area, but everyone hates the check-in sales pressure.
Silver Lake Resort
$130-220/ night
Book this if You want a massive condo with a full kitchen just 2 minutes from Animal Kingdom's back entrance and don't mind saying 'no' to a timeshare pitch.
Why People Love It
- Insane proximity to Animal Kingdom via the Sherberth Road shortcut
- Spacious 1-3 bedroom villas with full kitchens and laundry
- Three heated pools that are actually warm enough for winter swims
Quick Take: A spacious, unpretentious crash pad that trades modern luxury for unbeatable Disney proximity and square footage.
Reviewed by @DesTravelsInc: I stayed here with my family and honestly, despite the dated furniture, it was a lifesaver. Having a full kitchen, laundry, and a massive jacuzzi tub made up for everything. It felt like a real home where we could actually relax, not just a cramped hotel room.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort' feel is dated 1990s Florida, and if you get an unrenovated unit, you'll be looking at white laminate and tube TVs.
- You are visiting Animal Kingdom and want to be there in 5 minutes
- You need a full kitchen to save money on Disney dining
- You prioritize square footage over modern design
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. No daily service means you are responsible for your own mess. Starter kits for cleaning are meager.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Renovated units are fine; older units often have grout issues, peeling caulk, or 'musty' smells.
- Maintenance: Aging property. Expect occasional issues like slow drains, loud AC units, or worn carpet in older buildings.
- Linens & towels: Functional but not luxury. Towels can be scratchy; check sheets for stains upon arrival (common complaint).
- Odors & scents: Older buildings can smell musty or like stale smoke; renovated units generally smell fresh.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway traffic from Sherberth Road
- Thin walls between connecting units
- Early morning trash trucks
Before you book
Good to know
- A $200 security deposit is required at check-in (credit card hold).
- Resort fee is approximately $22.70/night.
- Parking is generally free, but some third-party booking sites may trigger a $25 fee—check your fine print.
What to pack
- Dish soap and sponge (starter kit is tiny)
- Laundry detergent pods (washer/dryer in unit)
- Earplugs for traffic noise
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 900 (Silver Points section) for renovated interiors and granite counters
- Top floor units to avoid hearing footsteps from above
Rooms to avoid
- Building 1000 (multiple reports of 'disgusting' conditions and wear)
- Ground floor units near the retention ponds (higher bug risk)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a renovated unit in the 'Silver Points' section, specifically Building 900 if available. Please avoid Building 1000 or ground floor units near the road.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to Disney?
No. The shuttle is a paid service (often via third-party like Mears) and has a limited schedule. Use Uber/Lyft instead.
Do I have to attend the timeshare presentation?
Absolutely not. They will pressure you at the 'parking pass' desk, but a firm 'no thank you' is all that's legally required.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, all three pools are heated, which is a huge plus for winter visits.
How close is it to Animal Kingdom?
Extremely close. You can drive to the park entrance in about 3-5 minutes using the Sherberth Road back entrance.
Is there daily housekeeping?
No. This is a timeshare property; housekeeping is typically weekly or available for an extra fee.
Are there elevators?
Only in the newer 'Silver Points' buildings (800, 900, 1000). Older buildings are walk-up only (3 floors).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the 'Sherberth Road' back entrance to Disney to skip the main traffic jams on 192.
- ✨
The 'Cabana Bar' has surprisingly decent food if you're too tired to leave the resort.
- ✨
Ask for a 'Silver Points' unit specifically—these are the renovated ones with better appliances.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Welcome Center' is actually a sales trap; get your key and get out.
💡Building 1000 is technically 'newer' but has some of the worst maintenance reviews.
💡You can see the Animal Kingdom fireworks from some top-floor balconies facing north.
💡The wifi is free but throttled; streaming can be a struggle in peak hours.
💡There is a small movie theater on-site that plays free family movies—great for rainy days.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Silver Lake Resort is located and what's nearby.