By Jim Carchidi
July 13, 2026
Greater Orlando short-term rental markets are still feeling the effects of post COVID-era saturation, but new reports show some improvements in the resort district. Experts advise caution and common sense for new investors as renters have their pick of price points and amenities.
Current numbers
According to mid-year forecasts by vacation rental analytics company AirDNA, 2026 occupancy across national markets is averaging 57.4%, marking a 0.4% increase from the pre-pandemic average but still below the occupancy rates of 2021-22. The uptick is partially a byproduct of fewer new listings, allowing demand to be handled through the current stock.
Locally, the Disney-adjacent "resort district" is also seeing some improvements. But 2022 occupancy rates of 75% and above remain a memory.
The following is a list of current resort district stats from AirDNA with year-over-year comparisons to 2025:
Reunion
- Total active listings: 1,051 - up 10.3%
- Occupancy: 55% - up .08%
- Average daily rate: $260.94 - down 2.8%
Champions Gate
- Total active listings: 6859 - down 3.9%
- Occupancy: 58% - up 3.3%
- Average daily rate: $338.56 - up 1.7%
Four Corners
- Total active listings: 3,888 - down 1.0%
- Occupancy: 63% - down 0.3%
- Average daily rate: $200.24 - up 1.7%
What’s impacting the seasonal market?
Brianna Sawyer, senior agent partner with The Orlando Real parent company, The Pozek Group, says inflation and high gas prices mean discretionary spending is having a bigger-than-normal impact on current occupancy and daily rates.
“What we are dealing with now is a lot of short-term bookings with several long-term reservations having been canceled,” she said. “Owners have dropped rates a little bit to fill inventory.”
Sawyer also notes some fluctuation in the number of international travelers, as indicated by the most recent Visit Orlando volume report. The 2026 World Cup is also impacting local occupancy as fans combine tournament attendance with extended vacations in host cities.
Epic Florida Rentals, LLC Managing Director Joe Rothfuss says he experienced an expected springtime slowdown after finishing strong in 2025.
“We finished out the last quarter of 2025 at nearly 80% occupancy with our inventory,” he said. “The first four months of this year seemed like we were up in the high 70s with nearly 100 properties. But like everybody, we saw a slowdown in May with Easter being so early in April. May just didn't pick up.”
Rothfuss says the economic climate caused several cancellations that were suddenly offset in late June by last-minute bookings for Independence Day weekend.
“Guests are holding out a bit longer and taking the last minute deals a bit more than they are planning for this summer. We are seeing bookings pick up into the holidays and into 2027, and anticipate finishing out a strong 2026.”
Are more guests choosing luxury options?
According to AirDNA, Orlando’s current active short-term listings total more than 15,000. Choices range from affordable accommodations to outrageous amenities designed to compete with Reunion and ChampionsGate. Rothfuss says his company inventory includes $2,000-a-night mansion-style rentals complete with gaming arcades, themed guest rooms, and movie theaters. But they still take a backseat to Lake Buena Vista's $1.5 billion Evermore Orlando Resort.
The 1,100-acre community offers a wide selection of luxury options for groups of every size. Hotel-quality amenities include an 18-hole golf course and an eight-acre pool designed as a natural lagoon. However, Rothfuss says wow-factors don't impact the general market. Especially for renters looking to stretch their budget.
“I think the price point is completely different for 95% of the clientele in the Airbnb world,” he said. “The idea behind a home is its value. Instead of paying that extra money for a resort stay, families are taking it and going to the theme parks.”
What’s the most common investor mistake?
The impact of guest ratings and the need to inspire repeat business makes the customer experience is as essential to the short-term rental market as location. But investors often underestimate the cost of ownership. Sawyer says new investors attempting self-management can save money, but need to understand the sweat equity that creates a successful rental business.
“When the phone rings and your guest needs something done, you need to be there at all hours,” she said. And while management companies can be valuable allies in maintaining a welcoming property, there are pitfalls to watch for. Service fees can range between 10% and 35% of the gross booking revenue.
“If you pay a management company 20% and you have an 8% interest rate on the property with only 20% down, you're going to be spending $2,000 to $3,000 a month to keep the property going, even if it's fully booked,” she said.
Investors need to do their homework and create a budget before moving forward with any option and avoid treating short-term rentals as passive income.
“You can have two exactly similar homes right next to each other,” Sawyer said. “One of them could be at maximum occupancy while the other is tanking. It all depends on how they’re run.”
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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