Kissimmee

Just south of Orlando in what is commonly referred to as the "Kissimmee-St. Cloud" area, due to the short distance between it and the adjacent city of St. Cloud. It is centered directly between St. Cloud and Disney World on Highway 192 and leads into SR-535, which leads directly into Disney World theme parks. Most tourist activity is centered around Highway 192 (also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Vine Street in the city of Kissimmee).
Since the opening of Disney World in 1971, Kissimmee has been primarily a tourist-driven town. Before that the town relied on agriculture and ranching, with a population of just over four thousand through the 1950s.

By plane

• Orlando International Airport (MCO), your entry point for most international and domestic flights. It is about a 25 minute drive down I-4 from Kissimmee. Be aware that airport security lines can become extremely long (1 hour), especially during the summer tourist season and near holidays. Combined with long check-in lines, it is advisable to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.

• Kissimmee Gateway AirportThe closest general aviation facility to Walt Disney World, Sea World, UNIVERSAL Orlando, the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center. Used primarily for private business jets or small commercial aircraft.

By car

Most visitors arrive on the Florida Turnpike by taking exit 242 (going north) or exit 249 (coming south). Be aware that the turnpike uses automated toll collection booths on many exits that require exact change, so be sure to have a pocketful of quarters with you when driving.

By train

Kissimmee is served by two daily Amtrak trains, the Silver Star and Silver Meteor. Both run between New York City and Miami, taking slightly different routes. Also the Silver Star makes a detour to serve Tampa, adding two extra hours for southbound services. is conveniently located in downtown at 111 E Dakin Ave.
The regional commuter rail system SunRail has hourly trains from Orlando, with a journey time of 25 minutes.

By bus

Kissimmee's public transportation is the Lynx bus service. Trips cost $2 per ride (transfers included). Check out Go Lynx for routes and fares. +1 407-841-LYNX.

By car

Interstate 4 is the most preferred route, and carries a driver toward Tampa going west and downtown Orlando and Daytona Beach going east. The road can get very congested at times. The Osceola Parkway is a toll road that runs parallel to 192.
The primary surface highway in Kissimmee is US 192, running west to east through the area. From Hoagland Blvd. (near the city's municipal airport) to the west, it features large purple "mile marker" towers which serve as reference points through their tourist area. (The main entrance to Walt Disney World is at mile marker 7.)

• Old Town

  phone: +1 407 396 4888
  address: 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
  They have a classic car show on the weekends, lots of shops and a couple restaurants, and a free Ferris wheel (if you find the coupon in one of the many coupon books) as well as other rides (including a giant human sling shot). Coupon books found in all hotels, Denny's, Pancake House.

• Osceola Heritage Park

  phone: +1 321 697-3333
  address: 1875 Silver Spur Ln
  (2 mi N on I-92 from Turnpike)- Events and recreation complex that includes Osceola County Stadium, Silver Spurs Arena, and other facilities.

• Osceola County Stadium

  phone: +1 407-933-5400
  Home of the Gulf Coast League Astros, a Rookie-level affiliate of the Houston Astros.

• Silver Spurs Arena is a multipurpose events arena which hosts shows ranging from rock concerts to competitive rodeos. The annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is hosted here every year in late February.

Warbird Air Museum

phone: +1 407 933-1942

address: 231 N Hoagland Blvd

This is an active work shop rather than a museum which specializes in restoring WW2 aircraft to flying condition. Guided tours are available of the work shops and hangers which are crammed with wrecks and bits and pieces of rare aircraft, as well as planes which are flyable or are being restored.

Osceola County Historical Society

phone: +1 407 396-8644

address: 750 N Bass Rd

Historical village and museum of Kissimmee, with authentic buildings such as a cracker house and horse stables.

• ESPN Wide World of Sports

• Old Town Theme Park

• Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida

  phone: +1 407 957-9794
  Journey deep into Forever Florida, a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area, preserved just as nature intended. This beautiful site boasts 9 distinct Florida ecosystems and an endless array of natural flora and fauna including alligators, black bears, nearly two hundred species of birds and the endangered Florida panther. Choose your own fully-guided adventure: Coach Safari, Horseback Safari, soar through the treetops on the Zipline Safari. Reservations required.

• SkyScapes Balloon Tours

  phone: +1 407 856-4606

• Boggy Creek Airboat & Swamp Buggy Rides

  phone: +1 407 344-9550
  Naturalists often refer to Boggy Creek wetlands as, 'The Central Florida Everglades'. Take one of these airboat or swamp buggy rides for an up-close look at exotic birds, turtles. 9AM-5:30PM daily.
• Lake Tohopekaliga - Known locally as "Lake Toho," it is the largest lake in Osceola County, and is renowned for some of the best bass fishing in the state.

• Shingle Creek Regional Park

  phone: +1 407 742-7800
  address: 4265 W Vine St
  A nature park that encompasses 1,033 acres of natural Florida along the banks of beautiful Shingle Creek-Headwaters to the Everglades. The park features hiking/canoeing trails, picnicking and play areas placed amongst the remnants of the historic Shingle Creek community's pioneer homes and farms.

• Babb Landing

  address: 2491 Babb Rd
  Park entrance at the termination point of some of the hiking and canoeing trails.

• Art In Motion LLC Custom Motorcycles

  phone: +1 407-847-0119
  address: 1503 Ross Ave
  Here you can see custom motorycles being built. At their .6 acre facility, you can visit a working motorcycle shop with 100% custom motorcycles, motorcycle customizing, a full parts counter and gifts. The "three-wheeler" restroom offers a "magic spot" where if you park your vehicle in the right place out front, you can see it projected upside-down on the silver wall inside. Also offers a "build your own bike while on vacation" service for people with the inclination to build a motorcycle but not enough time or knowledge to do this on their own.

• Fun Spot America-Kissimmee

  phone: +1 407 397-2509
  address: 2850 Florida Plaza Blvd.
  Small amusement park with rollercoasters, go-karts and thrill rides.

• Kissimmee Ghost and History Tours

  phone: +1 321 254-5204
  address: Corner of Rose Ave & S. Bryan St
  Wheelchair-friendly, leisurely nightly walking tours lasting approximately 90 minutes cover some of Kissimmee's spooky historical haunts. Reservations recommended.

• The LoopLarge shopping center, opened in 2007, with a wide variety of anchor stores, restaurants, and specialty retailers, including a movie theater.

• Disney Springs (2 minutes off of 192; N on 535) in Lake Buena Vista offers a wide range of specialty stores.

• Capone's Dinner and Show

  address: 4740 W Hwy 192
  Gangster themed dinner show featuring period costumes and comedy.

• Fat Boys' Bar-B-Q

  phone: +1 407 847-7098
  address: 1606 W Vine St
  Traditional, quality Bar-BQ. A local favorite.

• Medieval Times

  address: 4510 W Irlo Bronson Hwy
  Dinner show with medieval reenactments including horseback jousting, all set in a huge castle.

• Tarantino's Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1 407 870-2622
  address: 10 W Monument Ave
  Family owned and operated Italian restaurant.

• Boston Lobster Feast

  phone: +1 407 396-2606
  address: 6071 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. (US 192)
  An all-you-can-eat place that has a fairly large variety of seafood, desserts, salads. A location of this eatery is on International Drive, in Orlando.

• 3 Sisters Speakeasy

  phone: +1 407 201-3270
  address: 226 Broadway Ave
  What started out as a historical speakeasy from the Prohibition Era has found its place in Downtown Kissimmee as a hip eatery serving eclectic American fare. Hosts Trivia Night Tuesdays, live music four nights per week, and other special events.

• Paul's Italian Deli and Restaurant

  phone: +1 407 933-0766
  address: 812 E Vine St
  Authentic Italian deli serving customizable subs and related lunch specials. Small seating area often fills up on busy days. Closed Sundays.

• Breeze

  phone: +1 321-624-3318
  address: 7 E Dakin Ave
  Offers a large selection of whiskey as well as craft beers. DJs and live music during weekends.

• The Fox & Hounds Public House

  phone: +1 407 847-9927
  address: 3514 W Vine St
  Authentic British pub with great atmosphere.

• Vintage Vino

  phone: +1 917-627-8432
  address: 14 E Dakin Ave
  Small wine bar that also serves craft beers and excellent cheeses.

There are a vast number of lodging options around the parks, with quality varying greatly. In general lodging prices decrease the further away from Disney World you travel. Families and groups planning multi-day stays may also want to consider short-term rentals, vacation homes, or timeshares in the Disney-area; in general these may offer a better value when multiple rooms are needed for a 3 nights or more. At the last count, there were over 15,000 such vacation rentals in Kissimmee alone, offering approximately 60,000 bedrooms, sleeping 120,000 guests each night.
Lodging is also available in the nearby towns of Davenport, Orlando, and Lake Buena Vista.

Budget

• Best Western Lakeside

  address: 7769 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy

• Galleria Palms

  phone: +1 407 396-6300
  address: 3000 Maingate Lane Kissimmee FL,34747

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 407 997-1700

• Masters Inn Kissimmee

  phone: +1 407-396-4020
  address: 5367 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
  AAA approved economy hotel offers discounted room rates close to the parks, and free shuttle transportation to get you there.

• Masters Inn Maingate

  phone: +1 407 396-7743
  address: 2945 Entry Point Blvd
  Suites, free continental breakfast, and free transportation to Disney.

• Quality Suites Royale Parc Suites

  phone: +1 407-396-8040
  address: 5876 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
  One- and two-bedroom suites that can sleep up to 10 people with kitchenettes, decorated in a French Quarter motif. Amenities include pools and sundeck, game room, fitness and business centre. Free breakfast buffet, nightly managers reception and wireless internet. One mile from the gates of Walt Disney World Resort, with free scheduled shuttle to major theme parks.

• Radisson Resort

  address: 2900 Parkway Blvd
  A 718 room resort located on 20 acres of tropically landscaped groups and is just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World. 3 pools, cascading waterfalls, 2 whirlpools and a 40' water slide. Extensive on site Kids Activities program.

• Ramada Gateway Kissimmee

  phone: +1 407 396-4400
  address: 7470 W Irlo Bronson Hwy
  A designated "Walt Disney World Good Neighbor" hotel. Restaurant on-site, fitness center, discount tickets on website, 2 pools, meeting space and free shuttle to Walt Disney World.

• Runaway Beach Club

  address: 3000 Bonfire Beach Dr
  Runaway Beach Club is a family resort where you can choose a 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suite with Key West cottage-style furnishings.

• Silver Lake Resort

  address: 7751 Black Lake Rd
  A beautiful resort offering 1 and 2 bedroom condos with amenities including a clubhouse, 3 pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a movie theater, a fitness center, cabana bar, simulated golf, game room, Internet access, fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TVs and Jacuzzi tubs, and is located next door to the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom.

• Suites at Old Town

  address: 5820 W Irlo Bronson Hwy
  1 mi from Disney Parks. Apartment style suites with full kitchens, dining area and living room with murphy bed. 1 bedroom suite-sleeps 6, 2 bedroom suite-sleeps 10, free shuttle to parks, full eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, full sized refrigerator & coffee maker, spacious dining & living rooms, each room has 2 TV's & private balcony or patio, free cable TV & HBO, 2 large heated swimming pools, coin laundry on site, game room, and outdoor grill/picnic. Walking distance to 18 restaurants; clubs/bars; Property is next door to Old Town Entertainment and amusement center.

Mid-range

• Claremont Kissimmee

  address: 6051 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy 34747
  Bedroom Suite, Double deluxe and King deluxe, all equipped with Air-conditioning, Cable TV and Safe. Facilities and services are Swimming pool, Café and High-speed Internet access.

• Comfort Suites Maingate East

  phone: +1 407 397-7848
  address: 2775 Florida Plaza Blvd
  All-suite rooms with free Internet access, deluxe Continental breakfast, and scheduled shuttle service to major theme parks. Outdoor pool open 24 hours a day.

• Cypress Cove Nudist Resort

  address: 4425 Pleasant Hill Rd
  Nude resort offering villas and camper amenities.

• Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa

  address: 8545 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
  All Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa suites come complete with the luxury features you would expect at a high end resort. Beyond the attended entrance, a luxurious lakeside suite in a truly majestic realm to call your very own.

• Ramada Heritage Park Kissimmee

  phone: +1 407 846-4646
  2145 E Irlo Bronson Memorial.

• Ramada Resort Eastgate

  phone: +1 407 396-1111
  address: 5150 W Irlo Bronson Hwy

• Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East

  phone: +1 407 396-4488
  address: 5678 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
  Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, free scheduled shuttle to Disney Ticket and Transportation Center - 3 miles away, family friendly, pet friendly, restaurant, 2 pools, laundry facility, free nightly family movies in hotel theater, all rooms include microwave and mini-refrigerator, Kid's Suites and 2 Room Suites available.

• Travelodge Suites

  phone: +1 407 966-4418
  address: 5399 West Irlo Bronson

• Westgate Towers

  address: 7600 W Irlo Bronson Hwy
  One mile from the gates of Walt Disney World Resort, has a restaurant on-site, pools, a gym and interior corridor rooms.

• Westgate Town Center Resort

  address: 2770 Old Lake Wilson Rd
  Studios, 2-, 3-, 4-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washer/dryers and whirlpool tubs. Amenities include movie theater, kids club, mini golf, tennis, marina, pools and hot tubs.

• Kapp and Kappy B&B

  phone: +1 407-205-9992
  address: 21 N Clyde Ave

Splurge

• Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa

  phone: +1 407 586-0000
  address: 6000 W Osceola Pkwy
  Five minutes from Walt Disney World, this resort includes a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium that celebrates the entire state of Florida and contains trees and a stream. Features restaurants, La Petite Academy Kids Station, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, shops and live animal displays. Good sized rooms.

Kissimmee and the whole Orlando area requires the area code to be dialed, even when calling a local number.

• Disney World is minutes away, just north.
• Orlando hosts Sea World and Universal Studios, 10 miles north on the Florida Turnpike.