Lake Buena Vista is a great choice if you long to visit the Disney parks or other famous Florida theme parks like Universal Studios and SeaWorld Adventure Park.
However, a stay in Lake Buena Vista needn't be entirely dedicated to theme parks. The resort is the ideal base for retail fans who want to shop in Florida's famous outlet malls and it's a good starting point for trips to the coast, Cape Canaveral, or Everglades National Park.
The city is the postal address of Walt Disney World and it's right next to the company's famous parks. Hop over to adjacent Bay Lake and spend days exploring the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the Animal Kingdom.
Browse over 300 brands at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, get the best bargains at the Florida Mall, or find exclusive designer pieces at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando.
Play a round or two at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course or try some of the region's other notable courses like Boggy Creek Golf Club.
Kids of all ages will love this water park. See Miss Tilly stranded on top of Mount Mayday, or take a dip in one of the world's largest artificial wave pools.
Spend the day at Mead Botanical Garden, take an airboat ride on Lake Jesup, visit Universal Studios or SeaWorld, or discover great works at the Orlando Museum of Art.
Summer from May to September can be very hot and busy. Visit from March to May for cooler temperatures, more affordable prices, and less crowded attractions.
Fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and you're just 21.2 miles from Lake Buena Vista. Complimentary shuttle bus services will take you from the airport to the resort but, if you don't want to wait, take a taxi from outside the terminal for $45.
Trains don't go all the way to Lake Buena Vista but you can take Amtrak services to Orlando and complete the journey by taxi or rental car.
Drivers can reach Lake Buena Vista by taking Interstate 4 and then taking the westbound road from exit 68.
Service providers like ATC, Megabus, and Greyhound run buses to Orlando from all over the US. Take a taxi from the bus terminal to Lake Buena Vista.
Try the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista or Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, or opt for the more affordable Best Western Lake Buena Vista.
Lake Buena Vista - the resort itself covers an area of 3.1 square miles. Its centerpiece is the lake and notable attractions include Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Bay Lake - right next door to Lake Buena Vista, the neighborhood is home to the famous Disney parks.
Disney Springs - adjacent to Bay Lake and close to Lake Buena Vista, Disney Springs is a shopping, entertainment, and dining complex with a pleasant outdoor setting.
Take Lynx Bus line 50 to the Magic Kingdom or Lynx Bus line 111 to Orlando Airport. Many hotels offer complimentary buses to the Disney parks.
Taxis are a convenient option for travelers who want to see more of central Florida. A typical trip of around five miles will cost $21.
Having a car at your disposal is a real advantage. Not only will you be able to reach the Disney parks and the region's other famous theme parks in comfort, you'll be able to plan shopping expeditions and sightseeing trips. Rent a car at Orlando airport from brands like Europcar or Hertz for as little as $31 per day.
Pick up Disney memorabilia at Downtown Disney or drive to one of the region's malls or outlet stores for everything from electronics and tools to clothing and sports gear. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is a good choice; here, you'll find over 300 famous brands, and there's a free shuttle bus from Lake Buena Vista hotels.
Buy food and essentials at Lake Buena Vista Supermarket Kash N Karry Supercenter. Open 24 hours a day, Gooding's has a bakery and offers free delivery. Expect to pay $3.30 for 12 eggs or $0.96 for a quart of whole milk.
Fans of Mexican food will love Chevys, while Uno Pizzeria & Grill is the perfect place to enjoy pizza with the kids. Or, visit Sweet Tomatoes - Lake Buena Vista for American classics with a healthy twist. Restaurant prices range from $13 for a simple lunch to $64 for dinner for two with drinks.