Lake Buena Vista travel guide
Lake Buena Vista Tourism | Lake Buena Vista Guide
You're Going to Love Lake Buena Vista
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.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Lake Buena Vista
1. Disney
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.
2. Shopping
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.
3. Golf
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.
4. Typhoon Lagoon
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.
5. Memorable Outings
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.
What to do in Lake Buena Vista
1. Walt Disney World Resort: "The Happiest Place on Earth"
This is the largest and most frequented vacation park in the world, and for a good reason - it boasts four different theme parks and a never-ending program of fun for the whole family. The Magic Kingdom exudes classical Disney, while Epcot celebrates a diversity of cultures from around the globe. Hollywood Studios makes movie-making magic come to life, and Animal Kingdom is the place to celebrate the natural world. And of course, your favorite characters are found at every stop along the way.
2. Universal Orlando Resort: Step onto the Movie Set
A mega-theme park combining the famous Universal Studios with the more specifically themed "Islands of Adventure", this resort experience rivals Walt Disney World with an immersive movie experience. Walk through mind-bogglingly accurate recreations of Hollywood and New York, and let your favorite famous actors guide you down the rabbit hole.
3. Epcot: Two Realms Inside One World
Venture into the Future World and roam inside Epcot's Project Tomorrow. There, interact with the Body Builder, Super Driver, Inversion or Power City display and learn the science behind them. Take a ride on Ellen's Energy Adventure, Bruce's Shark World or visit the realm of coral reefs. At Epcot's World Showcase, visit 11 countries, taste their foods and learn about their culture. If you are a history buff, you'll love Spaceship Earth. Travel back to the Stone Age, attend the moon landing and learn about man's latest achievements. In between experiences, you can dine at Epcot's restaurants and continue your adventure by visiting the Frozen Ever After ride. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of days there in order to appreciate the full experience of this magical site.
4. Grande Vista Golf Club: Home of the Marriot Golf Academy
The Grande Vista Golf Club is a 35-acre 18-hole golf course. Take a family outing to the golf club and make it an all-day event. Rentals vary in price according to the season. Rent a 9-hole, 18-hole or save money by renting a Golf & Lunch package. Memberships are also available.
5. Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course: A Wildlife Sanctuary Golf Course
This International Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary is also an 18-hole golf course sitting in between shimmering lakes, pine forests, palmetto trees and breathtaking villas. Rent a GPS-operated golf cart to take you around during the game. Stay hydrated, nourished and enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail at one of the many food and beverage stations located on the various courses. End the day by enjoying a delicious sandwich from the On the Green grill and patio.
1. Walt Disney World Resort: "The Happiest Place on Earth"
This is the largest and most frequented vacation park in the world, and for a good reason - it boasts four different theme parks and a never-ending program of fun for the whole family. The Magic Kingdom exudes classical Disney, while Epcot celebrates a diversity of cultures from around the globe. Hollywood Studios makes movie-making magic come to life, and Animal Kingdom is the place to celebrate the natural world. And of course, your favorite characters are found at every stop along the way.
2. Universal Orlando Resort: Step onto the Movie Set
A mega-theme park combining the famous Universal Studios with the more specifically themed "Islands of Adventure", this resort experience rivals Walt Disney World with an immersive movie experience. Walk through mind-bogglingly accurate recreations of Hollywood and New York, and let your favorite famous actors guide you down the rabbit hole.
3. Epcot: Two Realms Inside One World
Venture into the Future World and roam inside Epcot's Project Tomorrow. There, interact with the Body Builder, Super Driver, Inversion or Power City display and learn the science behind them. Take a ride on Ellen's Energy Adventure, Bruce's Shark World or visit the realm of coral reefs. At Epcot's World Showcase, visit 11 countries, taste their foods and learn about their culture. If you are a history buff, you'll love Spaceship Earth. Travel back to the Stone Age, attend the moon landing and learn about man's latest achievements. In between experiences, you can dine at Epcot's restaurants and continue your adventure by visiting the Frozen Ever After ride. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of days there in order to appreciate the full experience of this magical site.
4. Grande Vista Golf Club: Home of the Marriot Golf Academy
The Grande Vista Golf Club is a 35-acre 18-hole golf course. Take a family outing to the golf club and make it an all-day event. Rentals vary in price according to the season. Rent a 9-hole, 18-hole or save money by renting a Golf & Lunch package. Memberships are also available.
5. Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course: A Wildlife Sanctuary Golf Course
This International Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary is also an 18-hole golf course sitting in between shimmering lakes, pine forests, palmetto trees and breathtaking villas. Rent a GPS-operated golf cart to take you around during the game. Stay hydrated, nourished and enjoy a cold beer or a cocktail at one of the many food and beverage stations located on the various courses. End the day by enjoying a delicious sandwich from the On the Green grill and patio.
1. Walt Disney World Resort: "The Happiest Place on Earth"
This is the largest and most frequented vacation park in the world, and for a good reason - it boasts four different theme parks and a never-ending program of fun for the whole family. The Magic Kingdom exudes classical Disney, while Epcot celebrates a diversity of cultures from around the globe. Hollywood Studios makes movie-making magic come to life, and Animal Kingdom is the place to celebrate the natural world. And of course, your favorite characters are found at every stop along the way.
Where to Eat in Lake Buena Vista
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.
When to visit Lake Buena Vista
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.
How to Get to Lake Buena Vista
Plane
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.
Train
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.
Car
Drivers can reach Lake Buena Vista by taking Interstate 4 and then taking the westbound road from exit 68.
Bus
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.
Airlines serving Lake Buena Vista
Where to stay in 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.
Popular Neighborhoods in Lake Buena Vista
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.
Where to stay in popular areas of Lake Buena Vista
Most booked hotels in Lake Buena Vista
How to Get Around Lake Buena Vista
Public Transportation
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.
Taxi
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.
Car
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.
The Cost of Living in Lake Buena Vista
Shopping Streets
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.
Groceries and Other
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.