Lake Buena Vista - true to its name
Be sure to check out our site covering this region and the Greater Orlando area: Orlando Vacation Guide and nearby Kissimmee.
Restaurants
Victoria & Albert's
You can always count on Disney to create perfection. Five Diamond restaurants are not as common as you might think, and with the concept of creating dishes fit for a King and Queen, your royal palette will be well served at this world-class restaurant. To die for? Maybe not; but, be prepared to pay the King's ransom. Located within Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Based on the famed Hollywood, CA Brown Derby restaurant, and located with Disney's Hollywood Studios - where else? - you'll be served American fare as good as it gets. Located within Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Places to Stay
Nickelodeon Family Suites
This themed hotel is more resort than hotel and, in some ways, mirrors what you might find at one of the many Disney Resorts. Obviously geared towards children in the pre-teen age group, with parking on the peripheral edges, hotel and resort buildings form a encirclement around the inner play areas that include multiple heated pools - sprawling - waterslides, mini golf and more. An alternative to the higher priced resorts offered by Disney. 14500 Continental Gateway in Lake Buena Vista.
Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
Designed for fun and excitement for the whole family. With 6 pools, waterslides, golf, spa and just a mile and a half to Walt Disney World. 8701 World Center Drive.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
This stunning full-service resort hotel is highly recommended. After a full day workout at one of the Disney theme parks, the Hyatt is a welcome oasis of rest and relaxation (lazy river, anyone?). The resort boasts enough amenities (many free of charge), that you might just end up staying "home" for a day to take it all in. 1 Grand Cypress Blvd.
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Themed accommodations and resort of Atlantic seaside resorts and amusements history. Most of the 372 guest rooms feature a balcony and are roomy - a departure from the past where guest rooms were more closet than room. Three outdoor pools - heated, of course - and numerous other on-site amenities. 2101 North Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Grand Beach Resort
This condominium vacation rental property features 216 units on five floors and includes two heated pools and many amenities designed for children and young families. Located on Lake Bryan. 8317 Lake Bryan Beach Blvd.
Attractions
Walt Disney World Resort
Referring to Walt Disney World Resort as a theme park is like comparing the Goodyear Blimp to a balloon. The grounds alone cover 40 square miles and comprise four separate major theme parks, two large-scale water parks and over 20 resort hotel properties. 2012 will mark the 41st anniversary of Walt Disney World, and when you think that most of the greater Orlando area was orange groves, you realize that the Magic Kingdom is, indeed, exactly that. I-4 exits in Lake Buena Vista, south of Orlando.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Taking the best - and worst - from Hollywood, you'll find rides, presentations, productions and amusements themed on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, American Idol, and many, many others. Something for everyone: from the benign Muppets and the Little Mermaid to Indiana Jones and the Tower of Terror 50 Animation Drive - US 192, 2 miles north of World Drive.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Thinking about making the big move up to the Daytona 500? Try the "ride along" program here with a professional driver at speeds up to 140 (14 and up), or try your own hand at the wheel in the seat of a stock car (18 and up) on the one mile track 3450 North World Drive at the Walt Disney World Speedway.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
This waterpark is fun for all. From the mild rides and attractions for young children to water-rollercoaster adrenaline pumping thrills. 1195 East Buena Vista Drive inside Walt Disney World.
Local Resources
Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The official visitor center for all things Orlando, including the theme parks and Disney is located on I-Drive. You can buy tickets and passes there and get tons of advice, maps, brochures, discount offers, etc. There are other private "Official" Visitors Centers around the area, but calling yourself "Official" and actually being "Official" are two entirely different things. This is the real deal: 8723 International Drive in Orlando.
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