Kissimmee

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Kissimmee is a city in Florida.

[edit] Understand

Kissimmee (pronounced /kiˈsimi/, accent on second syllable) is a popular Central Florida tourist destination because of its sunny weather, Spring Training baseball, and close proximity to Disney World. It is located just South of Orlando, FL, 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 route 535, which leads directly into Disney World theme parks. Most tourist activity is centered around Highway 192 (also known as Space Coast Highway, Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Vine Street (in the city of Kissimmee).

[edit] Get in

  • Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) [1], which is about a 25 minute drive down I-4. You are probably better off taking a toll road though as traffic on I-4 is horrendous.
  • Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)[2] - The 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.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By plane

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

[edit] By bus

  • LYNX bus system, 407-841-LYNX [3].

[edit] By car

Stay away from I-4 when possible. The Osceola Parkway is a nice, empty toll road that runs parallel to 192.

  • Premier Exotic Limousine, +1 321 206-3308, [4].

[edit][add listing] See

  • Old Town[5]- Kissimmee by mile marker 8 on Hwy. 192. 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. Coupon books found in all hotels, Denny's, Pancake House.
  • Warbird Air Museum, 231 N Hoagland Blvd, 407-933-1942, [6]. This is an active work shop rather than a museum which specialises 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 Heritage Park,[7].- Complex that includes Osceola County Stadium, Spring Training home of the Houston Astros, as well as Silver Spurs Arena and other facilities.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • SkyScapes Balloon Tours -+1 407 856 4606-info@skyscapesballoontours.com
  • Boggy Creek Airboat & Swamp Buggy Rides +1 407 344 9550 info@bcairboats.com [8]. 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. Open Hours9a-5:30p m-s
  • Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, 4425 Pleasant Hill Road, Toll Free (888) 683-3140, [9]. Catering to the finest in nude recreation in Florida!
  • 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.

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • The Loop [10] - Large shopping center, opened in 2007, with a wide variety of anchor stores, restaurants, and specialty retailers, including a movie theater.
  • Downtown Disney has some very cool stores, including a Lego store, a toy store, and a soap store (called Basin). There are factory stores in Lake Buena Vista (2 minutes off of 192; north on 535).

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Azteca's Mexican Restaurant [11] - 809 North Main St. 407-933-8155. Unique dining environment offering authentic Mexican food.
  • Route 192 is home of the $3.99 breakfast buffet. They have tons of dinner shows: Arabian Nights, Medieval Times, and Capone's for example. Chick-fil-A is a great fast food chicken chain. Flipper's has wonderful pizza. Shoney's, A&W, Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, Perkins, IHOP, Las Vegas Buffet, and Dippin' Dots are all on 192.
  • Downtown Disney has some pricey restaurants, including a seafood place shaped like a Mississippi Riverboat, an Italian place, and a restaurant owned by world-famous Emeril Lagasse. Emeril's amazing restaurants are actually at Universal Studios. Although, Downtown Disney does boast one of Wolfgang Puck's fabulous eateries.

If you are a fan of hot Buffalo Wings and BBQ ribs then you have to make a visit to Bennigans on the 192 (opposite corner from Old Town). Great atmosphere and pleasant service every time!

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are many resorts in the Kissimmee/Disney World area. Included are Disney's slew of resorts, the Wyndham Palms, Orange Lake, and the Ritz Carlton and J.W. Marriott at Grande Lakes.

[edit] Budget

  • Amerisuites, 4991 Calypso Cay Way, Tel: +1 407 997 1300 (Fax: +1 407 997-1301), [12].
  • La Quinta Inn and Suites Orlando Hotel, +1 407 997-1700 (Fax: +1 407 997-1701), [13].
  • Quality Suites, 5876 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, +1 407 396-8040, Toll-free: 800 268-6048, [14].
  • Masters Inn Kissimmee, 5367 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, (407) 396-4020, [15]. Hotel near Disney, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot. AAA approved economy hotel offers discounted room rates close to the parks, and free shuttle transportation to get you there.
  • Masters Inn Maingate, 2945 Entry Point Boulevard, (407) 396-7743, [16]. Masters Inn near Disney's Main Gate, just minutes to Disney, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot. AAA approved Main Gate hotel offers spacious suites, free continental breakfast, and free transportation to Disney.
  • Runaway Beach Club Condominium Resort, 3000 Bonfire Beach Drive, (866) 289-0238, [17]. Runaway Beach Club is an Orlando family resort where you can choose a 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom suite near Orlando, FL with Key West cottage-style furnishings.
  • Best Western Maingate East, 4018 West Vine Street, +1 877 444-2407, [18].
  • Best Western Lake Side, 7769 State Route, +1 800 651-1005, [19].
  • Meridian Palms, 3000 Maingate Lane, ☎ 1-800-391-7909 (, fax: 1.407.396.8989), [20]. Check in: 3:00PM; Check out: 11:00AM. $89-$129.  edit

  • Runaway Beach Hotel, Ph: 407-997-1900 Toll Free: 866-289-0238, [21]. Each Runaway Beach villa suite in Orlando, Florida is furnished in a Key West cottage style with a full kitchen and the comforts of home.

[edit] Mid-range

  • Ramada Maingate West Kissimmee, 7491 W.Irlo Bronson HWY. 192, Kissimmee, Florida 34747, +1 407-396-6000, [22].
  • Ramada Heritage Park Kissimmee, 2145 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial, Kissimmee, Florida 34744, +1 407-846-4646, [23].
  • Ramada Resort Eastgate, 5150 West Irlo Bronson Hwy Kissimmee, FL 34746, +1 407-396-1111, [24].
  • Ramada Gateway Kissimmee, 7470 West Irlo Bronson Hwy Kissimmee, FL 34747, +1 407-396-4400, [25].

[edit] Splurge

  • Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa, 6000 W Osceola Parkway, +1 407-586-0000. Located five minutes from Walt Disney World, this amazing resort includes a 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium that celebrates the entire state of Florida. Features restaurants, La Petite Academy Kids Station, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, shops and live animal displays. You have to visit this hotel to believe it!

[edit] Vacation Rental Homes

Vacation Rental homes have become increasingly popular with travelers to the area in recent years. Generally homes range from 1 bedroom condominiums with shared facilities up to 7 bedroom villas with private pools, spas and games rooms.

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