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From Wikitravel

Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County. 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 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 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Vine Street in the city of Kissimmee).

[edit] Understand

Since the opening of Disneyworld 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 1950's.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) [1], 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 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] 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.

[edit] By train

AMTRAK offers daily train service on the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By bus

Kissimmee's public transportation is the Lynx bus service. Trips cost $2 per ride (transfers included). Check out Go Lynx [3] for routes and fares. 407-841-LYNX.

[edit] By car

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

[edit][add listing] See

• Old Town[4](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 (including a giant human sling shot). Coupon books found in all hotels, Denny's, Pancake House.

• Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, (321)-697-3333,[5](Two miles north on I-92 from Turnpike)- Events and recreation complex that includes Osceola County Stadium, Silver Spurs Arena, and other facilities.

• • Osceola County Stadium, (407) 933-5400, Spring Training home of the Houston Astros. Catch the excitement of Major League Baseball up close (every year from late February through early April).

• • 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, 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 County Historical Society, 750 N. Bass Road, ☎ 407-396-8644, [7]. Thur-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4. Historical village and museum of Kissimmee, with authentic buildings such as a cracker house and horse stables. $5.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida (Zipline Safari) +1 407 957 9794 info@floridaecosafaris.com [8]. 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 or, soar through the treetops on the NEW Zipline Safari. Reservations Required.

• SkyScapes Balloon Tours -+1 407 856 4606-info@skyscapesballoontours.com

• Boggy Creek Airboat & Swamp Buggy Rides +1 407 344 9550 info@bcairboats.com [9]. 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

• 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.

• Cypress Lake Airboat Tours (Osprey Eco Tours), 3301 Lake Cypress Road (Go east on Hwy. 192 to St. Cloud, turn right (South) on Vermont Ave.( aka Canoe Creek Road) go 11.6 miles to Lake Cypress Road turn right then 2.3 miles), ☎ 407-957-2277, [10]. 10:00 - 4:30. Scenic airboat ride through an undeveloped region of Florida where alligators and bald eagles are commonly encountered. Call for Reservations. (,one hour) edit

• Shingle Creek Regional Park (Steffee Landing), 4265 W. Vine Street (7 miles east of I-4 on US 192 (Exit 64A) Located on US 192 on Right near Mile Marker 15), ☎ 407-742-7800, [11]. 8:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March) 8:00AM to 7:00PM (April-September). 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.  edit

• • Babb Landing, 2491 Babb Road (7 miles east of I-4 on US 192 (Exit 64A). Turn Left on Old Vineland Road. Bear Right on Babb Road). Park entrance located at the termination point of some of the hiking and canoeing trails.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• The Loop [12] - Large shopping center, opened in 2007, with a wide variety of anchor stores, restaurants, and specialty retailers, including a movie theater.

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

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Arabian Nights, 3081 Arabian Nights Boulevard (1/2 mile East of I-4 on Highway 192, mile marker 8), ☎ 1 800-553-6116, [13]. a dinner show that brings a fairytale to life on horseback.  edit

• Azteca's Mexican Restaurant [14] - 809 North Main St. 407-933-8155. Unique dining environment offering authentic Mexican food.

• Capone's, 4740 W. Hwy. 192, ☎ 1-800-220-8428, [15]. Gangster themed dinner show featuring period costumes and comedy.  edit

• Fat Boys' Bar-BQ, 1606 W Vine St, ☎ (407) 847-7098, [16]. Traditional, quality Bar-BQ. A local favorite. $6-$8.  edit

• Gator's Dockside, 715 Vine Street East, ☎ 1-407-847-9595, [17]. Sport's bar serving grilled wings that the locals swear by.  edit

• Kissimmee Steak House, 2047 E Irlo Bronson Mem Hwy (Less than one mile west of Florida Turnpike, Exit 244), [18]. High quality steak.  edit

• Medieval Times, 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy., ☎ 1-888-WE-JOUST, [19]. Dinner show with medieval reenactments including horseback jousting, all set in a huge castle. $58.95.  edit

• Tarantino's Italian Restaurant, 10 W Monument Ave, ☎ (407) 870-2622, [20]. Family owned and operated Italian restaurant.  edit

• 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.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Fox and Hounds, 3514 W Vine Street, ☎ (407) 847-9927‎. Authentic British pub with great atmosphere.  edit

• Third Base Pub, 225 Simpson Rd, ☎ (407) 846-4747. Fun baseball themed pub with excellent hot wings too.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are a VAST number of lodging options around the parks, with quality varying greatly. In general lodging prices decrease the further aware from Disneyworld you travel. Families and groups planning multi-day stays may also want to consider a short-term rentals for a vacation home, townhouse or timeshare in the Disney-area; in general these may offer a better value when multiple rooms are needed for a week or more.

Lodging is also available in the nearby towns of Davenport, Orlando, and Lake Buena Vista.

[edit] Budget

• Best Western Lakeside, 7769 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, ☎ +1-800-651-1005, [21].  edit

• Holiday Inn Express, ☎ +1-407-997-1700 (fax: +1-407-997-1701), [22].  edit

• Masters Inn Kissimmee, 5367 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, (407) 396-4020, [23]. 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, [24]. AAA approved Main Gate hotel offers spacious suites, free continental breakfast, and free transportation to Disney.

• Meridian Palms, 3000 Maingate Lane, ☎ 1-800-391-7909 (info@meridianorlando.com, fax: 1.407.396.8989), [25]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. $89-$129.  edit

• Quality Suites Royale Parc Suites, 5876 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, +1 407 396-8040, Toll-free: 800 268-6048, [26]. One and two bedroom suites that can sleep up to 10 people with kitchenettes, decorated in a French Quarter motif. Property amenities include pools and sundeck, game room, fitness and business centre, and much more. 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, 2900 Parkway Blvd, [27]. 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.  edit

• Ramada Gateway Kissimmee, 7470 West Irlo Bronson Hwy, +1 407-396-4400, Toll-free: 1-800-327-9170 [28]. 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, 3000 Bonfire Beach Drive, (866) 289-0238, [29]. 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 [30]., 7751 Black Lake Road, 1.888.828.6745, A beautiful resort offering 1 and 2 bedroom condos with amenities including a clubhouse, 3 pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a movie theatre, 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, 5820 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy, 800-327-9126, 1.0 miles 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.

[edit] Mid-range

• Comfort Suites Maingate East, 2775 Florida Plaza Blvd, ☎ +1-407-397-7848, [31]. 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.  edit

• Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, 4425 Pleasant Hill Rd, ☎ +1-888-683-3140, [32]. Nude resort offering villas and camper amenities.  edit

• Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa, 8545 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (US192), ☎ (866) 797-0018 (lighthousekey@synergyhospitality.com), [33]. 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.  edit

• Ramada Heritage Park Kissimmee, 2145 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial, +1 407-846-4646, [34].

• Ramada Resort Eastgate, 5150 West Irlo Bronson Hwy, +1 407-396-1111, [35].

• Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East, 5678 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, ☎ 407-396-4488, [36]. 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.  edit

• Travelodge Suites Kissimmee, 4694 W. Irlo Bronson, 407-396-1780, [37]. Studio Suites sleeps 1-5 people, 2 double beds, sofa sleeper, fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Property amenities include, free shuttle to all parks, free continental breakfast, free wireless internet, seasonally heated pool, only 4 miles from Disney with a McDonalds next door to hotel.

• Westgate Towers, 7600 West Irlo Bronson Hwy, 1-888-808-7410,[38]. 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, 2770 Old Lake Wilson Rd, 1-888-808-7410,[39]. Studios, 2, 3, 4 bedroom villas with full kitchens, washer/dryers and whirlpool tubs. Property amenities include movie theater, kids club, mini golf, tennis, marina, pools, hot tubs and much more.

[edit] Splurge

• Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa, 6000 W Osceola Parkway, ☎ +1-407-586-0000, [40]. Located five minutes from Walt Disney World, this 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.  edit

[edit] Vacation Rental Homes

• Lowery's Vacation Homes, 7864 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, ☎ +1-800-569-3797, [41]. Specializes in Orlando-area rentals including wide range of pool homes, town homes and condos. Properties range from budget conscious to luxury.  edit

• Magical Vacation Homes, 7381 Gathering Court, ☎ +1-407-390-0838, [42]. Specializes in rental homes, condos and townhouses in Windsor Hills Resort.  edit

[edit] Get out

• Lake Buena Vista and Disney World are minutes away, just North.
• Orlando hosts Sea World and Universal Studios, 10 miles North on the Florida Turnpike.

Routes through Kissimmee

Tampa ← Disney World‎ ←	W  E	→ Orlando
Orlando ←	N  S	→ Davenport → Punta Gorda
Tampa ← Davenport‎ ←	W  E	→ Orlando

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!