best area outside of disney

[lidec]

We have stayed at the disney resorts the times we have gone to disney. We want to do other things than Disney and were wondering what is the best area to stay in? Is it downtown Disney Lake Buena Vista area, International Dr., Kissimmee or any other. We will have a car and we are planning on just hanging around the pool, and sight seeing so we just want a NICE area to stay in but not VERY high in price (not more than a mod. priced disney resort)

 

[Lisa P.]

My preferences are:
1. Lake Buena Vista area
2. south Int'l Drive area around Westwood Blvd and south (below Sea World)
3. Kissimmee, west of WDW
4. Kissimmee, east of WDW
5. central Int'l Drive area, near Convention Center and Mercado
6. (last) upper Int'l Drive area - too congested, some parts quite seedy

IMO, this gives an idea of where I've seen nicer lodging, with enough decent restaurants and things to do nearby. But, there are some VERY nice places in every area and some rundown places in every area. So it's not as simple as all that. Also, we always have a vehicle; we don't depend on local transportation; we don't eat out a lot; and we don't visit many smaller attractions, like mini-golf, museums and outlet malls. This colors our opinions.

Some folks LOVE to stay in the center area of Int'l Drive because they can walk or take the trolley to so many local attractions, nice shopping and good restaurants. It's a busy area that's also nicely landscaped and prettier in recent years, with tons to do.

BTW, with a budget of ~$150/night (like a moderate Disney hotel?), you will find LOTS of offsite options. Tell us what you want in a hotel and what local things you want to do while you're there. That will help people make some suggestions for an area or hotels to consider, which may suit you. Ex., there are a couple of hotel clusters that include a very upscale resort hotel, with more moderate hotels - where guests may use the facilities throughout the cluster. Or a timeshare resort with nightly or weekly rentals may provide more of a resort feel (inroom jacuzzi, nice pools, etc.) and still work within your budget.

 

[lidec]

we dont want a cheap dumpy hotel but not a Hard Rock Cafe either. We have a car so transportation is set. We want a hotel with "Nice rooms and a nice pool" but not "extremely nice". We are planning on doing downtown disney in the evening, hang around the pool during the day, some shopping, eatting out at night, maybe visit I Dr. We are only there for 3 days so we dont want to spend a fortune but have a nice place that you would like to spend a day at and not just to sleep. Ive been checking out Radisson in LBV and Holiday Inn Sunspree LBV. So far thats as far as I have gotten. I see some offer free breakfast or kids eat free. If theres some areas where shopping and rest. are within walking that is a plus but not necessary. Any suggestions would be great. Ive been searching tripadvisor also.

 

[spiceycat]

I also like

Lake buena vista
US 192 West - Kissimmee but only the part very close to WDW

US 192 East - but only the part close to International Drive south.

some of Kissimmee is dangerous.

you might consider one of the older DD hotels - they are often for sale on
www.travelzoo.com

nick hotel it generally rents in the $100 - is having a sale on travelzoo
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/329545

comfort Inn LBV is also having a sale
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/329323

that say - some people don't like comfort Inn lbv.

on hotelkingdom is Cypress Pointe - which is not fancy - but nice and walkable distance to a grocery store, restuarants, drug store. You can drive to the parks.
http://www.hotelkingdom.com/hotelsearch.aspx?cityid=273

 

[DOOM1001]

Anywhere around Lake Buena Vista is good.I would rather stay anywhere on International Drive than on Kissimmee on 192 east of 535 or even too far west of WDW.

 

[gtalum]

Check out Hawthorn Suites. They have a LBV property and a south I-Drive property by Sea World and teh convention center. They have true 1 bedroom suites with kitchen for <$100 per night (as low as $85 with AAA discount). High speed wireless internet and hot breakfast buffet is included.