Pros of Staying in Kissimmee

[Magalex]

This past April we stayed onsite at POP and loved it. But we may have a chance to go in May 2006. We have a 5 yr old DS. We might want this trip to be more of an Orlando area adventure. Looking at a few hotels in Kissimmee( Comfort Suites Maingate, Best Western Lakeside) especially offering free breakfasts. Could you tell me what you love about Kissimmee (activities, dining, shopping)?
This would also be a budget trip
Thanks!
Magalex

 

[spiceycat]

Kissimmee/St cloud visitors center is one of the most friendly and helpful.

there are a bunch of inexpensive places to eat.

It is very, very close to WDW.

Spicey, my cat, always goes with me.

when I stay on-site, he stays at FW kennel. there are several places in Kissimmee I can stay with him in my room.

 

[isla bonita]

It can be inexpensive but still very close by to the world. There are options like breakfast for free or in the room? Dinner can be out but as inexpensive as you like. There are many fun things and sites to see in the area. The visitor center has coupons and such for close by restaurants and atractions. Its a nice area with plenty of good eats.

 

[DianeV]

We personally like the Lake Buena Vista side on 535 better...192 and Kissimmee is very touristy and busy busy busy. We have stayed on both sides and do still but the other side of town is my preference

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

We personally like the Lake Buena Vista side on 535 better...192 and Kissimmee is very touristy and busy busy busy. We have stayed on both sides and do still but the other side of town is my preference

I think I agree with DianeV. I say, I think, because we have only stayed in the Lake Buena Vista area. We absolutely love that area.......I can't imagine liking the Kissimmee area better, especially with all of the horror stories on this board about traffic.

But.............I am giving Radisson Resort Parkway a try for 3 nights before we are in the LBV area so I will let you know. Now, I don't think RRP is too far into Kissimmee.........I'm only guessing that because it says it is 1.5 miles from WDW. But it is off of 192 (correct?) so I will let you know how we make out.

When we were at Vistana last year (LBV area), we really felt like we were still on Disney property because DTD is so close. We had a lot of fun at DTD, can't wait to go back. And the ride to the parks took us less time than when we took the buses. The only downside was that you can't park right at the MK, you park at the TTC.

This time I would like to try the outlet malls. And maybe the Titanic exhibit if we have time. We realized that there was a whole other "world" out there.

 

[susan1]

hi
we love staying in kissimmee on the 192 west, we stay at quality inn maingate west, budget but clean and safe. has coffee maker in room etc. extended complimentary continental breakfast. it is also right next to the short cut road to disney. as previously stated there are many places in all price ranges to eat. yes it's a bit tourist but in a fun way and not over the top! the best bit is not the awful struggle to get on and off i-drive, i would personally never stay there again ,did it once ugh!! going in january - only 9 more weeks ,got my t shirt with the spanish monorail speil ready to wear - it better be warm!!

 

[Farawayfan]

I was interested to read about the preference to LBV rather than Kissimmee and wonder if anyone knows what villa areas are available on the LBV side to avoid the traffic problems.

thanks
Jackie

 

[DianeV]

By villa do you mean the homes you can rent from owners or do you mean timeshare type villas? There are quite a few on the LBV side

 

[lawgs]

mom

the parkway is just across 192 from celebration, thus very close to maingate entrance to disney

also close is access to I4

arabian nights is next door to this enclave ( Vacation Village is there also _

 

[alexbigday]

Is anyone familiar with Best Western Lakeside? Is it on the LBV side? (I am not sure which lake is being referred to in the name of the hotel)
The price is right (with the ORlando magic card)
Thoughts?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We always stay in a private villa just off the 192 in Kissimmee.

It is a good base for a stay, close to supermarkets/restaurants and within easy reach of Disney and the I4.

 

[Bru'sCrew]

When staying off-site what is the best way to get around to the Disney Parks and other sites? First time off-site.

 

[isla bonita]

Renting a car is the best way to get around even if you stay on site I think.

 

[Farawayfan]

We're interested in renting a private villa from owner. Any suggestions on the LBV side would be appreciated.

thanks
Jackie

 

[BonnieA]

Is anyone familiar with Best Western Lakeside? Is it on the LBV side? (I am not sure which lake is being referred to in the name of the hotel)
The price is right (with the ORlando magic card)
Thoughts?

Best Western Lakeside is not on the LBV side. It is on the 192 side but it is very close to Sherberth road and the back way into disneyworld. I stayed there a couple years ago when it was the LaQuinta Lakeside. It was great for me. I was in a room in the back (as requested) where it was very quiet. At that time, rooms had a small fridge, daily paper, coffee maker along with other items. There was a $3.50 daily resort charge, not sure if it is still in place with the ownership change. I got it on priceline for a cheap rate and would stay there again.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

Best Western Lakeside is not on the LBV side. It is on the 192 side but it is very close to Sherberth road and the back way into disneyworld. I stayed there a couple years ago when it was the LaQuinta Lakeside. It was great for me. I was in a room in the back (as requested) where it was very quiet. At that time, rooms had a small fridge, daily paper, coffee maker along with other items. There was a $3.50 daily resort charge, not sure if it is still in place with the ownership change. I got it on priceline for a cheap rate and would stay there again.

Glad to hear this-i am staying there next year

 

[alexbigday]

thanks
From what I have read, it seems exactly what we need--also, the price was good! I just want a bed, refrig and close location --oh, and clean!

 

[spiceycat]

Best Western Lakeside - we stayed there when it was pet friendly.

now it is NOT - so I won't be back.

this is one of the few places that does not have a direct connect to black road (the shortcut that is behind it) - so turn right out of the resort - then do an immediately turn into (Quality???) hotel and get on black lake here.

it is not on US 192 - but behind the Walgreen (drug store).

US 192 use to be pretty bad. but Kissimmee has fought back. It is now just as nice if not nicer than most of ID.

US 192 West (close to AK) is pretty nice. they have built sidewalks and lights. So it is a safer area.

RRP is on the East side (East side of WDW) and the section is not that nice. But RRP is very, very nice and it is not on US 192 but aways back from it.

Although with the Gaylord right up the street - this area is improving greatly.

I have been going to Disney since 1972 and our first visit was in Kissimmee Sheraton (not even called Lakeside then). It was so new that the taxis cab driver couldn't find it. Luckly for us - I had picked up the Kissimmee/st cloud in the airport. It was on their map.

I have since then always appreciated their maps.

Grandmother hated staying offsite so much - she went to the front desk and demanded to know how to stay at the Polyn. they told her.

in those days Disney did NOT use travel agents.