Lake Buena Vista
The three-square mile city of Lake Buena Vista, located just southwest of Orlando and controlled by the Walt Disney Company, has only a handful of permanent, full-time residents but welcomes millions of visitors every year. In and around Lake Buena Vista, guests will find some of the world’s most famous characters and theme parks offering endless family fun.
The area is well known for being the home of Walt Disney World’s theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — its water parks at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, resorts, and shopping and entertainment districts. Its diverse array of culinary experiences ranges from character dining to fine dining and celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and Disney’s shopping districts offer retail therapy and plentiful dining and entertainment options.
In addition to theme-park fun, guests can experience Florida’s great outdoors at Fort Wilderness Resort and beyond with camping, cabins, making s’mores by the fire, kayaking, horseback riding through nature, and even fishing and diving activities.
With so many resorts and hotel options both at Disney and throughout the surrounding areas, finding the perfect place to stay is easy. Visitors can choose from the dozens of hotels and Disney Vacation Club stays on Disney property or a variety of accommodations just minutes away.
Plan your trip at Visit Orlando.
THEME PARKS
The area’s theme parks are where to go for all kinds of family fun.
WATER PARKS
Cool off and splash the day away at Disney’s water parks.
FAMILY FUN
Find endless entertainment for kids of all ages at Disney parks and resorts.
- Magical experiences for younger children
- Things for families to do
- Family-friendly vacation planning
ENTERTAINMENT
Check out magical events, explore entertainment districts, and meet some famous characters.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Enjoy the great outdoors, theme park-style.
- Fishing
- Diving
- Balloon rides
- Carriage rides
- Kayak and canoe rentals
- Horseback riding
- Bicycle rentals
- Camping
ACCESSIBILITY
Explore accessible attractions, activities, and resorts.
- Walt Disney World accessibility
- Services for guests with mobility disabilities
- Services for guests who are neurodivergent
- Services for guests with vision impairments
DINING
Find a wide variety of dining options and world-class cuisine.
- Character dining
- Fine dining
- Quick service
- Table service
- Dining at Disney Springs
- Places to eat and drink in Orlando
SHOPPING
Shop the retail spaces from Disney Springs to Downtown Disney and beyond.
- Disney shopping districts
- Shopping at Disney Springs
- All Disney World shopping
- Places to shop in Orlando
SPAS & FITNESS
Keep fit, relax, and unwind.
SPORTS
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts thousands of sports events and more than 60 sports.
PLACES TO STAY
Stay at a Disney hotel or resort or at one of the many hotels in the surrounding area.
Princess for a day
Quick Facts
Home of Walt Disney World.
Nearest Airport
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LAKE BUENA VISTA
Q. Where is Lake Buena Vista?
A. Lake Buena Vista is located in Central Florida, in Orange County. It is best known for being the mailing address for Walt Disney World Resort. The city is situated southwest of Orlando and is easily accessible via major highways. Its proximity to Orlando makes it a popular destination for tourists visiting the theme parks and other attractions in the area. Here it is on a map.
Q. How far is Lake Buena Vista from Disney World?
A. Lake Buena Vista is essentially the home of Walt Disney World Resort, so it is very close to the theme parks. Depending on your exact location within Lake Buena Vista, you could be just a few minutes away from the entrance to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The city is designed to accommodate visitors to these attractions, with numerous hotels and amenities nearby.
Q. What is Lake Buena Vista?
A. Lake Buena Vista is a city in Orange County, Fla., primarily known for being the location of Walt Disney World Resort. The city was incorporated by The Walt Disney Company to serve as the administrative hub for the resort. It features a variety of accommodations, dining, and entertainment options catering to the millions of visitors who come to experience the magic of Disney each year. Despite its small size, Lake Buena Vista plays a significant role in Florida's tourism industry.
Q. What are the best attractions in Lake Buena Vista?
A. The top attractions in Lake Buena Vista are primarily centered around Walt Disney World Resort. Visitors can explore its four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Additionally, Disney Springs offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For those looking to relax, the area also features several golf courses and spas.
Q. Are there any family-friendly activities in Lake Buena Vista?
A. Lake Buena Vista is a family-friendly destination with a plethora of activities for all ages. In addition to the Disney theme parks, families can enjoy water parks like Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Disney Springs offers family-friendly entertainment, including bowling at Splitsville and interactive experiences at The LEGO Store. The area also hosts seasonal events and festivals that are perfect for families.
Q. What is the best time to visit Lake Buena Vista?
A. The best time to visit Lake Buena Vista is during the spring (March to May) or fall (Sept.to Nov.) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are more manageable. These months offer a comfortable climate for exploring the theme parks and outdoor attractions. Additionally, visiting during these times may allow you to experience special events such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival or the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
Q. Are there any parks or nature trails in Lake Buena Vista?
A. While Lake Buena Vista is primarily known for its theme parks, there are nearby opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The area around Walt Disney World Resort features several golf courses and walking trails. For a more natural setting, visitors can explore the nearby Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, which offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing. This preserve is a short drive from Lake Buena Vista and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling theme parks.
Q. How can I get around Lake Buena Vista?
A. Getting around Lake Buena Vista is convenient, especially for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort. The resort offers complimentary transportation options, including buses, monorails, and boats, to help guests navigate between parks and hotels. For those staying off-property, rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Additionally, many hotels offer shuttle services to the theme parks.
Q. Are there any events or festivals in Lake Buena Vista?
A. Lake Buena Vista hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, primarily at Walt Disney World Resort. Notable events include the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in the spring and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall. During the holiday season, the parks offer special events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Epcot's Candlelight Processional. These events provide unique experiences for visitors and are highly recommended.
Q. What accommodations are available in Lake Buena Vista?
A. Lake Buena Vista offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, such as Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, to more budget-friendly options like Disney's All-Star Resorts. Many hotels offer themed experiences and convenient access to the theme parks. Additionally, there are numerous off-property hotels in the area that provide excellent amenities and shuttle services to the parks.
Q. Is there any camping available near Lake Buena Vista?
A. For those interested in camping, the nearby Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers a unique experience. This campground provides a rustic setting with modern amenities, including RV sites, cabins, and tent camping areas. Guests can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and campfire sing-alongs. The campground is conveniently located near the theme parks, making it a great option for nature lovers visiting Lake Buena Vista.
Q. Are there any beaches near Lake Buena Vista?
A. While Lake Buena Vista itself does not have beaches, several beautiful beaches are within a reasonable driving distance. Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast are approximately an hour and a half away by car. These beaches offer a variety of activities, including surfing, sunbathing, and beachside dining. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Gulf Coast beaches, such as Clearwater Beach, are also accessible for a day trip.