Kissimmee

A. Kissimmee is about 25 minutes southwest of Orlando International Airport, making it one of the most convenient places to stay if you’re planning a Central Florida vacation. Many visitors choose Kissimmee because it’s close enough to the theme parks for easy access, yet far enough away to enjoy a more relaxed pace. Whether you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, or SeaWorld Orlando, you’ll find the drive refreshingly short.

A. Kissimmee is located in Osceola County, a region known for its rich natural beauty and deep Florida heritage. Osceola County is home to vast wetlands, sparkling lakes, and scenic trails that are perfect for boating, birdwatching, and fishing. Staying in Kissimmee gives you the best of both worlds: access to world-famous attractions and the chance to explore authentic Florida landscapes.

A. Kissimmee is bursting with activities for every type of traveler. Families flock to nearby theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort, while adventure-seekers love airboat tours on Lake Tohopekaliga, hot-air balloon rides, and zip-lining over alligators at Gatorland. If you prefer a slower pace, stroll through Celebration Town Center, cast a line in one of Kissimmee’s legendary fishing lakes, or spend an afternoon exploring the scenic trails of Shingle Creek Regional Park.

A. Kissimmee follows Eastern Time (ET), the same time zone as most of the East Coast of the United States. This makes it easy to coordinate travel plans if you’re flying in from major cities like New York, Atlanta, or Miami. You can always check the current local time using timeanddate.com.

A. Kissimmee is a year-round destination, but many visitors prefer spring and fall when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are lighter. Summer is peak season, especially for families visiting the theme parks, so expect more energy and excitement — along with plenty of special events. For planning tips, check the seasonal guides on Visit Florida.

A. Kissimmee lives up to its title as the “Vacation Home Capital of the World.” Travelers can choose from more than 30,000 vacation homes, ranging from cozy townhouses to sprawling villas with private pools. If you’d prefer a hotel or resort, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly accommodations to luxury properties, plus campgrounds and RV parks — start browsing options at Experience Kissimmee’s lodging guide.

A. Absolutely. Many Disney visitors choose Kissimmee because it offers a wide variety of lodging options that are often more affordable and spacious than staying inside the park. After a magical day at Disney, you can return to a comfortable vacation home, relax by the pool, and enjoy easy access to shopping and dining at places like Disney Springs.

A. Yes — and some of them are uniquely Floridian. You can glide across the water on an airboat ride through Kissimmee’s lakes and wetlands, spotting alligators, turtles, and exotic birds along the way. For a completely different view, take to the skies with a hot-air balloon ride, or go zip-lining at Gatorland. Kissimmee also boasts excellent fishing, hiking, and kayaking opportunities in natural areas like Shingle Creek Regional Park.

A. Kissimmee is a welcoming destination for travelers with pets. Many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun. Local parks such as Shingle Creek Regional Park offer trails where dogs can explore, and you’ll even find restaurants and cafes that allow pets, making it easy to enjoy a vacation without leaving your furry companion behind.