Lake Buena Vista is home to the Walt Disney World® Resort which hosts four theme parks, two water parks, PGA-tour-caliber golf courses and Downtown Disney® Area.
The Downtown Disney® Area offers three lively waterfront districts of shopping, dining and entertainment. The area is divided into Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island, Downtown Disney® West Side and Downtown Disney® Marketplace.
Step inside DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park at Downtown Disney® West Side for five-stories packed with virtual reality gaming, 3-D and motion simulator rides. Prepare to be amazed by the show La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil®.
Throughout Downtown Disney® Area you’ll find a range of dining options. These include T-REX, a dinosaur-themed eatery, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a 50,000-square-foot bowling and dining complex, House of Blues Music Hall and Wolfgang Puck’s Grand Café.
Shoppers should make their way to Downtown Disney® Area for its designer stores, themed shops and the World of Disney® store. With approximately 51,000 square feet (4,700 square meters) of space, this is the largest Disney store in the world.
As well as the theme parks, golfing is a big draw for Lake Buena Vista. There are a number of golf courses to choose from, the most highly rated of these being Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, which has hosted major national and international competitions.
Lake Buena Vista is situated in Orange County, Florida. There are a few public transport options within the city, but many of the hotels provide complimentary bus services to and from Downtown Disney® Area. If you plan on driving to Downtown Disney® Area, note that parking is free.
Where to stay in Lake Buena Vista
Bay Lake
Home to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and one water park, this city offers endless entertainment, including Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses.
Golden Oak
Upscale residential community within Walt Disney World Resort, Golden Oak features multiple lakes, diverse architectural styles, and a quaint Italian villa-style clubhouse. Enjoy nightly fireworks from Magic Kingdom in every home.
Reviewed on May 11, 2024
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Reviewed on Mar. 10, 2024
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Popular places to visit
Walt Disney World® Resort
Walt Disney World® Resort is part of Orlando. It makes up part of bustling metropolis that is home to 240,000 inhabitants. Walt Disney World® Resort is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Orlando’s city center. If you are flying in, Walt Disney World® Resort is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Orlando International Airport.
Universal Studios Florida
Movie sets and thrill rides combine to create this internationally acclaimed theme park.
Universal Orlando Resort
Make your Florida vacation one to remember with a stay at this hotel and theme park complex.
Disney Springs™
You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit Disney Springs™, a favorite shopping spot in Lake Buena Vista. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.
Magic Kingdom® Park
One of the most famous theme parks in the world offers a land of fun and fantasy at the foot of a fairytale castle.
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Anchored by the iconic Tree of Life® Attraction, Walt Disney World® Resort’s animal-themed park transports you from lush jungles to soaring mountains.
Things to do
Orlando: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
Reviews of Lake Buena Vista
4/5 - Good
We didn't get to walk around or visit other places in Lake Buena Vista but we prefer this area over Kissimmee area. This is the second or third time we stayed in Lake Buena Vista area and we always enjoyed it. We will stay here again.
5/5 - Excellent
It’s our favourite place to visit. We have now been 13 times and can’t wait to come back again.
4/5 - Good
If you don’t have a car you will need plenty of Uber’s. Not many shuttles and they are inconvenient. Disney Springs within walking distance.
4/5 - Good
Great location between Disney Springs and all the Disney World parks. Also awesome that it’s the first bus pick up in the morning and the first bus drop off at night! Super convenient!!
5/5 - Excellent
a great central location to all attractions
4/5 - Good
Very clean well kept area
- Walt Disney World® Resort
- Disney SpringsTM
- Magic Kingdom® Park
- Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
- Epcot®
- Disney's Hollywood Studios®
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
- Beachcomber Beach
- Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course