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Fun in the Sun: The Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The fireworks run every single night of the whole of the year over the castle itself out there. Summer brings the heat, which is when the water parks and the indoor things all earn their keep. The food and wine festival takes the whole of the fall at Epcot every single year out there. Winter is when the crowds finally thin out a little bit. Evenings.

Planning a trip to Lake Buena Vista, Florida? This town sits just outside Orlando and holds some of the strongest attractions in the state. Theme parks, shopping or outdoor time, Lake Buena Vista covers all three, and most of it runs later than you expect.

The main draw of Lake Buena Vista is how close it sits to Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are all a short drive out. But there is more here than Disney. The town also runs water parks, mini golf courses and museums.

After somewhere fun to spend the vacation? Lake Buena Vista is it. With this much on, the days fill themselves and the evenings run longer. So pack the bag, take the sunscreen, and go.

Key Takeaways

• Lake Buena Vista is a fun and exciting vacation destination that offers something for everyone.
• The town is located just outside of Orlando and is home to Walt Disney World Resort.
• In addition to Disney, Lake Buena Vista also offers a variety of other attractions, including water parks, mini golf courses, and museums.

The Magic of Lake Buena Vista

Welcome to Lake Buena Vista, and no, the appeal here is not only Disney World. This small town in Florida runs a character of its own, and most of it comes out after dark.

The town takes its name from the lake sitting in the middle of it, Lake Buena Vista. Greenery closes in around the water and wildlife lives in it. Walk the lake and the quiet does the rest. And alligators turn up if you are lucky.

The appeal of Lake Buena Vista does not end at the lake. The town runs dining you will not get elsewhere, dinner theaters through to medieval jousting shows. You can spend a day as a princess if that is the plan. And golf people get some of the strongest clubs in the area.

But the main attraction is Disney World. This kingdom is why people come to Lake Buena Vista at all. Thrilling rides, proper food and an atmosphere that does not let up, which is why it is called the happiest place on earth. Be warned, because leaving gets hard.

So Disney World or the charm of Lake Buena Vista, either way the time goes well. Sit back and let the town work on you.

Disney’s Delights

Visiting Lake Buena Vista, the world of Walt Disney is not skippable. Here are the Disney things to take:

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is where Disney people go. Four theme parks, two water parks and attractions past counting, so nobody runs short. Meet the characters, take the rides, and watch the shows and the parades. Work the different lands too, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland and Adventureland among them, and the hidden things turn up as you go. Photograph the Cinderella Castle and stay for the nightly fireworks.

Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk is the waterfront stretch that catches the old-fashioned end of the evening. Walk it for the colorful architecture, the street performers and the carnival games. Rent a surrey bike and pedal the lake, or take the boat to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Order the funnel cakes and the ice cream, and the live music and dancing run at the Atlantic Dance Hall. And Screen on the Green puts a film under the stars.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is the rustic option with the comforts still attached. Pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin and take the quiet. Hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding all run there, and deer, rabbits and armadillos turn up. Roast the marshmallows, sing round the fire, and watch the Electrical Water Pageant cross the water from the beach. And the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue puts on the dinner show.

Young or old, Disney’s delights turn you back into a kid. So pack the bag, put the Mickey ears on, and go.

Attractions Around the Town

You came to Lake Buena Vista for a good time and it delivers. There are attractions around town that hold you for hours.

First, the obvious one: the Disney theme parks. They sit in Lake Buena Vista technically, and people associate them with Orlando. Do not let that put you off, because these parks earn the visit for anybody in the area. The classic rides at Magic Kingdom through to the futuristic ones at Epcot, the range covers everybody.

For something lower-key, head over to Disney Springs. This outdoor shopping and entertainment district takes an afternoon and then keeps you through the evening. Browse the shops, eat, and catch a live performance at the House of Blues.

For the outdoor version, take the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. This 440-acre park holds wildlife across the board, alligators and turtles and birds among them. Walk one of the trails, or sit still and let the place work.

For something higher off the ground, head over to iFLY Indoor Skydiving. This one gives you the skydive without leaving the building. You get the jumpsuit and the helmet, and a powerful fan does the rest. The adrenaline is real.

And no trip to Lake Buena Vista is complete without the Orlando Eye. This 400-foot-tall observation wheel opens the whole area out, the theme parks and downtown Orlando included. It is how the visit gets closed off.

So get out and work the attractions Lake Buena Vista runs.

Entertainment and Theatres

After an evening out in Lake Buena Vista? Musical revues through to dine-in theaters, this city covers it.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

For laughter and old-fashioned fun, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is the booking. This dinner show sits at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and runs a cast who keep the whole evening going with skits and musical numbers. And nobody goes hungry, because the all-you-can-eat dinner runs fried chicken, ribs and more.

AMC Downtown Disney 24 with Dine-In Theatres

Why settle for a plain movie theater when dinner comes with it? At the AMC Downtown Disney 24 with Dine-In Theatres, the latest releases come with proper food and drink. Digital projectors, stadium seating and a full bar, which is how a long day of exploring gets closed out.

House of Blues

After live music, head over to the House of Blues for the strongest acts in town. This venue sits at Disney Springs and books across genres, rock and blues through to country and hip-hop. And the Southern-inspired menu runs jambalaya through to pulled pork sandwiches.

A musical revue, a dine-in theater or a live music show, Lake Buena Vista runs all three.

Eateries and Bars

On food and drink, Lake Buena Vista covers the range. A smart restaurant or a casual bar, both are here. Here are the eateries and bars to take:

The Edison

For classic American cooking in a room worth sitting in, The Edison is the answer. This steampunk-themed restaurant and lounge runs vintage decor and live entertainment alongside the food. Burgers, steaks and seafood come with signature cocktails and music. Order the famous Electric Mule, made with vodka, ginger beer and lime.

Other Eateries

For something more casual, the options run deep. Earl of Sandwich is the quick stop, putting out sandwiches, wraps and salads. Pizza people should take Blaze Pizza, where you build your own. And Mexican sends you to Chuy’s, a Tex-Mex place running tacos through fajitas.

Bars and Lounges

On bars and lounges, Lake Buena Vista runs plenty. For somewhere relaxed, head to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, a vintage airplane hangar theme with craft cocktails and small plates. For live music, take the House of Blues, which runs shows and events through the week. And for a rooftop with a view, Paddlefish is the seafood restaurant and lounge looking out over Lake Buena Vista.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue runs its dinner show right through the whole of the year out there. The Electrical Water Pageant crosses the water every evening, watched from the beach out there. Screen on the Green puts a film under the stars over at the Boardwalk instead. The Atlantic Dance Hall runs the music right after all of that. And the fireworks close the whole of it.

Shopping Spree

Shoppers do well in Lake Buena Vista. High-end boutiques through to outlet stores, it is all here. Here are the places to work through:

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is where the shopping happens. Disney-themed souvenirs through to designer brands, the range covers everything. With over 100 stores, a whole day goes in there. And live entertainment, dining and nightlife run alongside it.

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

For bargains, head to Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Discounts run up to 65% off at stores like Nike, Coach and Tommy Hilfiger. With over 160 stores, something is coming home.

The Mall at Millenia

For luxury, take The Mall at Millenia. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada all sit in there, so the retail therapy gets serious. And fine dining and spa services come with it.

Florida Mall

Florida Mall is one of the largest in Orlando. With over 250 stores, fashion through to electronics is covered. And there is dining and entertainment too, a movie theater and an indoor playground among them.

International Drive

International Drive is the other shopping run. With over 500 stores, souvenirs through to luxury brands are all along it. And dining, entertainment and attractions come with it, the Orlando Eye and Madame Tussauds among them.

Bargains or luxury brands, Lake Buena Vista covers both. So take the wallet and go.

History and Heritage

You might take Lake Buena Vista for somewhere to have fun, and it carries a real history behind that. Take a break from the theme parks and work the past of this Floridian town.

Lake Buena Vista started as part of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, created by the state legislature in 1967 to make the construction of Walt Disney World possible. The district took its name from the Reedy Creek running through the area. Lake Buena Vista is a city in its own right now, with a population around 10,000.

The most interesting historical site in Lake Buena Vista is the Museum of Military History. The museum is given over to preserving the history of America’s military, from the Revolutionary War through to now. Artifacts, uniforms and weapons from different eras sit in it, alongside the accounts of the people who served.

History people should also take the Orange County Regional History Center. This museum carries the story of Central Florida, from its Native American roots through to the present. Exhibits run citrus farming through to space exploration, and a guided tour of the historic courthouse building comes with it.

For the natural history of the area, head to the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. This park holds wetlands, forests and meadows in one place. Hike it, birdwatch it, or take a picnic under the trees.

So take a break from the roller coasters and work the history behind Lake Buena Vista. You come out knowing something.

Adventurous Activities

Adventure people have plenty in Lake Buena Vista. Theme park rides through to outdoor time, the range covers it.

Theme Parks

Lake Buena Vista holds some of the strongest theme parks in the world. For a thrill, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and take the Tower of Terror or the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. For the family version, work Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. And for something you will not find elsewhere, take Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Outdoor Adventures

For getting outside, Lake Buena Vista runs options. Take an airboat tour of the Everglades and get close to the alligators, or kayak one of the lakes around here. And for something different, a hot air balloon ride puts Lake Buena Vista underneath you.

Water Sports

With this many lakes around, water sports were always going to happen in Lake Buena Vista. Rent a jet ski or go tubing for the easy version. And for the harder one, take wakeboarding or water skiing.

Indoor Adventures

To beat the heat, Lake Buena Vista has the indoor end covered. Head to iFLY Orlando for the indoor skydiving, or take indoor rock climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center. And for something genuinely unusual, The Void at Disney Springs puts you inside a virtual reality world.

Whichever kind of adventure you want, Lake Buena Vista runs a version of it. So get out and take it.

Conference and Events

You may not think of Lake Buena Vista as a conference town, and it will surprise you. There are events and conferences running through this Florida town constantly.

The busiest conference venue in Lake Buena Vista is the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The hotel runs over 78,000 square feet of meeting space and takes events of any size. And a dedicated event team helps put the conference together.

For something less usual, host at Disney Springs. This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex runs event spaces across it, the House of Blues and Splitsville Luxury Lanes among them. And the atmosphere does half the work for you.

But it is not only work in Lake Buena Vista. Fun events run through the year too. The busiest is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which brings food and drink from around the world alongside live music and entertainment.

For something more active, take the Disney Springs Dash Scavenger Hunt. The event runs you through Disney Springs solving clues and finishing challenges as you go.

So work or play, something is always running in Lake Buena Vista.

Beyond Lake Buena Vista

To see more of the Orlando area, there are nearby towns worth the drive. Here are the two we keep taking:

Winter Park

A short drive from Lake Buena Vista, Winter Park is the charming town for a day out. Park Avenue carries the boutiques and the cafes, or take a boat tour of the chain of lakes. Music memorabilia people should not miss the Rock & Roll Heaven record store. And for the full version, take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour’s Venetian-style boat, the Capri.

Winter Garden

Winter Garden is the other town worth the drive. This historic place runs a quaint downtown with shops and restaurants through it. Plant Street Market is the standout, a food hall with vendors across the board. And for something more active, rent a bike and ride the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile paved route running through Winter Garden and beyond.

So to get out of Lake Buena Vista for a day, take Winter Park or Winter Garden. Something turns up either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some free things to do near Lake Buena Vista?

There is plenty near Lake Buena Vista that costs nothing. Disney Springs is the shopping and dining district with live entertainment running through it, and it costs nothing to walk. Take the Boardwalk, a quarter-mile promenade with street performers and carnival games. And the Orlando Premium Outlets handle the window shopping.

What’s the best way to get around Lake Buena Vista?

You have options for getting around Lake Buena Vista. Rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing like Uber or Lyft. But to do it like a local, rent a bicycle or a scooter. Wear the helmet and watch the traffic.

What’s the distance between Lake Buena Vista and Disney World?

Believe it or not, Lake Buena Vista is part of Disney World. So you are never far from it. Technically, the distance from Lake Buena Vista to the Magic Kingdom is about 3 miles. You could walk it, and we would not.

What’s happening at Crossroads Lake Buena Vista?

Crossroads Lake Buena Vista is the shopping and dining complex just outside Disney World. Something is always running there, live music through outdoor movies through food festivals. Check the calendar and plan around it.

Where can I find a map of Lake Buena Vista?

A map of Lake Buena Vista is online, or the front desk of your hotel has one. Honestly, you will not need it. Follow the signs for Disney World and you will get there.

Is Lake Buena Vista owned by Disney or is it just a coincidence?

Lake Buena Vista is owned by Disney. It was developed by Disney in the 1960s as a planned community for employees. It has grown into a destination of its own since, with hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. So it is not a coincidence at all.

Frequently asked questions about Lake Buena Vista, Florida

What exactly comes with the dinner at the whole of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue out there, then, really now, in the end?

An all-you-can-eat dinner out there, with the fried chicken and the ribs and plenty more besides. The show runs at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort with a whole cast of performers. Hilarious skits and musical numbers carry the whole of the evening right through. Book ahead.

How many of the stores does the whole of Disney Springs actually hold out there, then, really now, in the end?

Over 100 of them out there, and a whole day goes by easily inside that place. Disney-themed souvenirs through to the designer brands, the range covers just about everything. Live entertainment and dining and nightlife all run right alongside the whole of the shopping. Evenings.

What exactly runs at Disney’s Boardwalk once the light goes out there, then, really now, in the end?

Live music and dancing at the Atlantic Dance Hall out there for the start of it. Screen on the Green puts a film under the stars on that very same stretch. Street performers and carnival games run the whole of the length of the boardwalk out there. Funnel cakes.

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