Lake Buena Vista, Florida, is an excellent destination for family vacations, solo adventures or romantic getaways. Located near Orlando, this vibrant area is best known as the gateway to Walt Disney World Resort, offering world-class entertainment, dining and shopping experiences. While it doesn’t have sprawling beaches, Lake Buena Vista boasts a range of attractions, including lively theme parks, serene golf courses and beautiful lakeside views.
Below, we help you plan your visit with a handy Lake Buena Vista travel guide. You’ll find helpful details on how to get around the city, when to go and what to do — along with where to stay and where to enjoy your meals.
How to Get Around Lake Buena Vista
Having a car makes it easy to drive around town or head over to the theme parks. If you're arriving by flying into Orlando International Airport, then it might be helpful to know that you can rent a car for more flexibility — or rely on shuttles, buses and other modes of transportation around the area. If you are staying at a hotel in the area and mostly plan on visiting the theme parks, check to see if your hotel offers a shuttle service.
What to Expect When Driving Around Lake Buena Vista?
The city isn’t big, but metro Orlando is — and having a car to drive around to restaurants or other attractions can be helpful. It saves you time and provides you with a flexible option for getting around whenever you want.
How Is Parking in Lake Buena Vista?
Lake Buena Vista has parking garages and lots available, with the most convenient being the parking garages at Disney Springs, which are complimentary. Just note that it’s typically first come, first served for parking spots. This might be a problem if you’re visiting during Disney’s peak tourist times.
Can You Walk Around Lake Buena Vista?
Yes. You can get around Lake Buena Vista on foot. It takes roughly 15 minutes or so to walk from one end to the other. But walking around can quickly become unpleasant if you’re coming here when it feels like the triple digits — and humid.
Is There Public Transportation in Lake Buena Vista?
Yes, the city has buses and shuttles available to help guests get around. Your options may include the following:
Check the LYNX bus schedules and routes first to avoid surprises or delays. Taking shuttles? Check with your resort or hotel to see what times these run and where they can take you to.
Best Time to Visit Lake Buena Vista
Is there really a wrong time to visit the area? There can be — but that depends on what you’re planning to do and how comfortable you want your weather to be. It also depends on your budget. To determine the right time for you to come to Lake Buena Vista, think about your priorities and preferences, along with other practical factors. Let’s take a look at a few of the ideal times to visit Lake Buena Vista based on different factors.
Avoiding theme park crowds
The parks tend to be the most crowded when school’s out — so that may rule out visiting in summer, spring break and winter break for you. To avoid the biggest crowds — and highest prices — plan to visit Lake Buena Vista in January, February or late August. These are times when kids are usually back in school, making the area a bit less crowded and less expensive overall.
Managing the heat
Summer temps in Lake Buena Vista can reach into the 90s and higher. It’s also humid here thanks to the subtropical climate. If you don’t like the thought of sweating while walking around and waiting on rides, skip a summer visit. Instead, come in the early springtime or late fall when temperatures tend to be much milder — in the 60s to lower 80s.
If you're looking for fun festivities
Lake Buena Vista makes it easy to head to any of the area’s theme parks for events. But you’ll find even more to enjoy during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. There’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party for kids at Disney World and Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights for teens and adults. Christmastime brings parades, holiday lights — and many other festive activities.
Top Things to Do in Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista and its proximity to Orlando mean you’ve got a lot of parks and other attractions right nearby. To help make your itinerary planning a bit more simple, we recommend the following things to do in Lake Buena Vista.
Spend a Day (or More) at Universal Orlando
Disney World isn’t the only major park in the area. Universal Orlando also gets its share of visitors — for good reason. The park features Harry Potter, Jurassic Park — and other movie-themed areas with rides and attractions. Enjoy a day or more exploring all that Universal has to offer, including special events and activities.
Build Memories at Walt Disney World Resort
Staying in Lake Buena Vista offers a great opportunity to spend memorable times at Disney World’s various theme parks. Get your base ticket for 3 days, 4 days, 5 days or 7 days to make the most of your time in this magical place. And check out all the things to see and do in Walt Disney World Resort.
Take an Airboat Ride
Take an airboat ride near Orlando for a chance to take in the Florida wilderness and see alligators in their natural habitat. Enjoy watching butterflies and other wildlife while riding around the area. Visit a Native American Village, mine for gems and add other adventures to your time here.
Explore LEGOLAND Florida
Take a short drive to LEGOLAND, located just outside Orlando, to see life-sized LEGO characters and attractions. Go on water rides, carousels and other rides at the park. Visit themed area, like The LEGO Movie and Ninjago. LEGOLAND is also filled with entertainment, dining and shopping options.
Go on a Safari
If you've ever wanted to experience feeding a giraffe by hand, or to see sloths, zebras and other exotic animals, then this is an excellent addition to your trip. Take a driving tour through Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park to see over 200 animals up close. Visit the Gator Park to see Florida’s famous reptiles in person. Keep an eye out for wildebeest and other African species while you’re here.
Where to Stay in Lake Buena Vista
Regardless of your budget, personal preferences and other factors, you can find the perfect spot for your stay in Lake Buena Vista. Our team of travel experts have a few recommendations below based on varying preferences.
Wyndham Garden
Address: 1850B Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Great for: Amenities at affordable rates
Wyndham Garden near Blake Lake is a great option for those wanting a resort-like stay without the accompanying price tag. You’ll still have lots of enviable amenities — like a pool, hot tub and game room — without paying higher resort rates. And it’s conveniently close to all of the parks and other area attractions.
Four Seasons Resort
Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
AAA Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
Great for: Plenty of luxurious resort amenities
The Four Seasons Resort is packed with all kinds of luxury amenities, like a lazy river pool and other water features, gardens, multiple restaurants and golf. As a waterfront resort, it also gives you beautiful views of the surrounding lakes.
Rosen Inn
Address: 8442 Palm Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Great for: Budget travel
Staying at The Rosen Inn is a smart way to cut down on travel costs, with its low rates — especially compared to the town’s resorts. But it also has a heated outdoor pool to enjoy, on-site restaurants and other amenities. You also get transportation to major attractions in the area when you stay here.
Walt Disney World Dolphin
Address: 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, 4 restaurants, hot tub, spa, game room, fitness center, on-site beach
The Walt Disney World Dolphin makes for a great choice of on-property Disney resort, for those wanting the benefits. This is a good choice if your trip plans include visiting Epcot, Magic Kingdom and other parks close by. The Dolphin has plenty of amenities to make you feel at home — and keep the whole family busy.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Address: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, 3 restaurants, tennis, massage, picnic facilities, recreation programs, sauna, kids club
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas offers the ideal place to stay for wilderness enthusiasts. The whole family can enjoy easy access to the nearby Disney's Animal Kingdom park. This resort also has tons of amenities onsite, including a few restaurants, a pool and kids club.
Where to Eat in Lake Buena Vista
If you're in the mood for a specific cuisine or looking for a particular dining experience, Lake Buena Vista has plenty of options whether you want something more formal or casual. Since your time here is limited, which eateries should be on your must-see list? We recommend the following restaurants to enjoy in Lake Buena Vista.
Jaleo — Disney Springs
Address: 1482 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Reservations: Required
While you’re shopping at Disney Springs, stop in for lunch or dinner at Jaleo but make reservations beforehand for this popular spot. Dine on tapas, rack of lamb, pork chorizo — or other Spanish-inspired dishes. There’s a bit of everything on the menu from famed chef Jose Andres, including seafood, meats, cheeses and more.
Victoria and Albert’s
Address: 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
Reservations: Required
Victoria and Albert’s is arguably the epitome of elegance and fine dining. Put on your formal attire and enjoy a meal on the grounds of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The award-winning restaurant features Victorian-inspired decor. Choose from 7-course, 10-course or 7-to-10 course options for a delicious dinner.
Bull and Bear Restaurant
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32821
AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Reservations: Suggested
Those looking for an upscale dining experience should visit the Waldorf Astoria to dine at Bull and Bear Restaurant. This elegant dining establishment features a menu filled with seafood, steak, chicken and many other expertly prepared entrees. But Bull and Bear is known for its exquisite desserts — like the chocolate bar and the creme brûlée flambé.
Morimoto Asia
Address: 1600 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Reservations: Suggested
Named for Iron Chef America’s Chef Morimoto, you can choose from a menu of Pan Asian options, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes. Enjoy a sushi bar that stretches along the dining and lounge areas of the second floor.
The Boathouse Waterfront Dining
Address: 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Reservations: Suggested
The Boathouse offers waterfront dining — and a dining area and dockside bar featuring restored boats. Dine on Maine lobster, yellowfin tuna or roasted chicken while admiring boats dating back to the 1940s. Save room for triple layer chocolate cake for dessert.
Lake Buena Vista Photo Spots
For a small city, Lake Buena Vista is filled with scenic spots for photos. From the rolling greens at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Driving Range to the waters of Sassagoula River and Willow Lake, you can find plenty of sites that make for good photos, however, finding the right spots for your interests can be difficult. Our AAA experts put together a list of some of the best places to snap memorable pics around Lake Buena Vista. Add these to your trip for online vacation albums filled with beautiful photos.
Near the Aerophile
Take pics with the Aerophile floating behind you in the sky. This colorful helium balloon takes people up for a bird’s-eye view of the area. You can either book a ride to take incredible panoramic photos from way up high — or keep your feet on the ground while snapping scenic pics.
At The Boathouse
Want to capture gorgeous photos of the actual Lake Buena Vista? Enjoy a meal at The Boathouse. While you’re there, you can take plenty of photos with the lake’s calm waters behind you. Stroll along the Disney Springs boardwalk for the best pics — or take some photos while taking a tour of the area via vintage Amphicar.
At Disney Springs Town Center
Keep your camera handy to snap photos with Town Center’s towering palm trees and boutique shops in the background. Have a meal, catch a movie and shop for souvenirs while stopping to take pics.
At the West Side Boat Dock
Head to the West Side Boat Dock to catch the setting rays of the sun. Or take photos of the sun rising over the waters of Lake Buena Vista. Other great times for pictures here include the holiday season and during fireworks shows.
In Front of Art Walls
Take a stroll through Disney Springs Art Walk in Lake Buena Vista for vibrantly colored art. Local artists and others from around the world have filled the walls with eye-catching works of art that make for amazing backdrops to vacation photos.
Day Trips from Lake Buena Vista
Several cities and attractions are available for day trips from Lake Buena Vista. If you brought a vehicle or have a rental car, you can easily make these drives. Alternatively, you can look into available tours that provide transportation. Our guide to Lake Buena Vista gives you a few ideas for where to go for day trips from the Orlando area.
St. Augustine
Being the oldest town in America, St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets are filled with colonial homes and buildings to admire. Other sites to see include the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marco. Enjoy strolling around town. Or take a trolley or boat tour to make the most of your day trip here.
Tampa
Tampa is home to both family-friendly adventures as well a trendy restaurants and shops. Visit the historic Ybor City neighborhood in the northeastern part of town for Cuban eateries and nightlife. Or spend your day in downtown Tampa to visit the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum and many other attractions and amenities.
Cape Canaveral
If you or someone you’re traveling with is interested in space exploration, then a trip to Cape Canaveral is an ideal destination for you. Visit the Kennedy Space Center to learn more about the U.S. space program including past missions and space shuttle info. Cape Canaveral’s also a great place to go for canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Visiting Lake Buena Vista on a Budget
A trip here usually means going to one or more theme parks and those costs can quickly add up. There are ways to save money in order to stay within your budget or to have more to spend on souvenirs and other goodies. We’ve created a list of some helpful tips for having a budget-friendly trip to Lake Buena Vista.
Get a bunch of tickets, accommodations and vehicle discounts as an AAA member
Did you know that you can save big as a AAA member? Having this membership means you’ve got access to multiple savings on the following:
Consider the Park Hopper Option for Disney Parks
If you’re visiting any of the Disney parks for longer than a few days, look into getting the Park Hopper Option. This makes it more convenient and cost effective to go from park to park throughout your vacation.
Stay in accommodations that are outside Lake Buena Vista
Being right in town means it’s quick and simple to visit the parks at any time, but this typically comes with a higher cost for accommodations. To save some money, consider booking a hotel in a nearby city or town, like Auburndale, Leesburg, Lakeland, Sanford or Winter Haven. Getting to and from the parks may take longer but this will often bring your overall trip expenses down.
Eat outside Lake Buena Vista
Like accommodations, dining here can often be on the pricy side. However, you can venture beyond Lake Buena Vista to find restaurants and other eateries with more affordable prices. Doing this a few times during your stay can add up to big savings.
Plan Your Lake Buena Vista Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Lake Buena Vista trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.