ORLANDO
The villa is situated off Highway 27, one mile north of the 192. This is the west side of Disney World (10 minutes away) and is much less congested than International Drive or the Downtown Kissimmee areas, however only a short drive away for their amenities and attractions.
Orlando Florida is the theme park capital of the world, including all the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, numerous water parks, Gatorland, Sea World and numerous other parks and attractions.
In addition to this there are over 50 golf clubs within an hours drive and at least 5 within 10 minutes drive.
Fishing is also possible on the many hundreds of lakes locally.
The world famous beaches of Cocoa and Daytona are only 1 hour away.
There are many restaurants, shops, banks, and fast food outlets all within 1-5 minutes drive. These include Publix and Winn-Dixie (supermarkets), McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut etc, with numerous local and branded restaurants featuring food from all over the world. There is a Wallgreens (chemist/convenience) store at the entrance to the Glenbrook community
It's massive, it's magnificent! The Walt Disney World® Resort covers over 47 square miles, hosts thousands of visitors each day. There are 4 major theme parks, Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. There are also 2 waterparks, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Choose from 2 nighttime entertainment complexes, DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side, or Pleasure Island.
Disney's Wide World Of Sports™ Complex is 200 acres of sporting action, while shoppers should head for DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace. There are also numerous Disney Resort Hotels and 5 championship golf courses.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index
Universal's family of theme parks, hotels, and entertainment complexes has a new name and has developed into a destination with 2 amazing theme parks, Universal Studios® and Universal's Islands of Adventure. There's also a great dining and entertainment complex CityWalk® and several world class Universal Orlando ResortSM On-site hotels.
http://www.universalorlando.com/
With it's new name and new look, Sea World® Adventure Park is a great idea for the first full day of your holiday - stadium style shows means there's tons to see without having to line up in the searing heat!
http://www.seaworld.com/SWF/default.aspx
Did you know that there are more than 150 golf courses within an hour's drive from Orlando? Add great weather to the equation and it's plain to see why Orlando is such a popular golfing destination. Many of the big PGA names are resident here, most notably Tiger Woods so keep your eyes peeled out on the driving range!
Designers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones have produced a huge variety of challenging, and in many cases quite spectacular courses.
For the non-golfer(s) in the group there are literally hundreds of great alternative activities to choose from - Orlando has something for everyone. Whether it's a golfing vacation you're after or just a relaxing round in between theme parks you won't be disappointed!
Aside from the attractions, shopping is definitely the favorite past-time of visitors to Orlando! The main tourist areas have a staggering range of shops and stores. Here are a few suggestions when it comes to picking up a few bargains!
Belz Factory Outlet Mall is at the north end of International Drive. It's huge and easy to get lost, so keep checking where you are. An excellent selection of factory outlet stores offering good savings (check out the Disney Character Warehouse).
Festival Bay is also at the north end of International Drive with some good stores. Of note are the enormous Bass Pro outdoor shop and the ever-popular Ron Jon's Surf Shop (coming soon).
Belz Designer Outlet Center bills itself as more upscale than the main Belz Mall. You'll find the likes of Donna Karan in residence.
Mercado Mediterranean Village is midway down International Drive. It's an eclectic collection of gift and curio shops to wander around and you can enjoy live entertainment in the evening.
Pointe Orlando is also midway down International Drive with shopping featuring designer stores and a huge FAO Schwarz toy store!
Orlando Premium Outlets is the newest addition to the Orlando outlet shopping scene and already wildly popular. Located off South International Drive.
Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlet is a very smart collection of name brand factory stores like Reebok, Gap Outlet, and Adidas. You'll find some good buys and it's easy to get around.
DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace features acres of quality Disney Merchandise, much of which you won't find in the parks. The LEGO Imagination Center® has a great play area and the World of Disney is every Disney buff's dream come true!
DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side sports a huge Virgin™ Megastore as the main focal point, along with specialty stores selling cigars, candy, and antique gas pumps!
Kissimmee (Highway 192)
The Shops At Celebration in Disney's showcase community spend a lot of time trying to attract outside business. They are somewhat more upscale than most with a very pleasant waterfront setting.
Old Town is situated on Hwy 192 in Kissimmee. This collection of gift shops also offers amusements and thrill rides. Dads can seek relief from shopping at the 'Saturday Night Cruise' featuring all kinds of classic cars.
Kissimmee Manufacturers Mall is located on Hwy 192. This complex offers discount stores like London Fog and Nike.
Osceola Square Mall is closer to downtown Kissimmee and has 50 or so stores including Calvin Klein, Gap and Tommy Hilfiger.
Shops of Note
Florida Mall is very popular with Europeans and conveniently located to Orlando International Airport at the junction of Sand Lake and Hwy 441. It features Saks 5th Ave.
West Oaks Mall is popular with visitors and locals alike. Iit's not as crowded as some shopping destinations and offers a good selection of stores.
Winter Park offers upscale shopping along Park Ave. It's not cheap, but this is as chic as it gets! It's definitely the in-place to window shop, promenade, and do lunch.
The Mall at Millenia features the biggest and ritziest names in department stores, specialty shops and restaurants for connoisseurs of fine shopping.
Other attractions include
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/home/index.html
http://www.wetnwildorlando.com/