KISSIMMEE
Area: Florida
Country: United States of America


Location:
In the SE United States, in the centre of Florida, 70 mls SW of Daytona Beach (Atlantic Ocean, E coast), 75 mls NE of Tampa (Gulf of Mexico, W coast). 210 mls NW of Miami and its international airport. 18 mls S of downtown Orlando and 15 mls S of Orlando international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 407

Website:
http://www.floridakiss.com

Position:
Built on a flat area, not much above sea level, which was originally swamp and citrus groves. Very verdant with trees and lots of water features, lakes, rivers, etc.

Description:
The twin cities of Kissimmee and St Cloud could perhaps themselves be considered twinned with their much larger neighbour, Orlando, as most of the major attractions of the area are located between the 2 centres. The county line marks the boundary _ Orlando in Orange County, Kissimmee in Osceola County. Bordering Lake Tohopekaliga, the downtown area is made up of businesses and light industry, often located in buildings dating from the 19th century. More importantly, it consists of a 20-ml-long "main street", US Highway 192 (also called the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway), which is lined with accommodation, eateries, theme parks, shops and sporting facilities for almost its entire length. The main entrance to Walt Disney World is along this highway, as are such varied attractions as Water Mania, Splendid China, Medieval Times and Old Town themed shopping mall.

Suitability:
With its huge variety of attractions within easy reach, it offers something for nearly everyone, particularly families with children.

Accommodation:
A total of over 30,000 rooms in accommodation of all types and in all price ranges.

Shopping:
Numerous large shopping malls along Highway 192, especially close to downtown Kissimmee; one of the largest is Osceola Square Mall. Midway along Highway 192 and 1 ml from Walt Disney World is the Old Town shopping complex; built to resemble a 19th-century village, it houses over 70 speciality shops, numerous restaurants and a variety of amusement rides. Also within easy reach is the Disney Village Marketplace.

Beach:
The nearest are on the Atlantic coast, with Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach 70 mls away. Slightly farther are the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the W at St Petersburg and Clearwater.

Entertainments:
Daytime: a bewildering range of theme parks including those within Walt Disney World (The Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios are the best known), Splendid China, Water Mania and _ within 20 mls _ Gatorland, Sea World and Universal Studios. Outdoor pursuits include "airboat" safaris on the lakes and waterways, horse riding trails, golf, fishing, boating and water-skiing. Spectator events in the area include football, baseball and rodeos. Nightlife: the full range of clubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas and shows to suit all tastes. Walt Disney Pleasure Island, a 6-acre nightlife park (children under 18 must be accompanied after 8pm.)

Eating:
A wide selection of dining opportunities, from romantic dinners to simple family meals. Flamboyant themed dinner shows are offered in such places as Medieval Times, Arabian Nights and Wild Bill's Wild West.

Public-transport:
The public bus system is quite limited and not easily accessed by tourists. In fact, it is not used all that much by the residents. Car hire is the most practical option and cheaper than in Europe. Distances are great and traffic can be heavy. Taxis are readily available and can be found at major hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Local-excursions:
Theme parks: Busch Gardens; Cypress Gardens; Gatorland; Kennedy Space Center; Sea World; Universal Studios; Walt Disney World. Water parks: River Country and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World, Water Mania, Wet 'n Wild and others. Cultural and special interest: Central Florida Zoological Gardens; Flying Tigers Warbird Air Museum.