Hotels in Kissimmee

Kissimmee exists because of what is about eleven miles up the road: Walt Disney World, reachable in roughly twenty minutes and the reason most hotels here line Highway 192. Old Town, three miles from Disney's main entrance, recreates an old-style Floridian main street with an 86-foot Ferris wheel, weekend classic-car cruises and dinner-show restaurants.

Lake Tohopekaliga and the older downtown around Broadway still hint at the citrus-and-cattle town Kissimmee was before the parks arrived. Room rates here run well below Disney's own resort hotels, which is the entire appeal for budget-minded families. Be honest: much of the strip is chain motels, outlet malls and themed mini-golf rather than anything to see for its own sake. Stay near the Disney entrance on Highway 192 for the shortest drive into the parks.