Most people associate Disney World with Orlando. But when you’re vacationing in Central Florida, you can stay in the sunny city of Kissimmee, Florida, and still have easy access to all the major theme parks.
So, exactly how far is Kissimmee from the Disney parks? Kissimmee is about 12 miles or a 20-minute car drive. This means WDW is just a hop, skip, and jump away!
Keep reading to find out more about the best route and driving directions from Kissimmee to Disney World. The other tourist attractions in Kissimmee, Florida might also convince you to stay there on your next trip.
Kissimmee To Disney World
Magic Kingdom Park
Kissimmee is 10.7 miles away from the Magic Kingdom Park. Driving time is approximately 20 minutes by car.
There is a direct route from Kissimmee to the Magic Kingdom theme park in WDW. Take the U.S. W192, I-4, and Osceola Parkway to reach the end of World Drive where the MK sits.
Hollywood Studios
The distance from Kissimmee to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about 13.3 miles, which should take approximately 25 minutes by car.
When you leave Kissimmee, Florida, make your way north on the John Young Parkway and take the exit for Osceola Parkway. Follow the signs for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Epcot
Epcot is around 14.4 miles away from Kissimmee. It should take you about 30 minutes to go from Kissimmee to Epcot.
The Epcot Park is located on Epcot Center Drive. You can access it via the W192, I-4, Osceola Parkway, and World Drive.
Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Take West Osceola Parkway out of Kissimmee and stick with it until you come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Distance from Kissimmee to Animal Kingdom is 15 miles, and driving time is around 30 minutes by car.
Kissimmee To Disney Springs And Water Parks
If you’re looking to visit other Disney attractions apart from WDW, here’s how far they are from Kissimmee.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the shopping, dining, and entertainment district in WDW. It can be accessed from Buena Vista Drive via W192, I-4 and the Osceola Parkway.
Distance from Kissimmee to Disney Springs: 11.8 miles
Driving time: 30 minutes by car
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is located on Buena Vista Drive. When coming from Kissimmee, take the U.S. 192 West and follow the signs to the water park.
Distance from Kissimmee to Typhoon Lagoon: 12.1 miles
Driving time: 30 minutes by car
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park can be reached by taking the West Osceola Parkway and following the signs to your destination.
Distance from Kissimmee to Disney’s Blizzard Beach: 14.7 miles
Driving time: 30 minutes by car
Kissimmee To Universal Studios
The routes for all the Universal parks are similar.
Universal Studios
Take the East Osceola Parkway out of Kissimmee, Florida, turn onto the Florida Turnpike North Ramp on your left, and take exit 74B.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Take exit 259 that merges with I-4W towards Tampa, then exit on S Kirkman Road and take a left onto Major Boulevard.
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Take exit 74B and turn onto Cabana Bay.
Universal CityWalk
Take exit 74B and continue on Adventure Way. Use the two right lanes to go onto Hollywood Way and follow the signs.
Or… you can take the I-4 from the resort area of Kissimmee straight to Universal Boulevard.
Distance from Kissimmee to Universal Florida is 17-19 miles. Driving time is approximately 35 minutes by car.
Should I Stay In Kissimmee For A Vacation In The Disney World Resort?
Yes, but it still depends on what type of trip you are planning and where you are planning to go.
Disney World can be as little as 10-15 minutes from Kissimmee, depending on traffic. People usually choose to stay in Kissimmee because they want a vacation rental, where most villas are located.
But a big reason to choose resorts on International Drive in Orlando would be if you don’t want to drive during your visit to Orlando. It’s a central location in close proximity to all the fun. There are many restaurants in the area.
Plus, there’s public transport, the I-trolley, and you can take taxis to most attractions in Orlando.
If you have the convenience of a rental car, you can choose pretty much any area depending on your budget and the type of accommodation you are looking at. In the end, it boils down to personal preference.
If you are interested in having lots of space, finding a rental villa in nearby areas such as Central Florida that suits your group is your best bet. This is especially true if you like getting to places on your own time with a rental car.
In this case, Kissimmee options are definitely worth considering for places to stay.
What Is There To Do In Kissimmee Beside Theme Parks?
There are lots of adventures to experience in Kissimmee, Florida, outside the theme parks.
- Wild Florida for authentic experiences of the Florida Everglades
- Gatorland for some alligator fun
- Hot air balloon rides to Old Town Kissimmee
- Shopping, dining, and beyond
Kissimmee is the ideal destination for relaxing the entire day in your rental villa or heading out for some fun.
FAQs
Is There A Shuttle From Kissimmee To Walt Disney World?
Yes, many Kissimmee hotels have complimentary shuttle services to the Disney theme parks multiple times a day. If you’re staying at a resort hotel in Kissimmee, Florida, check if they offer free shuttles to Disney.
Can You Go From Kissimmee To Disney World By Bus?
Yes, there is a direct bus from Kissimmee to Walt Disney World.
It departs from W Columbia Avenue and Cattleya Drive in Kissimmee and takes you to the WDW Transportation & Ticketing Center. Buses run every 30 minutes and operate all seven days of the week. The bus journey takes approximately 50 minutes.
Is Disney World closer to Orlando or Kissimmee?
Most people think Walt Disney World is located in Orlando. But a wide stretch of Disney property is actually adjacent to the city of Kissimmee in Central Florida. Everything in WDW is easily accessible from Kissimmee.
What Airport Do You Fly Into For Kissimmee, FL?
You should fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is just 30 minutes from Kissimmee, Florida. An alternative is the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which is also less than an hour away.
What Town Is Closest To Disney World?
The town of Celebration is a planned community in Osceola County, Florida. It is the nearest town to the Walt Disney World Resort and was originally developed by The Walt Disney Company.
My Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to visit Disney World, why not experience the Kissimmee for the rest of your trip? It’s accessible to Disney, and you’ll also get to see more of Florida!