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9 reasons to visit Kissimmee, Florida

Kissimmee , Florida is famed for being the best of both worlds: close enough to the thrilling rides of Orlando, but far enough away that you can unwind in peaceful surroundings after a day of theme park fun.

But that’s not the only reason why Kissimmee is an excellent base for your Florida holiday. Below we’ve rounded up 9 reasons why you should consider a holiday to this sunny destination. Have we missed your favourite reason to stay in Kissimmee? Let us know in the comments!

1. Spacious villas

Villas and holiday homes are the accommodations of choice in Kissimmee and popular with groups of friends and larger families. Many of the villas also have their own private pools – perfect for cooling off in the Florida sun!

2. World-famous theme parks

With Walt Disney World ® Resort just ten minutes away, plus an assortment of popular theme parks within a short driving distance including Universal Orlando Resort™ and LEGOLAND® Florida, Kissimmee offers easy access to thrills and fun for all ages.

3. Explore Florida’s natural environment

Kissimmee’s surrounding natural environment is authentic to when the city was first established in 1883. Book an iconic airboat ride through the headwaters of the Everglades and explore the natural beauty of Florida, from the wildlife to the wetlands.

4. Its assortment of alligators

Alligators are Florida’s original inhabitants, and Kissimmee offers incredible opportunities to encounter these reptile residents up-close. Visit Gatorland, a 110-acre park where you can meet alligators of all breeds and sizes and even fly over them on the Screaming’ Gator Zip Line.

5. The historic downtown area

If you’re looking for an afternoon of shopping or enjoyable evening dining, Downtown Kissimmee features an eclectic assortment of shops and restaurants. Home to antique shops, family-friendly dining options, and the nearby Kissimmee Lakefront Park, this walking district is the perfect place for an evening with the family.

Florida is well-known for its year-round sunshine and golf, and Kissimmee is no exception. Some of the most popular courses include Kissimmee Golf Club, Reunion Resort Golf Course, and Celebration Golf Club.

7. Adventures in the air

Hot air balloon rides are a must-do experience in Kissimmee – but you can also fly a jet plane or take control of a WWII-era fighter plane with Warbird Adventures at Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

8. Close to the coastline

Kissimmee is less than two hours from both the east and west coastlines of Florida. You can take a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on the Atlantic Coast, or visit the beaches on the Gulf Coast.

9. Easy access from airports

Kissimmee is only 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport, and you can easily hop in a shuttle bus or taxi to arrive at your hotel or holiday home.

Whitewashed villas, delicious food and famous Greek hospitality awaits you on these diverse islands. Which will you choose for your dream escape?

Villas in Florida

Located on the South East coast of the United States, Florida is known as the 'Sunshine state' due to the high number of days of sunny weather it experiences each year. With the Atlantic Ocean to the right and the Gulf of Mexico to the left, Florida has hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches to explore, perfect for long days of fun in the sun at any time of year.

Head to   Orlando   and stay in one of our many villas with private pools, all conveniently located just a short drive from the main attractions. Walt Disney World, Universal and various other theme parks are perfect for families of all ages and will provide you with a magical holiday.

Award-winning villa holiday company you can trust

As a collective, our villa experts have over 50 years of experience. We use our expertise to deliver only the best holidays to our customers, who we see as part of the big SPL Villas family. Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our Feefo reviews. 

For peace of mind, we provide financial protection and accredited health and safety checks.

Resorts in Florida

Featured villas for 2024

Spoilt for choice? Let our family villa holiday specialists help. Here are some of our favourite villas. Book your 2024 family villa holiday today.

Villa Coopers Hawk

From £2401 pw, why book with spl villas.

Concierge service

Villa and flights booked – check. But that’s not where the planning ends. Lean on our concierge service to help you book all the extras that will make your villa holiday even more special.

Handpicked by SPL Villas

All our villas have been handpicked by our expert team using our knowledge of what makes the perfect family villa holiday.

Things to do in Florida Florida villas near theme parks

The theme park capital of the world, Orlando is the place to take the whole family. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Legoland Florida and SeaWorld are just some of the exciting, magical parks waiting for you to explore. 

If you fancy a breather from the theme parks, Orlando has some of the best shopping outlets in the world, captivating entertainment and restaurants with every single type of cuisine that you could imagine. 

Many of our large villas are located on gated complexes with communal facilities, such as playgrounds and swimming pools allowing you to rest and relax as you please.

Beach Life in Florida Florida Villa Resorts

Florida has hundreds of miles of white sand beaches, along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Staying in a   family villa   in Orlando gives you easy access to two of the best beaches in Florida. Vero beach is less than two hours drive from Orlando and is known for a beautiful nature reserve and a highly regarded downtown area too. 

The closest beach to Orlando is Cocoa Beach, where you will find a high influx of surfers. Take some lessons and learn to ride the waves, or alternatively, head to Lori Wilson Park where you will find useful amenities along with a more peaceful environment.

What to eat in Florida Villas in Orlando Florida

Head to International Drive in Orlando and discover a wealth of fine restaurants offering every cuisine you could possibly think of. From fast food to fine dining, there is something to appeal to all tastes and all ages. 

Florida is well known for serving epic portions of food and also for providing exceptional customer service in it's restaurants. Take some change so you can tip as you wish, as is the custom in Florida.

If you head to one of the numerous beach resorts, you will find Tiki bars and shacks set back from the sea, providing you with cocktails and light bites all day long.

When to go to Florida Florida Villas with Private Pool

With a high number of sunny days per year and temperatures staying mild throughout the winter, Florida is a destination to travel to at anytime of the year.

Take the family away at Christmas and wonder in the magic of the theme parks and the special festive events that they plan. Get away from the cold and enjoy some much needed winter sunshine.

The summer is glorious in Florida, with temperatures reaching above 30C, making your   villa with a private pool   the perfect place to cool off. Head to the beach, enjoy the parks and top up your tan as you do so.

Frequently asked questions about the Florida

How long does it take to fly to florida.

There are direct flights to Orlando International, Orlando Sanford International, Miami International and Tampa too. The average flight time is 9 hours and Florida is 5 hours behind the UK.

To enter the US, you require a visa, known as an 'ESTA'. This needs to be valid for 90 days prior to your travel.

What currency do I need to take to Florida?

The local currency is US dollar, you can use ATMs, debit and credit cards as normal.

What is the time difference between the UK and Florida?

United Kingdom is 5 hours ahead of Tallahassee, FL, USA

When is the best time to go to Florida?

• North America
• USA Holidays
• Florida Holidays
• Orlando Holidays

The Ultimate in Luxury - Orlando Custom Homes and Mansions

Luxury Orlando homes and villas

Located within Reunion, an upmarket, gated residential neighbourhood, our Orlando luxury homes range in size from 3 to 11 bedrooms and the attention to detail is just superb. Large pool area - many with outdoor kitchen, cinema room, spacious bedrooms and living space plus games room.  This is where you'll want to retreat to after a day at the theme parks which are located a 15-25 minute drive away. The larger of these luxury Orlando homes present an exciting holiday opportunity for you; to be able to sleep up to 26 people in the same house means you can plan that family reunion you've always wanted to. 

Or what about a unique wedding venue? Imagine the bride making her entrance down an incredible staircase then getting married on the pool deck. Full catering can be provided right in the home, so it's the ideal way to have a truly intimate occasion with everyone in one place.  Our luxury collection even includes homes with themed bedrooms which are sure to be a hit with the kids.   Cooking and dining are a real treat with kitchens thoughtfully laid out and chock full of utensils. Dining tables and seating areas are well planned out and will accommodate the number of people the house sleeps. 

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