Although the Disney theme parks are usually associated with Orlando, they're actually located in Lake Buena Vista, a municipality controlled by the Walt Disney Company. Lake Buena Vista, or LBV for short, has long been the most desirable location in the Orlando area for those vacationing at Walt Disney World. Those who have followed the early days of Walt Disney World will remember this location was where it all started. To accommodate the anticipated crowds, Lake Buena Vista was the home to the first four hotels (later expanded to seven hotels) adjacent to the Disneyworld property. Situated on the edge of Disney property, this location has always put guests right in the center of all the magic of Disneyworld!
Since its completion in April 1973, Lake Buena Vista has bloomed into a major tourist center full of shops and restaurants with thousands of hotel rooms. Seven hotels were the primary hotels in Lake Buena Vista, known as the "Official Hotels of Walt Disney World." These hotels were not owned by Disney, but offered many of the same amenities of Disney owned hotels, such as complimentary transportation to the theme parks to entice tourist to stay "on property." These hotels are still highly themed with great detail. They can be as much fun as a day in one of the theme parks.
Lake Buena Vista sets adjacent to Disney Springs, Disney's ever changing night time entertainment complex. Known previously as Walt Disney World Village, Downtown Disney Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and Downtown Disney Westside, Disney Springs is going through a major expansion and rebranding to bring all these exciting attractions under one destination.
On the "other end" of Lake Buena Vista, adjacent to Disney property, is Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista. This area is full of restaurants and shops that are within walking distance of the hotels near Disney Springs, and adjacent to the Crossroads area. Combined, these hotels offer the best possible location for choosing a hotel just outside the gates of Walt Disney World.
Hotels in Lake Buena Vista provide excellent service and complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks. They are generally in higher demand, a bit more pricy than other Orlando hotel locations, and may have limited availability, especially at the last minute, so book early!
Universal Resort Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and the International Drive area are all a short drive away on Interstate 4. There are numerous shopping areas, malls, specialty shops, antique shops, boutiques, and high end shops that feature every product imaginable and are in abundance nearby.