Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is a small city in Orange County on the eastern edge of Walt Disney World, best known for Disney Springs, the resort’s shopping, dining and entertainment district. Visitors stay here for quick access to the parks without being inside them.

Where is Lake Buena Vista?

The city sits near the crossing of I-4 and State Road 535, southwest of Orlando. It was incorporated in 1967 and recorded just 24 permanent residents in the 2020 census, all connected to Disney. The name also covers a wider area: Lake Buena Vista is the mailing address for most Walt Disney World facilities (the four theme parks are in the neighboring city of Bay Lake), and hotel districts along SR 535 outside the city limits use the name too. Orlando International Airport is about 25 minutes away by car.

Things to do in Lake Buena Vista

Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is the main draw, with shops, restaurants, live music and a waterfront promenade on Village Lake. It is free to enter, and large parking garages serve it. Disney buses run between Disney Springs and the resort hotels. The SR 535 corridor has a range of hotels and services close to the parks, and the theme parks are a short drive west.

Lake Buena Vista is part of greater Orlando.