Article

How to Travel to All the Major Theme Parks from Kissimmee

Kissimmee is just moments away from major theme parks - here's how to check them all off your bucket list!

Aerial shot of buildings, pink walkways, and trees

When planning your perfect Kissimmee vacation, we know our world-famous theme parks can rank as high as the SkyCoaster on many bucket lists. That’s why we’ve made this easy guide to show you how to reach all the major theme parks from your vacation home base in Kissimmee, Florida. When you stay with us, the thrills are mere minutes away.

What to Know Before Hitting the Road

If you’re renting a car for your vacation, U.S. 192 West is a name you’ll want to remember. It’s Kissimmee’s primary tourist corridor and has brightly colored GuideMarkers to help you find your way around town. Make sure your co-pilot is keeping a lookout and navigation will be a breeze!

If you’re staying at a hotel, be sure to check if shuttles to the theme parks are offered. Many hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttles that travel back and forth to the parks multiple times per day. 

Here in Kissimmee, we’re right on the doorstep of all the biggest and best attractions. Whether you’re living it up at a resort or searching for the perfect home away from home, this is the place to be! Explore our accommodations and choose whether you stay a hop, skip, or jump away. 

Now, it’s time to chart a course to fun in the Kissimmee sun! 

Directions To Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom Park is where dreams and fairytales come to life (along with all of your favorite animated characters). From Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, it’s an iconic family destination. 

If you’re traveling by car, there’s a direct route from Kissimmee to Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom sits at the end of World Drive, which is accessible via W192, I-4, and Osceola Parkway, from any major road. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 10.7 miles, 25 minutes by car.

Directions To EPCOT

Whether it’s a trip around the world, or into the future of human kind, EPCOT is where creativity and imagination are celebrated side by side with science and culture. Spaceship Earth at the entrance to the park is EPCOT'S iconic landmark. Walk by it and continue your journey through Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway (where you can visit Arendelle in Frozen Ever After), the United Kingdom, and the good ol’ U.S.A. It’s a world tour in a day!   

EPCOT'S entrance is on Epcot Center Drive, accessible via World Drive and I-4 — so just like driving to Magic Kingdom, you can get there via I-4, W192, and Osceola Parkway. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 14.4 miles, 35 minutes by car.

Directions To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Get up close with a galaxy far, far away at Walt Disney World Resort’s new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge world inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll be transported to the planet Baatu where you can live your best Luke or Leia life building lightsabers and droids, and see if you can make the Kessel run in twelve parsecs aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. 

When leaving Kissimmee for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, make your way north along the John Young Parkway until you reach the exit for the Osceola Parkway. Turn left and follow the signs along the Parkway for Disney Hollywood Studios. Your exit is on the right. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 13.3 miles, 25 minutes by car.

Directions To Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Splish, splash, you’ll be having a blast in this tropical paradise created by an epic (yet imaginary) typhoon! Don’t forget your bathing suit for a day that includes surfing, snorkeling, thrilling falls, and lazy rivers. We dare you to try the Humunga Kowabunga slide with its five-story drop!

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is also on Buena Vista Drive, but in the opposite direction from Hollywood Studios. Traveling from Kissimmee, take our old friend the U.S. 192 West and follow the signs. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 12.1 miles, 29 minutes by car.

Directions To Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

This winter-themed water wonderland is the perfect place to chill out. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, you can try some of the world’s tallest and fastest free-falling water slides, as well as awesome aquatic entertainment for everyone. If you’re brave, try the Chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore, where solo and family thrills wait to be explored.

From Kissimmee, take West Osceola Parkway and follow the signs for the ramp to Blizzard Beach. Follow Blizzard Beach Drive until you reach your destination. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 14.7 miles, 29 minutes by car.

Directions To Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

500 acres of lush landscape filled with a massive menagerie of over 1,700 animals from around the world await you at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Research and conservation are top priority at this state-of-the-art park that takes you through several eco-systems. Explore Mt. Everest in Asia, and keep an eye out for the mysterious Yeti! Then swing into Africa where you never know who you’ll meet on safari (Simba, is that you!?). Finish at Pandora - The World of Avatar and gasp at the incredible sights.

West Osceola Parkway will lead you out of Kissimmee. Just stick on this road and follow the signs until you come to the Animal Kingdom Parking Booth. Easy as pie! 

Distance from Kissimmee: 15 miles, 29 minutes by car.

Directions To Disney Springs

Looking for shopping, dining, and entertainment all rolled into one? Disney Springs is the place for you! Inspired by Florida's classic waterfront towns, Disney Springs offers plenty of charm to go alongside its world-class restaurants, unique boutiques, and endless entertainment options. 

You’ll find Disney Springs along Buena Vista Drive, which is easily accessible via W192, I-4, and Osceola Parkway, from any major road. Regardless of where you’re staying in Kissimmee, it’s easy to get to this exciting entertainment district. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 11.8 miles, 31 minutes by car.

Directions To Universal Studios Florida

Jump into the action of your favorite movies at the world’s premier movie — and TV-based — theme park. Where better to make some vacation magic than The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™? The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™ is located behind London at Universal Studios Florida. Hogwarts™ is located at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The parks sit side-by-side, and the Hogwarts™ Express train connects the two Harry Potter lands.

For Universal Studios, take East Osceola Parkway out of town and then use the left two lanes to turn left onto Florida’s Turnpike North Ramp. Take Exit 74B for Universal. If staying in the resort area of town, it’s quicker to take the I-4 straight to Universal Boulevard. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 17.3 miles, 33 minutes by car.

Directions To Universal’s Islands Of Adventure

Universal’s Islands of Adventure brings all your favorite stories, myths, cartoons, and comic book heroes to life. Help a friendly neighborhood web slinger save New York City from peril, or hop on Hagrid’s motorbike and soar around the Forbidden Forest, where you’ll dodge ferocious beasts on one of the park’s newest rides.

Take East Osceola Parkway out of Kissimmee and then use the left two lanes to turn left onto Florida’s Turnpike North Ramp. Take Exit 259 to merge onto I-4W towards Tampa, then exit onto S. Kirkman Road. Drive and turn left onto Major Boulevard. If you’re staying in the resort area of town, it’s quicker to take the I-4 straight to Universal Boulevard. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 17.2 miles, 28 minutes by car.

Directions to Universal’s Volcano Bay

There’s always fun rumbling up at Universal’s Volcano Bay! Whether you crave a day of floating away on the Kopiko Wai Winding River, a high-speed, 70-degree drop on Ko’okiri Body Plunge,  or just want to chill on Waturi Beach, you’ll find it all at this South Seas paradise in Central Florida.   

Like other Universal attractions, to get to Universal’s Volcano Bay, take East Osceola Parkway out of town and use the left two lanes to connect onto Florida’s Turnpike North. Take Exit 74B for Universal and turn left onto Cabana Bay. Then, follow the signs for the parking facilities. If staying in the resort area of town, it’s quicker to take the I-4 straight to Universal Boulevard.

Distance from Kissimmee: 18.5 miles, 30 minutes by car.

Directions to Universal CityWalk

Fab food, decadent desserts, awesome attractions — there’s a good reason they call Universal CityWalk the Epicenter of Awesome! Take in a show at Hard Rock Live Orlando, catch your big break at CityWalk’s Rising Star, or relax the day away at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (it’s five o’clock somewhere, right?).

To get to Universal CityWalk, head to the East Osceola Parkway and use the left two lanes to merge onto Florida’s Turnpike traveling north. Take Exit 74B for Universal and continue along Adventure Way. Then, use the two right lanes to turn onto Hollywood Way and follow the signs. If staying in the resort area of town, it’s quicker to take the I-4 straight to Universal Boulevard.

Distance from Kissimmee: 19.1 miles, 33 minutes by car.

Directions To SeaWorld Orlando

Majestic marine wildlife and thrilling roller coasters combine in SeaWorld Parks & Resorts, the home of dazzling shows and expansive exhibits. Be transported to an incredible world and get connected to an inspiring message of conservation and marine protection. You can explore 10 stunning underwater habitats, and get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s more mysterious creatures.

From Kissimmee, get onto North John Young Parkway, then follow the signs and use the left two lanes to turn left onto Central Florida Parkway. Follow the signs and take a slight right onto Sea World Drive. If you’re staying in the resort area of town, the most direct route is I-4 to the exit for SeaWorld/Central Florida Parkway – Exit 71. 

Distance from Kissimmee: 11.3 miles, 25 minutes by car.

Directions to Aquatica

Think you’re ready to take a ride on 42 slides, rivers, and lagoons? Then grab your towel and make your way to Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark. The entire family can enjoy the water adventure of Ray Rush, while the bravest of the brave will want to experience KareKare Curl. Prefer relaxation over rides? Aquatica is home to 84,000 square feet of sandy beaches — the perfect spot for you to kick back and enjoy the day. 

When traveling from Kissimmee to Aquatica, get onto North John Young Parkway, then follow the signs and turn left onto Central Florida Parkway. Then turn right onto International Drive and follow the signs to Water Play Way. If you’re staying in the resort area of town, the most direct route is I-4 to the exit for SeaWorld/Central Florida Parkway – Exit 71.

Distance from Kissimmee: 12 miles, 29 minutes by car.

Make Your Way to Fun in Kissimmee, Florida

With so much to do in Kissimmee, you’ll want to hit the road as soon as you arrive! Visit our Transportation page to find out how to get hooked up with the vacation vehicle of your dreams so you can drive in style. Whether you’re a solo traveler or flying with family, Kissimmee has everything you need for a vacation you won’t soon forget.