Kissimmee Travel Information
Much of Kissimmee’s economic stability is derived from their chains
of cut-rate hotels that serve as accommodations for tourists out to
see Orlando and the surrounding attractions. Its focus on
commercialism detracts in many ways from a sense of urban dignity and
this is reflected in the overall structure of the town itself. Its
drive to push cheap hotels, chain restaurants, and strip malls into
the view of passing traffic tends to create a haphazard and chaotic
effect. Despite this, there is one thing that’s for sure –Kissimmee is
close to everything. Although Kissimmee is a bedroom community
for other towns’ tourists, there are a few attractions that it claims
for itself. Old Town presents free live entertainment amid a
re-creation of an antiquated main street that houses dozens of shops
and restaurants. Gatorland, which demonstrates how alligators are bred
and nurtured, is particularly interesting and educational to children.
Splendid China has fascinating exhibits of the Temple of Confucius and
the Great Wall of China, among other Chinese architectures. The Flying
Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum has a splendid display of aircrafts
that are worth seeing. Perhaps the best attraction in Kissimmee is
Disney Wilderness at the Nature Conservancy. In this 12,000 acre
preserve of swamps and pine wood, nature lovers can spend quiet time
strolling through the 7-mile path, observing and enjoying a oneness
with the surroundings. All the usual sports prevail here —
golf, tennis, fishing. There is a slight twist to sporting in
Kissimmee. One of the more popular activities in the area are rodeos
at the Kissimmee Sports Arena. With a full bar and concession stand,
gift shop and live music, it is bound to please cowboys and cowgirls
alike. Friday night at the Arena is an exciting change from run of the
mill spectator sports. Kissimmee is 20 miles from Orlando, 70
miles from Daytona Beach, and 80 miles from Tampa on SR-192.
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