Our Location - Close to Disney, Kissimmee, Orlando, Florida

Formosa Gardens, Orlando, Florida is a prestigious gated community, one of the closest villa communities to Disney, just off the 192. It's easy to access other theme parks by using the 192 and I4.

Formosa Gardens Homes are all large, very spacious and set on wide plots compared to other communities so you can truly relax and have some space after a day at the theme parks. We are lucky enough to have a villa overlooking Star Lake with lovely lake views from the pool deck living rooms and master bedroom.

Below are approx realistic driving times to Major Florida Attractions Parking Lots (not in a straight line or just to the Disney gate!). You can't get much closer to Disney unless you stay onsite.

Disney Theme Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – 8 minutes (3.9 miles) - can be accessed via Sherbeth Road
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park – 9 minutes (6.4 miles)
Disney’s Epcot Theme Park – 12 minutes (7.7 miles)
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park – 12 minutes (8.4 miles)

Universal Studios / Seaworld and Other Theme Parks

Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure joint parking lot – 25 minutes (16.5 miles)
SeaWorld – 18 minutes (12.6 miles)
Discovery Cove - 20 minutes (12.8 miles)
Busch Gardens Tampa - 1 hour 15 mins (63 miles)

Water Parks

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 14 minutes (8.5 miles)
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park – 10 minutes (5.1 miles)
Universal’s Volcano Bay Parking garage same as main theme parks – 25 minutes (16.5 miles)
Aquatica (Sea World) – 20 minutes (13.4 miles)
Margaritaville Waterpark Island H2O Live! - opened in 2019 - 6 minutes (2.4 miles)

Other Attractions

As we are located in Central Florida you can easily drive to either coast for the day

Kennedy Space Center - 1 hour (64 miles)
Daytona Beach (East/Atlantic Coast) - 1 hour 20 mins (79 miles)
Clearwater Beach (West/Gulf Coast) - 1 hour 30 mins (88 miles)

Shopping

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets - Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Nike etc etc - 18 minutes (10.3 miles) https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-vineland
Orlando International Premium Outlets - similar to above - 24 minutes https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-international
The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Rd - 24 minutes - https://www.mallatmillenia.com/
Rolling Oaks Blvd (where our nearest Target is located) has a branch TJ Maxx which has varying discounted brands such as Puma plus homegoods and bags so worth a quick look

Nearest Large Supermarkets

Walmart Super Center (and petrol/gas) - N Old Lake Wilson Rd - 2.3 miles
Publix & Target (opposite sides of 192) at Rolling Oaks Blvd - 2.7 miles

Nearby Restaurants

VR360Homes have recently done a great blog about all the nearby restaurants nearby along the 192:

https://www.vr360homes.com/blog/post/orlando-restaurants-along-hwy-192-kissimmee

There are lots of fast food restaurants including McDonalds, Burger King, Panda Express, Chick Fil-A and diners such as Dennys and IHOP along the 192 in close proximity

Formosa Gardens Village has a variety of family restaurants - about 1 mile away including:

Outback Steakhouse www.outback.com
TGI Fridays www.tgifridays.com
Buffalo Wild Wings – www.buffalowildwings.com
Red Lobster – www.redlobster.com

Margaritaville's Sunset Walk (2.4 miles) offers shops, restaurants (including Ford's Garage, Burger Fi, Bento and Rock & Brews) and a movie theatre (Studio Movie Grill serving food and drinks) www.sunsetwalk.com

Rolling Oaks Boulevard is about 2.7 miles away - Large Target Superstore along with

On the Border - Tex/Mex - www.ontheborder.com - try one of the special margaritas (advertised on the door) that are usually $5
Olive Garden - Italian - www.olivegarden.com
Longhorn Steakhouse www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Universal City Walk:

Try and book restaurants in advance online

Hard Rock Cafe - https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/hard-rock-cafe good burgers and lively atmosphere, have the vegan "impossible burger"
The Cowfish https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/the-cowfish - Sushi and Burgers
Voodoo doughnuts https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/dining/voodoo-doughnut - Amazing variety of doughnuts - you can preorder on the Universal app

Cheesecake Factory: - closest one is by the Vineland Premium Outlet Mall. They take a few reservations. Nice quality food and restaurant with a huge menu

Airport/s

Orlando International Airport - Approx 30 mins drive via 417 Toll Road or 528 Toll Road (cash/coins accepted)

Sanford International Airport - Approx 1 hour via I4

Tampa International Airport - Approx 1 hour 10 mins drive via I4 (coin toll on 429 short distance or remain on I4)

Daytona Beach International Airport - Approx 1 hour 15 mins via I4

Parking Notes for the Villa

Parking for 3 cars on the driveway. Overnight parking on the road is not allowed by the Residents Association - towing enforced. They also do not allow RV's or Trailers on the community overnight. No parking on grass verges.

Uber - example of prices 2021

The Ubers we used in 2021 were clean, quick and efficient. There was always one available within 5-10 minutes. We had to get an XL vehicle for 4 people or with lots of luggage - prices exclude any optional tips but include tolls and surcharges. Prices are subject to change. At certain times of the day a taxi may be similar in price. In 2021 Uber X was max 3 people and Uber XL max 5 people

Orlando International Airport to villa: $62 (Uber XL, 6.30pm)

Villa to Universal Studios: $36 (Uber XL, 7am)

Seaworld to Villa: $30 (Uber XL, 10.10pm), UberX $20

Villa to Disney Animal Kingdom/Disney Springs: $16 (Uber XL)

Villa to Disney Magic Kingdom: $22 (Uber XL)

Universal Studios to Icon Park (Uber XL, 8pm, Slingshot, Drop Tower etc): $10

Universal Studios to Orlando International Airport: $39 (Uber XL, 3pm)

Once using Uber in the US we were sent discounts for Uber Eats so tried that out - it was very quick and efficient to place an order from the local takeaways on the 192 for delivery direct to the villa. Tipping is normal.