Anyone reserving a villa for their stay in Florida will most likely spend their vacation in Kissimmee, Osceola County, which is, in general, quieter and more laid back than International Drive.
Originally, Kissimmee was called Allentown and its main livelihood was cattle ranching. Osceola County derived it's name from Osceola, the legendery Indian warrior, whose name, translated, is Singer of the black drink. The arrival of Disney, into the Kissimmee area, changed the city overnight into a thriving tourist magnet. This development could be viewed as bad news, however, for many of the locals, who, up until the opening of Disney World had led a very simple, uncomplicated existence. Suddenly the price of day to day life rocketed and many proud people could no longer afford to pay the rent on their homes when Landlords realised there was now a property boom in the Kissimmee area and cashed in. Next time you see a tramp in Kissimmee, remember that at one time they were most likely to have led a fulfilling life and it is because of the tourist industry that they are where they are today. I always take time to give a couple of dollars, a few cigarettes or I buy an extra McDonalds to hand over at the roadside and I have always found them to be extremely mannerable and humble people.
Most of the various villa subdivisions in the Kissimmee area are just off Highway 192, Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Highway 192 is the main street in Kissimmee, which runs from East to West at a distance of just over 74 miles. Highway 192 underwent a major reconstruction a few years ago and now has 'purple, mile markers' along the length of it which makes it a lot easier to find your way around. For instance, the large, 24 hour Walmart is between Markers 14 and 15 as is Lake Berkley, Indian Point and Poinciana Boulevard.
It should be considered when arranging a Florida vacation if you would prefer Kissimmee East or Kissimmee West. Both have much to offer, but, in my opinion, Kissimmee East is slightly livelier.
Arranging a rental car is more advisable if you are staying in Kissimmee as the malls, restaurants and entertainment facilities on Highway 192 tend to have a distance between them and walking any distance in the sweltering heat can become a problem.
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Photo of Kissimmee Prairie Reserve Park is used solely to advertise the park's facilities and direct visitors to the website, http://www.floridastateparks.org/kissimmeeprairie/. If anyone who has an interest in the running of the park would like to contact me with regards to removing the photo, my details are on contact page.
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