Average traveler to Disney Resorts never see Orlando (Kissimmee, San Antonio: vacation, rental car)

[questioner2]

Everyone I talk to tells me how wonderful Orlando was when they return from a trip to Disney or Universal. I ask them if they rented a car and drove around town? NO. Did they spend any time in downtown Orlando? No. Did they drive around town and check out the neighborhoods? NO.

They tell me they loved Orlando but really only see the Disney area and the nice terminal at the Orlando Airport. They enjoyed the vacation so much now that many want to move to Orlando. What are they thinking?

[kateuk29]

Yes, I have been to Orlando on vacation from the u.k and yes we have visited other areas "outside" of the main attraction areas (and no, not just the rental communities). Why anyone would make a commitment to moving to an area because of rollercoasters and Mickey Mouse is beyond me. I think you may be under estimating people. IMHO.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

So who does that anyway? I've been to plenty of destinations for vacation and work. I've been to Vegas, San Antonio, Napa Valley, Chicago, New Orleans, etc. to name a few. No part of my plan was to drive the city and see how everyone lives. I loved all these cities for the reason I was there. Sightseeing, restaurants, etc. Never for a second, did I think to get into the rental car and drive around to see how the locals live. Who would do that unless you had a reason to like moving there?

Stands to reason why "everyone you talk to loves Orlando". They came for the tourist stuff and saw the beautiful areas in which they are located.

[EasyCheeze]

i know someone who is a doctor no less who thought for the longest time that downtown disney was downtown orlando (no joke). they only come here for the attractions and conventions and have no intention of moving here though.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by BeenAroundTheBlock

Who would do that unless you had a reason to like moving there?

Me. For some folks (myself included) perhaps the greatest pleasure of travel is to see how others live, especially overseas but domestically, too. I enjoy learning of the shared human experiences that transcend geographic boundaries while also discovering interesting differences as well. Those experiences matter much more--and are vastly more fulfilling--than a silly amusement park, IMHO.

[blxcnxsole]

What most people dont know is Disney and all of there land is located on the outskirt of Orlando(maybe not even in Orlando but in Kissimmee),therefore all the tourist who come straight from the Airport only get to the Greenway and Disney, so they think theres nothin to Orlando. Orlando has to be the Biggest little City I know or been to.

[Red Rum]

Disney is located in 2 suburban towns (Lake Buena Vista-Reedy Creek and Kissimee). Universal and SeaWorld are really the only theme parks located in Orlando. It Just like Disneyland California, which people say is in Los Angeles, but really in Aniheim. There is no Disney Park located with an urban city boundary.

[Kali's Grandma]

Originally Posted by questioner2

Everyone I talk to tells me how wonderful Orlando was when they return from a trip to Disney or Universal. I ask them if they rented a car and drove around town? NO. Did they spend any time in downtown Orlando? No. Did they drive around town and check out the neighborhoods? NO.

They tell me they loved Orlando but really only see the Disney area and the nice terminal at the Orlando Airport. They enjoyed the vacation so much now that many want to move to Orlando. What are they thinking?

Are you just trying to start yet another negative Orlando thread or is there a point to this post?

[vincero]

"I enjoy learning of the shared human experiences that transcend geographic boundaries while also discovering interesting differences as well."

Woah there, professor, we be but simple bloggers.