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Website for visitors to Florida, the greatest holiday destination in the world
Author: Iain Miller
Date: October 11, 2009
Rights: Iain Miller
As one of the greatest tourist destinations in the North America, Lake Buena Vista is truly a world unto its own that holds the promise of a once in a lifetime family holidays and for parties of every age group and taste.
The history of Lake Buena Vista is inexorably linked with the history of the Walt Disney Corporation. There was not much to the area back when the city was first incorporated as Reedy City in 1965. In a very unusual case of Florida law, the city was incorporated under the control of the Walt Disney Corporation, which went about annexing surrounding land without the approval of the governor in the years to come. As Disney went about completely transforming the area into what later became home to the largest theme park resort in the entire world, many of the zoning permits and other development that Disney was able to conduct probably never would have taken place under today's development constrictions.
Pictured above is Lake Buena Vista.
Lake Buena Vista did not earn its current name until the Disney Corporation was in the process of developing the area and named the lack after Buena Vista Street in Burbank, California. This street was then the home of Walt Disney's main studios, as well as its corporate offices. Buena Vista, which is Spanish for "good view" was the name for a handful of other Disney properties and entities as well. Prior to Disney's purchase of the land, the body of water was known simply as Black Lake after the brackish water common in this region of Florida.
It is hard to imagine what this region of Florida would look like today if it were not for the incredible development and industry centered around Disney and its theme park resort. Walt Disney World Resorts consist of twenty-three different hotels and six separate theme parks, including two water parks. The best known theme parks are Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom and Epcot which are key attractions for holidays to Florida, while Disney's Hollywood Studio and Animal Kingdom are more recent additions to the area. Interestingly, Epcot was initially designed to be a futuristic residential community when Lake Buena Vista was first being developed. When plans for the residential area fizzled out, some of the original plans were incorporate into the Epcot park.
Aside from Walt Disney World Resorts, Lake Buena Vista is also home to some truly world class golf courses. The self titled Lake Buena Vista golf course is the most highly rated golf course and is located near Magic Kingdom. Other popular courses in the area include Eagle Pines, Magnolia, The Palm and Osprey Ridge. All of these courses are a part of Disney's Golf Resorts, and access to multiple courses can be found at a considerable discount with certain Disney vacation packages.
As you might expect, there are some very highly rated restaurants in Lake Buena Vista. The most highly recommended restaurant in the area is Victoria and Albert's, a formal restaurant that requires reservations to be made weeks in advance, but the extra effort is well worth with the twelve course meal that is truly a gourmand's dream come true. Other famous restaurants in the area include Le Cellier and Jiko Restaurant. For a more meal that is a little more down to earth, the California Grill has an excellent menu with a dining area that affords breathtaking views of the fireworks that light up the Disney skyline in the evening hours.
Due to the incredible influx of tourist travel to Lake Buena Vista and the surrounding area, you can bet that there are accommodations in place to suit every budget and price range. Whether you are in search of the comfort of a contemporary luxury hotel or the seclusion of a private villa, Lake Buena Vista is home to some of the best resorts and hotels in the entire region. Travelers searching for cheap holidays to Florida will easily find lower priced accommodations that will let you save a little extra to spend on recreation, while business travelers can book comfortable suites at extended stay hotels that will let you get the job done and come home to some basic creature comforts.
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