StayAreasLake Buena Vista or International Drive: where should you stay in Orlando?
- International Drive is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $170 a night, against $190 in Lake Buena Vista.
- International Drive is closer to 4 of the 7 big sights we timed; Lake Buena Vista wins on 2.
- From Orlando International Airport (MCO), International Drive is quicker: 89 min against 101 min.
Lake Buena VistaDisney Springs & good-value hotelsPick Lake Buena Vista if
- Families on a budget
- Disney visitors who want more space
- Repeat visitors
International DriveRestaurants, attractions & valuePick International Drive if
- Budget travellers and families
- Convention travellers
- Visitors mixing several parks
Lake Buena Vista vs International Drive, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Lake Buena Vista | International Drive |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $110 | $90 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $190 | $170 (better) |
| Luxury double | $350 | $350 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Downtown Orlando | 60 min | 45 min (better) |
| ICON Park | 42 min | 14 min walk (better) |
| Disney Springs | 22 min walk (better) | 31 min |
| Universal Studios Florida | 64 min | 26 min (better) |
| SeaWorld Orlando | 35 min | 27 min (better) |
| Epic Universe | 60 min | 40 min (better) |
| Lake Eola Park | 55 min | 54 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 101 min | 89 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Good | Good |
| Nightlife | Good | Good |
| Quiet at night | Good (better) | Limited |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Very good | Very good |
| Transport | Limited | Good (better) |
Hotels in Lake Buena Vista and International Drive
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Lake Buena Vista or International Drive: questions
Is Lake Buena Vista or International Drive better to stay in?
International Drive is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $170 a night, against $190 in Lake Buena Vista. International Drive is closer to 4 of the 7 big sights we timed; Lake Buena Vista wins on 2. From Orlando International Airport (MCO), International Drive is quicker: 89 min against 101 min. Lake Buena Vista suits families on a budget and disney visitors who want more space; International Drive suits budget travellers and families and convention travellers.
Which is cheaper, Lake Buena Vista or International Drive?
Typical doubles in Lake Buena Vista: $110 budget, $190 mid-range, $350 luxury. In International Drive: $90, $170 and $350. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Lake Buena Vista or International Drive?
Door to door: ICON Park is 42 min from Lake Buena Vista and 14 min walk from International Drive; Disney Springs is 22 min walk from Lake Buena Vista and 31 min from International Drive; Universal Studios Florida is 64 min from Lake Buena Vista and 26 min from International Drive; SeaWorld Orlando is 35 min from Lake Buena Vista and 27 min from International Drive.
How far is Orlando International Airport (MCO) from Lake Buena Vista and International Drive?
101 min to Lake Buena Vista and 89 min to International Drive, door to door by public transport.