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Where to base?

Hi folks,

Family of 4 staying in July this year for 2 weeks. We have 1 week onsite at POFQ.

We have 2 week Disney tickets and will mostly be visiting the Disney parks, however, we also want to see other things in Orlando/iDrive etc, especially in the evenings (we like bars and resturants and lively atmosphere).

We wont have a car, and wondering where to base our hotel for the second half of the trip. Should we aim for the hotels around Lake BV, or go a bit further north onto iDrive or even elsewhere?

Any tips or recomendations?

Thanks in advance!

Since your first week is onsite at Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ), you’ll have direct access to Disney parks. For the second week, selecting a hotel without a car requires balancing convenience to Disney with access to nightlife, restaurants, and other Orlando attractions.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options:

  • Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs area:
    • Pros: Very close to Disney parks and Disney Springs, which offers dining, shopping, and some bars. Many hotels in this area offer shuttle service to the parks and to Disney Springs.
    • Cons: Nightlife outside Disney Springs is limited; the area tends to quiet down after park hours. You might find fewer lively evening options compared to other areas.
  • International Drive (iDrive):
    • Pros: Excellent for evening activities, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues such as ICON Park, Pointe Orlando, and Dave & Buster’s. Many hotels offer shuttle service to Disney parks. Walking distance to attractions and nightlife is convenient.
    • Cons: Slightly farther from Disney parks than Lake Buena Vista. Shuttle rides to the parks may be longer, and some hotels can be busy and crowded.
  • Near Universal / Tourist Corridor:
    • Pros: Close to Universal Studios, CityWalk, and other nearby attractions. Some hotels in this corridor offer lively pools, dining, and entertainment on site.
    • Cons: Not ideal for Disney park access without a car. Transportation relies on hotel shuttles or rideshare services.

Recommendations:

  • If Disney park convenience is your top priority, stick near Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs. You’ll have easy park access and family-friendly amenities.
  • If nightlife, restaurants, and walkable evening entertainment are a priority, International Drive is likely the better choice. You can still use hotel shuttles or rideshare to reach Disney parks.
  • Consider hybrid planning: base yourself on iDrive for the second week to enjoy lively evenings while using shuttles to access Disney parks.

Additional tips:

  • Check if your hotel offers complimentary or paid shuttle service to Disney parks; this can simplify logistics without a car.
  • Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are reliable in Orlando and can supplement shuttles, especially in the evenings.
  • International Drive hotels often provide easy access to both entertainment and restaurants within walking distance, which is ideal when you don’t have a car.

Overall, if you want a lively, convenient second week without a car, International Drive offers the best combination of evening entertainment and access to attractions while still being able to reach Disney parks via shuttle or rideshare.

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