The excellent surrounding road network provides 'back-door' routes to beat traffic. Nevertheless, even with its central position and close proximity to attractions, shops and restaurants, Indian Wells retains the peacefulness of a quiet residential neighbourhood.  Guest comments confirm there is no better location.

Guests staying in Indian Wells have full use of the local community facilities, which include a large swimming pool (up to 8ft in depth), tennis courts, basketball court, barbecue, park and children's play area.  Both the swimming pool and tennis courts are keyed-access to limit the facilities only to residents and guests.  No need to bring your tennis rackets either, as these can be loaned free-of-charge from our Management Company.  Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful walk around the Indian Wells lake and get to meet the locals - the 'Indian Wells' ducks.  Throw some bread and make friends for life!

The interactive Google Map below shows Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, theme parks, attractions, shops, restaurants, airports and convention centres.  With Indian Wells there is no need to zoom out to make distances appear closer than they actually are.

The majority of the vacation rental properties in the Orlando, Kissimmee and the Walt Disney World area are located on or around highway US27 (which is to the east of Walt Disney World) or towards Poinciana.  Shops and restaurants are often very limited, public transport is non-existent, taxis will be expensive and a rental car is essential.  Unless you are eating in or staying around the villa, driving is a must to get anywhere and it can be as much as 60 minutes to get to some attractions.  If you have made the daily drive from the 'wilderness' resorts, you will know just how much of your vacation you will spend in your car - with the petrol prices at an all time high, you will certainly notice how much it costs (to say nothing of your precious time). 

With the vast size of the Orlando, Kissimmee and Walt Disney World area, getting around can really start to eat into your vacation.  Walt Disney World Resort alone is nearly 50 square miles!  With somewhat 'distorted' figures being presented on many websites, we want to show you realistic times and not just quote to the gates of Walt Disney World (which are just that - gates).  Below are distances and timings taken straight from Google Maps, along with the best route, based on our knowledge of the locality.  Click on the destination to see the recommended routes on Google Maps.  

* We have included our own recent average timings (shown in brackets) which are based on travelling during the day from and to Indian Wells.

If you are flying into Orlando International Airport, we always advise taking the Florida Greeneway (SR417) toll road and avoid the busy Interstate 4.  The SR417 Florida Greeneway is a dual-carriageway toll road, generally free of congestion.  If you do not have change for the tolls, make sure you have at most a US$20 note as this is the maximum denomination that they will accept.

1. When exiting the airport, follow the signs for the 'South Exit' or Kissimmee SR417.  Stay on this road for 6 miles until you approach traffic lights and the junction of SR417 toll road.  Turn right - heading towards Kissimmee and Walt Disney World Resort.  

2. Once on the SR417, you will travel approximately 12 miles on the dual-carriageway, passing by two toll booths - both with a charge of $1.25 per car.

3. After passing through the second toll booth, exit the SR417 at junction 6 - signed for 'International Drive' and 'Walt Disney World Resort'.  (This is SR536 'World Center Drive', which leads straight into Walt Disney World Resort and towards Interstate 4.)

4. Pass Caribe Royale Suites on the right hand side.

5. At the next main junction alongside Lake Buena Vista Suites, turn left towards Kissimmee - this is SR535.  

6. Pass Lake Buena Vista Factory stores on the left hand side.

7. At the next main junction (Polynesian Isles Boulevard), turn right before the Hess service station.  

8. You are now in Indian Wells. 

Sanford International Airport is located north of Orlando. We would still recommend taking the SR417 Florida Greeneway rather than Interstate 4.  There are more tolls, but once on it, simply head south towards Orlando International Airport, then it is just a case of following the above directions.

Indian Wells is unique in its location.  Previous guests have confirmed that it is possible to have a great vacation without the need for a rental car.  For virtually all other villa communities, a rental car would be essential.  That said, a rental car is always recommended, merely because of the distance between everything.  The vast open spaces mean that the attractions and shops can be over 10 miles apart and with the exception of International Drive, there are very few public transport trams.  Taxis can accommodate 4-5 persons and are priced around $5 for the first mile and $3 per additional mile.

Should you decide not to rent a car, check out the taxi and bus prices from Orlando International Airport or the Mears taxi cab fare estimator.  For an idea of the prices, select 'Lake Buena Vista' as the starting point or destination.

Indian Wells lake is stocked with wide-mouthed bass - chatting to some locals, 8lb 15oz is the biggest fish they have caught.  A non-resident 3-day Florida license can be purchased from WalMart for US$17 (7-days is US$30).  An annual license is also available.  For up to date information on fishing in Florida or to purchase a licence on-line, visit MyFWC.  No need to buy fishing rods, as these will be available in the villa or can be provided by our Management Company.