
How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Kissimmee, Florida, United States
1. Old Town Kissimmee
A popular entertainment district with overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops. Avoid during peak hours for cheaper prices.
- Time of Visit: Visit during off-peak hours or later in the evening to avoid crowds and high prices.
- Local Restaurants: Avoid popular chains and opt for local, family-owned restaurants offering authentic cuisine.
- Careful Shopping: Bargain hard or shop around before making a purchase to find better deals.
2. Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Free admission park attracting many tourists leading to overcrowding. Visit nearby, less crowded parks for a peaceful experience.
- Peaceful Alternatives: Explore nearby lesser-known parks with fewer crowds and more tranquility.
- Park Timing: Avoid peak hours to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
- Local Recommendations: Seek advice from locals for hidden gems in the area.
3. Kissimmee Polk Expressway
A congested road filled with billboards advertising tourist spots. Use alternative routes for a smoother journey.
- Alternative Routes: Research and plan less-traveled routes to reach your destination.
- Navigation Apps: Utilize GPS navigation apps for efficient travel and real-time traffic updates.
- Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation if available to avoid driving in crowded roads.
4. Airboat Tours
Often overpriced and with sales tactics. Research and book tours in advance for a fair price.
- Advance Booking: Book tours online to secure a lower price and avoid pushy sales pitches.
- Local Operators: Choose locally operated airboat companies for authentic experiences and fair pricing.
- Group Discounts: Look for group discounts or family packages when booking tours.
5. Gatorland
A popular alligator attraction with high admission fees. Visit during promotions or off-peak hours for savings.
- Promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers, discounts, or promotions.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
- Combo Tickets: Consider combo tickets with other nearby attractions for savings.
6. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
A dinner show with expensive tickets and hidden fees. Compare prices with competitors or use discounts.
- Competitor Prices: Compare prices with similar attractions to find the best deal.
- Discount Codes: Look for online coupon codes or promotions before booking your tickets.
- Flexible Booking: Opt for flexible booking to cancel or reschedule if better deals arise.
7. Kissimmee's Fishing Spots
Overpriced fishing spots catering to tourists. Research affordable and local fishing locations.
- Local Fishing Hotspots: Seek advice from locals for affordable and less crowded fishing spots.
- Flexible Equipment Rentals: Rent equipment on a daily basis instead of buying expensive packages.
- Off-Peak Fishing: Avoid peak hours to enjoy a quieter and more peaceful fishing experience.
8. Kissimmee Golf Courses
Expensive golf courses attracting tourists. Research local courses for better rates.
- Local Golf Courses: Find and compare prices at local golf courses for more affordable options.
- Off-Peak Play: Play during off-peak hours or days to avoid high fees and busy courses.
- Group Bookings: Book as a group to take advantage of discounted rates.
9. Kissimmee's Factory Outlet Malls
Factory outlets with overpriced brand-name items. Research for sales or compare prices.
- Sales and Promotions: Plan your visit during sales or promotional events for better deals.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with nearby outlets or online to find the best deal.
- Outlet Mall Maps: Utilize maps provided by the mall to navigate efficiently and find hidden deals.
10. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Pricey balloon rides with little value. Research reputable providers for a memorable experience.
- Reputable Providers: Choose a reputable provider with positive reviews and recommendations.
- Group Discounts: Look for group discounts or family packages when booking rides.
- Sunrise and Sunset Rides: Opt for early morning or sunset rides for the best views and lighting.
11. Kissimmee's Airbrush Tattoo Shops
Expensive airbrush tattoos catering to tourists. Research local artists for cheaper options.
- Local Artists: Find and compare prices with local airbrush tattoo artists.
- Group Discounts: Look for group discounts or family packages when getting tattoos.
- Tattoo Quality: Research artists' portfolios and read reviews to ensure quality work.
12. Car Rental Scams
Certain car rental companies charging hidden fees. Thoroughly research and compare prices.
- Reputable Companies: Choose reputable car rental companies with positive reviews.
- Hidden Fees: Review the fine print to avoid hidden fees and extra charges.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations: Compare pick-up and drop-off locations for convenience and savings.
13. Kissimmee's Bus Tours
Overpriced bus tours with limited options. Research affordable alternatives or self-guided tours.
- Affordable Alternatives: Find and compare prices for more cost-effective alternatives.
- Self-Guided Tours: Create your own self-guided tour using maps or apps for a customized experience.
- Group Bookings: Book as a group to take advantage of discounted rates or promotions.
14. Kissimmee's Nightlife
Expensive bars and clubs catering to tourists. Research local bars for a more authentic experience.
- Local Bars: Find and compare prices at local bars and clubs.
- Happy Hours: Take advantage of happy hour specials for reduced drink prices.
- Live Music Venues: Visit live music venues for a more authentic and local nightlife experience.
15. Kissimmee's Souvenir Shops
Overpriced souvenir shops attracting tourists. Bargain hard or shop around for better deals.
- Bargaining: Bargain hard to find the best price.
- Shop Around: Visit multiple souvenir shops to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Online Purchases: Consider purchasing souvenirs online for a wider selection at potentially lower prices.