Directions to Theme Parks & Returning to Emerald Island Resort
Emerald Island Resort - 3 Miles to Disney. 5-Star Resort Living
Your gateway to the magic of Orlando starts here. Located in the heart of Kissimmee, Emerald Island Resort offers an unrivaled location only minutes from Disney World. Beyond our guarded gates, you’ll find a tropical retreat with full resort access, placing you at the center of Florida’s premier dining, shopping, and entertainment.
If you are planning to stay at Emerald Island Resort for your next Disney vacation, we encourage you to rent a car while on Disney vacation. As a convenience to our guests, we are providing the following directions to all Orlando area tourist attractions and Disney theme parks. You can also download these directions.
Quick-Look Proximity
Distance From Emerald Island Resort to Major Attractions
🏰 Walt Disney World: Approx. 10-15 minutes via Sherbeth Road and Osceola Parkway.
🎢 SeaWorld & Discovery Cove: Approx. 15-20 minutes via I-4 East.
🎬 Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure: Approx. 25 minutes via I-4 East.
🚀 Kennedy Space Center: Approx. 60-70 minutes via FL-528 (The Beachline).
🛒 Premium Outlets: Two major outlet malls are located within 20 minutes of the resort.
🏛️ The Secret Route to Disney (Avoid the Traffic)
We recommend using the "Sherberth Road" shortcut to reach Disney World in minutes, bypassing the congestion of Hwy 192.
Walt Disney World
- Step 1: Turn right out of the resort onto Funie Steed Rd.
- Step 2: Turn left onto Formosa Gardens Blvd.
- Step 3: Turn right onto Hwy 192 (stay in the left lane).
- Step 4: Turn left onto Sherberth Rd. This leads you directly into the heart of Disney property near Animal Kingdom.
- If you are going to the Animal Kingdom, turn left at Osceola Pkwy - 0.4 mi
- For all other parks, turn right at Osceola Pkwy and follow signs of your chosen park
🚗 Driving to Other Major Attractions
Emerald Island is centrally located, making it easy to reach Orlando's world-famous theme parks.
Sea World/Discovery Cove
Steps 1-4. Same as for WDW
- Step 5: Turn right at Osceola Pkwy 3.8 Miles
- Step 6: Merge on I-4 East via the ramp on the left to Orlando 5.5 mi
- Step 7: Take exit 71 toward Sea World 0.5 mi
- Step 8: Merge onto Central Florida Pkwy 0.7 mi
- Step 9: Follow the signs to Sea World or Discovery Cove
Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure
Steps 1-4. Same as for WDW
- Step 5: Turn right at Osceola Pkwy 3.8 Miles
- Step 6: Merge on I-4 East via the ramp on the left to Orlando 10 mi
- Step 7: Take exit 74A for Sand Lake Rd/SR-482 toward International Dr 0.3 mi
- Step 8: Turn left at W Sand Lake Rd/SR-482 W - Continue to follow W Sand Lake Rd 0.3 mi
- Step 9: Turn right at CR-439 N/Turkey Lake Rd 2.0 mi
Kennedy Space Center
Steps 1-4. Same as for WDW
- Step 5: Turn right at Osceola Pkwy 3.8 Miles
- Step 6: Merge on I-4 East via the ramp on the left to Orlando 5.5 mi
- Step 7: Take exit 72, 528 TOLL E. toward Intl Airport/Cape Canaveral
- Step 8: Merge onto 528 East (also called the "Bee Line Expwy.").
- Step 9: Take the SR-407 exit on the left toward NASA Kennedy Space Center/I-95 N/Titusville.
- Step 10: Merge onto Challenger Memorial Pkwy./407 N. for approximately six (6) miles.
- Step 11: Turn right onto Columbia Blvd./FL-405 E. 8.4 miles
- Step 12: Follow the signs to Kennedy Space Center.
🏡 Navigating Back to Emerald Island Resort
When leaving the theme parks, follow these specific "back-door" directions to avoid the congestion of Highway 192 and the main tourist corridors.
- 🧭 Initial Landmarks: Follow the signs for Disney’s Animal Kingdom first. As you get closer to the park, shift your focus to the signs for Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- 🛣️ The Sherberth Shortcut: After passing the exit for the Animal Kingdom entrance, stay in the left lane. Turn Left onto Sherberth Rd.
- 🚦 The Junction: At the end of Sherberth Rd, turn Right onto Hwy 192. Stay in the far left lane immediately.
- 🍔 Local Marker: Turn Left onto Formosa Gardens Blvd (you will see a Taco Bell and Outback Steakhouse at this corner).
- 🌳 Final Stretch: Turn Right onto Funie Steed Road/Oak Island Rd, then take a final Left into the main entrance of Emerald Island Resort.
🚐 Shuttles & Airport Transfers
If you prefer not to drive, several third-party services provide reliable transportation to the parks and MCO Airport.
- Daily Theme Park Shuttles: Scheduled morning and evening runs are available through Maingate Transportation (Approx. $13-$16 per person).
- Private Vans: Ideal for large groups (6+ guests). Private transport ensures you don't share your ride and can set your own schedule.
- Airport Service: Direct transfers from Orlando International (MCO) can be arranged starting at approx. $80 for 4 people.
- Ride Share: Uber and Lyft are very active in the Kissimmee area and can typically pick up at your villa doorstep within 5-10 minutes.
🚐 Ride-Share & Shuttle Tips
For guests utilizing Uber, Lyft, or Private Shuttles, please keep these resort-specific tips in mind:
- 📍 Exact Address: Always provide your specific Villa number and Street Name in the app. The resort is large, and "Emerald Island Clubhouse" is a common but separate drop-off point.
- 🆔 Gate Access for Drivers: Remind your driver they must show ID at the Guard Gate. Most local drivers are familiar with this, but it’s a helpful reminder for a smoother entry.
- 🕒 Wait Times: During peak park hours (9 AM and 9 PM), allow an extra 10–15 minutes for your ride-share to clear the security gate.
💡 Transportation Pro-Tips
- ⛽ Fueling Up: There is a 7-Eleven and a Wawa located just 5 minutes away on Hwy 192—perfect for a quick refuel or grabbing snacks before heading to the parks.
- 🔋 EV Charging: Check the Emerald Island Clubhouse for available charging stations if you are renting an electric vehicle.
- 🚕 Private Van Booking: For groups of 6 or more, we recommend booking your return shuttle at least 24 hours in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
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