Kissimmee Go-Karts

What's the Difference between a tourist trap and a tourist destination?

A tourist trap is like a mirage, that you see from afar. It beckons you forth, and only once you have the kids unbuckled and the car doors locked, do you realize that it isn't worth your time and money.

Then, there are some little gems that don't seem like much from the road but really give much more pleasure than you would guess.

You'll find just such simple family fun at Ride Mile Marker 13 on Highway 192. Sandwiched between a castle for sale (it used to be a haunted house) and a McDonald's is Kissimmee Go-Karts.

Kissimmee Go-Karts isn't glossy or glitzy; it's like the anti-Disney: low-tech, a little dirty, no lines and little to no cost. After a few hermetically sealed days at the Parks, coming here is a refreshing change.

The first thing you'll see is the pool of baby alligators. It's tempting to throw a glance and then walk on by, but take your time to really observe them. I'm intrigued by their sense of community, where tails rest overlapping each other on the rocks. Some are floating, like motionless logs.

Others are being fed by visitors willing to pay $2.00 for the privledge. The visitors are given a pole with a string to which they have to attach a piece of hot dog. For me? I'd rather watch the alligators go after the meat that someone else has paid for.


Sadly, there are reminders posted that taunting or teasing alligators is a Federal offense, since alligators have been a protected species since 1973.

Kids are eager to sit in the two go-karts provided for pictures. It's seems implausible that those same kids, who were given so much at Disney, would enjoy just turning a steering wheel around, but they do.

The little ones also like the other coin-operated riding toys available. Hey, if you're really cheap (or if they scare easily) you don't even have to put in money!


For the older kids, there is the arcade, but the real attraction is the go-kart track. When you see it up close, the track seems rather short, because so much of it goes back beyond sight. You can only see up to the first bridge. Take a look at this picture and see how much more there really is!

The best, best, coolest part is that it is very easy to get a "FREE RIDE" coupon. You can print out this one from the internet, or you can tear one out from most attraction guides. Just redeem it at the window before going up to the pit crew guys. The guys will put you or your kid in a go-kart for once around at no charge..and with no catch! It is only one coupon per family. Those who don't ride, can wait on the bleachers. You'll actually see the driver twice, as the track winds around. It's almost as fun to cheer them on!

After your visit, it's only a walk across the parking lot to visit a McDonald's playland. The beauty with these spots is that kids get to be their wild, little selves. So much of Disney time is parents needing to keep kids controlled. It's good for their souls to let them loose. You can feed them $1.00 ice cream cones when they're done.

And if you've been careful, that buck will be the only thing you've paid, at one of Kissimmee's best spots for family fun.


Kissimmee Go-Karts Map