The design philosophy of Joe Lee at Lake Buena Vista emphasizes strategy over pure power, with accuracy being the key to scoring well. The fairways are often tree-lined and subtly winding, demanding thoughtful placement off the tee to avoid blockage on your approach. The course is defined by its water features, with water coming into play on over half of the holes, including the spectacular 7th hole, which features an island green.

However, the true defense of the course lies in its elevated greens. They are often smaller than typical resort greens and feature tricky contouring, requiring precise iron play to hold the putting surface. The course provides a classic, enjoyable test of Florida golf that rewards careful management and a solid short game.