1 Free Day - Where do I go?!

[DISNEY1975]

I will be on a work trip at the beginning of March. I have 1 free day, a Sunday, to do anything I want. Where should I go?! I will be staying approx 45 minutes from Orlando.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Well, what do you want to do? How much are you looking to spend?

It looks like you've had a lot of trips to WDW, but the most recent was 2019. Would you be interested in a day at DHS and checking out SWGE? Have you ever been to Universal? With a park-to-park pass, you could probably get in most of the attractions, especially if you also spring for the express pass.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Well, what do you want to do? How much are you looking to spend?

It looks like you've had a lot of trips to WDW, but the most recent was 2019. Would you be interested in a day at DHS and checking out SWGE? Have you ever been to Universal? With a park-to-park pass, you could probably get in most of the attractions, especially if you also spring for the express pass.

$$$ is not really an issue, though I dont want anything crazy like the VIP tours at Disney! I looked into DHS, but seeing the early morning crowds scares me. Would be a waste if I got there and didnt get to ride or see anything. Yes, our last trip ended a week before they opened! But we were there for 2 weeks and going back 3x next year due to my DD performing twice, getting an AP and wanting to go during the holiday season (early Dec) since we'll have the APs. If I went during my day off, it most likely would be to Epcot!

Ive never been to US. I dont love thrill rides. Disneys rides are just perfect for me! Are there plenty of tame rides there? Good shopping and restaurants?

Was also thinking of Discovery Cove. I love it there. But other than those 3 parks, is there something else to do/see in the area that would be good for just one day? Im not fan of night driving alone in unfamiliar places. It will be the day after DLS, so looking to get going back to my hotel (45 minute drive)around 6pm.

Thanks

 

[Upatnoon]

I will be on a work trip at the beginning of March. I have 1 free day, a Sunday, to do anything I want. Where should I go?! I will be staying approx 45 minutes from Orlando.

I wouldn't plan anything until I got up Sunday morning. You might be tired from working and just want to relax. If you are working with others, they may have plans or want to do something as a group.

If I did feel like driving an hour, I would likely just go to DisneySprings and have a good meal and maybe take a ride on the Skyliner.

I probably wouldn't visit a park unless others wanted to go.

In the end, it's your decision, of course.

 

[DWillowBay]

I can only speak for myself, but with one day, I would do EPCOT. Enough rides to keep me satisfied and the World Showcase (especially if there's a festival) is delightful when I'm on a solo trip. There are some new films in Canada, France and China (?), I think. The new American BBQ restaurant ( QS) has opened and then there's just the ongoing loveliness of WS. That's just me, but that's what I'd do.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Lots of non-thrill rides at Universal. I have not been on the new Hagrid’s Coaster yet, but the other Harry Potter rides ( Gringott’s, Forbidden Journey, and Hogwarts Express) are not too intense. Hogwarts express is a different story in each direction, and the King’s Cross station is very well done. Universal did a great job integrating many interesting elements in the queues, too. The shops in Diagon Alley are definitely worth seeing, and buying a wand to make the interactive windows work really enhances the experience. The HP shows are enjoyable, too.

The Mummy ride is a dark ride that is more “scary” than Disney’s rides, but it’s got amazing special effects and the actual motion of the ride isn’t more intense than what you’d find at WDW. The Jurassic Park ride is like Kali meets Dinosaur. Lots of screen-based rides that I wouldn’t call thrill rides, but are fast and loud. The Sinbad stunt show is similar in concept to Indiana Jones as HS. I always enjoy stopping to watch the fish jugglers.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I wouldn't plan anything until I got up Sunday morning. You might be tired from working and just want to relax. If you are working with others, they may have plans or want to do something as a group.

If I did feel like driving an hour, I would likely just go to DisneySprings and have a good meal and maybe take a ride on the Skyliner.

I probably wouldn't visit a park unless others wanted to go.

In the end, it's your decision, of course.

I was thinking of waiting, mostly due to seeing what the weather would be. This far out wouldnt be accurate and if its raining, I would just want to stay put.

I might be off work Saturday too, but at maximum, Id only have to work until 1pm, so I wont be tired Sunday for sure. On the flip side, I need to start at 5am Monday morning, so definitely dont want to be out all night.

Im going with 1 person and his family is flying in for the weekend to go to Disney...their first time and they have 2 little kids. I do not want to tag along!

Disney Springs, shopping and a good meal are good options too! Ive never been on the skyliner either. Sounds fun.

 

[HopperFan]

Where is your hotel?

 

[DISNEY1975]

Where is your hotel?

Lakeland, FL.

 

[5kidsmommy]

We did a one day trip earlier this month and spent the day at Epcot. Honestly I think it’s a perfect one day park. We did all the shows, wandered around the showcase and ate several snacks. We decided to not do any table service because we didn’t want any firm plans. I would definitely do it again if we were in the area.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Lots of non-thrill rides at Universal. I have not been on the new Hagrid’s Coaster yet, but the other Harry Potter rides ( Gringott’s, Forbidden Journey, and Hogwarts Express) are not too intense. Hogwarts express is a different story in each direction, and the King’s Cross station is very well done. Universal did a great job integrating many interesting elements in the queues, too. The shops in Diagon Alley are definitely worth seeing, and buying a wand to make the interactive windows work really enhances the experience. The HP shows are enjoyable, too.

The Mummy ride is a dark ride that is more “scary” than Disney’s rides, but it’s got amazing special effects and the actual motion of the ride isn’t more intense than what you’d find at WDW. The Jurassic Park ride is like Kali meets Dinosaur. Lots of screen-based rides that I wouldn’t call thrill rides, but are fast and loud. The Sinbad stunt show is similar in concept to Indiana Jones as HS. I always enjoy stopping to watch the fish jugglers.

Thanks. I dont mind loud and fast, just dont love ridiculous plunges or loops. I know nothing about HP! Literally nothing. Im not even sure the kids name is Harry, I just assume it! Going for the rides is ok if I dont have to know the meaning of anything.

Ive been thinking tons about this today. Have it narrowed down to Discovery Cove (though not sure how I would feel about going without my family ) or Epcot (and a skyliner ride!) But still a part of me thinks Im foolish for not going somewhere new when I have the chance. Ughhh...I cant decide.

 

[fgaini]

If you want to experience something new I would go to Cape Canaveral. Very interesting especially the space shuttle and the Apollo section. If you leave early you can be back by 5 pm.

 

[HopperFan]

Lakeland, FL.

Okay ... kinda in no where but best bet still Orlando places. I was thinking if you were north the springs where the manatees are now hanging out would be very cool.

By myself ................. I'd like go with Animal Kingdom or Discovery Cove. I love both and feel like they are where I'd like to spend a whole day, not missing any details and my own time frame.

Discovery Cove, snorkeling is really a one man show and I wouldn't be opposed to floating around the lazy river and relaxing on a place to far away from reality. Closes early, so heading back for early bed (it is exhausting day). Again if it's a last minute, not sure I could make myself go do this ... usually planned far in advance.

BUT I always leave AK wishing I had just taken the time to absorb the details of EVERYTHING Rohde left for us, observe all the animals with no rush, enjoy some good drinks and good food. No need to stay late there so I'd be back before late.

I know nothing about the Harry Potter stories and I love "Harry Potter World" at Universal, the details and hidden walkways and even inside the stores details are amazing. BUT half in each park means you'd need a One Day-Two Park ticket. NOW if you don't mind that cost that could be a huge plus for you not liking the big rides. You could enjoy the most tame of both parks and in reality get it done because you aren't doing the crazy rides. I do not like the ride in IOA (Forbidden Journey) but find the one in UA (Gringotts) amazing especially the detailing. You then ride the HP Train from one park to the next. First time I went, I went with one kid to scope the parks out so when family went we would be prepared. Could be a good option for you if you do some research and know what to enjoy and what to skip.

 

[bearzabout]

If you are adventurous and really want something new and different, I highly recommend the Sunday Thai market at Wat Thai Temple in Tampa. It is fairly close to Lakeland and a very special place. Imagine a beautiful outdoor market on a river with various vendors selling orchids, tropical fruit and a huge variety of Thai food prepared on the temple grounds. We go every time we are in the area. It is a true local treasure. Get there before 11 am since theycan sell out early. They close just after noon or 1.

After that, I’d head to Busch Gardens to enjoy the plants and animals. If you want something unique, a visit to the Dali Museum in St Pete is just amazing. Make sure to go on a guided tour so you can make sense of the art. The art changes from weird to amazing when you learn the science behind some of the pieces.

Dale Chiluly has installations in St Pete and Sunkin Gardens should be beautiful in spring. Stop by the power plant viewing area by Apollo Beach to see manatees from a distance.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Okay ... kinda in no where but best bet still Orlando places. I was thinking if you were north the springs where the manatees are now hanging out would be very cool.

By myself ................. I'd like go with Animal Kingdom or Discovery Cove. I love both and feel like they are where I'd like to spend a whole day, not missing any details and my own time frame..................

Great info! Thank you! Yes, I was thinking about DCove, but wasnt sure Id enjoy it without my family. We've been twice and love it. Not really sure why Id miss the family, they usually ditched me on a chair watching their stuff and I only saw them for lunch! Now I can enjoy on my own. Its soo relaxing!

But US is a great idea too. Glad to know its not just HP and I dont need to know anything about him/the series to enjoy. The clock is ticking! I need to make up my mind very soon!

If you are adventurous and really want something new and different, I highly recommend the Sunday Thai market at Wat Thai Temple in Tampa. It is fairly close to Lakeland and a very special place. Imagine a beautiful outdoor market on a river with various vendors selling orchids, tropical fruit and a huge variety of Thai food prepared on the temple grounds. We go every time we are in the area. It is a true local treasure. Get there before 11 am since theycan sell out early. They close just after noon or 1.

After that, I’d head to Busch Gardens to enjoy the plants and animals. If you want something unique, a visit to the Dali Museum in St Pete is just amazing. Make sure to go on a guided tour so you can make sense of the art. The art changes from weird to amazing when you learn the science behind some of the pieces.

Dale Chiluly has installations in St Pete and Sunkin Gardens should be beautiful in spring. Stop by the power plant viewing area by Apollo Beach to see manatees from a distance.

Thank you! This is very different! Since Im from out of town and will be flying in and out, I wont be able to buy much, if anything, but I do LOVE Thai food! I will look to see operating hours of each. I get out of work around 1 - 2pm each day and will be there for 9 days! Maybe there is something I could do in the afternoon if not on the one day off!

 

[disneysteve]

I will be staying approx 45 minutes from Orlando.

Where will you be staying? 45 minutes in which direction? If you'll be east, have to been to Kennedy Space Center. If west, would you enjoy Bok Tower Gardens? There are lots of things to see and do in central Florida. It all depends what sorts of sights or activities you enjoy.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

I would not do Epcot. It’s currently a maze od construction walls.

 

[HopperFan]

I just thought of this ............ I want to go so bad, but I love giraffes and animals in general. It's about 50 minutes from Lakeland but it's just a few hour experience so you'd be back before dark. It is a pricey day but perfect day for just one.

https://girafferanch.com/visit

 

[bearzabout]

I’d drive the 45 minutes to Bok Tower Gardens for a quick visit after work. I think they are only open until 5 so your visit will be short, but we were really impressed when we visited over Christmas.

The Hard Rock casino in Tampa might be fun after work. Also check out the Florida Air Museum right there in Lakeland.

The Plant City strawberry festival runs through March 8, but the season should last through March. Check out a u pick farm and head to one some afternoon.

The Wat Thai market is held only on Sunday mornings from about 9 until noon or 1 when they run out of food.