A couple of days in Orlando: Suggestions?

[NW3]

Been a long time since I've posted here. Background (please bear with me): First visited WDW in 1982 and was blown away and became a WDW fan. Lived in Jacksonville from 1988 to 1996 and visited regularly. Moved to the Midwest in 1996 and have been back to WDW three times (with two children). Last trip was around 2010. Haven't been to Universal since around 1995 or so. I get that much (nearly all) has changed.

My wife and I are going on a cruise out of Jacksonville in Early November. Afterwards, we're thinking of taking advantage of our proximity to Orlando by going down to WDW or Universal. It will be just the two of us. We're not quite seniors, just "experienced" parents and adults. Maybe two full days.

I'm not too charged about going to WDW. Epcot: Future World seemed tired eight years ago. The only thing new in World Showcase I can think of in recent years is the Frozen attraction. Disney Studio: have done it a few times. I understand that it will be evolving somewhat but I doubt much will change within the next four months. Same with Animal Kingdom. I get Disney is hell bent on co-branding theme park attractions with C-grade movies but much of it is lost on me. The Magic Kingdom is probably our favorite park but it evolves slowly (in a good way) so I don't expect much to be a surprise there.

Universal Studios: My wife has a heart condition so big coasters may be a no-go. The whole Harry Potter world is something that we aren't familiar with and we're not keen on doing a lot of overpriced shopping at either park.

Not trying to come across as a grumpy fart - I'm just a little more cynical and jaded now about the parks. We're leaning toward Universal but we're not sure if it would grab us for two days. Thoughts appreciated.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

It looks like you're not that keen on the theme parks right now. Maybe check out some other Orlando area attractions like airboat rides, themed mini-golf, Space Center, etc.? Maybe visit a Disney resort for dinner one night? Jellyrolls dueling piano bar show? Or the Howl at the Moon one in Orlando (haven't been to this, so I can't say from experience how good it is). Or campfire singalong at Fort Wilderness.

 

[Clare Voince]

Seems like you're trying to force it. If you don't want to go, don't go.

 

[Corbie]

We booked a day at Discovery Cove. You get entrance to Sea World and Aquatica parks if you do so. It's expensive, but sounds like a great, relaxing time.

They also have the Eye (I?): a huge ferris wheel complex. Madame Toussad's, the Bone Museum, and several other interesting places are in the same complex.

We plan to see the show at Capone's one evening. (We're doing a split stay for part of our visit.) Will also visit the Space Center and Bok Tower Gardens.

 

[adamreisinger]

If you're not that interested in the parks, then it might be worth checking out the Boardwalk or Disney Springs. The latter has changed dramatically since its days as Downtown Disney and has great dining and shopping options, plus a full movie theater, bowling alley, and more. Also, even if you've done it before and don't feel like it'd be too different, don't sell the Magic Kingdom short. I find it's a great experience whenever I go.

Lastly, if you're a basketball fan and the schedule falls right, you could always check out an Orlando Magic game. The team isn't great right now, which keeps ticket prices down (relative to the rest of the league), and you could always get lucky with a great opponent with a star player.