Best Orlando activities other than Disney

[cheryterese]

We are traveling to the Orlando area in February and are wondering about the best activities besides WDW - LEGOLAND, Sea World, Space Center, beaches, Universal, etc. The kids are 8, 6 and 5, 2 boys and a girl. Please recommend!

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

Other than the Disney World parks, the only other Orlando area attraction/park my family has had the chance to visit so far is Legoland and we had a very fun day there. My 4 and 6 year olds still talk about the one day we spent there when we spent all the other days of our trip at the Disney parks Sea World has been on our must visit list for awhile now, so for our next trip we definitely plan on spending at least one day at Sea World. There is so much to do in Orlando besides Disney. I've read some really great trip reports that attest to how much fun there is to be had outside the Disney gates in the greater Orlando area (Gina's reports are awesome). As far as Legoland is concerned, below is a link to the review I wrote about our day at Legoland if you're interested.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3120715

 

[cheryterese]

Other than the Disney World parks, the only other Orlando area attraction/park my family has had the chance to visit so far is Legoland and we had a very fun day there. My 4 and 6 year olds still talk about the one day we spent there when we spent all the other days of our trip at the Disney parks Sea World has been on our must visit list for awhile now, so for our next trip we definitely plan on spending at least one day at Sea World. There is so much to do in Orlando besides Disney. I've read some really great trip reports that attest to how much fun there is to be had outside the Disney gates (Gina's reports are awesome). As far as Legoland is concerned, below is a link to the review I wrote about our day at Legoland if you're interested.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3120715

Thank you so much! I'm off to read your review now! We're actually thinking of not doing Disney this trip (gasp!), except for maybe one waterpark day if it's warm enough, as we're looking for a more relaxing week, want to experience some of the other area attractions, and have a big Disney trip in the works for 2015.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

Thank you so much! I'm off to read your review now! We're actually thinking of not doing Disney this trip (gasp!), except for maybe one waterpark day if it's warm enough, as we're looking for a more relaxing week, want to experience some of the other area attractions, and have a big Disney trip in the works for 2015.

Cheryl, I remember reading your trip report when we were planning my family's first Disney trip back in 2010! I don't think I was a Disboards member yet so I didn't comment, but your report gave me a lot of insight on things. I understand what you mean about wanting to plan a more relaxing trip and doing some other attractions. I think that is why Legoland was such a big hit with my kids because even though it doesn't have nearly as much to do as Disney, the crowd level and touring pace of our day there was kind of a welcome break from what we're used to in the Disney parks, and our trip was during a moderately crowded week at Disney. We love Disney so much, it's hard to break away; although we found that we really enjoyed doing one non-Disney day and for future trips that is definitely something we will continue to do, especially for Sea World the next time around and maybe the Universal parks when all our kids are a little older.

 

[cheryterese]

Cheryl, I remember reading your trip report when we were planning my family's first Disney trip back in 2010! I don't think I was a Disboards member yet so I didn't comment, but your report gave me a lot of insight on things. I understand what you mean about wanting to plan a more relaxing trip and doing some other attractions. I think that is why Legoland was such a big hit with my kids because even though it doesn't have nearly as much to do as Disney, the crowd level and touring pace of our day there was kind of a welcome break from what we're used to in the Disney parks, and our trip was during a moderately crowded week at Disney. We love Disney so much, it's hard to break away; although we found that we really enjoyed doing one non-Disney day and for future trips that is definitely something we will continue to do, especially for Sea World the next time around and maybe the Universal parks when all our kids are a little older.

That's great - I'm so glad! That was a fun trip! We may end up getting 3 day WDW tickets , but since it will be just before and half of President's Week I don't think I can deal with the crowds for a week straight! I'm going to check out Sea World too. I think the kids would really like that. I think they're still too young for Universal though.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well, as those who have read my trip reports can attest, I am a great lover of Orlando as a whole. We love exploring all the great things the city has to offer, including those outside Disney gates. Our offsite, non-Disney trips have been equally as enjoyable (sometimes more so!) than our Disney-only vacation in 2009, which was our inaugural trip to Florida.

My favourite non-Disney park is Discovery Cove, followed closely by SeaWorld. DC is just an amazing, immersive and “all inclusive” experience like no other that you will get in the Orlando area. For a first visit, I would wholeheartedly say “do the dolphin swim!”…. it should be experienced at least once, IMHO. For subsequent visits, you could happily do the day resort only package and have an equally awesome day (we have enjoyed visits both ways). Its lush and tropical and relaxing and FUN. And everything is included from food and snacks and alcohol to sunscreen and a family photo and parking. While it may appear pricey at first glance, keep in mind that the cost of your DC day also provides for 14 days free admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica (two awesome parks also worth a visit….or two or three).

When considering the “expense” of a day at Discovery Cove, here’s something to chew on: a 7 day Disney ticket with waterpark and more (no hopping, no food) is $375.95 tax included via Undercover Tourist. That essentially would give you 14 days of Disney fun, 7 park days and waterpark & more days. In comparison, a one day admission to Discovery Cove in late August 2014, with the dolphin swim and including all food and snacks for the day plus 14 days of admission to SW and Aquatica is $249 plus tax ($265 taxes in). The day resort only (no dolphin swim) is $190 with taxes and includes all the above benefits. 14 days of admission to Busch Gardens can be added for an extra $25 at the time of purchase, and a length of stay parking pass can also be added for $25. A DC/SW/AQ/BG trip can be a substantial savings over a Disney trip, depending on the time of year you visit. And it’s a totally unique and awesome experience vs. what is offered at Disney (and I’m a sucker for new experiences!!).

As I mentioned earlier, SeaWorld is also one of my favourite parks to visit. The pace there is so much more relaxed than the go-go-go atmosphere at Disney. You don’t have to pre-plan every minute of your day 6 months in advance, which I love. We love that you can purchase Quick Queue (front of the line passes) if you are ride enthusiasts and want to maximize your day at the park for a small additional cost. The all-day dining plan is an fabulous value and offers a ton of different options for every taste, and its truly unlimited from breakfast right through to park closure. Its also not restricted to onsite guests only….anyone can buy it (and it often comes free as part of your ticket purchase.....keep an eye on the SW board for lots of promo info before you buy). The shows are incredible and exceptionally well done….and each offer something very different. The animal experiences are super cool, and give you the chance to feed stingrays, dolphins, and lots of other marine animals. Dine With Shamu is a great alternative to a character meal and is well worth the $29.99 per adult. And my DS and DH would be furious if I didn’t mention that Manta is their favourite coaster EVER, and worth a visit in itself. Totally unique. And while on the topic of rides…..DH and DS are ride lovers, while I am ride-averse, yet SW offers something for us all. It’s one of those good for every age, every stage parks. Its beautiful and peaceful and fun, and for me, ranks right up there (and perhaps even above) MK.

We have also visited Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach on past trips. Aquatica and TL are tops on our waterpark lists…..Aquatica for Roa’s Rapids, TL for the amazing surf pool. AQ offers much more for younger children, with an enormous interactive play area with two tipping buckets, and a dizzying selection of small slides and squirters and fountains. Blizzard Beach’s winter theming just wasn’t our favourite, but YMMV.

I highly recommend an airboat ride. We did Wild Willy’s one-hour tour on Boxing Day and it was one of the highlights of our Christmas trip. It was an easy drive to their facility in St. Cloud, and so much fun to see a part of “real Florida”. Afterward, we got to hold and take photos with the baby alligators that call their shop home. You can check out my photos and review in my trip report (see the links in my signature)….and thank you 2pirates2princesses for the recommend!!

Gatorland is a fun half-day park, and well worth it for folks with kids the ages of your children. There’s a little train to take you ‘round the park, a fantastic boardwalk, a petting zoo area, an opportunity to feed the gators, a great gator-themed splash pad, and some super shows (don’t miss the gator wrestling, and even your chance to sit on a big ol’ alligator). It’s a great pairing with an airboat ride to make a full “gator day”.

Showcase of Citrus is very cool, and a quick and easy 15 minutes from Disney. You can tour a real orange grove and 2600 working farm on an open-air monster truck. Afterward, you can fish from their docks, or enjoy a real orange slushie from their store and gift shop (worth the trip in itself!!). There are almost always great deals for the monster truck rides on Groupon and Livingsocial, plus there was a 50% off admission coupon in this year’s Entertainment Book.

We love mini golf. Our favourite courses are Congo River and Pirates Cove, but we have also golfed at Hawaiian Rumble, Gator Golf & Adventure Park, and Volanco Island. Congo River and Gator Golf have gator feeding opportunities (as well as Koi feeding at Congo) which adds an extra special touch to a fun activity.

Cocoa Beach is a great day, and a simple and direct 1-hour commute from Orlando. Lori Wilson Park offers free parking, showers and change rooms and is just steps from the ocean. Don’t miss Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, locate right up the street from Lori Wilson Park, after you have soaked up some sunshine. They have some excellent souvenirs (at pretty reasonable prices) and some fantastic beachy photo ops.

If your kids are Shrek fans, you could check out the “Shrek Feast” at Gaylord Palms. I think it runs weekends only and is kind of pricey at $29.99 per adult (but right in line with the Disney character meals), but you get the opportunity for some one-on-one with Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots. And the buffet is absolutely OUTSTANDING……its huge and soooooo good!!! Afterward, you can tour their amazing indoor atrium and see the little alligators from Gatorland that call Gaylord Palms home.

Universal offers two great parks that are super fun. We met tons of characters and had a great time at both Universal and Islands of Adventure (though if you have to pick just one park, I would suggest IOA for your family, as it offers more features that particularly appeal to the younger set). I don’t think your kiddos are too young to enjoy these two parks at all. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is superbly themed (and the Butterbeer is da bomb!), as is Suess Landing. Again, if crowds are an issue, you can always purchase the Express Pass to zip you through the lines, which is sooooo nice. The Universal EP’s spoiled us so much, I can’t imagine going back to Disney Fastpasses ever again.

We are also big fans of the outlet malls, the Florida Mall, and have had a great experience at the Titanic Experience (but the latter is not really for kids as young as yours, IMHO). And we adore pool and resort time if your resort offers any kind of special activities. It’s nice to have a day here and there to just kick back and have fun without going anywhere at all. Both Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa and the Sheraton Vistana Resort had bingo sessions, pool parties, kids craft activities, karaoke and all sorts of scheduled events to suit kids big and small.

Are your wee ones McDonald’s lovers? The World’s Largest Playplace McDonalds is on the corner of International Drive and Sand Lake Road. Everything from ball pits to arcade games to bowling. Definitely a place where you could spend a few hours on a rainy day. And they offer a Bistro menu in addition to the standard Mc D’s menu, so you can get thinks like angelhair fettuccini alfredo in addition to your Big Mac.

I am sure there are more things that I missed, but those are off the top of my head.

 

[cheryterese]

Wow, Gina, thank you! I'm printing out your response for further study!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wow, Gina, thank you! I'm printing out your response for further study!

You are welcome . Let me know if you have any specific questions about any of the places I have listed.

 

[Northernlites]

The best place for ages 1 to 71 is the Orlando Science Center. Four floors of everything, if you get an Orlando magic card you get 2 for 1 admission. Allow 4 hours to discover. In the middle of the center is a really cool eco area which is an enclosed swamp habitat minus the smell. There you will find live alligators, turtles and some fish. They have a huge stingray tank and do live feeds during the day. There are dinosaurs, planes, penguins, sesame street, you name it and other exhibits. Very good and never busy (plus there is a very reasonable price Subway in the basement) Worth a look, would go again. Cheap...

http://www.osc.org/

 

[cheryterese]

The best place for ages 1 to 71 is the Orlando Science Center. Four floors of everything, if you get an Orlando magic card you get 2 for 1 admission. Allow 4 hours to discover. In the middle of the center is a really cool eco area which is an enclosed swamp habitat minus the smell. There you will find live alligators, turtles and some fish. They have a huge stingray tank and do live feeds during the day. There are dinosaurs, planes, penguins, sesame street, you name it and other exhibits. Very good and never busy (plus there is a very reasonable price Subway in the basement) Worth a look, would go again. Cheap...

http://www.osc.org/

Sounds great! Thanks!

 

[Brook1099]

My kids absolutely LOVE Discovery Cove..it is by far our favorite day while in Orlando..also the fact u get Aquatice and Seaworld for 14 days. Or you can choose Busch Gardens, we havent been here yet.

 

[happymommy]

Wow, Gina, you really did cover a lot! I remember reading your recent TR and loved it - it's hard to find ones for folks either staying off site or doing non-Disney things!

I have to agree totally with Discovery Cove! I took my kids there a couple of years ago over spring break (we already had tickets for all the AB Parks, with a "Super Grover" pass which was essentially an annual pass for all Busch Gardens, Sea World, Aquatica parks plus premium parking, a super bargain we bought online that spring from Sesame Place and used for 3 trips, two to Busch Gardens Williamsburg close to home and one for Sea World.) Anyway with that we were able to snag an AP discount so my day was only $69 and the kids were something like $130 or so I forget. I decided to take extra photos of them swimming with the dolphins and I just had the best time watching them. We got there early and were the last to leave! It was an amazing day and I can't recommend it enough! Plus now they've expanded and I'd love to take them back along with DH some day! It's like a cruise on land (but also beer is included - LOL). Food was fresh and healthy (if you wanted it to be) and amazing - great breakfast, lunch they had salmon, salads, all kinds of kid food, just all amazing. The lazy river was so nice, and my DD spent hours with the birds, learning about them and feeding them.

I agree that if you don't already have SW tickets, do DC and then do SW and Aquatica for the rest of the trip (I think you can pick up your SW tickets before your DC day). I wish we had made it to Aquatica that time! Next time for sure!

Also that trip, one day we had been in the sun enough and wanted something indoors to do. We got 2 day tickets (I think it was buy a day and you could go again for free?) to Wonderworks. The kids had a great time, so to the OP - for your kids' ages I think they would enjoy it! My DD had the best time twice on the 3 story indoor ropes course. It was quite a workout - she was sore for two days afterwards! Of course, we played a bit of skeeball and stuff like that (so spent a bit of money on a few games). They had a nice little snack bar that wasn't busy at all (unlike pretty much every dining spot at Disney usually is) and the food was much cheaper than Disney (we still have the color change souvenir cups that come with the kids meals!).

I agree that I think there's a lot to do in Orlando - and I think a vacation exploring other things can be much more relaxing. We went for 15 nights (just the kids and me) last August, and just did Disney mostly, but stayed off site so had a relaxing time. Got 10 day tickets with water fun & more and left actually I think one Disney day left (but it wasn't worth it to add no expire). Some days we'd just go to Disnequest (staying indoors if it was hot/raining) or just 3 hours at a theme park then back to the condo. One day we just spent the whole day relaxing in the condo and watching tv/playing games/video games etc... We were at Sabal Palms and their condos are quite large and feel like a home apartment (but with resort amenities).

Mini golf I agree - super fun! We did the Disney ones and loved them (they were one fun & more admission on our tickets, not sure how much they are to play otherwise but probably a LOT more than the tons of fun ones around town).

Gina gave great advice too - check Groupon and Living Social before your trip! I'm sure you can find deals on attractions like mini golf.

21 years ago, on my DH's first trip together (his first vacation of his life) we stayed off site at a cheap (but fine) Residence Inn in Kissimmee (it was a very budget trip, our Disney tickets were given to us). We had so much fun checking out stuff in Kissimmee and took tons of tourist photos in front of the "world's largest orange" - last year I took photos of our kids in front of it (and of course we had to buy some stuff inside, it's kind of tacky but fun). That first trip we spent the least amount of money (he was still in law school and I was taking post grad classes living with my folks, so we had basically no money for extras) but honestly it was the most fun!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Also that trip, one day we had been in the sun enough and wanted something indoors to do. We got 2 day tickets (I think it was buy a day and you could go again for free?) to Wonderworks. The kids had a great time, so to the OP - for your kids' ages I think they would enjoy it!

We had so much fun checking out stuff in Kissimmee and took tons of tourist photos in front of the "world's largest orange" - last year I took photos of our kids in front of it (and of course we had to buy some stuff inside, it's kind of tacky but fun).

Also at Wonderworks, there's a fantastic family-friendly dinner show (the "Outta Control Dinner Show") that is good fun and an excellent price at about $23 per adult. The one man entertainer, Tony Brent, is hysterical and his show is clean and suitable for all ages. There's a little magic, a little comedy, a whole lot of audience participation, and all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, popcorn and cake. Soft drinks and alcohol are also included. We literally saw families with two year olds right on up to grandparents enjoying this show. Highly recommend.

And I agree with happymommy....sometimes its a hoot just to check out all the silly tourist attractions around the area. We, too, visited the "World's Largest Orange" in Kissimmee last year. 'Cause I'm a sucker for cheesy photo ops .

 

[happymommy]

Gina - LOVE the photos of Orange World!

I have no idea how to post photos anymore here, but would love to post ours.

 

[aubriee]

You are welcome . Let me know if you have any specific questions about any of the places I have listed.

You wanna adopt a 54 y/o grandmother for your next trip (or do you want to join us for our upcoming Dec trip)? I go to WDW several times a year and the only places I've gone are WDW, Sea World, Universal, and the outlet mall over on Vineland. I didn't know what all I've missed down there.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina - LOVE the photos of Orange World!

I have no idea how to post photos anymore here, but would love to post ours.

I upload mine to Photobucket. PM me if you want a little tutorial . I am no expert by any means, but I could probably help you muddle through!

You wanna adopt a 54 y/o grandmother for your next trip (or do you want to join us for our upcoming Dec trip)? I go to WDW several times a year and the only places I've gone are WDW, Sea World, Universal, and the outlet mall over on Vineland. I didn't know what all I've missed down there.

Sure aubriee, the more the merrier!!! And don't tease me with the offer of a Christmas trip..........I would love to be in Orlando again this holiday season!!! Sure beats listening to my pompous brother-in-law on Christmas Day , and freezing our buns off here in frosty Canada!!!

So......when are we leaving!?!? LOL, just kidding .

There is sooooo much to do in the Orlando area. We try to do something different on each trip, and add in a few new experiences each time, yet we still sometimes feel like we have barely scratched the surface of what's out there. I still have so many places we want to visit.

Still on our to-do wish list.......Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Henry P. Leu Gardens. The Mall at Millennia. Capone's Dinner Show. Tubing at Rock Springs Run, Kelly Park. And that's just off the top of my head!

 

[aubriee]

Sure aubriee, the more the merrier!!! And don't tease me with the offer of a Christmas trip..........I would love to be in Orlando again this holiday season!!! Sure beats listening to my pompous brother-in-law on Christmas Day , and freezing our buns off here in frosty Canada!!!

So......when are we leaving!?!? LOL, just kidding .

There is sooooo much to do in the Orlando area. We try to do something different on each trip, and add in a few new experiences each time, yet we still sometimes feel like we have barely scratched the surface of what's out there. I still have so many places we want to visit.

Still on our to-do wish list.......Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Henry P. Leu Gardens. The Mall at Millennia. Capone's Dinner Show. Tubing at Rock Springs Run, Kelly Park. And that's just off the top of my head!

Actually we'll be there before Christmas for eleven days (Dec 6th-16th). No way are staying away from our grandkids Christmas.

I understand this is going to be the last year for the Osbourne lights. My 80 y/o mom loves WDW at Christmas and especially the Osbourne lights, so my husband and I are taking her down there for them. It's her favorite time of the year. I really need to start doing some research about places outside WDW and Universal though. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[cheryterese]

You have all given me such great ideas! Thank you so much!

 

[happymommy]

Okay so got it! This is from our 1992 trip (just after we got engaged!) stayed in Kissimmee, went to the Disney parks (free tickets - yippee).




I can't somehow find the one I took last year of my kids in front of it! I'll look later.