Doing Something Completely Different....

[PotNoodle]

Last September, my wife and I spent 12 nights in Florida and did everything possible you could imagine - seeing every theme park possible.

It's very likely in May we shall be returning, but, Is there anything else we can actually do away from the theme park actitivies? (apart from shopping at Premium Outlets - which we shall definitely be doing again).

Does anybody recommend the Everglades & Miami Tour? Is it value for money or a waste of time?

 

[tony64]

How about a trip to a Real Rodeo? There is one at St Cloud , just down the 192 from Kissimmee, every Friday night.

 

[PotNoodle]

How about a trip to a Real Rodeo? There is one at St Cloud , just down the 192 from Kissimmee, every Friday night.

Trouble is, we don't want to rent a car....

But, seeing a rodeo does sound good.

 

[Netty]

How about a trip to a Real Rodeo? There is one at St Cloud , just down the 192 from Kissimmee, every Friday night.

Think that ones closed down now Tony.
your going to be very limited without a car,
I can't help you with the miami trip as i have never been. someone will be along to help you,i'm sure

 

[tink too]

We've never hired a car - but always manage to get around just fine, too.

How about a balloon flight? We did this back in 2004 and will definately do this again in the future!

 

[shaun&miranda]

Hope I'm not too late to jump in with a couple of ideas!

First off, I know you said you did the parks, but did you do Discovery Cove? It is a great day of snorkelling, sunbathing, birdwatching, lovely food, and then you swim with dolphins! It is a great experience.

Go to a baseball game. There are some at Disney's Wide World of Sports - or for a more authentic atmosphere, go to Tropicana Stadium in Tampa and see the Tampa Bay Devil Rays play. I'm not a big sports fan, but I really enjoyed going and taking in the atmosphere - it's a lot of fun and very friendly and relaxed. My fiance is now addicted to baseball!

The Richard Petty Driving Experience is also meant to be fantastic.

For trips around Florida, the beach and atmosphere of Clearwater/St Pete's Beach is lovely.

I would also (depending on what time of year you go) consider a trip to Crystal River to see the beautiful Florida Manatees in their natural habitat. Manatees are an endangered species, and are totally adorable!

Miami is fun, I've spent a couple of holidays there - and there is a lot to do!

Not sure what kind of folks you are, but also remember that Orlando has some amazing spas you can visit and enjoy as a couple.

Hope these ideas help!

Miranda

 

[dee slack]

someone just told me about Blue Springs State Park not too far from Kissimmee - it has manatees and aligator's, and is only $5 entrance fee and you can take a picnic!

 

[castanea1985]

What about Kennedy Space Centre? I'm sure there are trips out there?
Tracy

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Trouble is, we don't want to rent a car....

Any chance of rethinking that? It would REALLY make your lives easier and open a lot more doors. I think it is very feasable to do a Disney/Universal based holiday without a car, but since you have "been there, done that, want something else" you would definitely be better off with a car. You sound like two active, independent people who want to get on out and explore...

Just a thought
Boo

 

[carolfoy]

Log on to Amtrak and see what towns you can visit by train from Orlando central, their trains are very big and comfortable compared to ours, very reliable too and have sleeper compartments for the longer journeys

 

[Soprano]

Any chance of rethinking that? It would REALLY make your lives easier and open a lot more doors. I think it is very feasable to do a Disney/Universal based holiday without a car, but since you have "been there, done that, want something else" you would definitely be better off with a car. You sound like two active, independent people who want to get on out and explore...

Just a thought
Boo

100% agree. Its pretty easy getting around Orlando attractions without a car, but since you are looking to try something new, it will be very difficult without one.

 

[dee slack]

we're going to St Augustine this year as we've never been there before (oldest city), but we do have a car. Also, Tampa, Daytona or Cocoa Beach.
Also, Nigel is doing the freefall thingy on I-Drive for the first time. Wanted to do a rodeo as well, but no longer open in Kissimmee.
Also going on a horse ride at Wilderness campsite as we've never ridden a horse. Also, there's a carriage ride you can take in Wilderness camp, and the campfire sing-a-long and outdoor movie.

What about an air boat ride? Or visit Orlando city? Or golf (real or 'crazy')? Or visit every Disney resort?

 

[tashasmum]

Another good day out is Forever Florida, which is a conservation park, is down the 192, past Kissimmee, about 1 hours drive.Its was setup as a tribute to Allen Broussard a wildlife ecologist

www.floridaecosafaris.com/

Worth hiring a car to go and visit it

 

[castanea1985]

we're going to St Augustine this year as we've never been there before (oldest city), but we do have a car. Also, Tampa, Daytona or Cocoa Beach.

Hi Dee slack,
You'll love St. Augustine.. when the spanish settlers landed they were greeted by 7 foot indians!! Even though we love Disney ... its good to see beyond it and discover some real Floridian history! You can also go in the oldest school house too... its chained down with a big anchor!!
We're going kayaking amongst the dohlphins and manatee for the first time this summer... can't wait!
Tracy

 

[shazy03]

We always have a car for our hols back in January this year we drove down Miami, stayed right on south beach, Art deco area for the night. On our way back we popped into Sawgrass Mill shopping outlet, Fort lauderdale, huge place with lots of bargins as away from tourists centres, prices were good

We often drive down to Bush Gardens then onto St Petersburgh beach for something to eat at Crabby Bills on the beach and watch the sunset

 

[jdybnsn]

What about a 3 or 4 night Disney cruise ?

They are excellent value for money, especially if booked well in advance when they are cheaper (the earlier the better) and booked direct through DCL (then transfer to a US T/A, such as Dreamsunlimited, for an onboard credit).

Word of warning - they are highly addictive !

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Or, if you fancied something a little more grown-up (we have been on a Disney cruise and as cute as it was, we - couple in our early 30s - prefer the atmosphere and amenities of other cruise lines) how about a 7 night cruise on the Mariner of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) out of Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral is about an hour transfer from Orlando (same port that the Disney ships go from) - you could get transfers there through the cruiseline or one of the other transfer services.

Mariner of the Seas is a HUGE, very modern ship (including mini-golf, rock climbing, ice skating, roller skating, a number of restaurants, many bars an internal shopping promenade) and does both Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The ship is a resort by itself and you have those Caribbean ports to enjoy too. We did the Western itinerary on the Mariner last October and thoroughly enjoyed it (the most out of the 7 cruises that we have done).

Boo

 

[juliebro]

How aboiut a trip to Chalet Suzanne? It's a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Disney.

www.chaletsuzanne.com

We went there for lunch a couple of years ago. A very unusual place.

We also enjoy Boggy Creek airboats. For something else that's different, how about an Orlando Magic basketball game? We got tickets from Ticketmaster three years ago.

Julie

 

[castanea1985]

Here' s a link to the official Orlando web site... to all attractions in the surrounding area...

http://www.orlandoinfo.com/uk/attractions/attractions_searchresults.cfm


Hope you can find something on here?!

Tracy