Help with Non Disney Trip

[toandjo]

Planning 2 weeks in July, 2 adults 2 teens 17 and 14, staying in a house rental with car. Here is what we have planned so far:
Waterpark annual passes, 2 days Universal ( I know it will be crazy busy but this is the only time we can go), dolphin cruise at Clearwater beach, surfing lessons at Cocoa beach and Congo River mini golf.
Kids have never snorkeled before and thought it would be fun, any place we could do this?
Any other ideas? Would love to see some gators but will Gatorland be to corny for my teens?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The "corny-ness" of Gatorland is part of its charm, IMHO. My teen DS enjoyed it . Its very "old Florida" and a nice change from the flashiness of the main theme parks.

Other ideas that we have done with our teenager and very much enjoyed......

- Discovery Cove
- SeaWorld
- an airboat ride (we love Wild Willy's)
- shopping at the outlet malls
- Pirates Cove, Hawaiian Rumble, or Gator Golf
- Outta Control Dinner Show
- Titanic Experience (especially good for a stifling hot or rainy day)
- Showcase of Citrus (tour the orange grove on a monster truck)

 

[Ametista]

Planning 2 weeks in July, 2 adults 2 teens 17 and 14, staying in a house rental with car. Here is what we have planned so far:
Waterpark annual passes, 2 days Universal ( I know it will be crazy busy but this is the only time we can go), dolphin cruise at Clearwater beach, surfing lessons at Cocoa beach and Congo River mini golf.
Kids have never snorkeled before and thought it would be fun, any place we could do this?
Any other ideas? Would love to see some gators but will Gatorland be to corny for my teens?

I just remembered there is a place called Rock Springs north of Orlando where you can go tubing and I think you can snorkel. It is inexpensive but you need to research it before you go. Its not ocean snorkeling. TMK there is no decent ocean snorkeling in central Florida, if you are looking for Maui or Carribbean island quality. But bringing a snorkel to a really calm beach like St Pete or Clearwater would be fun and you would definitely see some fish. Then of course there is Discovery Cove, with its snorkeling which may be artificial but it is still really fun, and a spectacular day by just about any standard. Plus, if you buy the DC tickets you should get 14 day tickets to the other 3 BG parks for $50, depending on the special. (Other 3 parks being Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Aquatica). We have done many trips just doing those 4 parks plus beaches and never complained that we were not entertained.

ETA we did the Seascreamer dolphin tour in Clearwater last summer and it was soooooo fun!!!!

 

[RabFlmom]

Planning 2 weeks in July, 2 adults 2 teens 17 and 14, staying in a house rental with car. Here is what we have planned so far:
Waterpark annual passes, 2 days Universal ( I know it will be crazy busy but this is the only time we can go), dolphin cruise at Clearwater beach, surfing lessons at Cocoa beach and Congo River mini golf.
Kids have never snorkeled before and thought it would be fun, any place we could do this?
Any other ideas? Would love to see some gators but will Gatorland be to corny for my teens?

If any interest in space check out a day at Kennedy Space Center.

Take a tour at Daytona Speedway. I don't even like racing, but enjoyed the tour.

While in Cocoa Beach , teens love Ron Jons so allow a few hours to shop there and the other surf shop by the parking garage. Its even just fun to look and not buy anything there.


If ya like old cars... go to Old Town in Kissimmee for the Saturday Night Cruise. There are also bungy type things to do the teens might like.

My nieces and nephews love going to see Blue Man Group every time they are here.

Take a day to go to Busch Gardens in Tampa. Lots of coasters, good food, and shows. Or go to Sea World in Orlando. Best coaster in state possibly.

 

[wldfire95]

We have done Discovery Cove, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Aquatica as well as DTD. WE loved all of it so much we are going back in December and will be adding a day at Universal and also the marine hospital in Clearwater. My boys will 13 &16. Any ideas on where a good shell beach is?

 

[Orlando Vic]

For a non-Disney trip within Florida, you will get more and perhaps better answers if you post on Tripadvisor and maybe Fodors.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g28930-i18-Florida.html http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/florida/

 

[ArwenMarie]

We have done Discovery Cove, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Aquatica as well as DTD. WE loved all of it so much we are going back in December and will be adding a day at Universal and also the marine hospital in Clearwater. My boys will 13 &16. Any ideas on where a good shell beach is?

Sanibel Island is famous for shelling. I think they even have a shell museum.