How do you spend free time in orlando?

[sweet tooth]

On some off days from the parks (we are doing universal (3 days) and disney (4 days), what do you recommend? We will have two "off days". Has anyone been to Gatorland? My 4 year old has a fascination with gators. Is Sea World worth it? Has anyone visited the Medieval Times Dinner - and what did you think? Thank you for any replies!!

 

[monarchsfan16]

Sea World is absolutely worth it, if u are interested in sea life. It is a great park, much quieter then disney, with plenty to do. There are many shows and each is awesome.

 

[sweet tooth]

Staying at HIFS - what restaurants do you recommend?

 

[crazelion]

I would may two off days doing simple stuff like play mini-gulf, go outlet mall shopping, swim in the pool and check out I-drive attractions there you may found something to cheap do that won't take a whole lot money. I also do SeaWorld.

I would rest those two days if was me because hitting the parks is hard and having fun. Your feet will thank you for the rest.

 

[Lisa P.]

I'd strongly encourage you to spend those 2 days (at least) "off," not in another all-day park. Sleep in, swim, maybe have a character meal at a resort restaurant, maybe shop a little and get to bed early. Consider a day visit to Fort Wilderness to pet the farm animals and a playground. If you are using a 4 Day Park Hopper Plus pass, visit a water park (plus feature) in the afternoon. The area offers several themed mini-golf places too.

9 straight days of park touring with a 4 year old is a recipe for disaster, IMHO. There's just about no way to get through that without a major meltdown (or 2 or 3 - and that's just the adults! ). You'll get more of your money's worth on your park days if you plan to take it easy for a couple days in the midst of it all.

Personally, I've found that we all were dragging whenever we spent a 3rd day in a row touring the parks (when our kids were younger, like yours). So we prefer to take every 3rd or 4th day off, especially if that means we'll have the last day to rest before traveling home. Then we don't return home wiped out, needing a vacation from our vacation! Have fun!

 

[Robinrs]

We usually take one day off just to hang out around the hotel. I rarely get down time at home so it's great just to lay around and veg!

On more active off days, Michael and I LOVE Orlando so we drive around and hit the malls and the outside areas. My sister was amazed that I know that city better than I do Atlanta!

Pointe Orlando is fun, Mike loves the FAO Scharz there. He can play video games for FREE and when we went last year they had karaoke!

I would definitely recommend one day at SeaWorld. The shows are awesome! My son usually only likes rides but he got the biggest kick out of the Clyde and Seamore show, which is great!

There is so much more to O-Town than the mouse! Have fun!

 

[FINFAN]

FREE TIME? IN ORLANDO? BWWAAHHAAHHAAHHAAAA! Actually, I say enjoy the pool wherever you're at, we always wish we had actually done that more...but we DO love Seaworld...I know we would fit that it any chance we had..matter of fact, we're going NYE! And dare I say it...not doing the parks at WDW. Planning on KSC tho...DH and the kids have never been.

 

[LauraR]

We just did Gatorland last week, and my 7 and 8 year olds really liked it (so did their Dad and I!) The Gators were a little sluggish since it was chilly, but it was still fun seeing so many Gators in one spot. Look for coupons as it's a bit pricey: $20 for adults and $10 for kids. They actually do have alot to do there. There are several different shows, including Gator wrestling, and a petting zoo, and some other animals including giant turtles and a black bear. There are tons of waterfowl around also. You can also take a little train around the grounds (for $1 extra), and they have a nice playground. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the place, and it turned out to be one of our most fun days.

 

[kaygela]

You can also check out the Orlando Science Center. It's usually not crowded and it's a great place with alot of interactive exhibits and Imax. My kids love it.

 

[sweet tooth]

Thanks to all! We may just go ahead with Gatorland on our arrival day, as it probably won't require a whole day!

 

[jeff968]

Our trips are becoming more free time and less attractions. We spend much of it at the resorts just hanging by the pool, reading, swimming, relaxing. The resorts always have a kids program so there is something for them to do. And we will head to the Belz mall to do some shopping, especially if we get a rainy day.

 

[Big V]

Another vote for Gatorland! Our whole family enjoyed it a couple of years ago. It's a good way to spend a morning or afternoon away from WDW.