Ideas for Post Cruise in Orlando Area...not WDW??

[csturg]

We are going on a 4 day cruise from Port Canaveral and plan on staying in Orlando Thurs-Sun BUT we are not planning on going to WDW due to the tickets being so much for such a short visit. Any ideas of places with nice pools just for fun and relaxation? It will be myself, DH, DD6 & DD10. Also what activities could we do that doesnt have "DISNEY" prices? How about Downtown Disney?

Thanks for any input!

 

[spiceycat]

you can definitely visit DD - but the fun things to do here also take money (my opinion)

there is a bunch of free things to do in Orlando - but the theme parks (all of them) are not included

http://www.visitorlando.com/things-to-do/free-things-to-do/

that say might stay closer to Port Canaveral and enjoy the ocean

 

[auprincess]

Do you already have hotel reservations? If not maybe you could find a place with a fun pool area. Not sure how much you want to spend - we are planning an Orlando vacation this summer and will get the combo tix for Sea World and Aquatica; I can't remember the exact cost but I think $116 for unlimited visits to both parks during a 2 week time period (from UT).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gatorland is a fun day out, and is a reasonable $20-ish per adult (less for kids). There's some cute (and interesting) shows, a miniature train ride, gator feedings, a small aviary, a swamp boardwalk, and a great gator-themed splash pad.

An airboat ride is also lots of fun. We had a great experience at Wild Willy's in St. Cloud, and by purchasing our tickets through Livingsocial, it was only $50 for our family of 3.

Coco Key on International Drive has day passes available for their waterpark. It looks like it would be good for the under-12 set.

For $23, you can get unlimited mini golf for one day (4 people) and ice cream for 4 at Mighty Jungle in Kissimmee with this Groupon:
http://www.groupon.com/deals/mighty-jungle-golf-adventure

Showcase of Citrus looks like fun. You can take their monster truck eco tour through the orange grove .... and Half Off Depot has a good deal on tickets:
http://www.halfoffdepot.com/orlando/8446-showcase-of-citrus

 

[csturg]

Thank you all. We may try DTD and Seaworld?

 

[U2_rocks!]

We are also doing a trip to Orlando (to visit friends), but it's budget so no big parks. We found 14-day Wet n Wild tickets for just $36 each, and we also plan to visit Fun Spot America - they have go-karts and some rides, and are building a new roller coaster or 2 that should be open next month. That way we get our ride fix as well. Unlimited ride armbands will cost about the same as Wet n Wild, or if we don't have a lot of time we'll just do a couple of roller coaster rides for a much lesser cost. We have also booked dinner at Kona Cafe at the Poly resort so we can see the Wishes fireworks from the beach afterwards, and lunch at T-Rex so we can explore DTD. We may also pass through Citiwalk if we feel like it. We'll have a car and know our way around.

 

[hoff41]

WE always do Downtown Disney after every cruise

 

[csturg]

The more I look into it we may just do DTD and relax by the pool. Has anyone ever been to Wet n Wild?

 

[kmb584]

I second the DTD option - it's Disney without the prices unless you so choose to purchase souvenirs and whatnot.

I also like the airboat idea that another poster threw out there. I did one back in '07 in the Winter Springs area and it was incredible (this coming from someone who won't step foot on a boat that's going to be a lake or river). Perhaps it was because I didn't have time to think "I'm on a lake!" as I was too busy looking at all of the wildlife but as soon as our tour ended I wanted to do it again.

SeaWorld or a water park are other options!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The more I look into it we may just do DTD and relax by the pool. Has anyone ever been to Wet n Wild?

I have not been to Wet n Wild, but I have been to Aquatica (3 times) and its awesome. If you are looking for a waterpark day, this would be an excellent choice.

 

[U2_rocks!]

I haven't actually been to Wet n Wild, but I have friends who love it. Apparently it's perfect if you love thrill rides and don't care that much about theming. My kids (aged 10 - 13) are going to love it!