Inexpensive Non Disney Attractions for a Week

[Julia M]

We'll be in Orlando next summer, staying in a timeshare at MOWC for a week. My sister and husband and their four kids will be with us, as well as my parents and brother (family reunion)

We do not plan to do any Disney attractions during that week, except probably a day or two at the water parks, because my parents and I have enough plusses left on tickets to get my sisters family in.

My mom is also paying for a night at the HDDR, so we plan to go early to Fort Wilderness.

Our plan will probably be to do something in the morning and come back and swim. Most meals will be at the timeshare. I thought we might go to the Bass Pro Shop, because the one I've been to before was pretty nifty. Any other suggestions for us?

I looked at Gatorland and thought the kids would like it, but for my sister's family, that's $100 in admission.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

Julia

 

[UKDEB]

When we were there last month, Festival Bay (the new shopping complex which houses the Bass Pro shop) was open, although most of the units were still to open. They were working on the huge Ron Jon's. The cinema and the Vans Skate Park (along with Bass Pro) have been open for some time. We spent some time watching the skateboarders, but didn't check out the entry cost. Is that something the kids would enjoy whilst you looked around the shops?

I've never done it myself, but the Boggy Creek Airboat Rides are very popular. Ditto Old Town at Kissimmee - the vintage car drive-by on Saturday evenings sounds fun.

We always find mini-golf to be good, cheap family fun. We've done Winter Summerland next to Blizzard Beach and several of the offsite ones. A healthy dose of competetive spirit and a total lack of skill means we usually end up having a good few belly laughs!

 

[PammyK]

First of all, there are tons of coupon books available in the Orlando area that have discount coupons for many of the area attractions. That might help you visit some otherwise cost-prohibitive venues.

You can try the Orlando Science Center (I4 East to exit 85 then follow signs). I've heard good things about it. (20-30 min drive)

The RDV SportsPlex has ice skating (I4 East to exit 90B, west on Maitland Blvd., then 2nd right). Not sure of the costs but it could be fun. (approx. 30 min. drive)

Beaches - head east on 528 to Cocoa Beach (go on Sun, Thurs or Sat to get a glimpse of the Wonder or Magic) or west on I4 to the gulf beaches. Stop at Publix on the way to pick up subs and snacks. (1-1.5 hour drive)

 

[Lewisc]

Minature golf.

 

[disneysteve]

Old Town is a lot of fun for all ages. Good rides, decent go-cart track, fun shops and some reasonably good places to eat - Flippers Pizza is one of our favorites.

We haven't been there, just driven past it, but there is a neat looking multi-level go-cart track on I-Drive.

Kennedy Space Center is not terribly far though I don't know what the admission fee is.

Steve

 

[brittsmum1998]

I apologize for being a little off topic but is Old Towne where Church Street used to be?

 

[Local_Girl]

I've never been to Church Street or Old Town, but I'm pretty sure they are not related. Old Town is on US 192. We're planning a visit on our next trip. Check out this link:

www.old-town.com

Church Street was located elsewhere--perhaps someone else has more info.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Gatorland is fantastic.

When we went to HDD (loved it, btw), we parked at WL to look around at their fabulous resort, took the bus from there to HDD, then bused back and saw the water parade from WL before leaving. That's a free fun thing. WL also has tours twice a day (cool afternoon food tour), plus you could tour the DVC offerings, all free.

We plan to eat at Bomas and check out the AKL this trip, free look at the animals!

Restaurants are a destination for us, like Bahama Breeze and the House of Blues Gospel Brunch. You get entertainment, atmosphere, and a meal -- good deal! There are tons of dinner shows too.

Shopping can be entertaining and useful, like when we found huge Nike outlets, or a shell museum with a totally shell-encrusted car outside.

We are planning to go to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach this trip, but not set foot in an actual WDW park, and we know we'll have an amazing time. (We want to use those Sea World annual passes before they expire and go to Universal/IOA and hopefully Busch Gardens, so it is not going to be a parkless trip.)