International drive attractions besides the major parks?

[AR81]

I posted a similar question a couple of weeks ago in one of the other categories and thought i might get more responses here since it is closer to universal. We have never done any other attractions besides the main parks while in orlando. Looking at the international drive website, it looks like there are a lot of interesting things to do i-drive like minigolf, wonderworks, ripleys, go cart place, etc... And also the shopping! I thought this might be a good way to spend time especially with the trolley that goes around if part of our group wants to go shopping while others and the kids go to maybe wonderworks or the pirate golf? Looks like there a lot of good restaurants as well. Does anyone have any advice on wonderworks or some of the other attractions?

 

[Metro West]

I'm going to move this to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board since this doesn't have to do with Universal.

 

[Planogirl]

We love to play mini-golf at the Pirates courses all around International Drive. There's also a decent Ripley's if you like that sort of thing and Wonderworks is fun for the kids. The Wonderworks building itself is worth seeing no matter how old you are. There are also tons of kitschy t-shirt shops and plenty of outlet stores, not to mention the big McDonald's. You see plenty of the chain restaurants both nice and fast food and I recommend Bahama Breeze personallly.

I'm looking into possibly seeing the Titanic exhibit this time around when we go. We've never used the trolley so I can't comment on that.

 

[CurlyJo224]

The Titanic exhibit is really quite good. It talks about the building of the ship, life aboard ship, and then the collision with the iceberg and the sinking. The back of your ticket has a passenger or crew profile, male or female, and at the end you check to see if your person survived. Poor DH, he got Captain Smith. No suspense there.

 

[Grog]

I was in Orlando on business a few years ago and didn't have time to do any of the parks, but did see the Titanic exhibit. Well worth taking a look at.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Our kids LOVED Fun Zone when they were younger!

 

[DOOM1001]

There's enough to do on or close to International Drive to fill 2-3 days,not counting any theme park or waterpark.

 

[MichelleXL]

I was just at Ripley's on Friday. They have a few new Disney exhibits, as well as a Universal exhibit.
Took me about two and a half hours to walk through, and read everything, as well as photograph some exhibits.

My review and photos can be seen here: shellyandindy.com/?p=1213

 

[Planogirl]

I'm glad to see all of this and particularly glad to read that the Titanic exhibit is nice. I wanted to do a couple of days at the Disney parks but I'm rethinking that because of the cost!

 

[Dax]

There is LOTS to do!!

- Wonderworks
- Dave and Busters
- Pointe Orlando (they have a movie theater)
- Titanic Exhibit
- Magical Midway (go karts and video games)
- Festival Bay Mall
- Wet N Wild
- Outlet Mall
- Ripleys
- Fun Spot
- Aquatica (yes technically on Idrive)

I drive is pretty big, and covers a lot of area...Depending on where you are, and if you have a car, can depend on what there is to do.

 

[AR81]

Thanks for all the info. So it sounds like there a lot of worthwhile attractions/exhibits on i-drive and it wouldn't be a waste of time. We were leaning towards Wonderworks and maybe funspot so they can ride the go carts and most of the ladies in our group will probably visit the outlets/mall while we are doing that. I know this isn't on i-drive but what about the mall of milenia? That is in a different area-correct? Besides shopping, are there any other attractions around that area for kids similar to wonderworks, dave & busters, etc...? Thanks

 

[Dax]

Thanks for all the info. So it sounds like there a lot of worthwhile attractions/exhibits on i-drive and it wouldn't be a waste of time. We were leaning towards Wonderworks and maybe funspot so they can ride the go carts and most of the ladies in our group will probably visit the outlets/mall while we are doing that. I know this isn't on i-drive but what about the mall of milenia? That is in a different area-correct? Besides shopping, are there any other attractions around that area for kids similar to wonderworks, dave & busters, etc...? Thanks

Nothing else really indoor like that...Old Town is a neat place to check out, just down the road on 192..

Mall of Millenia is VERY close to I-drive, just jump on I-4 and go up a couple of exits, and you cannot miss it...IKEA is an attraction all its own..LOL..

Dave and Busters just opened up this week, so it gets pretty busy

 

[boop oop a doop]

magical midway is a bit cheesy but its quite fun and also the titanic exhibit is worth a look

 

[sams3579]

My kids love wonderworks. Ripleys is okay.

 

[pantherlj]

We enjoyed walking around Old Town our last trip. It was decorated for Halloween and they had actors walking around in creepy costumes. The girls enjoyed that and riding a few rides there.

 

[spiceycat]

it depends upon your hotel. Some hotels provide transportation to malls others don;t

lbvfs
http://www.lbvfs.com/Orlando-Outlet-Free-Shopping-Shuttle.cfm

premier outlets
look at the bottom for the shuttles and call them
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=17

don't know about the others - go to their website and see.