Non-Disney attractions in Orlando?

[DisneyMomforLife]

Hi all ...

We are planning our vacation to Orlando for April and are looking for, I know ... GASP ... non-Disney things to do with our kids. We have a timeshare in Orlando and have been to Disney 8 times in the last 9 years and before we get TOTALLY burnt out, we want to take a break from it but still enjoy the area.

We will have a vehicle, so small day trips are ok with us. We plan to stay for a week so any and all suggestions will be helpful. Our kids are DS16 and DD9. We are thinking of going to the Kennedy Space Center and a water park one day but would love some other ideas.

Thank you!!!

Kat

 

[marc1477]

The Orlando Science Center
Gatorland Zoo
Sea World
Holy Land Experience
Silver Springs
Busch Gardens
Goto Tampa

Hope some of these things catch your interest.

 

[FLParadisevilla]

Seaworld is GREAT! They have some specials on thier tickets...
FunCard, Be a Kid for a Day,
Gatorland is a good time too definately not Disney!
Or we like the Water parks as well!
Swim with the Manatees

 

[HopperFan]

Sky Venture Indoor Sky Diving. Did it a couple weeks ago. DS (17) said it was the best xmas gift he ever got. Loved it. I was very impressed with the instructors (I sat and watched 3 full classes, through glass) and the instructors were great. Younger kids that were having a harder time, they would grab on, turn up the wind and fly with them. They were beaming ! Hope to get back soon and this time DD (13) wants to do it. Go online and register and they sent me $10 coupon.

 

[damo]

Universal has the $85 for 7 consecutive days deal on. It really can't be beat. Your son will love you for it.

 

[dpuck1998]

There a lot of things to do on International Drive...
The Titanic Experiance
Lots of good dinner shows, Medievil Times, Dolly Parton, Pirates..etc...

 

[spiceycat]

here is a nice long list
http://www.orlandoinfo.com/articles.cfm?content=-<+&S7U)"N52WY!@9W%20%20%20

 

[isla bonita]

Thank you Pat I have copied the list and will start ticking off what we have done and what we would like to do. Very cool thing thanks.

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

Full Speed Race & Golf on 192 in Kissimmee, it has Indoor Blacklight Golf and Nascar Simulators. Heard it's pretty cool, we're checking it out ourselves this next go around!

 

[kribit]

Non-Disney attractions in Orlando?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi all ...

We are planning our vacation to Orlando for April and are looking for, I know ... GASP ... non-Disney things to do with our kids. We have a timeshare in Orlando and have been to Disney 8 times in the last 9 years and before we get TOTALLY burnt out, we want to take a break from it but still enjoy the area.

We will have a vehicle, so small day trips are ok with us. We plan to stay for a week so any and all suggestions will be helpful. Our kids are DS16 and DD9. We are thinking of going to the Kennedy Space Center and a water park one day but would love some other ideas.

Thank you!!!

Kat

I know...GASP...I almost felt guilty and somewhat of a trader even recommending doing something "different" this time, but I think the we'll enjoy a bit of a change. We're even going to try...GASP...some off site restaurants.

We've never been to Universal/IOA or Sea World so I think we're going to take those in and we had originally planned on 10 days in Disney but we revamped our plans a little to stay part of the time at WDW with 3 nights at either Portofino or Ritz Carlton....depends on the rates I can get. That will be our splurge.

Do you kids like roller coasters? Looks to me like there are several at IOA.

 

[Time4Orlando]

Try Gator Tours at www.gatortours.com. They have plenty of things to do!

 

[smokeydiamond]

Our kids love Fantasy or Flight airplane museum and Wonderworks.

 

[nosnobunny2006]

There's another neat place not far from Orlando and since you said you'd have your car, it might be a nice break. Take a look at St. Augustine over on the Atlantic coast.

Beth