Non Disney suggestions?

[ncbyrne]

I LUV WDW, my DH likes WDW. Our next trip is May 2-12. We are only buying 5+park hoppers. Will use the + for TL and PI. That still leaves a few free days. He wants us to do "something else" (gasp) on this trip as well as the parks. We are two adults and will have a rental car. What minor attractions are worth seeing? Last trip we went to Universal, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center and Splendid China, but this time I'm looking for something that would take 1- 2 hours or so, not an all day adventure.

 

[JANNYANS]

go to the old town of Kissimmee -through the arch way off the 192 .Take a walk around the lake there
and stroll through the shopping district on Broadway, Kissimmee, . The traditional shops are still there; Makinsons hardware store, the western dress store (country and western fans please note) and Mrs. Mac's Diner - still the best place to eat 'homestyle cookin' with all the fixin's ! The Lakefront Park in Kissimmee is a beautiful area, a pleasure to stroll down on a warm afternoon to see the birds wading in the shallows (even the occasional alligator) and all the boats out on the shimmering lake.

St. Cloud is also a place where interest and entertainment comes cheap or free. Discover their Antique District at New York Ave off 192. Follow the signs to where old shops and diners have been restored to provide an eclectic mix of stores carrying all kinds of antiques and collectables. Drive north on New York Ave. to where it meets with Lakeshore Blvd. on the edge of East Lake Toho. Park your car at the marina and walk the lakeshore pathway, past the beach, and see how every avenue you pass is named after a State of the Union - each with it's own state tree identified by an infoboard.
take a drive to Winter Park a lovely place to chill out or visit lakeridge winery.
Just up the 27 is lake louisa a beautiful state park.
just a few suggestions

 

[cleo]

Since you want only a few hour's adventure, I won't suggest Discovery Cove, which is absolutley not to be missed!

There is SO much to do outside of Disney (gasp!!). If you're interested in wildlife, try Gatorland. Hokey as it looks from the outside, they've done some wonderful things to the area itself, and it makes for an interesting few hours.

For a great workout, contact Cindy at Wayfun Kayaks and do a sunset kayak tour (try this link: Wayfun Kayaks ).

Boggy Creek offers terrific airboat rides, both daytime and at night. Try Boggy Creek Airboat tours . Captain Joel Martin also gives a fabulous airboat tour at Black Hammock marina. Try http://www.blackhammock.com .

For something really spectacular (and really early!) contact Blue Water Balloons for the view of a lifetime. They have a wonderful crew, and it's truly a breathtaking adventure, in the very best way!