Non-Theme Park Activities?

[stobaugh6]

I'm looking for some ideas of things to do in Orlando that aren't theme parks. We will be going to Disney for 10 days later in our 16 day trip. We have Seaworld planned for 2 days and Gatorland planned for 1 day. And one day will be spent getting my DD checked in to the DCP and moved into her apartment. That leaves me with 2 days with nothing planned. We will be off disney property for these two days. It will be me, my DF, and my 9DD and 3DD. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

[Woodview]

So you have done The Parks Now try this

Airboat Rides at Midway

www.airboatridesatmidway.com

28501 E Colonial Drive Christmas FL. 32709 PHONE 407 568 6790

AND Visit the Replica Fort Christmas ( Also picnic area & Playground ) At Christmas on Hwy 50

This heading towards Titisville .

........................

Another one to think about

Blue Heron River Tours at Hontoon Landing

2317 River Ridge Road Deland Florida 32720

Phone 386 873 4843

www.blueheronrivertours.com

Take the hwy I-4 North through Orlando about 35 miles from Disney

..........

These trips will show you another side of Florida & show you the Wildlife

 

[TwoMisfits]

I'm looking for some ideas of things to do in Orlando that aren't theme parks. We will be going to Disney for 10 days later in our 16 day trip. We have Seaworld planned for 2 days and Gatorland planned for 1 day. And one day will be spent getting my DD checked in to the DCP and moved into her apartment. That leaves me with 2 days with nothing planned. We will be off disney property for these two days. It will be me, my DF, and my 9DD and 3DD. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Do you already have Seaworld tickets or an annual pass? If not, I'd suggest Discovery Cove for the day which would get you 14 days of Aquatica and SeaWorld free. And I'd do Aquatica on your other open day.

If that doesn't appeal, I would think about the Merlin triple-pack if you can get a BOGO deal - check out the whole I-360 area and have a nice meal out there...

I'd suggest mini golf, escape rooms, movies, etc, but the 3 year old would probably not like them (speaking from experience here!). Crayola Experience is good but may bore the grownups. Thus, for all 4 to love the days, I think Discovery Cove and an Aquatica day are the best bet!

 

[pepperandchips]

Was just about to suggest malls, mini golf, maybe the movies as PP suggested and noticed that it was a repeat! The I-drive 360 complex has been on our "to do" list for a while and I am always fascinated by the myriad of things to do on groupon, living social, and travelzoo. We like to visit the Disney Character Warehouse at the outlets on I drive as well to pick up souvenirs at a fraction of the price that they're offered in the parks.

Disney Springs has the lego store that the girls might be able to kill some time in (free unless they con you into a souvenir purchase!) and the characters in flight balloon ride isn't grossly expensive. Rainforest Cafe and T Rex there make good and memorable dining experiences and you can get discounts on Landry's gift cards online to help with the cost.

Not sure where you are from but it might also be worth a drive to one of the closer beaches - Cocoa Beach perhaps - to show the girls the ocean and have a relaxing day. If it's not too cold when you're in Orlando you might consider a pool/resort day. A lot of the Orlando resorts keep pools heated year round.

Have a great trip!

 

[glassslippergirl]

I was disappointed in the Merlin complex when we visited this summer, but your opinion may vary.

I second the suggestion for Disney Springs. The Lego Store and T-Rex are both pretty awesome! Have you considered a drive to Legoland? Your children are just the right age, and it's a lot of fun. I know you're looking beyond theme parks, but Legoland is a lot more laid back. In addition to more low-key rides that barely get lines, there's parks everywhere that my son could spend an entire day enjoying. Don't pay full price. There was a thread on this forum about $30 tickets. New Ninjago ride opens in February if that's in your timeframe.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I would consider Legoland, the beach (depending on the time of year), Aquatica, the Crayola Experience or the Orlando Eye/wax museum/aquarium combo ticket.

 

[bearzabout]

We absolutely love Harry P Leu gardens just north of Orlando (free with reciprocal garden memberships or on the first Monday of the month). We stop in the morning then head to Winter Park for the afternoon. We love the BBQ at 4 Rivers BBQ (should be great for the kids) and head to the Morse Museum to see the Tiffany collection (free on Fridays after 4PM Nov-April). The main street through town in cute.

We also love Celebration Florida. There are many great dining options and nice shops.

If you are visiting in winter and it is chilly, the manatees head for the warm water in the rivers at Blue Spring State park, north of Orlando. On cold days, it is possible to see dozens at a time.

There is a groupon for Skeletons: Animals Unveiled on I-drive. It gets great reviews and would be a good thing to do on a rainy day.

 

[BigredNole]

Here's a wild and crazy idea. Relax at the resort and enjoy the pool, relax, take it a little bit easy. Because when the 10 day Disney bustle starts you won't have much down time.