Not going to the parks this time. . .

[FamilyGuy]

We'll be staying on property for a week (next week), enjoying many other things other than the attractions behind the park gates. . . yes, we've decided to forgo the $2700 for park tickets for the family this trip!

Decision was mostly economic, but also the heat, humidity - plus we've been to the parks many times over.

Looking for suggestions on various activities, both on and off property. . . Have several ideas already, but would love to read more suggestions and input. Thanks in advance!

1) Monorail crawl (Cupcakes, not alcohol this time!)
2) Disney Quest
3) Mini Golf
4) Beach days (2 of them, one east, one west)
5) Dole Whips at the Polynesian

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

I don't know the ages of your children, but our family LOVES Gatorland. They also have the Screamin' Gator Zip Line there, and it is very cool and exciting. Showcase of Citrus has an awesome monster truck/bus ride. Of course, Disney Springs. The outlet malls usually call our names at least once. The Orlando Eye has not just the ferris wheel. You can purchase combo tickets that include the ferris wheel, Madame Tussaud's, and an aquarium. We will be doing that later this month. The Daytona Speedway is only an hour and a half away. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a great place to visit, and the beaches at Clearwater Beach are very clean.

 

[100AcreWood]

I'll just add Kennedy Space Center if you haven't been there. I would go to a water park like Aquatica. Their ticket prices seem reasonable to me.

 

[Barbydoll8]

All most so much it's hard to list everything.
http://www.audubon.org/content/audubon-center-birds-prey#_=_ this is about 30 east of WDW property
http://www.orlandolaketours.com/
http://www.leugardens.org/plan-your-visit/
https://cityofwinterpark.org/
http://www.wocorlando.com/

And lots to do on the west coast if you are willing to take a day trip.
http://www.lowryparkzoo.org/

 

[bankr63]

At this time of year, a waterpark for sure!

I would suggest you do a little research on DisneyQuest before you commit. Was one of our favorite family attractions in the past, but with Disney planning to shutter it I understand from other threads here on DIS that it is getting VERY run down now and many of the attractions may be non-operational at any given time. Not a very good value at all for the admission price.

If you still want a small dose of amusement park, try one of the Fun Spot America locations (Orlando or Kissimmee). Admission is around $40 for the day (really just a half-day attraction). Mostly go-karting, but some other small rides, mini-coasters. Took my 11yo son there because he thought that Tomorrowland Speedway was fun (I had a nap while driving). After FSA he thinks barrelling a go-cart down a 2 storey steep ramp with a hairpin at the bottom is fun - much improvement!

 

[JaxDad]

You could try Wekiwa Springs State Park, just a little north of Orlando:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wekiwa-Springs

Swimming in the spring is very refreshing on a hot day. Admission is something like $5-10 per carload, and you can bring a picnic lunch and stuff to grill. I think they rent canoes too. You may want to call regarding crowds though. I haven't been in a while, but Florida springs parks can get crowded in the summers, especially this one with its proximity to Orlando. If this is something that interests you, try researching some of the springs a little farther (Blue Springs, Deleon Springs, and Alexander Springs are a few).

 

[karenbaco]

Interested too......

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I will second the trio of attraction at the Orlando Eye (the Eye, Tussauds and Sea Life). An incredible value at $39 pp (if tickets are purchased in advance via their website) and all weather-protected, too. Lots of a/c and no worries if it rains.

Skeletons: Animals Unveiled is also very cool. It's on Groupon right now, too, for up to 44% off and an additional 20% discount if purchased today using promo code TAKE20 . Buy it through your ebates account and earn cash back on it, too.

I will also second the recommendations for Gatorland, Fun Spot, and Showcase of Citrus. All ( a monster truck ride through a real orange grove...then enjoy the best all-natural orange slushie you have EVER tasted in their country store after your tour). Showcase of Citrus is also on Groupon for up to 47% off right now, and you could use the 20% off promo code there as well.

Wild Florida is awesome and well worth a visit (exotic animal park and airboat ride). It's a very easy drive from Orlando, too.

We had a ball jetskiing two summers ago on Lakes Minneola and Minnehaha in Clermont. We rented the skiis through Makaio Watersports and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

We love mini golf for our family trips. Our favourites are Congo River, Pirates Cove, and Hollywood Drive In Golf at Universal (Citywalk has a very, very well priced meal and mini golf offer where you can have dinner at places like Margaritaville and then a round of golf for a deeply discounted price.....but be advised you will have to pay to park). Lost Caverns mini golf on I-Drive looks like a great course (it used to be a Congo River several years ago, I think) and its on Groupon too. Can you tell I'm a fan of Groupon? LOL

Kings Bowl on I-Drive is beautiful and fun for a family bowling night. There are HUGE screens that play music videos while you bowl. You can also order food right to your lane, which is a nice touch (and apparently the food is excellent....we have to give that a try sometime). Again, check Groupon: its up to 42% off right now.

World of Chocolate is a good indoor activity (yep, its on Groupon too).

Titanic: The Experiencce is a great museum for history lovers.

Water parks are fantastic in the summer. Aquatica is our absolute favourite, and its very affordable for a family to visit. Single day tickets are just $38 right now, or you can get admission with all-day dining for $55. https://aquaticabyseaworld.com/en/o...wPaQodK2YITA&dclid=CLi0jcn_6M0CFUV9AQodwDMJPQ

 

[NinaBella]

If everyone in your group is over the age of 10 and can snorkle (not swim) check out Devil's Den Springs. It's a privately owned underground spring for those certified to scuba (cave) dive and for those who want to snorkle. They do not let people come "swim" and once they reach their daily capacity, they do not let anyone else in. Google/Youtube Devil Den's Springs.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

Check out Audubon Birds of Prey center in Maitland. We went there this spring and then we went to Lake Eola Park which was also great!

 

[Flight]

I would second the trip to the Kennedy Space Center!

 

[amyy]

I don't know the ages of your group but we enjoy the free hotel tours. Our tour guide for the Wilderness Lodge one was incredibly knowledgeable. I think I read they stopped the kitchen one at the AKL, but I enjoyed that one too. I love the night time activities at AKL such as the cultural presentations, night vision goggles etc. Some people laugh that we go on vacation and go to the movies, but it is a nice break from the heat.

 

[trouttigger]

This may be too geek for your family, but we're planning to tour Florida Southern College on our next visit. Much of it was built by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is in Lakeland, an hour from the Disney area.

 

[trouttigger]

I had no idea that there were free hotel tours. That sounds fun to me!

 

[NH-to-FL]

To your list I might add is riding some of the boats on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Mix up the monorail with boat rides. Maybe the boat ride from MK to WL.

If one of your mini golf trips is Fantasia Gardens you could wander over to the Boardwalk for ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery or head over to the BC/YC for a snack at Beaches and Cream.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'll second the Kennedy Space Center. Absolutely worth it!!!

 

[amyy]

trouttigger This is an older link that talks about some of them. http://www.****************.com/fea...me-free-behind-scenes-tours-walt-disney-world

The CM we had at the WL was such a true Disney fan and his knowledge was amazing. The tour was about the WL, but he was a wealth of knowledge regarding anything related to Disney. I think the AKL one is no longer running. A great deal because you sampled the bread service and zebra domes for free!!! On our next trip I want to do the Boardwalk one since we are staying in that area.

 

[AJA]

OP for onsite we love renting surrey bikes during the day on the Boardwalk -the Boardwalk is a very fun few hours of entertainment, especially at night. Lots of great places to eat too.

Watching fireworks at night from the hotels.

We used to own DVC at Beach Club and have taken many 2-3 night stop over trips to the Disney property when we did not go in the parks. You can def get a taste of Disney while not going in to the parks. We've done the same as you have planned, a day on the monorail, mid day to evening on the Boardwalk, Disney Springs then the boat up to POFQ for the beignets. A full day enjoying your resort and pool, etc.

 

[bearzabout]

We love to go to Winter Park for the day. on Friday evenings, the Morse Museum offers free admission. They have a wonderful exhibit of Tiffany pieces. We always stop at 4Rivers BBQ for a great lunch or dinner.

Also look into food truck events. Their are many held each week in different areas.

We love Aquatica. During the hot days of summer, it would be worth the expense of $108/annual pass to spend days there.

Bike rental in Celebration costs only $15 for 2 hours. We love the Columbia for the half cuban sandwich/half 1905 salad for lunch.

Check out Twistee Treat for soft serve ice cream at a fraction of the cost in the parks.

If you go to Kennedy Space Center, stop at Dixie Crossroads for dinner. Their broiled rock shrimp is wonderful. The restaurant has an old Florida feel that is hard to find elsewhere.

Also consider a stop at the Millenia Mall to enjoy the AC and have dinner at Cheesesteak Factory. It is always a hit with kids.