Orlando Area Attractions...

[zaja]

We will be in the Orlando area for a month, and I'm wondering what there is to do besides the theme parks. Thinking of going to the beach for a day, any good suggestions. Also, would like to do some orange picking. Any good groves to suggest? How are Wonderworks and Ripley's? Any other ideas would be great!

Oh yeah, are there any great activities/fairs/octoberfest type things going on in the area? Thanks.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Wow, a whole month! Lucky you!

We don't spend all our days at the parks (it's my DM's requirement) and check out "the real Florida" each trip.

Some of the beaches we've visited are: Sanibel Island, Anna Marie Island, Honeymoon Island, The Keys, Siesta Key, and a beach on the East coast that was near Kennedy Center. Stayed at Key Largo for a few days back in 1998.

I really liked Sanibel but it is pretty far from Orlando. We stayed 2 nights in Sarasota and visited Anna Marie on the way down, Sanibel the next day, and Siesta Key for a short visit the day we left.

Last year we visited Honeymoon Island (outside of Tampa) and we'll either go back this year or check out St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach.

The beaches on the East Coast have a lot more waves than the West Coast. We prefer the less wavy beaches.

We've also visited the Crystal River area and saw Manatees. Also saw Manatees at the St. John River. Checked out the Merrit Island Refuge-saw Manatees there as well.

There are some nice state parks in Florida. Last year we revisited Rainbow Springs and it's very nice.

We've also driven a "U Drive Airboat" in the Kissimee area. Took a short helicopter flight over WDW. (again in Kissimmee).

We've never picked oranges, check out this site for u picks
http://www.pickyourown.org/FLeastcentral.htm

And of course there are many theme parks around. Personally if I was there for a month I would spend many days the TL and BB. Also, I would splurge and do Discovery Cove which inc. 7 days at either Busch Gardens or Sea World. For and extra $70 you can get 14 days at both as well as Aquatica.

Since you have time you could drive down and check out the Everglades.

Here's a website with Florida Fairs listed
http://goflorida.about.com/od/attractions/a/fairs.htm

There's a lot to do in Florida. Search around on the net and you'll find plenty to do.

Have fun!

 

[Planogirl]

Wonderworks is fun for the kids and the outside of the building is amazing. I think the building is well worth a drive by whether you go or not. Ripley's is pretty much like every other Ripley's, fun but if you've seen one you've pretty much seen them all.

If you have time to drive a ways, St Augustine is a great place. It has beach, shopping, historical sights and lots of kitsch. I love the old Spanish fort and the old lighthouse.

You already mentioned themeparks but we always spend a lot of time in the Universal parks. Citywalk is a great place to dine and to see a movie.

There's lots of odds and ends around International Drive. You have the Ripley's and Wonderworks of course. There's also a Titanic exhibit which we've never seen, plenty of mini-golf and other amusement things and the outlets.

 

[inkkognito]

If you do Wonderworks, do the Comedy Magic Show which is located in the same building. It's a dinner show with pizza and unlimited beer and wine. It's hilarious and very family friendly.

I highly recommend taking a run out to Busch Gardens too. If you go to the Central FL zoo in Tampa, they have a cool zip line course that is suitable for the whole family. Gatorland is fun too.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We are also going for close to a month and believe it or not, we dont have many "free" days left After booking and planning everything we want to do we do have a few empty days incase we have to change plans, or they can be shopping days, extra beach days, or just down days doing whatever.

We are doing WDW, both Universal, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Kennedy Space Center, seeing a NFL game, going to Daytona Raceway, St. Petes and Clearwater beach.

You could also consider the Go Orlando Card as it includes admission to alot of places and that would fill up alot of days. We also plan to do some smaller days wonderworks, gatorland, a airboat tour, titanic experience etc. and then we can rest up for the longer full park days.....

We cant wait for Oct/Nov to come as it will be are first trip to Florida.....

 

[zaja]

Wow! Alot of great ideas. Thanks! I'll be doing some research the next few days based on all your suggestions.