Orlando - not WDW

[vanreg]

We are going in a couple months, but not doing WDW this time. I'm looking for some inexpensive things to do in the area. Would like to see some kind of dophin show - kids don't care about rides, so paying that much just to see the shows at seaworld seems foolish. Looking for any other options/activites. Thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

If you want dolphins but don't want to go to a theme park to see them, head for a coast. You can see dolphins do their thing at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, or at Mote Marine Research Center in Sarasota, though as both of these facilities are research and rescue aquariums, the interactions and displays are low-key. You can also see wild dolphins quite often at the channelside restaurants near Daytona and Cape Canaveral; they follow the fishing boats. If you want more interactive encounters, your best bet is to trek up to St. Augustine to go to Marineland (but they don't do the major acrobatic shows anymore; those are now considered inhumane.)

As for other things to do in Orlando proper, one of my favorite recommendations is the Morse Museum; it is one of the premier collections of stained glass art anywhere in the world.

 

[formill]

Sea World is worth the price for us just for the shows and exhibits - there are not really that many rides there at all- most are for little kids and then there are 2 roller coasters and Journey to Atlantis a get wet ride. Feeding the dolphins is expensive- 4 fish for $7 but you can just watch them be fed and the dolphin show is just amazing. You also get second day for free with your admission price so you can take your time- do have to pay for parking twice- $14 each time.

 

[JDUCKY]

Orlando Science Center
http://www.osc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=16&Itemid=139

WonderWorks
http://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/

and a whole lot more (might wanna start with Page 2):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34515-Activities-Orlando_Florida.html