Places to visit in Orlando

[Biggie]

Hi,

Family of 3 with a toddler needs some advice on things to do in Orlando for five days in January. We will be coming back from Disney cruise and will stay in the orlando area for 5 days. we have a rental car also.

We probaly want to go to one major theme park (magic kingdom) but was wondering what else is around there. Probaly looking for less "touristy" attraction. Would not mind a 3 to 4 hour drive to go somewhere.

Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

Cypress Garden has reopened.

orlando has several museums.

Plus there is old town in kissimmee.

there are nature areas.

give more information on what you are looking for - you can probably do it Orlando.

 

[lovethattink]

How old is your toddler? There is a hands on museum in Lakeland and in Tampa. The one in Lakeland http://www.explorationsv.com/ . The one in Tampa http://www.flachildrensmuseum.com/ . I've been to the one in Lakeland and it was really nice. I'd recommend it for ages 3 and up. Haven't been to the one in Tampa. Vilano Beach, just north of St. Augustine is really nice and quiet. I think they have 3 motels there, no life guards and you may drive on the beach.

 

[Biggie]

Toddler is 2 and half.

What would you recommend between Seaworld, Magic kingdom or Universal studios or other for one big main attraction?

Is water too cold for Vilano Beach in January?

Thanks.

 

[spiceycat]

she is too young for US (my opinion).

She might like MK.

However with the new tickets - I would never go for just one day - the best deal is the 10 day with no expiration date.

SW - does she like marine animals - this might be the place.

remember that all the theme parks for a one day admission are very expensive - the most days you can buy the better off you are - if you are planning on returning to Orlando within a year (SW, US/IOA) - or with WDW tickets any time in the future.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Tampa also has a nice aquarium, with an outdoor, interactive play area. Although, it may be too cold for that. As far as the ocean, we have seen people in the gulf in January, but it is definitely too cold for us. We moved here after our DS was out of the toddler years, but if I can think of anything else, I'll get back to you. By the way, for a toddler I would recommend SW or MK. You can purchase a Fun Card for SW for about $2 more than a 1 day pass. That allows you admittance any day, until Dec. 31st 2005. This would mean you could spend a couple 1/2 days, instead of trying to fit it all in 1 day. Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Biggie]

Thanks for the tip tarheelmjfan!! I will definitely take that into consideration.
Please let me know if you have any other tips. Its our first time in Orlando.

 

[Immelman]

our aquarium is very nice, but only at SW can you feed and pet dolphin, rays, seals, etc. but we've got the best beaches in the state.