Side/day trips (not Disney)?

[DizGirl20]

I apologize this is not Disney related. I am just curious, as DVC Members, do you ever visit other theme parks or attractions outside of Disney? We are looking for day trip options, other than Disney theme parks. We have 2 teenagers and in the past have done Universal and Sea World. I am thinking of the following:

Celebration
The Beach
Kennedy Space Center
Airboat tours (where?)


Anything else worth considering? Thank you!

 

[twinklebug]

Big Cat Rescue in Tampa: http://bigcatrescue.org/ Not a zoo, but a true rescue operation. They run a number of tours all week long, guests need to sign up for them in advance through the website.

On Facebook (more pics and video links): https://www.facebook.com/bigcatrescue

 

[lucyem]

Not a whole day trip but we go orange picking most trips. The one we have been to is showcase of citrus. They have a website. They also have
Tours on big monster truck bus things.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I will second Big Cat Rescue.
During winter especially, we go to Blue Springs State Park in Orange City. The spring there is a refuge for manatees. Also, there is a chance to take a boat ride on the St John River.
We have also enjoyed a trip to Winter Park for a boat ride.
http://www.scenicboattours.com

 

[Bojo]

I will second Big Cat Rescue.
During winter especially, we go to Blue Springs State Park in Orange City. The spring there is a refuge for manatees. Also, there is a chance to take a boat ride on the St John River.
We have also enjoyed a trip to Winter Park for a boat ride.
http://www.scenicboattours.com

We enjoy Blue Springs as well. Usually will stop by on the way to Orlando, or on the way out.

 

[Halle]

We enjoy going to Winter Park. Great boutiques, park, restaurants and Tiffany museum. We also love going to Celebration, do it every trip.

 

[DizGirl20]

Thank you everyone some great things I'd never heard of. Good to know we have plenty of options!

 

[summabreeze85]

Check groupon and living social! There are usually swim with the manatee excursions and I've seen airboat rides as well on there. They usually have unique local experiences and you can save!

 

[katydid74]

We plan to spend a day at Kennedy Space Center. I loved the tip about the citrus, I think that's going to be on our agenda at some point too, either on the way down or the way home.

 

[lah3hh]

We never have a car with us when we are at WDW but over at the Swan and/or the Dolphin resorts they offer side trips. My DH and DB took advantage of the Kennedy Space Trip one time from there and loved it. I think their trip pricing is fair as well.

 

[com_op_2000]

We have done multiple trips that do not include any Disney parks. We have gone to US/IoA, SW, BG, LL and water parks. As Fla residents we get annual passes and rotate around so that none of the them get "old".

 

[mckinneyld2000]

We have spent a day at Coco beach as a day trip. Parking / admission is reasonable.