Suggestions on what to do after the cruise?

[ll_california]

We'll have 1-2 days in FL after our 12/21/03 3-day wonder cruise. Any suggestions on what to see other than WDW after the cruise in Orlando or Tempa Bay area? We have a 4 yr old and a 6 yr old, so we're looking for some relaxing activities.

Any comments about the following parks?
Orlando:
- Wonder Works
- Gatorland
- Jungle Adventures
- Lone Cabbage Fish Camp
- Fun Spot Action Park

Tempa Bay:
- Dinosaur World
- Lowry Park Zoo
- Museum of Science and Industry
- The Florida Aquarium

Any recommendation on a nice beach area to stay?

Thanks,

Ling

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

Okay, it's not a theme park/visitor attraction type place, but IMHO, and being an Orlando resident my entire life, one of the neatest places in O-town, especially for children your age, is the Orlando Science Center. It is AWESOME, I go there 4 or 5 times a year, and I am 24!

There are 4 levels of interactive science stuff, traveling exhibits, and a wonderful cinedome IMAX theater and planetarium. Admission for you and your family would be under $50 for the day, that includes all the exhibits and one IMAX movie or planetarium show... an extra movie is only $3 more a person.

Orlando Science Center

Depending on how many movies you see, your could easily spend 4-6 hours there. That is my top reccommendation of non-theme park things to do in Orlando.

 

[savsawmom]

I'm in Tampa -- the Lowry Park Zoo is WONDERFUL, a full day of activity, with an awesome new kids area (complete with jumping fountains, pony rides, camel rides . . . )

Clearwater Beach is gorgeous too -- some of the best beach in the country. It's about 1.5 hours from Orlando to Clearwater.

 

[4u2dream]

Though there is truth to that, I am kidding, We always go to Downtown Disney, our DD4 loves it there! It's free, however, you will always spend $$$ shopping at the shops and eating at the restaurants. There is quite a bit for the kids to do, such as, The Lego store displays, Merry go round, play area, sidewalk sprinklers, lots of snacks, McDonalds and of course the toys in the shops. It is usually a nice relaxing place to go and unwind after the cruise. We also, try and take in some of the Westside shops and activities. Disney Quest and later the Bars. Happy New Years celebration every night of the year.

 

[rykdad]

I;m interested in places to see that are off of I-95 heading north. I don't want to stray too far from my path home.

 

[NCRedding]

Rykdad; depending upon your kid's ages, have you considered St Augustine? or Savannah?

 

[GenieDana]

If you're not in the mood for an amusement park, I recommend the following:

Orlando - Orlando Science Museum

In Between - Fantasy of Flight

Tampa - Lowrey Park Zoo
MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
Tampa Aquarium

For an amusement park...
Busch Gardens is in Tampa and IMHO it's much better than AK (blasphemy)
Sea World in Orlando
Universal Studios in Orlando

Of course there are the water parks!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have done WDW usually before and after my cruises, but have also done a stay at Vero Beach too. It is a great addition to the vacation and carries on with that Disney Magic too.

 

[ll_california]

Thanks everyone for the reply! They're very useful.

Ling

 

[S. C.]

last july while in florida we enjoyed finding shells on the beach. This was GS's idea 9yrs at the time.