Things to do in Central Florida outside of Disney (gasp) a few recommendations

[emily nicole]

Medieval Times is a lot of fun. It's the highlight of my son's trips - it's the only thing he requests to do when we go to WDW. (He is 17 and we've been going for a few years now).

 

[disneyseniors]

We went to Bok Tower in March of 2020 before the shut down and it had some lovely gardens.

I have a story about the Bok Tower. I got a very old picture of this tower with natural plants and water around it. It was done in the old tin type with some pinkish tint added to the scene. This was given to me by a family member. I just loved the look of it even thought I didn't know what it was. I kept it on the wall and kept wondering what it was. Written in very small letters was "Bok Singing Tower". So I looked it up, and WOW, what a beautiful place to visit. I read the history about it.
I packed up the picture very carefully and mailed it to the Bok Tower,as I felt it belonged in their museum. They wrote a nice letter back and said they would display the old photo in their museum. They sent information on Bok Towers and invited us to visit if in the area. I have plans to do just that. The photos of the tower today don't have the natural plants or the water around it. I don't know how old it is, but tin type might be a clue. Thanks for reminding me, ajrwdwgirl.

 

[kbelle8995]

I have a story about the Bok Tower. I got a very old picture of this tower with natural plants and water around it. It was done in the old tin type with some pinkish tint added to the scene. This was given to me by a family member. I just loved the look of it even thought I didn't know what it was. I kept it on the wall and kept wondering what it was. Written in very small letters was "Bok Singing Tower". So I looked it up, and WOW, what a beautiful place to visit. I read the history about it.
I packed up the picture very carefully and mailed it to the Bok Tower,as I felt it belonged in their museum. They wrote a nice letter back and said they would display the old photo in their museum. They sent information on Bok Towers and invited us to visit if in the area. I have plans to do just that. The photos of the tower today don't have the natural plants or the water around it. I don't know how old it is, but tin type might be a clue. Thanks for reminding me, ajrwdwgirl.

Bok Tower is a wonderful place to visit. So Calm and peaceful. A bit of old Florida

 

[leebee]

It's in the winter months. Maybe December through March? It's when the manatees move inland toward the hot springs. I remember when we did this 3-4 years ago it was right around St Patricks Day and it seems like we were told that it was nearing the end of manatee season at that particular spot

I was going to suggest Blue Spring State Park. We were there in mid-April 2021 and there were a very, very few manatee still in the spring. The park ranger/guide said that late March is about the end of seeing manatee regularly. Blue Spring Park was lovely. There is a raised boardwalk along/above the edge of the water so you can see down into the water- lots of fish, crystal clear water, birds, owls- but you aren't walking in marsh. You can go swimming, there's a play area for kids and grills for cooking out. It was a great way to spend a day.

 

[NH-to-FL]

I have a story about the Bok Tower.

What a wonderful story!

Bok Tower is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you like gardens. It is a nice trip outside of the theme park centric Orlando area. We have been there twice and look forward to returning.

 

[StarCruzer]

Any thoughts on where the best go-karts in the area are? We were just going to hit up FunSpot but curious if people have favorites.

 

[HeatherC]

It's in the winter months. Maybe December through March? It's when the manatees move inland toward the hot springs. I remember when we did this 3-4 years ago it was right around St Patricks Day and it seems like we were told that it was nearing the end of manatee season at that particular spot

Are there alligators in the water there? Thanks!

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Any thoughts on where the best go-karts in the area are? We were just going to hit up FunSpot but curious if people have favorites.

https://andrettikarting.com/orlando/eat-drink/

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Are there alligators in the water there? Thanks!

Yes there are! My daughter (who was in the CP at the time) and I kayaked there and had a close encounter with a gator.