Things to do outside of disney!

[deedeed]

Hi,
My family DH, DD8 and DD5 are going to be in orlando for 2 days in the begining of february. We were at disney in May and would like to keep the cost down so we are not going to disney grounds. What is out there for kids this age that would be fun. We are up for a lot of different things, but just not disney(even though I am a disney freak and this is killing me not to go)! I have read a lot about fun world, old town and gatorland, any tips or ideas on these or any others.
Thanks in advance!!

 

[all4fun]

Here's a link to Allearsnet.com "Beyond the Parks" page. Hopefully that will give you some ideas:

http://www.allearsnet.com/btp/beyond.htm

hth!

 

[KristinU]

SOmeone posted a while ago about family chocolate fun nights - where you get to make your own chocolates. I made note of the web site for future reference: http://www.farrisandfosters.com/funnights.htm

Sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[1Prince2Princesses]

Old Town is actually a lot of fun. If you go on Friday or Saturday nights, they have a car show, as well. There are a lot of rides there, too, and I believe that you can buy a wristband for the rides.

Gatorland is pretty cool... it's one of those things you have to see at some point in Florida. Go, and have a great time!

 

[HeatherC]

Orlando Science Museum is also supposed to be great. And..if you have a membership to another museum, you may be eligible for free admission.

HeatherC

 

[OhioFamily]

We always have dinner at Medeivel Times (the kids love it!!). And how about Sea World? We miss the one we use to have here in Cleveland

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just walking up and down I-Drive can be an adventure -- seeing the giant toys at Port Orlando, the mini golf venues and all the interesting buildings can fill an evening.

 

[Todd&Copper]

Is there still a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum in Kissimmee/Orlando? I went to one years ago and thought that was really neat.

 

[camdensmom]

Sea World is great.

Skip Downtown Orlando...yick!

Fun World and Old Town are both pretty lame IMHO.

I used to take classes on field trips to Wonderworks and The Orlando Science Museum. Both are "OK," but not something I would consider making a vacation out of.

I would highly recommend Wechiva Springs. You can rent canoes and see gators and manatee and there are some great swimming spots. It's very "real Florida." I would say it is about 45 minutes north of the Disney area.

The Space Center is interesting. Busch Gardens is worth the drive if you have never been. Maybe you could do one of the waterparks. However, if you do that I would go Disney and not Wet n' Wild.

Didn't Gatorland recently burn down? Thought I heard that on the news.

Depending on when you go you might be able to check out some spring training games and practices. Those are A LOT of fun even if it isn't your home team.

Downtown Disney/Disney Quest are always good for a Disney Fix without committing to the parks. Also, it's fun to visit the boardwalk or eat at a resort if you want a little Disney Magic without all the cost.

 

[missesdisney]

We always hit seaworld on our trips - its a relaxing way to spend the day on your own time and lines are not usually an issue. Just timing shows is the only thing to worry about. This is a costly choice as well though. I believe do take AAA discounts for tickets and in the park.

 

[becca011906]

Gatorland had a huge fire but i think it's re opened b/c my dh is on thier email list and i think i remember him saying it was re opened and we coudl take the kids there this year b/c we skiped it the last trip!

 

[FourBoysMom]

I used to take classes on field trips to Wonderworks and The Orlando Science Museum. Both are "OK," but not something I would consider making a vacation out of.

I disagree regarding Wonderworks.... My older boys, ages 11 & 9 absolutely love Wonderworks....and the Outta Control Magic Show. They often refer to our Wonderworks day as the most fun day of the trip!

Trixie