Tore up our guidebook. Where do we go for an offbeat Disney/Orlando experience?

[rejobako]

OK -- here's the scenario: My wife and I are taking our kids to our timeshare near Disney for an impromptu getaway next week. Our old babysitter moved to Orlando to go to college and she's agreed to sit for us on Saturday. We go to Orlando/Disney at least annually with the girls, and usually get out on at least one date while we're there. Our typical itinerary is a nice dinner out (Artist Point, Emerils, etc.), then we have a tradition of going to the Polynesian and having a frou frou drink at the bar outside Ohanas while peoplewatching -- then we'll stroll DTD or the Boardwalk or something.

We're both in kind of in a bohemian mood -- we want to do something different, maybe slightly off-the-beaten-path. We have a car, so it doesn't necessarily need to be on-property. And we have SeaWorld/Busch Gardens tickets, so we probably won't spring for tickets to the Disney Parks. So I would gladly solicit suggestions for:

a) an interesting, informal place for dinner. Weird/ethnic cuisine would be a plus.
b) a fun spot to people-watch.
c) the best of the off-site cheesy attractions. For example -- we've never done Ripleys. Is that interesting if we're in the "wander about town" mood?
d) a romantic spot to gaze into each other's eyes and smooch (and then do a hi-five because we're out without the kids).

Any suggestions from you eclectic types would be most appreciated!

 

[ahoff]

If you are a motor head have dinner at Race Rock. Food is typical chain restaurant food but the decor is interesting. If you are a real motor head take a drive to Ocala and visit Don Garlit's Museum. Several years ago I took a drive up to Gainesville to watch the Gatornationals, but that happens in February. Maybe it is time to try that again next year.

 

[rejobako]

Thanks, Ahoff --

 

[webray]

OK -- here's the scenario: My wife and I are taking our kids to our timeshare near Disney for an impromptu getaway next week. Our old babysitter moved to Orlando to go to college and she's agreed to sit for us on Saturday. We go to Orlando/Disney at least annually with the girls, and usually get out on at least one date while we're there. Our typical itinerary is a nice dinner out (Artist Point, Emerils, etc.), then we have a tradition of going to the Polynesian and having a frou frou drink at the bar outside Ohanas while peoplewatching -- then we'll stroll DTD or the Boardwalk or something.

We're both in kind of in a bohemian mood -- we want to do something different, maybe slightly off-the-beaten-path. We have a car, so it doesn't necessarily need to be on-property. And we have SeaWorld/Busch Gardens tickets, so we probably won't spring for tickets to the Disney Parks. So I would gladly solicit suggestions for:

a) an interesting, informal place for dinner. Weird/ethnic cuisine would be a plus.
b) a fun spot to people-watch.
c) the best of the off-site cheesy attractions. For example -- we've never done Ripleys. Is that interesting if we're in the "wander about town" mood?
d) a romantic spot to gaze into each other's eyes and smooch (and then do a hi-five because we're out without the kids).

Any suggestions from you eclectic types would be most appreciated!

If you have never been to Bahama Breeze that could be fun for you, and there is live music on the deck in the evenings, free valet parking, you can get a fru fru drink and it can be very romantic. Also a great spot to people watch, lol. There is a Bahama Breeze on International Drive and one outside of disney's shopping area.

Another restaurant favorite..Ming Court on International Drive.

Ripleys, well, if you have time to kill and don't mind wasting a few bucks..lol.
Gatorland could be fun..lol.

Take a stroll through the Gaylord Palms resort, it is an attraction all on it's own. Stop at the bar, have a drink, check out the alligators, you could be there at feeding time.