What else to do in Orlando area?

[coinkc]

We have a week at WDW in July and then are spending another week in Florida. I am looking for some ideas as to how to spend our second week. We don't mind driving an hour or so each day and will have a rental car so we are open to just about anything.

Any thoughts? Ideas? it will be myself and my 14 year old daughter.
thanks!

 

[englishteacha]

We've enjoyed Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Universal. The new Harry Potter section of Universal should be open when you're there. We also had a great day at Kennedy Space Center.

 

[clovergirl5]

Gatorland (I think thats what its called) was interesting and the Ripleys Believe it or not tour. It was years ago that dh and I did those--before dc. They weren't to expensive either. Have fun!

When we were in Orlando in June, we went to Wet N Wild waterpark. Kids had a blast! Again, not to expensive. Can usually get a better buying online tickets.

 

[Micca]

DW & DDs seem to think the outlet mall not too far from WDW is worthwhile

 

[Ohiodislover]

We have driven to Daytona Beach for a day. Our other favorite is to go to Homosassa Springs and visit the Manatee park


http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm

 

[Planogirl]

These come immediately to mind:

Universal
Sea World and Discovery Cove
Wet 'n Wild
Titanic exhibit
Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, Sleuths, Pirates dinner shows
Ripleys Believe It or Not
Wonderworks
Cypress Gardens
Kennedy Space Center
Bok Tower Gardens
Busch Gardens
And beaches and outlets.

The space center and Busch Gardens are a bit of a drive. Most of these are in and around Orlando though.

 

[AKL_Megs]

Daytona Beach is nice... DH likes to see the (NASCAR) International Speedway... and the beach is pretty neat. There is always Cocoa Beach or Clearwater Beach...

 

[AshleyW]

I went to Busch Gardens in Tampa in December - it was really fun. Lots of fun rollercoasters and lots of animals.

I'll second the PP who said Clearwater Beach. It's about 40 minutes from downtown Tampa to Clearwater, and about 15 of that is spent driving on the causeway - which is kind of fun in itself. Or maybe that's just me, we don't have causeways in Iowa. Anyway, Clearwater Beach is really nice. It's clean, lots of neat shops, good food and the most beautiful sunset. My parents live there, and I could probably spend 90% of my time visiting them at the beach because there's always something to do.

My parents are big fans of Sea World - they like feeding the dolphins and stingrays and all that. I've never been there though, I'm hoping to go in May when I visit them again.

ETA: If you and your daughter like shopping, International Plaza in Tampa is amazing! My mom and I spent pretty much an entire day there in December. They've got tons of great stores and some really great food places. Plus, who can resist cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory?

 

[ChrisFL]

Universal!!!!!!!