What is your Favorite Non-Theme Park Attraction

[kilee]

I know most people go to the Orlando area for the theme parks, whether is be Disney, Sea World, or Universal. However, what has been your favorite thing to do in the Orlando area that isn't in a theme park or on Disney or Universal property. Maybe something you do as a tradition every trip or possibly something unique not many people know about.

I'll start--

We love to rent the jetski's on LBV. If you can get a coupon they turn out to be a bargain too. Last time we were there. We rented 2 of them for an hour and it was only $60.00 for everything. It was about 1/2 off w/ a coupon I got from those booklets you find all over town. We had a blast. It was really uncrowded too.

 

[caa1000]

I know most people go to the Orlando area for the theme parks, whether is be Disney, Sea World, or Universal. However, what has been your favorite thing to do in the Orlando area that isn't in a theme park or on Disney or Universal property. Maybe something you do as a tradition every trip or possibly something unique not many people know about.

I'll start--

We love to rent the jetski's on LBV. If you can get a coupon they turn out to be a bargain too. Last time we were there. We rented 2 of them for an hour and it was only $60.00 for everything. It was about 1/2 off w/ a coupon I got from those booklets you find all over town. We had a blast. It was really uncrowded too.

Anything on I-Drive that goes from Shopping to Dinning and some fun, would add on to the trip! I'll say Wonderworks, Ripley's Believe it or Not, Pirates Dinner Show and of course, Fun Spot!

aw: Feel Free to Ask! aw:

 

[crjack]

Kilee....jetskis sound fun! We are going in July 2006 and are looking for some new, non-theme park ideas. Can you give me some of the details? We have two children who will be 9 & 11 at that time - can each of them ride with one adult? Where is it located in LBV?

Thanks so much for the help. We are also planning on visiting Wonderworks this trip and possibly the magic/comedy show. It gets very good reviews on this board and it sounds like a fun dinner option that won't break the bank.

 

[Figment22]

Well, first, you have to understand that I live with a couple of gearheads! My husband and my oldest son (15) are just absolute car/truck/engine fanatics. Along those lines, one of the things I've gotten roped into doing (and ultimately enjoying it myself) are the classic car shows which are held each Friday and Saturday night at Old Town on 192 in Kissimmee. The old cars that come out for the shows are amazing. DH and DS have gone to a number of classic car shows over the years and the Old Town versions are truly impressive. Then, after everyone has had a chance to walk around and see the cars, they have the "Cruise", where the cars actually drive down the cobblestone streets of Old Town, parade style. The Friday Night Cruise is for classic cars from 1973-1987 and the Saturday Night Cruise is for cars 1972 or older. It's really a fun event.

BTW, for motorcycle fans, Thursday night is Bike Night.

 

[GEM]

We LOVE Gatorland - maybe almost as much as the Magic Kingdom.

We also always enjoy Pirates Cove miniature golf. Very cool courses!

Two of our other favorite things are a short drive outside Orlando

Swimming and snorkeling at Wekiva Springs!

Tubing at Kelly Park!

 

[onlyoneforme]

We go orange picking at one of the local groves and bring home some Florida sunshine to all our friends and family!

 

[kilee]

That tubing sounds like fun. Gem- can you tell me more about that....

We've done Wonderworks too and the dinner magic show there. Which we thought was really cute, very family friendly.

As for Jet SKiing here is a link to the place we went.
http://www.bvwatersports.com/2005/index.shtml

It was a lot of fun. If you think you might want to do that. Search around on the internet for coupons before you go. Then also check the booklets when you get there. When we went they had a really good deal. I know we only paid the $60.00 for all 3 of us for 1 full hour w/ the coupon. We had rented 2 jetski's too. Part of me thinks I had a buy 1 get 1 coupon or something.

 

[susan1]

hi
de leon springs state park where they have the sugar mill cafe. you can make your own pancakes at the griddle at your table!

 

[kilee]

susan1--- please tell more. I have never heard of this.

 

[susan1]

hi
i have been trying to find the website but they don/t appear to have an individual one. if you do a google search of de leon springs state park it is there under a general state park heading. it is about 1hr up the I4 road leaving at the deland turn off and then sign posted to the park. it is great fun, you can swim, boat and canoe ride there and as said can cook your own pancakes with side dishes,eggs,bacon and a variety of fruits. we usually break our journey to look round deland and have a milk shake a checkers.i don't like their food but there is just something about the shakes

 

[ducklite]

Canyon Ranch Spa at the Gaylord Palms. Pure bliss.

Anne

 

[Jason71]

susan1--- please tell more. I have never heard of this.

From I-4, take the first DeLand exit, and head north/east on 17-92, through downtown DeLand. Eventually, 92 splits off to go to Daytona, but stay on Route 17 about another 10 minutes; the Springs will be on your left, you can't really miss it, it's the only thing in (the town of) DeLeon Springs besides a Mexican restaurant. Approximately an hour to 75 minutes from Disney, at least on a weekend morning.

Last time I checked it was $5 per carload to get in (of course food at the Sugar Mill is extra). Be warned, on weekends in the Summer there can be some really long waits for a table.

As Susan mentioned, there is swimming in the spring-fed lake (which is 72 degrees year-round); also scuba diving and nature trails and the like. It really is a glimpse of "old Florida" you just can't find around metro Orlando.

 

[spiceycat]

shopping!!!

I hate to shop at home. But in Orlando is an adventure...

lots of outlets malls to choose from in the area.

My nephew is into baseball. there is generally a baseball game in Orlando from spring until Nov. some professional, most amateur - but there is generally one going on each and every weekend in the Orlando area (includes Kissimmee and LBV). disney's WWOS is not the only place that has sports in the area.

I also enjoy just spending time at the resort. I like timeshares and most timeshare are resort. so they have stuff to do there. Some have a ton of stuff like OL and SVR - others have a little like CWR.

but most of the places that have resort in their names will have some stuff for you to do there.

 

[ERICS MUM]

As a brit who comes to Orlando in spring and autumn, my 2 favourite activities are spending time by the pool (the weather, you know!) and shopping (the prices/variety).

Its a long way to travel but always worth it.

Oh, I forgot - eating!!!


Linda aw:

 

[pixie57]

I highly recommend the tubing at Kelly Park! It was THE favorite day of my vacation last April. Some days, you just have to be out in nature! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy!

 

[kilee]

Okay about the tubing, since that sounds really fun. What is the area like. I know you are in "nature", BUT...
We have a place about 2 hours from me in a small mountain chain that has a 3 mile real river you can lazy river tube down. One small drawback, the thing is always crawling w/ water snakes. Not for me.
So, how much "nature" is around this place?

 

[GEM]

We spent a whole day there last June and didn't see too much nature. I'm sure there might have been some snakes off somewhere, but we didn't see them. There were lots of people around, and snakes tend to avoid those sorts of places.

It really is fun! You just stop outside the park to rent your tubes for a few bucks. The link I posted has some good info. Definately bring a picnic lunch. Paul really LOVED this. We brought his pool float ring (the kind with the little seat in it) and he could float along beside us on his own. He thought he was very grownup! It was one of the nicest days we spent on our long trip last summer.

Another place we LOVE to visit is the Canaveral National Seashore - miles and miles of beautiful natural beaches. We like it there much better than some of the other beaches with all the noise, concessions, crowds, etc. It really is beautiful. We went on July 4th last year and were able to find a pretty much empty stretch of beach, despite the fact it was a major holiday. Take a cooler of drinks and a picnic lunch. There isn't anywhere to buy anything. DH really loved it and we ended up going back several more days. There is also great nature drive you can take through the swampy area. We saw LOTS of gators!! And, there's a manatee viewing platform where you can just look out across the little river area and see TONS of manatees in the water. You can also see the Kennedy launch pad in the distance, which DH thought was very neat. A very, very cool place to spend a day.

 

[kilee]

How long did it take you to get to the Canaveral Seashore? That sounds like another great day trip idea.

 

[GEM]

Around an hour, I think. It wasn't a bad drive at all. I'd definately reccomend it!

 

[ducklite]

We have a place about 2 hours from me in a small mountain chain that has a 3 mile real river you can lazy river tube down. One small drawback, the thing is always crawling w/ water snakes. Not for me.
So, how much "nature" is around this place?

Ewww!!! Me either LOL!

Anne