What off-site attractions do enjoy/recommend?

[mousebit]

We're going to be spending a week off-site in a WH townhome followed by a week on-site at Disney this May/June (Myself, DH, DD35, DSIL36 & DGD13). DGD will be doing the MMKE so a couple of days will be spent at Sea World. She'd also like to do Aquatica and a beach day. I'd like to spend a day at Blue Spring or maybe Bok Sanctuary. DH just wants us to drop him off at the nearest fishin' hole.

Anybody have a favorite thing to do when you need a little Disney break? TIA

 

[spiceycat]

sea world, discovery cove

us/ioa

pick your own oranges

 

[ALnRYSmom]

Our non Disney days will consist of UA/IOA and Kennedy Space Center followed by an afternoon at Cocoa Beach. If you go to http://www.orlandoinfo.com there is an entire section with like 200 things to do in Orlando.

hth

 

[aloha_lilo]

Wonderworks and shopping at the Florida Mall

 

[Disney Brat]

We usually go to US/IOA, Florida Mall, some of the outlets, and this time we will be going to Aquatica!! Looking forward to it!!

 

[mousebit]

All great ideas! Thanx everyone!

We will be doing Sea World; did Discovery Cove in 05 and would love to go again, but since DGD is doing Marine Mammal Keeper Experience, it's just not in the budget this trip.

Orange grove will be closed unless anybody knows of one that stays open thru the summer.

Wonderworks looks great but half the family has gone to the one in Pigeon Forge. Maybe we'll leave them home and go for half a day...

I'd really like a couple of days of nice non-theme park days.

Any favorite parks, eco-tours, fishing/picnic areas, etc.?

 

[sumrmist]

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

 

[browntrout]

Juniper Springs just outside of Ocala. It's stunning, great place for picnic, or you can do a canoe trip.

 

[mousebit]

Wekiwa and Juniper Springs both look lovely. I was planning on a day at Blue Spring, but maybe we'll save it til Dec when the manatees are there and try one of these this trip.

Just found out that there is a shuttle launch the week the week we're coming so I'll try to get tickets for it and spend a day at KSC.

Does anybody recommend a nice, casual restaurant in Cocoa Beach on or near the pier - or where we could have a nice sunset view?

I know there are lots of lists of things to do, but was hoping to get some DISers personal reports.

Thanx again everyone!