What to do in Orlando Area?

[Yumi696]

Hi all!

My mom decided spontaneously this morning to extend our stay in Orlando by one more day. We'll be going from CBR to Best Western in DTD on the 27th of June. We'll probably spend our afternoon/evening in DTD, and for the next day...?

She wants to go to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, and I'm looking at that, but other than that, what are some good, local attractions or things to do? Escapology looks like tons of fun but I'm not sure if my parents would be into it.

Any suggestions on shopping and dining? I know there are Disney Outlets where they have discounted Disney merch, and I'm hoping to go there for maybe an hour.

Any must-dos?

We unfortunately cannot go to Universal this year which bums me out but... someday I'll get on the Hogwarts Express!

Thanks in advance!

P.S. We are a party of 5 (parents, me (22), and little brothers (13 & 15).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

There are so many better things to do rather than Ripleys....honest. I would suggest (in no particular order) The Titanic Experience, an airboat ride, Gatorland, Showcase of Citrus, mini golfing at Congo River, or jet skiing (Makaio Watersports is regularly featured on Groupon, and they are awesome) just to name a few alternatives. Or what about taking in the new Orlando Eye, Sea Life Aquarium and Madame Tussauds that's opening on I-Drive in early May? Or a day at the beach?

The Premium Outlets are excellent shopping destinations. There are two to pick from....check out the stores at each and go to whichever has the stores you like best (though some stores are at both malls). If you guys have a good sense of humour, Dicks Last Resort is a good choice for a fun meal (and the food is awesome). Its right by the Premium Outlets on Vineland, so super convenient if that's where you opt to shop.

 

[HopperFan]

I was also going to suggest the Orlando Eye, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds. You can even prepurchase a combo ticket, making a nice day of it. https://www.officialorlandoeye.com/tickets-prices/

 

[Woodview]

I take it that you have a car.

So Here is a very pleasant thing to do " to Wind Down " before going home.

Drive to Hontoon Landing & take " The Blue Heron " River Tour.

www.blueheronrivertours.com Phone 386 873 4843

2317 River Ridge Road , Deland FL 32720

They have 2 ( + ) trips a day It is a Large 100 seater Pontoon River Boat , which moves Slowly.

About 35 miles from Disney area Up North towards Deland

Well worth the Drive

 

[Yumi696]

I was also going to suggest the Orlando Eye, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds. You can even prepurchase a combo ticket, making a nice day of it. https://www.officialorlandoeye.com/tickets-prices/

There are so many better things to do rather than Ripleys....honest. I would suggest (in no particular order) The Titanic Experience, an airboat ride, Gatorland, Showcase of Citrus, mini golfing at Congo River, or jet skiing (Makaio Watersports is regularly featured on Groupon, and they are awesome) just to name a few alternatives. Or what about taking in the new Orlando Eye, Sea Life Aquarium and Madame Tussauds that's opening on I-Drive in early May? Or a day at the beach?

The Premium Outlets are excellent shopping destinations. There are two to pick from....check out the stores at each and go to whichever has the stores you like best (though some stores are at both malls). If you guys have a good sense of humour, Dicks Last Resort is a good choice for a fun meal (and the food is awesome). Its right by the Premium Outlets on Vineland, so super convenient if that's where you opt to shop.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm not sure if my mom is willing to let Ripley's go because she really wanted to go two years ago and didn't get to.

But that combo deal sounds awesome. We can probably make that in combo with Ripley's for the whole day on the 28th and then on the 29th stop by one of the Disney outlets.

Does anyone know if Escapology is any good? Even if my parents don't want to go I think my little brothers and I would have a blast.

 

[Yumi696]

I take it that you have a car.

So Here is a very pleasant thing to do " to Wind Down " before going home.

Drive to Hontoon Landing & take " The Blue Heron " River Tour.

www.blueheronrivertours.com Phone 386 873 4843

2317 River Ridge Road , Deland FL 32720

They have 2 ( + ) trips a day It is a Large 100 seater Pontoon River Boat , which moves Slowly.

About 35 miles from Disney area Up North towards Deland

Well worth the Drive

Yes we do!

Thanks for the suggestion; I'll check it out!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm not sure if my mom is willing to let Ripley's go because she really wanted to go two years ago and didn't get to.

If Mom wants Ripleys, then definitely don't disappoint her! Try to get a buy one, get one free coupon though. We had one last year from the Orlando Entertainment Book. Saved us $10 on each person's admission.....a great savings when you have multiple people.

If you are looking for a preview of Ripley's, click here:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/su...-summertime-sabbatical-at-svr.3303855/page-44

and begin reading at post 869 .

 

[Yumi696]

If Mom wants Ripleys, then definitely don't disappoint her! Try to get a buy one, get one free coupon though. We had one last year from the Orlando Entertainment Book. Saved us $10 on each person's admission.....a great savings when you have multiple people.

If you are looking for a preview of Ripley's, click here:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/su...-summertime-sabbatical-at-svr.3303855/page-44

and begin reading at post 869 .

Thanks for the heads up! We're always looking to save money!

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

The Mall at Millenia is my favorite mall; it's also very close to the I-Drive Premium Outlets so you can feasibly do both in the same day. It's a really gorgeous mall will some great stores, although many of them are on the high end.

i personally find Wonderworks to be more fun than Ripley's. It's a similar concept; maybe your mom can be convinced to try that out, instead. Ripley's is extremely kitschy. I got a free ticket last year and while it was a fun afternoon, it's not really something I'd feel compelled to revisit.

For a nice lunch on I-Drive, I'd recommend Cafe Tu Tu Tango.

 

[Sehsun]

DBF and I did Escapology yesterday for the first time. It was a lot more fun than I expected it to be! I highly recommend it for families. I would set aside about 1.5 hours for the whole experience.

Orlando Tree Trek in Kissimmee is also a lot of fun - and a great workout!

 

[Yumi696]

Maybe my little brothers and I could do Escapology while my parents do something else, if they're not super into the concept. I know my little brothers and I would have tons of fun.

 

[alanmason]

I've done Escapology before and loved the experience. It's unique and worth every penny.

 

[Miumiu4me]

Attractions: Lake Eola (although Thorton Park is rapidly disappearing), Orlando Science Museum, Mount Dora (if you feel like driving 45 minutes), Gatorland

Malls: Millenia. The FLorida Mall is meh. The two outlet malls are good. There's the new art center where Festival Bay once was too.