What to do outside the park (on a budget)

[jkjjhuddle]

We were just at Disney last Januaray and were not planning another trip for a while, however, my son has a Tae Kwon Do Tourney in Orlando towards the end of January. My MIL has kindly booked the presidential suite at BC for everyone to go.

We were not planning a Disney trip at this time and money has been alloted for other things we need to do. We do however have two days left on some non expire tickets we have had and we plan to go to the parks for two days.

What are some other things in the area that would be fun to do and be budget friendly.

It will be me, DH, DS (11) and DS (7)

 

[Orlando Vic]

Orlando Science Center
http://www.osc.org

Wekiwa Springs State park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm
http://www.canoewekiva.com

Blue Spring State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

Winter park Scenic Boat Tour
http://www.scenicboattours.com

THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
http://www.morsemuseum.org/home.htm

Leu Gardens in Orlando
www.leugardens.org

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
www.bcairboats.com

At the end of January (assuming cool/cold weather) I would recommend seeing some Manatee at Blue Springs State Park. That would be my top recommendation based on cost and interest value.

 

[kathy884]

Gatorland would be alot of fun for you. It was a big hit with our kids when they were your children's ages. They are teens now and still enjoy it. Think more old time Florida attraction vs. world class theme park. But it makes for a great day. DH even had me add a day to a mini Orlando trip we're taking so that we could fit this in. He's not too much of a theme park guy, but really likes this place. He likes it that alligators are native to the area, so thinks this park makes all kind of sense here. This is more of a 1/2 attraction -- so we usually sleep late, hit the park for a few hours in the afternoon, and have the evening to swim at our resort or go to a show.

http://205.178.158.118/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=16

 

[snowy76]

Mousesavers has a great list of things onsite that are cheap or free:

http://www.mousesavers.com/freestuff.html

 

[iloveokw]

If weather permits enjoy the pool. Explore Downtown Disney....love Earle of Sandwich....line moves quickly...very affordable.

 

[jkjjhuddle]

Thanks for the tips! I had heard these before, but could not find them when I needed it.

As much as I love Disney, I am looking forward to a week that we will not be in the parks everyday. We typically go and spend every day in the park because of limits on time. I think spending just the two days this year will be perfect!

 

[pocohontas2004]

If you will have a car at your disposal, I vote for a trip to Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees. There is a small state park entrance fee and you'll have a couple hours (no more) of entertainment watching those manatees swim around. It sure is inexpensive and you can bring a picnic lunch since it's at a state park. There are restrooms and a small coffee shop.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Orlando Science Center
http://www.osc.org

Wekiwa Springs State park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm
http://www.canoewekiva.com

Blue Spring State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

Winter park Scenic Boat Tour
http://www.scenicboattours.com

THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
http://www.morsemuseum.org/home.htm

Leu Gardens in Orlando
www.leugardens.org

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
www.bcairboats.com

At the end of January (assuming cool/cold weather) I would recommend seeing some Manatee at Blue Springs State Park. That would be my top recommendation based on cost and interest value.

I see that Blue Springs Park has cabins that can be rented. Has anyone ever stayed there and if so what were they like?