What would you recommend that we do in the area besides Disney?

[mccachern]

We are spending two weeks in Orlando. We thought we would spend six days at Disney (2 in MK, 2 in Epcot, 1 in AK, and 1 in MGM). The question is what would you recommend that we do with the rest of our time? We thought that possibly going to more amusement parks (Universal, Bush Gardens, Sea World, etc) might be too much. Would it? We thought of possibly going to Kennedy Space Center. We went to Hawaii and loved snorkeling. We wondered if there was anything similar within driving distance. What would you recommend that we do with our non-Disney time? I'm open to suggestions.

 

[1canadian]

Will you have kids with you? How old?
I'm taking my 12 year old daughter to Orlando for 2 weeks in July. We are doing Islands of Adventure/Universal - 3 days, we have a 7 day park hopper plus for WDW - we'll use at least 5 days and use 2 plus options - Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon. Our favorite Disney Park is MGM, Epcot is our least favorite. For the first time we will be going to SeaWorld and Busch Gardens - have a 14 day consecutive pass (about the same cost as a 3 day pass). I have heard SeaWorld/Busch Gardens is good for all ages and is quieter than WDW. Not so many rides, slower pace. This will also be our first trip to IoA, we did spend one day at Universal and absolutely loved it. We will be doing something everyday. Its very tiring but, if your there you might as well make the best of it.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

In 1996 my husband and I took our 4 yr old son to Disney, Universal and Sea World. We are returning this year when he'll be 9. Because we are adding Kennedy Space Center to our trip this year, we told our son he has a choice of Universal or Sea World. He chose Sea World.

 

[N.Bailey]

You might check into Discovery Cove. They have snorkeling available. You will also have a chance to swim with a dolphin for about a half hour. It is very expensive. $200.00 per person to swim with a dolphin and spend the entire day exploring Discovery Cove, or you can pay $100.00 per person without the dolphin swim. This price includes lunch and 7 day admission to Sea World.

Other things you could do while in Orlando are visit Ripley's Believe it or Not, Guinness World Records, Cypress Gardens, Splendid China, Titanic - Ship of Dreams, The Orlando Science Center or try a water park. Wet` n Wild, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or River Country, or maybe visit Disney Quest. You could also visit one of the beaches in Central Florida?

Have fun, there is so much to do and NOWHERE near enough time!

 

[mccachern]

Thanks for your help. We have a 7 year old son. I guess I'm just overwhelmed trying to decide what to pick with so many options available.

 

[sarabi]

Discovery Cove (for snorkeling), mini-golf, real golf, shopping, Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Pleasure Island, Boardwalk, resort hopping for dinner and dinner shows (maybe even animal spotting and storytelling), Holy Land Experience, Disney Quest, Cypress Gardens, Silver Springs, City Walk, Wonder Works, Ripley's, etc.

 

[mar3990]

I would like to add - lay around the pool and enjoy the hotel. We have stayed at HIFS the last two visits and my kids enjoy the great pool there, the karaoke and bingo and just ordering pizza in the room. I think we are so busy at home that sometimes doing nothing is more fun than running around every day.

 

[SimonV]

Airboat rides are pretty cool (www.bcairboats.com) and Gatorland is fun for a park alternative. Up in Seminole County, you can go canoeing on Wekiva River, and visit Silver Springs, further north (about 90-100 minutes drive). Fantasy of Flight (www.fantasyofflight.com) to the south (just off I4 in Polk County) is another good alternative to the theme parks, but, if you're not visiting either Seaworld or Busch Gardens, you are really missing a treat, IMHO. For a taste of real Florida nature, Forever Florida in St Cloud (www.foreverflorida.com) is a must.

simon.veness@virgin.net

 

[Poohmom]

I would add Sea World to your list for sure.

We've been to WDW twice in the last two years. Last time we added Sea World and loved it as much as WDW. It isn't as fast paced (which is a nice change), but offers alot. Our kids (ages, 7, 5 and 2) wanted to go back and we spent 1 1/2 days there (2nd day is free)! It's so beautiful and the shows are wonderful.

Have fun!

 

[mccachern]

Wow! You guys are great! Keep the ideas coming. Right now I'm thinking about adding a day at Discovery Cove and several short days at Sea World (since DC comes with a 7 day SW pass). We are going to have the best vacation ever.

 

[erinch]

Pirate's Cove adventure golf is a tradition in our family.

Within an hour you can be to either coast and let your son play in "real" waves and taste salty water.

If he likes space then the Kennedy space center would be a must.

We had a blast one afternoon driving to Winter park and going on the Scenic Boat Tour:
Description from mapquest: Scenic Boat Tour
Photo opportunities abound on this serene cruise.

Shallow-draft boats convey passengers on a scenic journey through Lakes Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland. The hour-long tours will take you past Rollins College, a collection of mansions and formal gardens, and by the backyard of Albin Polasek's sculpture museum. Be sure to bring your camera or you'll be kicking yourself later.

you can read more at mapquest about it here:
http://mapquest.digitalcity.com/orlando/visitorsguide/venue.dci?vid=98766

 

[N.Bailey]

One thing you might keep in mind if you decide to swim with the dolphins, there is no photographic equipment allowed in the water when your in with them. So if everyone is in the water, you will be stuck buying all your pictures from the photographer which and don't quote this, but I believe to be around 17.50 each. I've read people buying 2 for $35.00, that's the only place I get those figures from. I've decided that my husband and 2 children will swim and I'll just videotape everything and grab a few photo's, and of course I will probably end up buying several from the photographer too. The dolphin swim really adds a lot of excitement to our trip. I hope it does yours too!