Here you'll find excellent FREE info about the other exciting non-Disney / non-Universal attractions and things to do that you probably never knew existed!
At the moment, these are the best sites for discounted theme park tix's. Make a spreadsheet and compare them:
https://www.getawaytoday.com/tickets/walt-disney-world-resort
https://www.mousesavers.com/walt-disney-world-vacation-discounts-and-deals/disney-world-ticket-pass-discounts/
https://knowbeforeugo.com/
For the parks/attractions below, just click on the name and you'll magically be transported right to their website!
And if you have questions or need information about anything else Orlando or Florida for that matter, all you have to do is ask. We are the Florida Guru's!
Have fun planning!
Gatorland:
One of Gatorland's most popular residents is "Chester." At 950 pounds and 13 feet long what do you think he eats?
Answer: Anything he wants! There is much to do here. The kids and the adults will love this place. Be sure you are there for feeding time as you watch these beautiful prehistoric animals show you how they've survived for millions of years. At first, our granddaughter had a frozen look on her face - and then a gentle smile. Worth a million bucks.
Congo River Miniature Golf:
Here's where dad's golf game means absolutely nothing and the children have a great chance of "putting a whipping" on dad. The scenery, design and lay of the land is great fun. There are courses close by in Kissimmee, and in Orlando too.
Golf Courses:
This is the only website you will need to find the perfect golf course (or courses!) ANYWHERE in Florida! Just plug in the zip code in for the town you wish, and you'll have an all-inclusive list of every golf course in the area along with all the details! Remember above all
"It Don't Mean A Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing!"
Beaches
Florida and beaches go together like warm milk and cookies! Some of the highest rated beaches in the world can be found here. Being in the middle of the state, we have equal access to both the wonderful blue-water Atlantic Ocean, and the warm serene turquoise waters of the gulf coast.
This website will tell you everything you need to know:
Florida Beaches at BeachHunter.net
Snorkeling And Scuba Diving
Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world can be found in Florida. if you're an enthusiast then this is not to be missed. It may be a separate, entire vacation in of itself!
The Holy Land Experience:
We've had some folks say that it was as close to going back 2,000 years as you will get unless you have a time machine, and that it was humbling and spiritual. Others have said they were somewhat disappointed (maybe they were looking for "Noah's Ark Roller Coaster" ?) Our advice is to go and tell us what you think. If nothing else, it will give the kids a "story book" biblical experience they can relate to and understand.
Discovery Cove
This is a MUST for children, but make no mistake - it's not cheap. The rewards however of the interaction of your child with these magnificent creations will be a lifetime memory for them, and for you as well. Your MUST make reservations WAY IN ADVANCE.
Hot Air Balloon Rides:
Ok, I'll be the first to admit you will never see me in one of these things. Heights are just not my thing, especially hanging out of a basket. But the views, peacefulness, colors of the balloons and ride are unsurpassed (I am told). A once in a lifetime experience for those with the stomach for it!
Jet Skiing At Clearwater Beach:
You cannot find a more exciting, excellent way to spend a sunny day than jet skiing! And to do it at Clearwater Beach on the warm gulf waters - well, all I can say is you will never forget it! Be sure to bring the sunscreen!!
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides:
We have done this several times now with the grand kids and friends because it's that good. They will take you on a large air-boat that uses giant fans to propel the boat through Boggy Creek. The wildlife you will see is amazing - eagles, sand cranes, birds of every type and - gators in their natural habitat. The captain will give you lots of wonderful details about what you are seeing. About a 25 minute ride to get there. Excellent fun. You will get slightly wet if you sit in the front of the boat. Have the children volunteer to sit up top with the captain!
Busch Gardens:
It's in Tampa (about 40 minute ride) and in my opinion, the "king" for roller coaster rides if that's your thing (CLEARLY not mine). Lots of other great rides too. Worth the trip. You can do it all in a day for sure.
Adventure Island:
It's a water park also in Tampa, with loads of water slides and other water rides. Excellent fun. Some of the steepest slides you will find anywhere. Allow about 45 minutes for the ride there.
Lowry Park Zoo:
What a great place for the kids and adults. We'e been there several times now. It's not the Bronx Zoo or the San Diego Zoo, but it has warmth, personality, is fun to traverse and great photo opportunities as well. From Tigers to Giraffes - you won't go wrong here. Combine it with Bush Gardens or Adventure Island for a full day in Tampa!
The Florida Everglades
There's nothing like it. It's a nature lovers dream. Here you will find nature and life in its natural habitat and more of it than you could ever imagine.
Pirates Adventure Dinner Theater:
A MUST for the Jack Sparrow and Pirate fans. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from our families who have gone. Lots of swashbuckling action right from the start.
Medieval Times Dinner Theater:
This one is excellent as well. Lenore was picked from the audience to be "The Queen" but refused. And if you refuse the king, you could be subjected to beheading (no such luck!) JUST KIDDING LENORE!! Food is good but it's the show you are coming for, and it's very entertaining. Do it.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not!:
Careful with this one if you have little ones. Some of the "oddities" may scare them because they are real and not made up. Very, very interesting and fun for adults. We've done it a few times.
Kennedy Space Center:
It's difficult for children to fathom the complexities and understand how all this happens, but just to see these vehicles and look inside is truly amazing, especially for adults. More like a museum. I loved it. If you have a "museum" mentality and love learning, this is for you and the family.
Check it out (Click)
The Daytona 500
We're just an hour and a half or so away from the famous Daytona 500!
Deep Sea Fishing On The Atlantic Ocean
This is the only way to do it! Get out on the Atlantic and let the staff assist you if you need help. Or go solo and let the fun begin!
You can even catch a great tan in the process! Snook, Tarpon, Jackfish - you name it and you'll catch it - or perhaps something even more exciting!
St Augustine, FL
The oldest city in Florida! Visit Ponce DeLeon's Fountain Of Youth, all the shops, great restaurants and more. Not to be missed!
Victory Cruise Ship Gambling:
Adults only - try to find a babysitter because children are not allowed on board. Vegas type gambling on a huge luxury liner. It leaves port twice a day from Port Canaveral (about an hour ride to get there). The cruises are in the morning and in the evening daily, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The ship travels the Atlantic for about 4 hours and then comes back to port. You can also buy a large food buffet. They even have live entertainment on every cruise, and all FREE! Sit out on the deck and work on your tan if you prefer. Lots and lots of fun.
Wonder Works:
No personal experience here. Others have loved it and said the kids had a ball.Worth a try.
Want a nice change of pace from the hectic theme park schedule?
Try these links to some of Florida’s most beautiful Nature Trails and State Parks and work in a few beautiful and relaxing day-trips:
Lake Kissimmee State Park:
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
More nature trails, parks:
Osceola Parks and Recreation Dept. Nature Trails
Parks, Preserves and Hiking Trails
Texas De Brazil Restaurant:
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Orlando. It’s a grand churrascaria
that consists of a salad bar (very poor choice of words) I cannot even begin to describe, with cheese wheels, every conceivable veggie from asparagus and hearts of palm to artichoke hearts and roasted pepper, lobster bisque soup, shrimp - you name it. Then come the Brazilian waiters all dressed up with giant skewers of steaks of every kind loaded on their shoulders like gauntlets. Chicken, filet mignon, sirloins, pork - it just keeps coming until you say "uncle"! A truly amazing place. Call way ahead for reservations and prices. It's in Orlando, about a 25 minute ride. Don't miss this.
Sky Diving (Indoors!)
Ever thought of SKY DIVING? I haven’t, not in my wildest dreams. But here, at SkyVenture everyone from 3 years old to the grandparents can experience the same feelings and thrills that sky divers have! You will experience winds of more than 125 mph and work with real instructors! Don’t even think about asking me to come along (jumping off a curb is as high as I go) but for those with the desire, it’s a lifetime thrill! I have rave reviews from our families on this one.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
These are without question some of the most beautiful gardens you will ever see. The experience is like a walk during the 1800’s through gardens of exotic flowers. It contains the largest rose garden in the state of Florida and more than 3 acres of “idea gardens” you can take home with you.
Want another nice change of pace from the hectic theme park schedule?
Try a day of horseback and trail rides for a day at one of these wonderful stables. We have heard rave reviews from several families! What a great way to spend a day with the family, and what child doesn’t love horses!
LEGOLAND, Winter Haven
Kids absolutely LOVE LegoLand and it's received rave reviews. LegoLand however, is not in Orlando. It's actually located in Winter Haven which is about a 40 minute ride or so.
SeaWorld, Orlando
Rides, attraction animal encounters, the new "Ice Breaker" ride, The Manta roller coaster, Sesame Street Land, Infinity Falls, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica are just a few of the reasons why you need to take everyone to Sea World!
Dry Tortugas
Juan Ponce de Leon first stumbled upon this stretch of islands in 1513, back when they were nothing more than clusters of coral inhabited by sea turtles. Upon his discovery, de Leon named the islands “Las Tortugas” (meaning “the turtles”)
Bok Towers
Possibly the most beautiful carillon in the world, set atop Iron Mountain in Florida.
The Museum Of Science and Industry
Explore the mysteries of science, astronomy and much more! Check out the planetarium!
Manatee Springs
Where manatees are the snowbird vacationers in these balmy Florida springs.
Twenty More Great Things To Do Other Than Theme Parks
https://www.getawaytoday.com/tickets/walt-disney-world-resort
https://www.mousesavers.com/walt-disney-world-vacation-discounts-and-deals/disney-world-ticket-pass-discounts/
https://knowbeforeugo.com/
Note:
1. For clarification purposes, Amazing Disney Homes, LLC is not affiliated with or part of Disney, Disney World or any of their subsidiaries, affiliates, or any other attractions or theme parks. We are a separate, wholly owned, 5-star property management/rental company operating within the Disney World and attractions area of Kissimmee / Orlando Florida for over 20 years offering high-end vacation rental homes at substantially discounted rates. Our homes are very close to the Disney World theme parks, the Orlando theme parks, and the other surrounding attractions.
2. The information on this website is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee by the author or by Amazing Disney Homes, LLC. The author and Amazing Disney Homes, LLC disclaim any liability in connection with the use of any of the information on this or any other website(s). Thank you!