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Places to Visit in Florida besides Disney World

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 16 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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Hi! I am a wahm in Orlando, FL. I have 3 school age children. You can see my daughters in the picture but my son is hiding from the camera. :(


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Florida Fun.....After Disney.

 

Contrary to popular belief, Disney is not the only thing worth coming to Florida for. If you've come to Florida and seen your share of Disney, here are some suggestions for other experiences. Be sure to bring the sunscreen and your walking shoes. I couldn't possibly list every attraction and event in Florida. The list is endless. But read on to find some of my favorites and some that you would never know existed.

Fun things to see and do in Florida. 

  1. Daytona Racing- Daytona has the best stock car racing in the country. If you are a big Nascar fan plan to visit the Daytona International Speedway as well as Daytona USA. It's all just minutes from Daytona Beach.
  2. Theme Parks- I know this lens is titled "Places to Visit in Florida besides Disney World" but there are many more theme parks to visit in Florida. Find my list lower on the page.
  3. Fishing- Florida is made up of 4308 square miles of water. Can you imagine any better place to fish? Visit Florida's largest lake, Lake Okeechobee, for some of the best fresh water fishing. If you are a salt water lover, you can fish from the 663 miles of Florida beaches, rent a boat and take it off shore or find a deep sea fishing charter boat for an adventure.
  4. The Beach- Imagine the sunsets on the west coast or the sunrising in the east. You and a lounge chair, some tunes and a drink in hand. Are you drooling yet? That's not the only thing to do at the beach. Para-sail, surf, fish, volleyball, snorkeling and more can all be done at Florida's beaches. Make sure you clean up after yourself. Keep Florida beaches beautiful. Don't forget your sunscreen. You want to stay beautiful too. Florida sun is a major cause of skin cancer. Be safe!
  5. Florida Springs- In the heat of the summer there is no better feeling than jumping into a Florida Spring. The cold water flow up from the ground continuously making a clean, refreshing swimming hole for all to enjoy. Scuba divers love to explore the spring caves. You will not see many alligators near the springs due to the cold water temperatures. You can snorkel and see many fish though. Many parks with springs also allow camping and make for a great place to picnic. See my list of favorite Florida springs below.
  6. Florida History- Visit one of the many historical museums while you are in Florida. Better yet, take a trip on the east coast to St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city and holds much history. It is located between Jacksonville and Daytona.

Theme Parks 

Here is a list of theme parks in Florida besides Disney. Feel free to vote for your favorite!

Sea World

Sea World is located on International Drive in Orl more...2 points

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is located in Tampa, FL. I have only more...1 point

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

This is the most recent park we have visited. It i more...1 point

Universal Studios

Universal Studios Orlando gets my top pick for the more...0 points

Wet N Wild

Wet N Wild is in Orlando on International Drive. K more...0 points

Aquatica

Aquatica is owned by Sea World. It's a new water p more...0 points

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens was recently made over to be a mor more...0 points

Reader Feedback 

Which is better? Disney World or Universal Studios?

Give a shout out to your favorite theme park!

Disney World or Universal?

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Disney

emma says:

Disney defo
:)

jacq says:

they are both cool,, but i lyk disney

Music-Resource says:

Disney = more stuff to do.

Mike_Stokes says:

My kids prefer Disney.

Universal

Sonia5880 says:

Universal Studios..If your speaking of Universal Studios Islands Adventure (of course best for adults), otherwise, I would pick Disney World.

mulberry says:

Love them both but Universal Studios probably would be my first choice.

beachbum_gabby says:

tough question. I'll go for Universal Studios.

Lauren says:

universal studios! disneys fun if your young or you have kids but universal is great for all ages and i find that after a few times of visiting disney i get board where as i could visit universal everytime and still enjoy it as much as the last time! x

Kerri says:

I dont no its a tough one! Many do believe that Disney is geared towards the younger children however, I'm in my twenties as are my brothers and we love disney! The rides are great fun and they bring the little child inside you alive! I still have my autograph book.

But being realistic, Universal with its addition Islands of Adventure is one of the BEST theme parks you'll ever visit! It brings all your favourite films to life, from ET and Spiderman to Feivel Goes west and the Doctor Seuss films. PURE BRILLIANCE!!

 
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Orlando News 

Check out these links for the latest up to date news stories, events and more.
Channel 9 Orlando News, Central Florida News, Daytona Beach News, Melbourne News, Weather, Traffic, Sports
WFTV provides Orlando/Central Florida local news, weather, breaking news, traffic and sports.
Channel 35 Orlando News
MyFox Orlando is the official web site for Fox 35 News WOFL. Your source for local news, weather, and sports.
Channel 6 Orlando News, Florida Breaking News, Headlines & Orlando Weather - WKMG Local6
Visit Local6.com for breaking news in Orlando, FL from WKMG. Orlando, Florida breaking news, headlines, weather, and sports. The latest local Orlando, Florida news and more from CBS TV's local affiliate in Orlando, Florida, WKMG - Orlando's Channel 6
Channel 2 Orlando News, Daytona Beach, Central Florida News, Weather & Sports - WESH Orlando's Channel 2
Visit WESH.com for breaking news in Orlando, FL from WESH. Orlando breaking news, headlines, weather, and sports. Local news for Orlando, Daytona Beach, Central Florida and more from NBC TV's local affiliate in Orlando, Florida, WESH - Orlando's Channel 2.
Central Florida News 13 - All Local, All The Time
Orlando' s only 24 hour news station.

Hotel & Lodging Reviews from Yelp 

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 32830

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin (Orlando)  
"I stayed at the Dolphin last week for 3 nights. Check in was a breeze. My room was on the 11th floor - all the way to the end of the hallway - it was..." more
Disney Cruise Line (Lake Buena Vista)  
"I'm sorry, but I truly didn't feel like the $8K I paid for my vacation was worth the Disney brand name. Maybe it was because we didn't have any children..." more
Typhoon Lagoon (Orlando)  
"Wow! This wave pool is huge. HUGE!! Be careful, it seriously comes out of no where. Rides are a lil slow.....but great park!" more
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Kissimmee)  
"Very luxurious. Was here for a business conference. The place is huge, has a convention center, several restaurants, shopping, etc. The sushi restaurant is..." more
Disney's Magical Express (Lake Buena Vista)  
"Disney's Magical Express is definitely the way to go! Once you check your bags at the airport you're departing you don't see them again until they're in..." more
powered by Yelp

Off the Beaten Path 

Wow! Even I didn't know that there were so many things to do in Orlando until I started this list, and this is "the short list". Check out all of these neat places to see. And don't DARE go home saying Orlando was boring. :)
Fort Christmas - Christmas, Florida - Museum & Park
Fort Christmas Historical Park features a replica of the 1837 fort and other historic old Florida buildings. Be sure to visit if you are here for Cracker Christmas.
Jay Blanchard Park
Blanchard Park is a huge complex with an 8 mile walking/ biking trail. Fish along the river that runs throughout, play on the playground, start a soccer game or grab a smoothie at the YMCA located on site.
Scott's Maze Adventures
In the mood to get lost on a Saturday or Sunday? Scott's has a 6 acre corn maze, a new 3 acre tree maze among many other activities. It is located in Mount Dora which is a hop, skip and a jump from I-4. If you happen to arrive during corn season (April-June & October-November) you'll be in for a HUGE treat. You MUST have some Sweet Zellwood Corn on the Cob!
Terror In Orlando, Orlando's Newest Haunted House! Featuring Mayhem Manor and the 3D Funhouse
MUAHAHA! In the mood for some spooky thrills and chills? Terror in Orlando is a haunted attraction with 2 spooky houses under 1 roof. It is centrally located in the International Drive tourist district.
The Central Florida Zoo | Sanford, Florida | Zoological Park
Welcome to the Central Florida Zoological Park located in Sanford, Florida just minutes from Orlando and a short drive from all major Central Florida Attractions. Visit the Zoo for unique habitats, animals and educational experiences.
Zora Festival | Zora Neale Hurston Museum | Presented by the Association to Preserve Eatonville, Inc.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts is located in Eatonville. Explore African American culture & folklore. Be sure to attend the Zora Festival if your trip allows!
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, Restaurant located in the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area, Florida
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located inside the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area. Each of our tables is equipped with a griddle and we bring you pitchers of homemade pancake batters and you pour them on and flip them over right at the table. You may order blueberries, banana
Harry P. Leu Gardens
50 acres of southern style gardens. Take a tour or hold your wedding here.
Welcome to Lakeridge Winery
Lakeridge Winery offers complimentary tours and wine tasting seven days a week. Discover the art of winemaking via audiovisual presentation, a guided tour and wine tasting. Purchase your favorite award winning Lakeridge wine and gourmet food items in large retail area and gift shop. Ample free Parki
Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park - Welcome To The One And Only Wallaby Ranch!
The Wallaby Ranch Flight Park is the best place in the world to learn and fly hanggliders. Open 7 days a week since 1991.
SunCruz Casino - Oceans Casino Cruises for Key Largo, Port of Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Myrtle Beach, Little River, South Carolina
Yes! There is gambling in Florida. Well sort of. Take a trip on the SunCruz Casinos cruise ship and gamble all of that extra vacation cash away. Leave the kids with a sitter and bring your Dramamine and a designated driver! Well drinks are on the house while you gamble.

Florida's Ocala National Forest 

What you can do and see.

Our most recent adventure was to the Ocala National Forest. It is a vast area of parks, springs, 4 wheeling trails and yes, trees. We only drove through for a day so please feel free to add places you know.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is our next place to take a weekend t more...0 points

Silver Glen Springs

This area was once known for boating up the St. Jo more...0 points

Alexander Springs

This area is off the beaten path but very accessib more...0 points

Salt Springs Campground, Ocala

Bathing Suits for your Florida Trip. 

Florida is surrounded and covered by water. When you fly into Florida, look out your window. I can almost guarantee that at any given point you will see water in some direction. With all of the water around and the fabulous warm weather, you will definitely need to bring a bathing suit with you.

Classic Monroe Bikini

Amazon Price: (as of 05/20/2008)

Shape fx Slimming square-neck tank suit|

Amazon Price: (as of 05/20/2008)

Zoo York Formation Board Short - Men's

Amazon Price: (as of 05/20/2008)

Florida Beaches 

It's a little cold right now for swimming but some Florida beaches are worth visiting any time of year. This is my opinion on some of the beaches that I have been to in Florida.

Panama City Beach

This beach is breath taking! It is as beautiful, i more...1 point

Clearwater Beach

This beach is absolutely beautiful. Although the p more...0 points

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa is one of our favorites. It's nearly the clo more...0 points

New Smyrna Beach

This is a nice beach if you aren't quite ready for more...0 points

Daytona Beach

Once known as the hot spot for spring breakers, th more...0 points

Siesta Key Beach

Once voted the whitest sand it the world! Siesta K more...0 points

Melbourne Beach, FL

Books About Florida 

Frommer's Florida 2008 (Frommer's Complete)

Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 05/20/2008)

Insiders' Guide to the Florida Keys and Key West, 12th (Insiders' Guide Series)

Amazon Price: $14.02 (as of 05/20/2008)

Florida Atlas & Gazetteer

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 05/20/2008)

PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake! (PassPorter)

Amazon Price: (as of 05/20/2008)

Sebastian Inlet

Songs to relax with on the Florida beaches. 

There's nothing like relaxing in Florida with a drink in hand, listening to these awesome tunes.

Universal Studios Planning  


Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Video (1 of 2)

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Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Video (2 of 2)

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Universal Studios Announces New Roller Coaster 

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Coming Spring 2009

Jet up 17 stories high at 65 mph while listening to the song of your choice on this rider-intense, one of a kind roller coaster. Universal Studios says, "Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit will be a true high-intensity, multi-sensory experience that is unmatched." Besure to read more on this new attraction at Universal Studios and start planning your trip to Florida for 2009.

Save at Disney- In Case You Do Go

If you do decide to hit Disney World while you're here, Click Here for some serious money saving tips.

Disney Garb 

It's not an official Florida vacation until you have a mickey t-shirt.
Personalized Mickey Football Shirt for Boys

Personalized Mickey Football Shirt for Boys

Price: $44.95

Form-fitting yet completely comfortable polyester shirt will have him scoring a touchdown every time! Personalize it, up to 10 characters, including s... more »

Tink Divine Tee

Tink Divine Tee

Price: $11.99

Interactive Z

Mickey Weekend Essentials Tee

Mickey Weekend Essentials Tee

Price: $7.99

The perfect tee for layering or all on its own. Raglan cropped sleeves and flattering scoop neckline. Matte studs. Screen art. 98% cotton/2% spandex.... more »

Princess Tank Top

Princess Tank Top

Price: $5.99

Interactive

Grumpy Tank Top

Grumpy Tank Top

Price: $7.99

Interactive

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