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.
What's You'll Find On This Site
- Fun things to see and do in Florida.
- Theme Parks
- Reader Feedback
- Orlando News
- Hotel & Lodging Reviews from Yelp
- Off the Beaten Path
- Florida's Ocala National Forest
- Salt Springs Campground, Ocala
- Bathing Suits for your Florida Trip.
- Florida Beaches
- Melbourne Beach, FL
- Books About Florida
- Sebastian Inlet
- Universal Studios Planning
- Universal Studios Announces New Roller Coaster
- Save at Disney- In Case You Do Go
- Book Your Florida Trip Now!
- Items you will need to take on your Florida trip.
- Orlando Museums
- Orlando Weather
- Orlando Stats
- More Things To Do In Nearby Kissimmee
- Central Florida Malls
- Videos about Florida Travel
- Here are some Florida links to help plan your vacation.
- Kraken at Sea World
- Entertainment In or Near Disney
- Florida Bass Fishing
- New Google Maps
- Add your Florida Favorites
- Find Tickets and Events in Florida
- Florida is Del.icio.us
Fun things to see and do in Florida.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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!
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
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?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byDisney
meli says:
never been no where cept sea world
Posted August 14, 2008
Carla says:
I say that I've never been to either. but i will be going this summer! i think that ill like disney world best.
Posted June 23, 2008
Farah Nemr says:
Disneyyyyyyy.............yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Posted June 14, 2008
Melissa says:
Disney
Posted June 03, 2008
emma says:
Disney defo
:)
Posted May 02, 2008
Universal
sheryl says:
have been to disney about 14 times, Disney is magical, but universal Islands of adventure is were we had the most fun.
Posted June 29, 2008
Kimberly says:
Universal due to the fact that my dad works at disney and i've been going since i was for everytime we were off of school plus feild trips
Posted June 27, 2008
Cheryl says:
Universal all the way....!!
I absolutly love disney but once you have done all the parks once or twice it can get abit boring especially if you havent got kids to enjoy it with, but they are deffinatly worth the trips i just wouldnt advise going to their water parks there cool but not enough rides to go on, wet and wild has so much more and the new Aquatica park looks good fun too!! The best place for Disney purchases is the store in Downtown disney it is the biggest store in the world or so they say!!! You can never get bored with Universal studios or Islands of Adventure, the rides and shows there are more aimed at Adults too!! You must go on the shrek 3d ride and spiderman they are awesome and if your not scared on heights get on the jurrasic park boat ride!! And if your there for halloween season deffinatly get tickets for the night, its such a laugh you will be wetting yourself with laughter and the hulk ride is mad in the dark. Just wish they would bring back the king kong ride!!!
Disney for younger families... Universal for Adults and older families.!!!
Posted May 27, 2008
Sonia5880 says:
Universal Studios..If your speaking of Universal Studios Islands Adventure (of course best for adults), otherwise, I would pick Disney World.
Posted April 15, 2008
mulberry says:
Love them both but Universal Studios probably would be my first choice.
Posted March 29, 2008
Orlando News
- 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
- Epcot (Orlando)
- "Epcot can be done in a day by 2 adults without fastpass if you're efficient and go when it opens until the closing fireworks. Test Track is probably the..." more
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Orlando)
- "To be honest, I stayed here 4 years ago and can't remember all the intricate details of this hotel. I do however remember that it was beautiful and I was..." more
- Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Kissimmee)
- "I love this place! OK imagine, when you walk into the lobby you enter through this amazing round glass door that goes as fast as you do, it has window..." more
- Disney's Magical Express (Lake Buena Vista)
- "WOOT! You know what I said about pomp and ceremony.....this is it personified..or is it objectified??? whatever....DISNEYFIED!!! Get on that thing and not..." more
- Typhoon Lagoon (Orlando)
- "Typhoon Lagoon is an amazing water park! As you enter this tropical oasis, you feel as if you are no longer in Central Florida, once the view opens up you..." more
Off the Beaten Path
- 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.
Shape fx Square-Neck Tank Suit|
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Zoo York Formation Board Short - Men's
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Off Shore UV Protective Short Sleeve Top and Board Shorts
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
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
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 09/07/2008)
Insiders' Guide to the Florida Keys and Key West, 12th (Insiders' Guide Series)
Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 09/07/2008)
Florida Atlas & Gazetteer
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 09/07/2008)
PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008: The Unique Travel Guide, Planner, Organizer, Journal, and Keepsake! (PassPorter)
Amazon Price: (as of 09/07/2008)
Sebastian Inlet
Universal Studios Planning
Universal Studios Announces New Roller Coaster
Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit Coming Spring 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.