Orlando Vacation: Beyond Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
There are so many reasons Orlando is a wonderful city to visit but most tourists think only of finding the best Universal Studios or Walt Disney World vacation packages. Don’t get us wrong – these theme parks are worth the visit and we can’t imagine visiting Orlando without seeing them. That said, if you stick only to the theme parks, you’ll be missing out on a lot of special attractions on your Orlando vacation.
SeaWorld Orlando offers a lot more than many people think
First and foremost, let’s cover the other theme parks to check out on an Orlando vacation. SeaWorld Orlando is a great choice, and is a lot more than many people realize. One-third of this park is the marine zoo that most people associate with SeaWorld. However, another third is a theme park with roller coasters and rides galore, while the final third is a marine animal hospital.
SeaWorld Orlando is up to some exciting new tricks for summer 2017 too. For the first time ever, they’re open for late night hours. There will be music, light shows, fireworks, and a whole lot more. These family-friendly events aren’t happening every night but they promise to be popular.
Believe it or not, there’s still more to talk about regarding SeaWorld! They have their own full-scale waterpark called Aquatica. It’s a great option for the whole family and has something for all ages, from rides to wave pools and much more. Then there’s SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove, a hands-on park with an experience that’s truly unique! Swim with dolphins, feed the animals, and get a behind-the-scenes look at everything SeaWorld has to offer.
Legoland offers a great break from the hustle and bustle of Disney World
A Disney World vacation is a lot of fun but it can become overwhelming with the crowds and the heat. That’s why we recommend that families with younger children take a day off from Universal Studios and Walt Disney Worldand visit Legoland in nearby Winter Haven. Any kid who loves Legos is going to find this park incredible.
It’s a total of 150 acres and has truly interactive activities. There are ten themed zones, 50 rides, shows, shops, restaurants, and even a factory tour that shows guest exactly how Legos are made. We recommend this park for kids from 2 to 12 years old.
Get spooked at the Haunted Grimm House
Are you a fan of haunted houses? Do you like things that say “Boo!” in the night? Then you may want to add Haunted Grimm House to your Orlando vacation plans. Both funny and scary – not to mention creepy – this 4,000 square foot walk-through attraction is open all year round. It includes more than 20 theme themed rooms, four floors, and lots of spooks. We recommend this attraction for older teens and adults.
Will you believe it or not?
For fans of quirky, weird attractions and facts, Ripley’s Odditorium is a must-see. Packed to the gills with strange and unusual finds, you’ll see things that are funny, things that are downright odd – but you won’t see things that are scary. As a result, we’re happy to recommend this attraction for the entire family. It’s easy to find it too – just look for a building that’s sinking into the ground!
Shop ‘til you drop at Orlando’s famous outlet malls
You may think that it’s strange to refer to outlet malls as an attraction, but that’s only because you haven’t seen the Orlando Premium Outlets. Not even a mile from Disney World, these prime outlets feature goods from hundreds of popular brand names. It’s just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. Just be sure to bring an extra suitcase on your Orlando vacation so you can take all your fun finds home.
Enjoy the water in the Orlando area
There are lots of lakes in Orlando, which means there are lots of boating options for you. You can find many watery, awesome destinations both in and around the city. Whether you want to rent a personal watercraft or take out a kayak, whether you want to go on a fishing cruise or simply relax on a pleasure boat, there’s no shortage of boating options here.
Remember too that there are beaches within an hour of Orlando. Rent a car, head to the coast, and take a day to relax in the sand and sun. As you can see, Orlando truly offers everything a visitor could possibly want. We look forward to hosting you on your next trip!