There are so many more things to see and do in Florida that one holiday is never going to be enough time. Aside from the big theme parks we have spoken about already, I wanted to mention a few other attractions that you must try and see. These are a few of my favorites:
Boggy Creek airboat rides
You cannot go all the way to Florida and not do an airboat ride on the Everglades. I have been to Boggy Creek many many times. Located in Kissimmee it is a 10-15 minutes’ drive away from Walt Disney World area. The airboats have a guide on board who will take you across the everglades looking for gators and wildlife and provide lots of information as they go. We have seen a gator on every ride we have done. The standard ticket is a 30-minute airboat ride which is an open dated ticket so great to go along at a time that suits – you may just need to wait a bit for the next available boat. You can upgrade to a one hour experience and this is a pre-booked time slot for you. There is also an hour nighttime option, though this does not include the Native American experience, where you can learn how tools were made, as well as cooking demonstrations provided during the day. There is also a great value combo ticket that includes a 30-minute airboat ride and a ticket to Gatorland too.
Gatorland
Gatorland is just 15 minutes away from Walt Disney World. It has been open for over 70 years and is home to many alligators and crocodiles, as well as birds, deer, turtles, a bird aviary and even a petting zoo. They have a couple of shows each day, including one where you can watch the gators jump 4-5 feet out of water! You can also upgrade the day to do some rather thrilling activities – Screamin’ Gator Zipline to whizz across the top of the park or Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure to go over hills, puddles and through ponds with gators in. A great attraction to do in half a day. Plus, the ticket is usually open dated, so you can visit any time during your holiday.
Fun Spot
There are 2 Fun Spots – one in Orlando (just off International Drive area) and one in Kissimmee (on 192). Both feature different attractions, for example Orlando is known for having Orlando’s only wooden coaster and the longest, suspended steel roller coaster called Freedom Flyer. Kissimmee is known for its Rockstar Coaster having heavy G-force and Paratrooper, a suspended car lifted forwards and backwards. Both parks have a kid’s zone, and the iconic SkyCoaster. They say this combines skydiving and hang gliding into one – I haven’t been brave enough to do it yet but I love watching others have a go! These parks are usually open until midnight, and with the lights and music, they remind me of the funfairs we have here in the UK. Great atmosphere in the early evening for kids too. You can either pre-buy a wristband which provides unlimited use for one day, to collect on the day of your choice, as well as the park of your choice, or you can buy a pre-loaded gift card to spend on the rides as you go, and this can be used in both parks – the SkyCoaster is always an additional fee.
Wonderworks
This is the ‘upside down’ house that is along International Drive. A quirky, fun place to go, especially in the evenings after a day in a water park perhaps. It has over 100 interactive exhibits such as a glow in the dark rope course, laser tag, earthquake simulators, lie on a bed of nails and a bubble lab (which my youngest would love!!). You can also watch a film in the 4-D XD movie theatre which uses special effects to make the experience seem very real! This is an open dated ticket so that you can go anytime during your holiday. I would say you would need around 3 hours to do most things here – and its open until midnight!
Dinner shows
There are a few dinner shows to see in Orlando – the two I will mention are Pirates and Medieval Times as I have seen these a few times now. There are others such as Outta Control Comedy Magic show and Sleuths, which are meant to be very good so are on my to do list.
Pirates –The show is set aboard an 18th-century Spanish galleon with 40-foot masts. The show features action, romance, music, and breath-taking areal stunts. Watch out though, every night, children, adults, and pirates of all ages have a chance to come onstage and take part in the action. I was called aboard once to help hoist a flag! I was so embarrassed!!! The show has the family singing and clapping along – it is great fun!
Medieval Times – Enjoy a spectacular display of equestrian skills and medieval pageantry as the six brave Knights of the Realm battle it out in a series of challenges such as the flag toss, ring pierce and javelin throw. Wherever you are sat will determine which knight you will cheer on during jousting matches and sword fights. The winner will then win the ‘love of the Queen’ at the end. Everyone gets involved with the cheering and clapping, it is a great family night out.
The date and time will need be selected at time of booking for both shows. With food and non-alcoholic drinks included in the cost of the show, I think it is a great way to have meals pre-paid for, to save coming out of your spending money. Both shows have a pre-show that lasts around 30 minutes and the main show is 90 minutes long.
Clearwater with transportation
Whether you are hiring a car or not, a day to Clearwater beach with transportation included is a lovely day out. Its stress free as you do not have to drive/park and there are many collection points around Orlando/Kissimmee and Disney for you to jump aboard the shuttle. You can then sit back and relax for the drive which takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Once you arrive at Clearwater, you then have the day to do as you wish. The beach itself is beautiful and there is an array of local shops for you to peruse too. There are also a few upgrades available to your day:
- Add lunch – we have done this before; it is a lovely local family restaurant that has a few lunchtimes bites for you to choose from (such as salads/sandwiches/pizzas and pastas). Of course, if you do not upgrade to this, you have the freedom to choose any of the wonderful venues in Clearwater.
- Add an experience such as a dolphin encounter cruise, sea screamer speedboat ride, a pirate cruise or even deep-sea fishing. The good thing is some of the party can book to do one thing and the rest another. We love the dolphin encounter cruise as have seen dolphins riding the waves behind the boat every time.
There are still quite a few things we want to do in Orlando, and a couple on the list I just wanted to mention are:
ICON PARK – The Wheel, Sealife Aquarium & Madame Tussauds
Ok so I have experienced all of these in the UK in London, but I of course need to check out the Orlando ones too so I can compare. The Wheel (same concept as London Eye) gives you a great view of downtown Orlando and you can spot a few of the close theme parks too. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you can even see Cape Canaveral! ICON PARK is in the heart of International Drive. It has a few shops and restaurants making a lovely spot to visit perhaps a few evenings after the parks, or even a lunchtime stroll.
Orlando Magic
I have always thought the idea of going to a real NBA game, with the giant foam hands, eating hot dogs and cheering along to Orlando Magic would be a fun, family night out. We just missed out on the season last time we went, so next time we will ensure we are there when we can catch a game. The venue has bars, restaurants and even some fun kids’ zones so it really will be a great evening for all.
Mucky Ducks
My husband would so love to do this. Here you can drive your own off-road amphibious vehicle in 230 acres of Florida countryside along some amazing trails and spectacular entry points into the lakes. You will no doubt get wet and muddy – just like the name of the attraction suggests!! You pay for a driver and then up to 3 passengers! It sounds like it would be such a giggle!
Swim with Manatees
I do not know anywhere else you can do this. And I am surprised I have not done it yet! I think I have been a little nervous but now my eldest is desperate to do it, so we will definitely go next time. The day comes with round trip transportation, a leisurely boat ride along the Crystal River and the memorable chance to swim with majestic Manatees in their natural environment at Homosassa State Park. It sounds like a once in a lifetime trip and the fact lunch and an airboat ride is also included, we cannot wait to do this soon!
I have only touched on just a few of the wonderful other days out and experiences a holiday to Orlando could include. I hope these have helped give you even more inspiration on how to make the most from your dream holiday!
Where to book:
I would highly recommend booking with AttractionTickets.com for quite a few and important reasons.
1 – They are the UKs number 1 ticket reseller.
2 – They are bound by ABTA which is always good to know, especially when booking hotels and tickets together.
3 – They have won multiple awards in the travel industry such as Travolution Awards and British Travel Awards numerous times. Recently they also won Travolution’s Brand of the Year for 2020.
4 – Founded in 2002 and served well over 4 million customers, with a high repeat business rate that is always reassuring.
5 – Can pay with a deposit to secure your tickets and then pay off your balance online as you wish up until the balance due date – great for spreading out the cost of those tickets!
6 – Real tickets are sent to you. Not vouchers that you will need to queue up and exchange at the park gates on arrival (this can be anywhere up to an hour to do so). Some of these are a downloadable confirmation for you to print and take with you. It will have the gate ready bar code on there at the ready (or reservation number in some cases).
7 – Always cheaper to pre buy in the UK vs single day tickets when in Florida.
8 – The team are very friendly and full of so much knowledge, you will feel rest assured you are booking the right tickets and in safe hands!
Click here for more information - https://www.attractiontickets.com/en?utm_source=TheWalterWays&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=blog
As always, I hope you have found this blog helpful and always shout with any questions you may have 😊
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