Most visitors come to Orlando to enjoy the major, world-class
theme parks that you've probably already heard of, but the Orlando Florida area offers vacationers a myriad
of other attractions as well.
Haven't found your Orlando lodging? Check out our selection of quality Orlando Hotels for the perfect accommodations for your vacation.
Discovery Cove - If you're looking to get away from the crowds at Orlando's theme parks, take a day and relax at Discovery Cove, a lush tropical hideaway. To ensure a relaxing experience, attendance at Discovery Cove is limited to 1,000 guests per day (advance reservations required). Take a reserved swim with a bottlenose dolphin, snorkel among exotic fish and rays, explore coral reefs and grottos and enjoy free-flight aviaries where you can touch and feed tropical birds.
Gatorland - Open since 1949 and known as the "Alligator Capital of The World", Gatorland is a 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve. Visitors will enjoy a display of huge alligators and crocodiles, train rides, a bird sanctuary, a petting zoo and exciting shows including Gator Jumparoo and Gator Wrestlin'.
Silver Springs - Located 90 miles north of Orlando, Silver Springs is a 350 acre nature theme park at the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River, the largest artesian spring formation in the world. Silver Springs is home for world famous glass bottom boats where you'll have an unparalleled view of underwater life in the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River. Visitors will also discover river cruises, jungle jeep safaris, live shows, wildlife exhibits and botanical gardens.
Titanic ~ The Experience - The only permanent exhibit on the ill-fated liner, Titanic ~ The Experience is a live interactive tour with over 200 artifacts and historic treasures. Stand at the bottom of the grand staircase and hear tales interpreted by costumed storytellers.
Sky Venture - If you're looking for a truly unique experience, try indoor skydiving at Sky Venture in Orlando. Sky Venture is a state-of-the-art skydiving simulator. Your flight takes place in a vertical wind tunnel with 5 fans on the top that draw the air upward. Pull on your jump suit, goggles, and helmet for an exhilarating skydiving adventure!
The Holy Land Experience - Not your typical Orlando attraction, The Holy Land Experience is a "living biblical museum that takes you back in time to the land of the Bible. Enter the walled city of Jerusalem and discover replicas of the Garden Tomb, the Qumran Dead Sea Caves, the Temple on the Mount and much more. Dramatic presentations are staged throughout the day.
Kennedy Space Center - Just 45 minutes from Orlando, potential astronauts and their families will discover NASA's launch headquarters, the Kennedy Space Center, where you can tour launch areas and see giant rockets, train in a space flight simulator, meet an astronaut and maybe even view a launch.
Orlando Science Center - The main focus is on providing an exciting hands-on experience and educating kids, but adults will also enjoy a visit to the Orlando Science Center. The center has interesting and exciting exhibits that show how science interacts with our daily lives. Take a journey through the circulatory system from the point of view of a red blood cell in BodyZone 3-D. Play scientist and conduct experiments in Dr. Dare’s Laboratory. Explore the dream of flight with flight simulators and interactive displays in Touch the Sky. Visitors will discover numerous other exhibits including Wired Science, Cosmic Tourist, TechWorks, ShowBiz Science, NatureWorks, BodyZone and much more.
WonderWorks - An "amusement park for the mind" with over 100 interactive exhibits, WonderWorks is Central Florida’s only upside down attraction (due to a run in with a tornado or so the story goes). You will maneuver the controls to land the space shuttle, feel what a 5.3 earthquake actually feels like in the Earthquake simulator, design and ride your own virtual roller coaster, pilot F14 and F18 fighter jets, play fast-paced lazer tag, visit a state-of-the-art arcade and much more. Don't miss the Outta Control Magic Show!
Green Meadows Petting Farm - Kids young and old will enjoy interacting with more than 300 farm animals amidst the quiet country setting at Green Meadows. Small groups take a 2 hour guided tour where they learn first-hand about pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, and more. Visitors can milk a cow, take a train ride or hop on for a tractor drawn hay ride. Pony rides available for the little ones.
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides - Glide across the water and enjoy the beautiful Central Florida Everglades at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides in nearby Kissimmee, Florida. You'll see native wildlife including eagles, osprey, snakes and maybe an alligator. Experience the breathtaking power of an airboat ride at speeds up to 45 mph.
Buena Vista Watersports - With a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Bryan, in the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando, Buena Vista Watersports offers personal watercraft rentals, water skiing, wake boarding and tube rides. Less active family members can relax on the warm, sandy beach.
Orange Blossom Balloons - A visit to Orange Blossom Balloons, in Lake Buena Vista, begins with pre-flight preparations at 6 am. Once in the air you'll float gracefully over the Orlando attractions area for an hour. The spectacular views make the experience well worth getting out of bed so early. After the flight you will celebrate with the traditional Champagne toast and then head back for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
Fun Spot Action Park - For an extreme go-karting adventure, visit Orlando's Fun Spot Action Park and take on 4 challenging and unique tracks including the world famous Quad Helix (4 corkscrews, multiple levels and a thrilling 25 degree banked descending curve). For the less adventurous, Fun Spot offers 6 family/thrill rides: bumper cars, bumper boats, a ferris wheel, the Paratrooper, the Scrambler, and the Cadet Track. The Kid Spot provides smaller children (7 and under) with their own mini adventures.
Orlando Theme Parks
If you are looking for something special and unique to do when in Orlando, make sure to get Blue Man Group tickets. This show will have you out of your chair as you experience a performance unlike any other. Tickets sell out in advance so make arrangements as early as possible. |
