Other Fun outside of Theme Parks in the Orlando area!

We love to travel to the Orlando area for the theme parks but some times you just need a break. Theme parks can be crowded and tiring. If you are staying around Disney there are a lot of activities to do on property, we will get into a few of our favourites. We will also give you a few offsite things to do as well. In no particular order:

1. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, there is an outlet Disney Store, and tons of other great stores. There are actually a couple of outlets near and we like visiting them if we have time, there are few different stores at each. The one up a bit further closer to Universal has a Victoria Secret outlet. The one closer to Disney Springs has a Super Dry outlet.
2. Disney Springs is a really fun place to spend some time.
   • Food, there are so many options here in all price ranges as well as some awesome snacks.
     • Snack: The cookies form Gideon’s Bakehouse, the donuts from Everglaze and the ice cream from Salt and Straw.
   • There is a movie theatre, bowling alley, Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney show, Vintage Amphicar, and the Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight. (be sure to check availability and price)
   • The Coca-Cola Store Orlando is a neat place to visit, if you head to the top floor you will find a bar with some really cool drinks with a great view. I highly recommend trying the Around the World tray, you will get to experience beverages from all over the world. (Epcot has a few of the same but here there is more of a variety)

1. Monorail Ride if you have never taken a ride on the Monorail, take the Epcot loop around from the Transportation and Ticketing C\entre (TTC). If you aren’t staying on property, park at Disney Springs (free) and hop on a bus over to the TTC. You can get a peak inside Epcot. Or take the Resort loop around and hop off at the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort or Grand Floridian Resort and explore the resorts.
2. Fireworks Viewing for Magic Kingdom or Epcot area resorts. This could very easily be paired with a Monorail ride or a stroll at the Boardwalk.
3. The Electrical Water Pageant is a nighttime water parade takes place on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. You can view it from several resorts like the Polynesian Village Resort or the Contemporary Resort. Which could be fun to add to your Monorail ride.
4. Skyliner ride to explore the Resorts attached. The Skyliner has been a fun addition to Disney transportation. We love to resort hop and explore as well as find cool places to take pictures.
5. Universal City Walk has some fun unique things to explore. Avoid the parking fee and head over after 6pm.
   • Hard Rock- since I was little my dad traveled a lot for work and would always bring back something small for my sister and I. A lot of times he would bring back a pin from Hard Rock. So I have passed the tradition on to my kids and we love to go if the city we are visiting has one.
   • There are also a ton of restaurants and shopping. Try a Voodoo Donut!
   • Take an iconic photo by the Universal World Globe
   • Universal’s Great Movie Escape is the first-ever escape room experience inspired by Jurassic World and Back to the Future. Try one of the two great adventures.

1. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards just a short 30 minute drive from Universal and about 40 minutes from Disney Springs. Daily Complimentary Winery Tours & Tasting are offered every 30 minutes that will take about 45 minutes. Learn about Florida’s wine and try a few.
2. Kennedy Space Center about an hour drive from the Disney Springs area. I recommend downloading their app to make things easy. There is so much to explore you could spend a couple days trying to explore it all.
3. Lake Louisa State Park is only about 30 minutes from Disney Springs, but could be closer if you are staying closer to the western side of Disney. This park is a nice get away from everything. Try out a hiking trail, bike trail, or kayak. Equipment rental is available for an hourly or daily rate.
4. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf or Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf each 18 holes of miniature golf to have a little fun. My kids love miniature golf and these courses have very fun themes.
5. Orlando Magic Basketball Game if the NBA is in season going to an NBA game can be a bucket list thing for some people. We went to a game a few years ago and had a lot of fun.
6. World’s Largest McDonalds and try something unique, yes they have items only sold here! Let the kids play at the play place! It may sound silly but there are all kinds of “World’s Largest” places all over the US and some are just fun to say, “Oh yeah I have been there!”