Orlando has some truly wonderful things on offer for travellers with every kind of style. Whether you’re into hiking, Harry Potter, or gourmet food, this city will surprise and please you. Many visitors travel to Orlando to experience the wonderful food, accommodations, and pleasures at the three dozen theme parks here, but there’s so much more to this wonderful city than Disney World.
This small city receives over 66 million visitors each year, so we suggest that you book yourself a hotel sooner rather then later to avoid disappointment. This destination boasts some of the most unique and varied accommodations, with numerous IHG hotels near Universal Studios, Disney World, and more. You can even stay at Legoland! Now that you’ve got your accommodation sorted, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in Orlando with five unique experiences that you can’t miss.
Gatorland
Image via Flickr by hyku
Experience some true Orlando wildlife at Gatorland. This theme park and nature preserve combines Old Florida charm with exciting wildlife exhibits and live entertainment. Gatorland opened its gates in 1949, making it the first theme park in Orlando.
You’ll find Gatorland at 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida.
iFly Orlando
Have you ever wanted to throw yourself out of a perfectly good aeroplane, but you aren’t sure if this is the adventure sport for you? iFly allows you to experience the thrills of indoor skydiving with the reduced risks of actual skydiving.
Visit iFly Orlando at 6805 Visitors Circle in Orlando, Florida.
Wekiwa Springs
Image via Flickr by patrick.boyle
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and shopping malls, this is the perfect spot to get away from it all. Located at the headwaters of the Wekiwa River, this oasis offers travellers a glimpse of what Central Florida once looked like when the Timucuan Indians fished and hunted these lands. The area spans over 7,000 acres and offers 13 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This is also a great spot for a family picnic.
Find Wekiwa Springs at 1800 Wekiwa Circle in Apopka, Florida.
Legoland
Everything is awesome when you’re off exploring Legoland. With a secret ninja area and the chance to build the home of your childhood dreams, it’s certainly an experience not to be missed. Legoland is just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks.
Visit Legoland at One Legoland Way in Winter Haven, Florida.
Medieval Times
Dining out in Orlando is never a boring affair, especially when you take your loved ones out or dine solo at Medieval Times. Who doesn’t want to have dinner with their own personal knight in shining armour? Here, you can experience dinner and a show like no other amongst the folks from years past.
So why not go, pack your bags, and be one of the 66 million travellers who experience the truly unique side to Orlando each year? Have you been before? Let us know in the comments below.
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Jeanette
Founder, Principal Blogger & Coffee Drinker
Coffee Lover | Travel Blogger | Horse Rider | Adventure Racer | Donut Dame. Generally nice lady-enjoys wine, indie movies & random dance parties in my tent.
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Haven’t been to Orlando yet, but thanks for this list, so I know what not to miss when I get to visit. Being an adrenaline junkie, I guess I won’t miss the indoor sky diving! Trekking at Wekiwa springs sounds awesome too!
Dining at Medieval Times sounds interesting. Have never been to Orlando but it looks like a fun place to visit. Will keep this place in mind while planning our US trip
It’s been forever since I was last in orlando but even when I was a kid Gatorland was my favorite part of my trip there. It’s bizarre how cute baby alligators can actually be! Medieval Times was also a lot of fun and it remains, without doubt the best dinner and a show I’ve ever seen. Although given I was eight years old at the time, being able to eat with my hands while I watched jousting, it was always going to be a winner!
I’ve wanted to visit Medieval Times ever since I saw the Jim Carrey movie, Cable Guy, I’d definitely order a Pepsi at Medieval Times! I’d probably choose Gatorland as I’ve never visited here before, my 2 year old would love it too, I’d have to keep her fingers away from the fence though. This is a great alternative guide for Orlando!
We were there last summer before outvdisney cruise. I did not realize Lego land was so close! We always travel with the kids and Lego sounds so fun!
Orlando was my first ever holiday back when I was 4 and I vividly remember going to Gatorland but until now had no idea it was named as such! So thank you for that 😀 I love the sound of all of these, especially the Medieval Times which is unlike anything I’ve heard of anywhere else!
The medieval times sounds like fun, I like unique dining experiences. I think there’s something similar here in London, I just haven’t tried it yet as I’m not sure if my husband would agree to go with me. Did you go there yourself? What was the cuisine served?
My dad used to live in Florida so every year we went to Walt Disney World – but this was about 35 years ago so none of this other stuff existed….lol! Thanks for sharing less obvious things to do in Orlando besides the much-visited theme parks. Sixty-six million people is crazy!!
Well I’m sure the National Park and Gatorland where there! Shame that you didn’t get to see these places as a kid.
I love Orlando. I actually go once a year, every year. Mainly for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival but we always check out something new while we’re there — be it another theme park or new restaurant experience. I haven’t been to any of the places you’ve listed though! Now I know. 🙂