Orlando without Disney

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

We are leaving for Orlanod next week, just DH and I, and I was wondering what else besides the Big 3 is there to do in the area?
One night we are going to Tampa to the casino (has anyone been there?) and then to the Renaissance fair.

Another day we may go on an airboat tour, but gators don't really impress me, especially after living in Florida a good portion of the year last year.

Been to Daytona...
Any other ideas?

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

You might want to do a 3 hour drive to Captiva. Not sure what resort you are at but I like to book a week in OLCC just to relax. There are some wax museums up on I Drive not to far from Universal. also Nice Mini golf on 192.

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

Here is the link to the Orlando/Orange County Visitors Bureau - it is rich with information about things to do, restaurants, etc.

Orlando Travel & Visitors Bureau - Orlando Florida Vacation - OrlandoInfo.com

Also, there is a WONDERFUL state park in Ocala (about an hours drive from Orlando) that has incredible springs that you can swim in - bring a maks and snorkle. You can also canoe through some beautiful topography. This would be a day well spent. We used to camp there when I was younger. It's really impressive. Lots to do.

Enjoy!
HLIW

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

You might want to do a 3 hour drive to Captiva. Not sure what resort you are at but I like to book a week in OLCC just to relax. There are some wax museums up on I Drive not to far from Universal. also Nice Mini golf on 192.

We're staying at the Polynesian Isles...I haven't been there before, but did a visit there last year...looks nice and quiet! I don't know if we want to do a 3 hour drive to Captiva, but you never know..I will look into it and see...it's an option

Here is the link to the Orlando/Orange County Visitors Bureau - it is rich with information about things to do, restaurants, etc.

Orlando Travel & Visitors Bureau - Orlando Florida Vacation - OrlandoInfo.com

Also, there is a WONDERFUL state park in Ocala (about an hours drive from Orlando) that has incredible springs that you can swim in - bring a maks and snorkle. You can also canoe through some beautiful topography. This would be a day well spent. We used to camp there when I was younger. It's really impressive. Lots to do.

Enjoy!
HLIW

This sounds pretty interesting...I will have to check on this!! Thanks.
Hey...did you know there are gators in the water there??? I don't know if either of us would like to swim where there are live alligators...EEK!

Well, I think these will pretty much finish us for the week..Tampa, Ocala and sunbathing by the pool...maybe one more thing...we'll see!

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center

Take a ride on the Bee line to KSC. You can also visit Cocoa Beach.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

We are leaving for Orlanod next week...
Another day we may go on an airboat tour, but gators don't really impress me, especially after living in Florida a good portion of the year last year.

Any other ideas?

We just got back from St. Augustine, about 2 hours from Orlando. Had a great time with the historical sites, I learned a lot, and my history teacher wife learned things too. Ghost tour was fun if you are there at night. Oh, and we went to the gator farm, and were impressed by the gators but we are from Minnesota, and gators and palm trees don't grow here.

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

We're staying at the Polynesian Isles...I haven't been there before, but did a visit there last year...looks nice and quiet! I don't know if we want to do a 3 hour drive to Captiva, but you never know..I will look into it and see...it's an option



This sounds pretty interesting...I will have to check on this!! Thanks.
Hey...did you know there are gators in the water there??? I don't know if either of us would like to swim where there are live alligators...EEK!

Well, I think these will pretty much finish us for the week..Tampa, Ocala and sunbathing by the pool...maybe one more thing...we'll see!

There are no gators in the natural pool that is spring fed. You can see beautiful fish, eels, etc. The canoe trail does in fact have gators....young and stupid I swam it anyway. Probably not recommended. The pool, however, is really neat and safe. ENJOY!

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

Well..that makes a huge difference! I can just see me telling my husband..."let's go swimming...just watch out for the alligators!!

[hliw Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close hliw]

The place I am thinking of is called Juniper Springs in Ocala National Forest.

"Ocala National Forest boasts a variety of small springs, along with campgrounds for outdoor lovers.

Juniper Springs overflows into a winding stream that makes for a fun-filled, 12-mile canoe ride down Juniper Run. The canoes may be rented at Juniper Springs campground. The water is as clear as gin and it's so narrow in spots, you round corners by bouncing the canoe off banks. You may have to lie in the bottom of the canoe at times to get under trees fallen across the stream. The run carries you about seven miles in about six hours, including a lunch stop. Propulsion is easy because the current carries you along at walking speed. A shuttle will collect you for the trip back to your car. More information.

Alexander Springs derive from a big, deep hole that forms a natural swimming pool in the Ocala National Forest southwest of Astor. Swimming in the 72 degree water is refreshing in summer. Canoes can be rented, but there is no shuttle service on Alexander."

Florida's springs: Weekend getaways that are literally cool -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com