Non-Disney Related Things to Do in Orlando, FL

If you close your eyes and think of Orlando then I bet Mickey and Minnie aren’t too far away.

The whole city is in love with Disney and the world has flocked to Walt Disney World Resort ever since the 60s, making it the most visited recreational park in the world. But what if you’re fed up with Disney? Well here are some things to do in Orlando that don’t involve anything linked to Walt.

1. Seaworld

Sticking with the general recreational themed day out, Seaworld take you on a journey through the oceans and on rides and in front of various spectacular shows, all of which explore to deep. The latest sight to be seen is called Believe. It’s been ten years in the making and is the world’s first human and killer whale performance show.

2. Stuff yourself at the Hard Rock Café

Famous now the world over, the Hard Rock in Orlando is the largest in the whole world. With the all-American menu full of meats, potatoes, corn, coke and ice cream, you’ll end up coming out of the place the size of the whale you’ve just seen.

3. Glow in the dark mini golf.

Head down to the Putting Edge in the Festival Bay Mall for a round or two of glow in the dark mini golf. All the usual favourites are there, assault courses for the ball, various themes such as medieval and the ocean, but there is added bonus of neon glowing borders, pins and greens. It’s open late too so you’ll see it really come alive when the sun sets.

4. A lot of wine tasting.

Down at The Wine Room in Winter Park you’ll find something of a treat for all you wine lovers out there. There are over 150 electronic dispensers that can give visitors a taste of all the wine available to buy. After a few you might find yourself paying for more than you thought you would.

5. The oldest African-American municipality.

Eatonville proudly boasts it’s cultural heritage and in 1887 became the first all black town following the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. It’s about six miles north of the city centre and is well worth a visit to see the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts (The Hurston) particularly.

6. Simulate an earthquake.

If you’ve ever wondered what it must feel like to be in an earthquake then a trip to WonderWorks might be just the ticket. Like everything in the city, it resembles a theme park in style, but the actual content will educate you just as much as entertain. Most of the buildings in the park are upside down and for a real thrill there’s a 5.3 quake experience to make your hair stand on end.

7. Orlando Science Center.

More entertaining science on show here as you can become a food particle amongst other fascinating things to see and do. There are always amazingly inventive exhibitions on, such as a whole town run by children.

Top 5 Orlando Hotels:

• Sky Hotel & Resort – Hotel near Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores – $140
• Hotel Bahama Bay Resort – Hotel in Davenport – $99
• Hotel Comfort Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $70
• Hotel Caribe Royale – Hotel near Disneyworld Resort – $130
• Hotel Parkside Inn & Suites – Hotel in Kissimmee – $28

Photo of  Seaworld aquarium, Orlando, Florida, by Allie Caulfield

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 2 Comments
Tags:  family

About the author

Phil is a freelance writer working on various writing and editing projects ranging from feature film scripts to travel writing. He enjoys writing from experience and sharing information on the many places he has visited over the years