You’ve been to Orlando, visited all the theme parks, and now are looking for something new, something creative to do. Is there anything to do besides “THE” big theme parks in Orlando? Yes! There is! Perhaps you just want to plan a vacation to Orlando without crowds, rides, and long lines. Or maybe you want to visit some of the other popular visitor attractions in the area. Sometimes, the family needs a break from the theme parks and want something different. That’s okay. This article will cover five things you can do in or near Orlando that don’t involve going to one of the big theme parks.
So many things to do in Orlando, so hard to choose. This article will give you a few options that may stray from the normal places you think of when you think of Orlando. It will also give you a little background and details on each place so that you can plan your trip there.
1. Madame Tussauds
2. Harry P Leu Gardens
3. International Drive
4. ICON Park
5. Kennedy Space Center
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is at 8387 International Drive, Orlando. It is a vast collection of wax figures set up with current characters and themes from modern culture. You can take your picture with Jackie Chan to Justin Bieber, or even visit the Justice League: A Call For Heroes display. Labeled as the “world’s greatest wax museum” it gives you many “photo ops” with famous people and characters. Lift a helicopter with Superman, slam dunk with Shaq, kick butt with Kung Fu Panda, Po. The museum offers discounted rates for military, groups, and school field groups. Besides the Justice League zone, they have the History & Leaders, Sports, Music Stars, Sports, TV Stars, Movie & Film Stars, and A-List Party. Madame Tussauds Museum is fully handicap accessible.
Harry P Leu Gardens
Harry P Leu Gardens are located at 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando. It is a 50-acre garden deeded in 1961 by Mr. Harry Leu and his wife to the City of Orlando. He created the garden during his travels in the 1930s where he gathered seeds and plants from all over. Palms, cycads, and flowering trees may be blooming, or then azaleas, bromeliads, and tropical philodendrons. The plants are planned to constantly have something in season blooming in the park. The Leu House Museum is a 19th-century restored house on the National Register of Historic Places and was also donated in 1961. There is a permanent art exhibit by Frank Farmer, and currently also exhibits by Bill Rollo, John Catterall, and Chrissie Mervine, as well as many commissioned sculptures throughout the gardens. Special rates for groups and school groups are available. The gardens and museum are fully handicap accessible.
International Drive
International Drive is located at 9150 International Drive, Orlando. International Drive is titled Orlando’s Most Dynamic Destination. Located between some of the most popular theme parks and attractions in Orlando, it is easily accessible to the larger parks. Shopping includes high-end stores to budget-friendly discount stores. Dining also varies between fast-food joints to fine dining and gourmet eats. There are dinner shows and nightlife and dance clubs, Or you could relax in one of the spas and get a massage to relax between parks. There is a handicap-accessible I-RIDE trolley that runs daily as well. Places to stay, places to eat, places to be entertained, International Drive is truly the place to go!
ICON Park
ICON Park is located is at 8375 International Drive, Orlando, and is home to the highest observation wheel, not only in Florida but on the East Coast. At 400 feet, these air-conditioned cars show a 360-degree view of the city. It has over 50 attractions, shops, and restaurants and has entertainment day and night. There are attraction discount packages available to the aforementioned Madame Tussauds, SeaLife Orlando Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, Max Action Arena, 7D Dark Ride Adventure, The Pearl Express, and In the Game. You can stay at any of the many places to stay located nearby. There are deals for holidays, military and first responders, Florida residents, teachers, and groups.
Kennedy Space Center
Probably you’ve heard of where they launch the rockets from Cape Canaveral, but did you know you can visit there, too? Located at Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL, not far from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center is full of exhibits and activities for you to see and enjoy. There is the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, showing off the shuttle and all sorts of details about it and its missions. The Vehicle Assembly Building is one of the world’s largest buildings and is sure to impress with its sheer size and enormity. There is the massive Rocket Garden to view or take a bus tour of the grounds. See Heroes and Legends or learn about the Race to the Moon, then, learn about NASA missions here and next. Arrange to have lunch with an astronaut (for an extra charge) and plan your next mission. Ride in a shuttle simulator, and gaze upon the suits and equipment used in the rockets. There is dining at the Orbit Cafe, Space Bowl Bistro, Imax Snax, Moon Rock Cafe, and Red Rock Grill. Special rates and programs are available for groups and scouts. The center is handicap accessible and scooters, wheelchairs, and strollers are available to rent at guest services. You can also find out when you can schedule to see an actual, live space launch.
Conclusion
Whether it is the bizarre, the beautiful, or the majestic you wish to see, you can find it in or around Orlando. There is such a wide variety of attractions and events to see and do here. From the realistic wax sculptures at Madame Tussauds or the entertainment and dining in International Drive and ICON Park to the peaceful gardens of Harry P Leu Gardens, you will find something to do in Orlando besides the theme parks. Of course, you can always reach for the stars at Kennedy Space Center. This article doesn’t even begin to cover all of the attractions and events to see near and in Orlando, but it is a good start. Whatever you decide to do with your family, it is sure to be the best vacation ever with planning! Happy Vacationing!