The fact that Disney World draws millions of visitors a year has let the city of Orlando, Florida host multiple large-scale attractions. There's plenty to do without ever setting foot once inside the Magic Kingdom.
Gatorland boasts that it's Orlando's "Best Half Day Attraction" as well as being the Gator Capital of the World. If your kids want to know the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, this is the place to go! It also has a petting zoo, aviary features and much more.
Wonder Works is central Florida's only upside down attraction. When you see their upside down building, don't say I didn't warn you... Over one hundred exhibits let kids and adults imaginations run wild. If your imagination is into oddities, try a day at the Orlando Odditorium of Ripley's Believe It Or Not. That building is crooked too!
Universals Islands of Adventure is Universal Studios East Coast installment, much like how Disneyland is near Universal Studios in Hollywood. They've built a much larger park here than they have in LA, with full hotels, events, shows and attractions.
Dolly Parton has a dinner and show combo called the Dixie Stampede here. You get a horse-and-rider show and a four-course dinner. No doubt there's some of Dolly's music in there somewhere. If you like haunted houses, you'll probably want to check out Skull Kingdom. They offer a child-appropriate horror show as well as one so scary, it's just for the adults.
If you'd rather go up, up and away in a beautiful balloon, check out Blue Water Balloons for a bird's eye view of Orlando at sunrise. If you'd like a more high-tech airborne adventure, try checking out SkyVenture's vertical wind tunnel. Experience freefall right on the ground!
Rae Schwarz - Born and raised on the East Coast, Rae headed West for her college years and has stayed ever since. After college she attended the Clarion ...
