Orlando

[Dancergirl]

We have just booked a week in Orlando for Xmas (we've got a timeshare based in Spain and did a location swap). I'd like to know what else there is to do in Orlando other than all the obvious Disney things. I know the dc will love the theme parks but as we'll be there for a week I don't think I can face the crowds etc every day.

sooooo much to do. As well as Disney there are the two Universal Parks (Universal and Islands of Adventure), Seaworld, water parks. Depending on ages of your children you need to work out what your priorities are as you'll never do it all

We went for a fortnight and I felt the same but actually we did go every day. They are all so completely different and I didn't feel hassled and crowded like I do visiting theme parks here in the uk

That's good virgil. We went to Disneyland Paris last year and whilst the kids loved it of course, it was an exhausting 3 days!

What's the general area like in terms of natural beauty or is that more the west coast? Can you drive to the east coast from Orlando or is that not worth doing? Or any nice lakes etc nearby?

We didn't travel about but you certainly could combine time in Orlando with time
On the coast. We went to discovery cove and swam with the dolphins which was a lovely relaxing day (but expensive). The Disney water parks are also fab

There is a lot of non-mouse stuff to do. Gatorland is a great taste of fl. On the east coast there is cape canaveral space thingy (can't think of the name) and Daytona beach or cocoa or melbourne beaches. I prefer the beaches on the west coast cause the waves are smaller and it's a bit warmer, plus gorgeous sunsets. Busch gardens in Tampa is another theme park with good roller coasters. Nature wise there is wikivi springs or Ocala national forest. You'll need a car but there is a lot to explore outside Disney. And make sure you try some pit BBQ. Yummiest stuff on earth. Have fun!

Roy's restaurant in Orlando Roy's is so so soooooo good for food, sometimes it's hard to get away from the fast food but this place definitely does. They were good with dd too.

When you go to the parks get there first thing, choose what you want to go on and head straight for it, much quieter and no queues. You also get to see the characters close up where they welcome everyone in some way or another. Epcot is really good for this. Use fast pass system and you won't have to queue for hours also!

we all loved the kennedy space centre we were first in and last out. my kids talk about this the most now and want to go back just to go there again. have a go on one of the crazy golf courses and the water parks are good but we went at xmas and it could have been a bit warmer for me. get the unofficial guide to WDW with kids and the unofficial guide to beyond WDW and it will give you loads of ideas as well as keeping everyone quiet whilst they plan what to do.