What else is there at Florida apart from theme parks?

[Supermum222]

Hi,

My children (boy aged 10, girl almost 6) have been asking to go to Florida. My husband (misery) is not happy about going to the US just to go to theme parks. He thinks that Florida is just a theme park. Pre-kids we used to travel to the USA a lot, although we went to scenic areas and spent most time on the west coast. He wants to go to California and go to Disney there (and Universal). We went ourselves pre-kids (California ones) and I loved it. I think that the distance between places on the west side is too much for children hence why I am thinking Florida. I don't want them stuck in the car most days to get from place to place.
I think he is not happy we may spend 14 days stuck in a theme park. He is able to tolerate Disney for 2 days maximum! I am hoping to convince him to go by slotting in trips to other areas that may interest him. He likes scenic areas, gardens, beach/coastal areas/little towns and American trains!! So, what else is in the Florida area that I could fit into a 2 week holiday?
We took the children to Disney in Paris last year as part of a 2 week holiday. Hubby coped with that. We spent one day in the theme park and one day in the studios.
I am thinking of a holiday in May 2015 and would probably book a villa close to Disney (but somewhere that is a great spot for access to other areas). Any ideas?

Cocoa beach is nice (pretty little Town with beaches), Miami is interesting, you can go on those boat-propeller-things through swampland and see alligators.

There's actually quite a lot to see in Florida - try this link for some more ideas

www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/orlando-beyond-theme-parks

Thanks Shallan. I will take a look at the link :-)

a day out at kennedy space centre - definitely not a theme park really great day out. also florida keys. what a fantastic holiday we had there. snorkelling days out, canoeing, outback tours, walks, cycle rides the lot. what about a two centre holiday they are 4/5 hours drive apart. there are also lots of activity type things around Disney plus gatorland and mini golf.

I 2nd Kennedy centre, fantastic day out.
Everglades, beaches & more beaches.
Don't think I could tolerate Disney for more than 1 day myself. But we always go in term time.

there must be places like Cuban street markets, look around.

We 'did' Disney in Florida several years ago. We were there for 3 weeks and our strategy was 1 day theme park, 1 day something else. SeaWorld, though a theme park is not just rides, but we also had a trip on an airboat, visited the Kennedy Space Center and Daytona Beach, spend time in a huge mall (stocking up on clothes!!) and also just mooching around the local towns (Orlando and Kissimmee). That way there was something for everyone, really. Loads more to do, we just didn't have enough theme-park-free days!

It is very, very centred on theme parks, amusements, outlet shopping and fast food. Culture there aint!

We have been many times, as the in-laws live there, and it is a great holiday...but there isnt a huge amount to do around Orlando other than the aforementioned, if I am honest.

Kennedy Space Center is a good day out, the water parks are great too, and you can venture out to a beach (a good hour or two drive, though), but the main thing we do is lounge by the pool . Out of a 2 week holiday, we might venture to a theme park on 2 days and a water park another 2 days...the rest is like any sun/pool based holiday, really, somworth getting a nice villa or a good hotel with pool/bar etc.

Should add, the best holidays we have had in Florida have been two-centre holidays. Orlando - then St Petes/Clearwater (beach holiday), Orlando-Miami (good beach and a bit more for adults to enjoy), and Orlando-Anna Maria (lovely, quiet, more upmarket beach resort with some truly lovely holiday rentals).