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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Florida but not Disney

38 replies

Emmaheather · 22/10/2023 12:34

Hoping to visit a relatively in Orlando in April with DC 14 and 16 yo for a couple of weeks. Not keen on Disney or big resorts/crowds. Ideally will have a bit of beach time and will spend a bit of time in Orlando. I don't really have a clue where to start or what to do as main motivation is family visit. (They have newly moved so don't know the area well yet either). I would really appreciate any suggestions or recommendations, from places to eat, things to do, places to stay. Thanks

OP posts:
Vitriolinsanity · 22/10/2023 18:47

I think it'd be a bit tough on the kids not to go to Universal and one of the big water parks.

I love the Keys myself. There's tonnes to do. The kids can snorkel. The fishing trips are great. Shrimp and a sundowner at a beach bar.

Vitriolinsanity · 22/10/2023 18:48

Forgot Discovery Cove. Find a ranger and they'll let the kids help feed the fish.

Also bloody loved Cape Canaveral. I'm a space nut.

Nodashians · 22/10/2023 19:05

I’m going next month to visit friends for Thanksgiving, we are staying with them in Orlando, then all going to St Augustine and then Cocoa Beach.

IrresponsiblyCertainAboutSexualDimorphism · 22/10/2023 19:08

You can also do kayaking in various places, including Shingle Creek in Kissimmee. We saw a baby gator. Not sure where the mum was…

SquashPenguin · 22/10/2023 21:27

Depending how long you have, Crystal River is worth a visit. I did a manatee swim, it was unbelievable! So peaceful watching these beautiful animals grazing away. The springs are the clearest water I’ve ever seen. We hired kayaks and saw so much wildlife!

Waydugo · 22/10/2023 22:14

I was going to suggest swimming with the manatees at Crystal River but if you’re going in April the Gulf has warmed up and you’re less likely to encounter many.

Toomuch2019 · 28/10/2023 06:51

Waydugo · 22/10/2023 16:39

Tampa is one of the best airports I’ve ever used! Quick access to gulf coast resorts. Lots to do around there. It’s quite a straightforward easy journey to the Orlando area as well.

@Emmaheather I would echo this posters sentiment. We fly in and out of Tampa every time now because it's a much better experience than Orlando (quieter nicer airport, cheaper flights and cheaper car hire)

Original poster
Emmaheather · 28/10/2023 09:21

@Toomuch2019 @Waydugo thanks for this tip. Tampa does look cheaper and sounds much more pleasant!

OP posts:
MunchkinExpress · 28/10/2023 09:31

Don't care for the resorts either. We spent a week on Marco Island in a fabulous villa which had bikes too. Cycled places around the island, did the Everglades, malls, walked to restaurants in the evening. Lovely beaches.

Kennedy Space Centre a must do, very interesting.

Friends stayed on Sanibel and loved it too. Captiva supposed to be nice.

Original poster
Emmaheather · 28/10/2023 12:45

SquashPenguin · 22/10/2023 13:20

Naples is nice, the sunset from the pier is beautiful. I loved the Everglades, air boat ride is highly recommended!

Avoid Miami, it’s a total dump. I felt very unsafe there.

@SquashPenguin air boat ride sounds like a great plan. Any tips?

OP posts:
SquashPenguin · 28/10/2023 13:19

@Emmaheather it was a number of years ago now, but I think it was Captain Mitch’s Airboat Rides. It was searing hot, middle of nowhere. I remember standing in the car park and looking off the edge of the deck- there was a HUGE gaitor just lying there! The guys driving the boats had spent their whole lives in the Everglades, they had amazing stories! If I ever go back to Florida I’m definitely going back down to there!

Original poster
Emmaheather · 28/10/2023 13:24

SquashPenguin · 28/10/2023 13:19

@Emmaheather it was a number of years ago now, but I think it was Captain Mitch’s Airboat Rides. It was searing hot, middle of nowhere. I remember standing in the car park and looking off the edge of the deck- there was a HUGE gaitor just lying there! The guys driving the boats had spent their whole lives in the Everglades, they had amazing stories! If I ever go back to Florida I’m definitely going back down to there!

@SquashPenguin that sounds amazing and something my teens would love!

OP posts:
MysticMole · 17/04/2024 23:52

Not sure if you’re there now or heading out but do check out the Lonely Dog Immersive Experience which was great! We just got back from a fantastic trip to Orlando having done Disney in 2022. Happy to share any tips!

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