Orlando but not the parks!

[Fernleigh22]

Hi!

Looking for a family holiday for 2 adults and 2 children in June/July 2024 and I quite fancy Orlando. The flight time is doable and the weather looks great.
We love pool day but also to have days out exploring/activities.
My question is, has anyone done Orlando but not the parks?! If so, what else did you see or do?
My kids like a theme park but aren't crazy about them so the price doesn't seem reasonable for us to pay it

Yes, Have done Orlando but not Disney/Universal. In terms of things to do instead...eating out, lounging by the pool, shopping, Kennedy Space Centre. We also went to the Epic McDonalds which is good for younger kids. If you strike out beyond Orlando you can have a beach holiday experience in places like Clearwater. Possibly look into doing just water park rather than a full theme park, prices can be more reasonable and it's a great way to spend a hot day.

We loved Wild Florida, gator golf on international drive,, Kennedy Space Center and old town in Kissimmee for the car shows. I have heard the state parks are lovely and offer swimming in the hot springs.

I’ve been to Orlando quite a few times but always ended up going to the parks! Plenty of other activities to keep you occupied around International Drive & beyond though. Some things I’ve done include: iFly indoor skydiving, mini golf, Madame Tussaud’s, escape rooms, the big ferris wheel, shopping at the outlets or Mall at Millenia, Kennedy Space.

It’s nice to visit Celebration, Kissimmee, downtown Orlando.

I’ve also done trips further out to Miami, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, St Augustine, Clearwater & Naples.

I wonder if it would actually work out better if you did buy park tickets for either Disney or Universal though? I think you can get deals that work out around maybe £40pppd, and if you tried to book activities to fill your days (for example if you booked Madame Tussaud’s & mini golf it wouldn’t be far off £40pp), you may end up actually paying out more overall. And park tickets would also include the water parks which are great fun.