We love spending days at Florida’s theme parks. Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld provide fun experiences with rides and food.

However, after a few hot, busy days with high step counts, it’s sometimes a relief to take a break and explore outside Disney and Universal.

Florida offers much more. It’s a shame not to get out and explore. Theme park ticket prices keep rising, along with parking costs. Venturing elsewhere can also give your wallet a break.

We’ll list some favorite places we’ve explored outside the parks in this blog post.

We’ll link to the video if you want to see what we did on those days.

Outside the parks

Discovering Wild Florida: An Unforgettable Animal Encounter

For those who can’t get enough of animals a visit to Wild Florida is an absolute must.

Situated just a 40-minute drive from Kissimmee, this attraction offers an opportunity to connect with nature and witness incredible creatures in their natural habitats.

One of the highlights of our adventure was the exhilarating Airboat ride. As we glided across the waters, we spotted alligators basking in the sun. (If you’re seeking a similar experience, we also highly recommend Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures )

Just remember to pack a hat and sunscreen, as the Florida sun can be quite intense out on the open waters.

Wild Florida also boasts a sprawling Safari Park, where you can embark on a self-guided driving tour and encounter over 150 species of native and exotic animals roaming freely across the lush landscapes.

Prepare to be awestruck as you come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their natural environments.

Among the many memorable experiences, the Giraffe feeding encounter stood out as a true highlight. Imagine the thrill of hand-feeding these gentle giants, their long necks stretching down to accept your offering (their tongues are huge 😂).

To fully immerse yourself in the Wild Florida experience, be sure to watch our video above of our day at Wild Florida

We had the privilege of collaborating with Wild Florida on this day, and our tickets were graciously provided.

Discovering Disney Magic Beyond the Parks: Resort Hopping

While the Disney theme parks are undoubtedly a huge attraction, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored also in the heart of Disney – and it’s completely free! (Apart from the merchandise, sweet treats, and beverages you’ll probably indulge in along the way.)

When our parents and family arrived in Florida in 2023, they weren’t interested in purchasing theme park tickets.

Instead, they sought to bask in the warm Florida sunshine and enjoy the pool at the Villa we were staying in. Determined to share a taste of Disney magic, we embarked on a Disney resort-hopping adventure.

At the time, we had annual passes, granting us free parking at the main parks and access to the resorts via various modes of transportation, including the monorail and the Skyliner.

If you’ve never experienced any of Disney’s resorts, we highly recommend it. It’s a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the Disney magic without the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Most resorts boast an array of bars, restaurants, cafes, and merchandise shops, each uniquely themed to transport you to a different world.

One of the highlights was watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Polynesian resort after enjoying a tasty meal at Kona Cafe or sipping on a refreshing cocktail at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. They even allow you to roast marshmallows on the beach.

The best part? All this resort exploration can be enjoyed without purchasing a theme park ticket. You simply need to decide how to reach your first resort.

You can book and enjoy a meal at one of the resorts, which typically grants you a certain amount of parking time, or take an Uber and then navigate between resorts using Disney’s transportation system.

Icon Park: A Refreshing Break from the Theme Parks

We’ve visited Icon Park many times over the years, and it’s become one of our go-to spots for a fun day away from the theme parks.

This 20-acre entertainment complex is just an 11-minute drive from Disney World, making it super convenient.

There’s a great range of attractions, restaurants, and cafes to explore at Icon Park.

A few of the highlights include the massive 400-foot (120m) Observation wheel. We’ve ridden it a couple times now, and the views are fantastic. You can see all the Disney parks, the new Epic Universe construction site right next door, and even the Magic Kingdom fireworks off in the distance if you time it right.

For thrill-seekers, the Slingshot ride looks insane – it launches riders up at crazy speeds. It’s not really our thing, but we’ve enjoyed watching the screams from a safe distance!

There are also some cool indoor attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum with all the celebrity figures, and a Sea Life aquarium with sharks, rays, and tons of other marine life.

The dining options are plentiful too, with everything from quick service spots to nice sit-down restaurants. We’re big fans of Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips there (check the vlog to see our full review).

Icon Park makes for a nice break from the go-go-go of the theme parks. You can spend a laid-back day riding the Observation wheel, exploring the attractions, and enjoying a wide variety of dining. Highly recommend it when you need a change of pace!

The Starflyer: Icon Park’s Towering Thrill Ride

One of our absolute favorite attractions at Icon Park is the Starflyer – the world’s tallest stand-alone swing ride.

We’ve ridden this monster ride multiple times now, even convincing our brave Auntie B to join us on one occasion. She ended up loving every heart-pounding second! (we think 😂)

The Starflyer isn’t for the faint of heart. This towering swing rockets riders a mind-blowing 450 feet into the air at speeds of 60mph. As you soar high above Icon Park, the views are simply breathtaking (if you dare to open your eyes).

You can see the iconic Orlando skyline, the nearby theme parks, and even a panorama of lakes and lush landscapes. The ride cycle runs between 3-4 minutes, giving you plenty of time to alternately appreciate the sights and question your life choices!

Watch our video below when we went on the ride with our Auntie B

An Affordable Waterpark Gem: Our Island H2O Experience

Island H2O kindly gifted our family a set of tickets to experience the park in 2023.

We had driven past it numerous times and recalled when construction was underway.

Truthfully, we kept wondering: Why would anyone opt for a water park other than the Disney or Universal ones in the area? The primary draw is the price point.

Island H2O is significantly more affordable than the big-name water parks. Operating seasonally from March to October, they frequently offer enticing ticket deals.

At the time of writing this, their website offers a Seasonal Pass for just $59.99.Despite its budget-friendly pricing, the park delivers all the classic water attractions one could want.

From the ever-popular Lazy River to an array of thrilling rides and slides, there’s something for everyone.

You can race your friends down exhilarating flumes, pile the whole family into a massive water raft, or simply relax in the soothing wave pool. For those seeking an elevated experience, cabana upgrades are also available.

To our surprise, we all thoroughly enjoyed our day at Island H2O (see the video below for a glimpse into our adventure).

We would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to anyone who loves a fantastic water park experience without breaking the bank.

The combination of affordable pricing and a diverse range of attractions made Island H2O a gem that exceeded our expectations. While the Disney and Universal water parks hold their own allure, this lesser-known spot proved to be a refreshing and wallet-friendly alternative for families seeking aquatic thrills in the Orlando area.

Fun at TopGolf: A Non-Golfer’s Delight

Golf isn’t typically our forte – we enjoy the occasional round of crazy golf, but that’s about the extent of our golfing prowess. 😂

However, we had been repeatedly encouraged by members of our Florida Orlando Facebook group to give TopGolf a try. Rounding up a crew of friends, including Theme Park Bazza, Maxine, and Chasing Magic, we ventured out to the TopGolf location on International Drive, eager to see what all the fuss was about.

The first thing we realised is that a lack of golfing skills is no barrier to having an absolute blast at TopGolf.

You get your own private golf driving bay, complete with a table and chairs for relaxing between turns. A menu of snacks and drinks to fuel your competitive spirit.

But the real magic lies in the array of digital games on offer. We opted for the Angry Birds game, where the objective was to knock down structures by strategically hitting our golf balls, just like in the mobile game.

At the end of each turn, you’re awarded a score, adding an extra layer of friendly competition to the mix. (Mr’s Bazza won !)

It quickly became apparent that TopGolf is less about the golf itself and more about the social aspect of gathering with friends and having a laugh.

We’re glad we finally took the plunge and tried TopGolf. It’s a fantastic option for couples, friends, and families alike, offering an entertaining experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, TopGolf promises a good time for all.

Old Town Kissimmee: A Nostalgic Escape from the Parks

We’ve been visiting Old Town Kissimmee all the way back to the early 2000s.

It’s a nice, quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks (though it does get busy on weekends, especially during the classic car shows).

One of the best parts? It’s free to park and free to enter. You only pay for the activities and food you want to indulge in as you explore this town.

Speaking of food, one of our longtime favorite spots is the Sakeba Asian Pub & Grill, recommended to us by our friend Theme Park Bazza.

The food here has consistently been amazing, and you can snag a glass of wine for around $4 (or even cheaper during their happy hour deals!).

There’s plenty to keep shoppers happy too, with an array of unique stores lining the streets. Be sure to browse the local wares and souvenirs

On weekend evenings, the town really comes alive with live music and shows taking place on the central stage.

But the real star of the show is the famous classic car meetup. If you’re an automotive enthusiast, you’ll be in heaven admiring these lovingly restored vintage vehicles.

For those craving a bit of adrenaline, there are a few rides at the entrance, including a ferris wheel and the infamous Vomotron (you’ll never catch us on that spin-and-puke machine!).

Another must-visit is the Horror House right in the heart of Old Town. It’s on the pricier side, but we’d argue it’s one of the best-haunted attractions we’ve experienced, even rivaling the houses at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Whether you’re seeking a low-key day of shopping, dining, and classic vibes or an evening of thrills and chills, Old Town Kissimmee delivers. It’s the perfect nostalgic escape just a stone’s throw from the main Orlando attractions

Conclusion

We hope some of these places have sparked an interest in you to explore more outside the parks and experience what Orlando has to offer outside of the hustle and bustle of the main parks

If you have any other suggestions of places to try, let us all know in the comments section below

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