Orlando Offers Disney Fun and So Much More

Few Orlando area vacations are complete without at least one day spent at the king of all amusement parks. But once you've visited Disney, ridden all the rides and had your fill of cotton candy, hot dogs and soda, what's left? In the Orlando area, you're in luck!

The Orlando area is one of the best in focal points in the state for seeing and doing it all. The day trip opportunities from this particular locale are incredible, plus there's lots to see and do right in the greater Orlando metro area as well.

Things to do in Orlando and its immediate environs besides Disney include:

* Sea World. This theme park centers around aquatic life. The animals are amazing and there's lots to do here.

* Church Street Station. This historic area is home to several night clubs, but there's great dining, shopping and entertainment to be found here as well.

* MGM Studios. Tour the studios and enjoy the rides as this different kind of theme park.

* Kissimmee/St. Cloud. This area just outside of Orlando proper is home to a busy strip loaded with activities that include dining, entertainment, arcades and more.

* Medieval Knights. Step into the past at this dinner theater with a biting old-age theme. The food's incredible. The show's even better.

* Cassadega. Also known as "Psychic Central," this community is a short drive from Orlando and its surreal streets and unusual attractions make it well worth a drive.

If you'd like to see a little more of Florida than the big tourist areas, Orlando is a great starting out point, too. With its convenient central location most points within the state are within a few hours drive. With the exception of the extreme south and the panhandle, most points are great for day trips.

Here are some other Florida sights worth seeing after the fun at Disney is over:

* Daytona. Only about an hour or so from Orlando, the Daytona/Ft. Lauderdale area is home to some of the state's best surfing action.

* St. Augustine. A fairly short drive from Daytona, this is America's oldest city. Sights here are amazing, including an old fort made entirely from coquina.

* Ocala. Home to the Ocala National Forest this location is great for camping, hiking and hunting.

* Sarasota. The home of the Ringling Brothers Museum and lots of cultural attractions, Sarasota is a bit of a drive from Orlando, but it's worth the gas to check out.

* Kennedy Space Center. Almost a straight shot across from Orlando, this destination is a lot more fun than many might expect. There's nothing quite like seeing a rocket up close and personal.

* Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Home to some wonderful beaches, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island and the Lowry Park Zoo, this area is worth the hour or so drive for certain.

Disney may be one of the Sunshine State's biggest draws, but when the fun of the park wears off, don't fret. There's lots to see and do on a Florida vacation.