When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney World. There is a good reason for this: Walt Disney started it all with the Magic Kingdom. With four theme parks, Disney is still the biggest draw, but there are many other Orlando attractions for your family to enjoy. Consider spending some of your trip enjoying the smaller attractions.
Water Parks
The Florida sun is hot, especially in the summer. Standing in line for rides at the parks is exhausting in the heat. Plan one day of your vacation at a water park to give everyone a chance to cool off. The sun is strong in Florida, so be sure to pack a good sunscreen. Look for a water proof one since you will be spending your day getting wet. There are three large water parks in the Orlando area.
Two of the three main water parks in Orlando are Disney owned: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is a 66 acre park with a wide variety of rides and slides. There is something for the thrill seeking and more laid back members of the family. Tikes Peak is a smaller area with things for the younger kids in the family to enjoy.
Typhoon Lagoon has a large number of attractions including a water coaster. There are slides and tube rides for every comfort level. The white water rafting ride is great for older kids and adults. There is an area with small slides and fountains for younger children. Try out the snorkel adventure at shark reef. Here you will see a variety of colorful water creatures.
Wet n Wild is the one park not owned by Disney. This park is great for all ages. The Beast and Disco rides are great for older kids and adults. The Wake Zone has tubing and boarding on a half mile long lake. Other popular attractions include the lazy river and wave pool. There are kiddie pools for the smallest members of the family.
Smaller Orlando Attractions
Gatorland is the alligator capital of the world. This place has grown to be one of the more popular small Orlando attractions over the years. It is a wild life preserve and park. At Gatorland, you will see a variety of animals including alligators, crocodiles and birds in the aviary. There is a petting zoo here as well. Other attractions include a gator wrestling exhibition, jungle crocs of the world, up close encounters and shows.
Fantasy of Flight has an aviation theme. There are a variety of displays from World War I and World War II. While you are here, you can tour the restoration shop. Each day there is a presentation and air show around the aircraft of the day. A different air craft is chosen each day. There are also hot air balloon rides and biplane rides available at the park.
If you are traveling with young children, visit Green Meadows Petting Farm. You do not need much time to do this one, about two hours is plenty of time. Your kids will love meeting the chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks and horses that live on the farm. Each guest gets a chance to milk a cow. There are also pony rides, a train and hay ride. This is a great place for the little ones to relax and recuperate after a few days running around the big parks.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- 5 Things To Check Before Booking A Villa In Florida Orlando!
- Renting Your Own Holiday Vacation Home in Florida Orlando Near to Disney
- Places for Great Orlando Shopping
- Florida Holidays a Must Know-it’s Never Too Early
- Orlando Offers Hot Real Estate Opportunities
- Orlando Magic
- Why Orlando Vacation Homes
- Get Out of Corporate and Vacation in Florida




Lanzarote – Winter Sun, Sand, Sea and Volcanoes!
By: Mark Sheldon | 06/01/2010Lanzarote, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, is very popular during the winter months and people flock from Europe seeking the winter sun.
Ten Things to do on holiday in Florida
By: Mark Sheldon | 06/01/2010Thousands of Brits flock to Florida every year to enjoy the weather and the glamour that Florida has to offer. There are plenty of things to do in Florida, and you will never run short, but here are our top ten things to do whilst on holiday in Florida.
More Flights to Tenerife, Means You Need More Research
By: Kim Chambers | 06/01/2010There are more flights to Tenerife than ever before as low-cost carriers target the Canaries. The recession has led many operators to balance capacity cuts elsewhere with new routes to Tenerife and its sister islands.
How to Book an All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation
By: Gina Ireland | 06/01/2010If you want to travel to the Caribbean, you may start to make your travel plans soon. Your original intent may have been to stay at an affordable hotel, but you will likely come across all-inclusive resorts and all-inclusive travel packages. They sound appealing and like a great deal. They...
Why Bahamas All-Inclusive Vacations Are Better
By: Fred Mallery | 06/01/2010Do you want to travel to the Caribbean, the Bahamas to be exact? If so, you may start researching your travel options or get ready to make your reservations. When doing so, you will find all-inclusive resorts and Bahamas all-inclusive vacation packages. You may have heard that...
Born free, live free
By: Andrew Regan | 06/01/2010Every year thousands of travellers visit Africa to gaze over its awe-inspiring rugged landscape and catch a glimpse of the magnificent animals that dwell there, but not all the animals of Africa are as lucky as those out roaming the wilds.
The Next Best Thing to Walking On the Moon…
By: Yvonne Dawson | 06/01/2010Lanzarote is the most easterly, and fourth largest of the Canary Islands and lies just 79 miles off the African coast and as with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is of volcanic origin and has an almost lunar like landscape in many areas.
How to Find Cheap Flights, Despite Hidden Charges
By: Kim Chambers | 06/01/2010With passenger taxes and fuel duty creeping up, many within the travel sector believe that the age of cheap flights may be coming to an end. The travel industry remains split over the future of cheap flights, as budget airlines take advantage of rivals’ problems to expand.
Vacationing Near Central Florida Lakes
By: Howard Farmer | 22/10/2006 | DestinationsCentral Florida lakes are very popular among fishermen and people who want to experience nature on their vacations. Take a few days of your trip to enjoy all this area has to offer.
Tips for Traveling to Orlando International Airport
By: Howard Farmer | 22/10/2006 | FlightsOrlando International Airport is the busiest airport in the state. More passengers fly into this airport than any other in Florida.
Information on the Orlando Climate
By: Howard Farmer | 22/10/2006 | TravelThe Orlando Climate is sub tropical. The weather tends to be warm and humid. The climate is influenced by several factors. The Gulf Stream and the city's proximity to the Tropic of Cancer affect the climate.
Places for Great Orlando Shopping
By: Howard Farmer | 22/10/2006 | TravelOrlando shopping is a popular activity for tourists. The city and surrounding area is home to several malls, outlet centers and open air markets. If you want shopping, this is the place to go. There are a large variety of shops, both big and small in these shopping malls and outlet centers.
Orlando Guide to Museums and Annual Events
By: Howard Farmer | 22/10/2006 | TravelAn Orlando guide will help you plan your vacation. The city is best known for its theme parks. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Animal Kingdom and Sea World draw millions of visitors to the city every year.
Benefits of a Condo Hotel Investment
By: Howard Farmer | 21/10/2006 | InvestingA condo hotel investment is a way to own vacation property without the hassle incurred with other property ownership.
Investing in Orlando Vacation Homes
By: Howard Farmer | 21/10/2006 | Non-FictionOrlando vacation homes are a great investment. This area is a popular tourist destination, with millions visiting each year. Many property owners rent out their homes to tourists to help cover the costs of ownership.
How To Invest In Property Globally
By: Howard Farmer | 20/10/2006 | Non-FictionWith so much advice and a wide choice in investment property, some essential advice and a review of current opportunites.