Non-Disney Guide to Orlando

Image source: Flickr - kissheartoffl 

If you have your sights set on vacationing in Orlando, but do not want to spend the entire time at Walt Disney World, the city offers a number of interesting adventures and activities that won’t remind you of the “house of mouse”. Here’s a look at some of the cool non-Disney adventures that await you in Orlando, Florida.

Go Golfing

Golf enthusiasts know that the Orlando area is actually a golfer’s paradise with some of the most prestigious tournaments taking place there. Containing well over 150 golf courses, it’s absolutely possible to plan an entire golf-centric holiday in the Orlando area. (Be sure to consider an Active travel insurance plan from RoamRight. With higher benefit limits, your golf clubs will be protected when they travel.)

Get Wet

With airboats, fishing expeditions, speedboat rentals, and eco-kayak adventures, many travelers take advantage of the abundant water-related activities in Orlando.  Airboat rides are highly recommended as visitors can experience the best of the Everglades as you glide along the wetlands in search of alligators, turtles, and exotic birds.

Go on a Safari

Yes, you read that right. You can go on a safari in Orlando that is distinctly different from what you will find at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Forever Florida is a 4,700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area that treats visitors to a variety of adventures. Try ziplining, explore the wetlands, go on a horseback safari or relax in a coach-style safari. Forever Florida encompasses nine different Florida ecosystems and is home to a number of animals like alligators, black bears, whitetaildeerand the endangered Florida Panther.

Visit a Museum

Orlando is home to a number of museums, including some pretty interesting options. Look for art and history museums, including one dedicated to the Vietnam War, the Corporal Larry E Smedley National Vietnam War Museum, Inc. One of the most unique options in Orlando is the Tupperware Brands Confidence Center where visitors can learn about Tupperware Brands’ legacy and even shop at the Company Store. 

Visit Gatorland

If you haven’t had enough of the gators in Florida, head over to Gatorland for everything and anything alligators. Venture into a private breeding marsh, try your hand at gator wrestling, be a trainer for the day or zipline over the alligator habitats and breeding marsh! Be sure to check out the spooky nighttime adventures like “Night Shine” that takes you deep into the breeding marsh with nothing more than hot dogs and a flashlight.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Entertain the family with a visit to Orlando’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium where you will find a 7-legged sheep and a 25-foot Jimi Hendrix mural made from 8,500 playing cards. Other cool exhibits include a shrunken human head, rare T-Rex foot and lower leg fossil, and for the pop-culture fans, a portrait of Beyoncé made entirely from candy!

Rebounderz Orlando

Rebounderz Orlando is a 24,000 square-foot family entertainment center that is absolutely impressive. Look for a huge trampoline jumper with rebounding floors and walls or head into a massive foam pit that sits five feet off the ground with the trampoline suspended two feet off the ground.  Rebounderz is great for birthday parties and outings if you are planning a group trip to Orlando.

What non-Disney activities in Orlando top your list?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.