Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks

01/11/2022

MINI GOLF MONDAY. Tucked away off Rte 192 in Kissimmee, just 7 miles from the Magic Kingdom, is Mighty Jungle Golf. This property offers two 18-hole courses decorated with jungle creatures and characterized by subtle sloping greens. For just $10 plus tax, you can play one side or $15 plus tax for all 36 holes, a significant discount over other Orlando area courses. If you are in Kissimmee, be sure to check it out.

12/07/2022

MINI GOLF MONDAY. Ahoy, mateys! Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is a fun mini golf experience that is themed throughout, with a huge pirate ship as its centerpiece. There are two 18-hole courses (note: both require the ability to climb stairs). The property is located adjacent to ICON Park on International Drive. Click here for more information: https://www.piratescove.net

09/07/2022

AWE-INSPIRING GLASS ART. Imagine entering room after room filled with beautifully showcased creative glassworks by a range of artists, each with unique approaches to the craft. That’s what you will find at the Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg, about a 90-minute drive each way from the Magic Kingdom. It’s a perfect day trip, with lots of other fun things to explore in the area which we will report on here in the future. The Imagine Museum has two levels of glimmering treasures. Learn more here: https://www.imaginemuseum.com

13/06/2022

MINI GOLF MONDAY! Orlando has more than its fair share of mini golf courses, and you'll find some of them here on "mini golf" Mondays. Today, travel to the bygone days of 1950s sci-fi and horror films. Hollywood Drive-In Golf at the entrance to Universal’s CityWalk pays tribute to that period of moviemaking with its two innovatively designed 18-hole courses.

“The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” course is focused on ghosts and goblins while aliens rule the cosmos at “Invaders from Planet Putt.” The creative sets include a cemetery, a spider and its web, an enormous alien robot, the open mouth of a giant space worm and the basement lab of a haunted house. Both courses feature sound and light effects, the latter of which are best experienced after dark. The “Haunting” course, which is perfect for all ages and skill levels, is accessible to guests in wheelchairs, electric conveyance vehicles (ECVs) and strollers, while the “Invaders” course has some multi-level holes.

You'll find more information here: https://www.hollywooddriveingolf.com/

07/06/2022

ELEGANCE AND GRANDEUR! Take a day trip to beautiful Sarasota, just two hours from the Magic Kingdom, and visit The Ringling. This sprawling campus includes the opulent waterfront home that John Ringling (of the Ringling Brothers circus family) and his wife Mable) built around 1911 and made their winter residence. The property expanded over the years to include an art museum with 21 galleries of paintings, as well as a museum with circus artifacts and interactive exhibits. For ticket info and hours, visit https://www.ringling.org.

28/05/2022

OLD-FASHIONED FUN. Old Town is an 18-acre entertainment complex on Rte 192 in Kissimmee and is just a 15-minute drive from the Magic Kingdom. Parking is free, and the more than 70 rides, attractions, shops and restaurants are reasonably priced. Walk down the tree-lined promenade and experience a range of retail and food/drink offerings. There’s a carnival feel about Old Town that makes this property feel like a throwback to the past. Want more rides? Fun Spot America is right next door.

16/05/2022

RETRO GOLF. Mini golf is big in Orlando and the surrounding area. Most courses are outside. But what if it rains? Consider The Putting Edge, a very cool glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience unique for its bright Dayglo paint colors and psychedelic designs. Located at 5250 International Drive in the Dezerland Park entertainment complex, Putting Edge requires reservations. You can also sometimes find a deal on Groupon, so be sure to check that out. https://www.puttingedge.com/locations/orlando/

Do something Far From the Ordinary in Orlando. It's too hard to put into words! Whether you're looking for a date night, familh time or just haning with friends our glow-in-the-dark experience puts a new and exciting twist on the traditional game of mini golf. Weather Guraanteed!

08/04/2022

RED CARPET READY. Most of us will never star in a major motion picture, compete in pro sports, top the Billboard charts or become President of the United States. And none of us will ever develop superhuman powers on the scale of comic book heroes and heroines. However, you can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with approximately 80 of those overachievers at Madame Tussauds, a fun diversion to add to your Orlando itinerary. Madame Tussauds is located at 8387 International Drive within the Icon Park entertainment complex. Prices vary depending on if you are bundling attractions. Check the website for the deal that works best for you! https://bit.ly/3x9R0zt

22/02/2022

LOOKING FOR A WORLD-CLASS SALAD? Check out Gator’s Dockside in Windermere, which is about 15 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. The food at Disney is very good, but it is nearly impossible to find an entree salad other than a Caesar salad. And the patio at Gator’s Dockside is wonderful, too. Pictured here is the Summer Salad.

19/02/2022

FOOD, CRAFTS AND MUSIC. The acclaimed Farmer’s Market on South Lakeview Ave in historic downtown Winter Garden happens every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You would think it’s a special once-a-year festival based on its size, with more than 100 booths. Though there is fresh produce, this reminded me more of a well-organized flea market with an array of wares and artisan crafts sold as well as live music. If you’re looking for a change of pace on your theme park vacation, the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is less than 13 miles from the Magic Kingdom. Additionally, Plant Street…the main street in town which is less than a block away from the market…has numerous restaurant choices, many with wonderful outdoor seating.

14/02/2022

23 MILES OF SURF AND SAND. That's what you'll get if you take a day trip to Daytona Beach and its neighboring beach towns. Daytona is only a 90-minute drive from the Magic Kingdom, and it offers a change of scene that the theme parks can't offer. Aside from the Atlantic tides and the smell of salt air, there's a small boardwalk as well as a pier. Take a break to gaze over the ocean while having a bite or a happy hour beverage. AND you can drive on the hard-packed sand and even park on the beach all day for just $20! It's a unique experience to add to your vacation agenda.

28/12/2021

A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO WORSHIP. Mary Queen of the Universe Basilica was built primarily for theme park tourists. This gorgeous facility, which is located less than four miles from Disney Springs on Vineland Ave. in Lake Buena Vista, held its first mass in 1993. The main church holds 2,000 people, plus there is a small chapel and meditation garden. The closest Catholic church to Disney World, this hidden gem is a wonderful place to escape the theme park hustle/bustle to reflect, unwind and pray.

20/12/2021

CHANGE IT UP. If your travels take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios, consider leaving the park to take a ride on the Skyliner. These air-controlled gondolas, which accommodate up to 10 guests according to Disney, will take you to the Riviera Resort, the Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach Resort and Pop Century. You might ask why you would want to go to a hotel if you’re not staying at that particular property? The reason is simple. Each one is fun to explore. Top of the list is the new Riviera Resort, with beautiful grounds and a bar across from the pool where you can get a light bite and divine tropical drinks. The next stop should be the Art of Animation, where the decor includes a storybook landscape featuring Cars, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and The Lion King. This resort also boasts Animation Hall, an art gallery of characters from these movies. Skip the Caribbean Beach, which is a spread out village environment, but Pop Century would be a fun stop if time permits. So, grab that free sky ride, relax and get a glimpse of what’s beyond the theme park gates.

10/12/2021

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. Celebration, which is just a 15-minute drive from the Magic Kingdom, is a master planned community originally developed by Disney with the first residential phase opening in 1996. Spanning nearly 11 sq miles, Celebration is more than just a residential community. You’ll find lakefront views, several restaurants (many with patio seating) in its quaint town center, shops, public schools and a library. You can rent bikes on Bloom Street near Marriott’s Bohemian Hotel which is close to the town center. Or just stroll around this scenic community. It feels like you stepped onto a movie set. Celebration is close enough to the theme parks for a relaxing lunch or dinner escape.

02/12/2021

FRESH CITRUS. Just 18 miles from the Magic Kingdom lies an attraction called The Showcase of Citrus. This 2,500-acre property on Route 27 in Clermont features a grove where you can pick your own fruit from approximately 50 varieties of citrus or take a monster truck tour of the grounds (see link for ticket prices). And as if that wasn't enough, there's an old-time country general store, a mini zoo, a fishing pier, a gem mine, food trucks, a bar and live entertainment on weekends. You could even bring your own chair and relax by the lake. The owners have kept this attraction very true to its farm roots! https://showcaseofcitrus.com/

30/11/2021

TRANQUIL SETTING: The Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens in Orlando consists of 50 acres of tropical and sub-tropical plants and foliage. It is an unhurried environment despite being near the heart of downtown Orlando. Parking is free and admission is just $10. It's not to be missed!

27/11/2021

HOLIDAY BLING. Disney and Universal are famous for extravagant holiday displays. However, throughout the Orlando area there are countless places to soak up the holiday spirit. The Night of a Million Lights in Kissimmee is an outstanding example. Your admission to this immersive light display benefits the Give Kids the World Village, a resort where critically ill children and their families get to vacation free of charge while experiencing all the attractions that put Orlando on the map. Advance ticket purchases are essential as this event, which runs through Jan. 2, is sure to sell out. https://www.gktw.org/lights/event.php

23/11/2021

EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY. The Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee is just about 9 miles away from Disney Springs. On a Saturday night in October when NJ friends were visiting the area, we were shocked that Disney Springs was at capacity. I quickly pivoted, redirecting our destination to Sunset Walk which saved our evening! This property has several patio restaurants and bars, a band shell with live music several nights, a dine-in movie house, a water park and the Margaritaville Resort. Sunset Walk is compact but offers plenty of options. Parking is free! Sunset Walk also hosts car shows, flea markets and other events. Definitely a place to bookmark and check out! https://www.sunsetwalk.com/

22/11/2021

EXPERIENCE THE QUAINT TOWN OF MOUNT DORA. Less than an hour's drive from the Magic Kingdom, Mount Dora feels like you've landed in another world. This charming lakeside town has boutiques, antique shops, cute restaurants, tranquil parks, historical museums and even a miniature lighthouse. It is worth a visit!

19/11/2021

DO YOU LOVE TO SHOP? Orlando is home to two mega malls, so your hunger can be satisfied. The Florida Mall is the largest shopping center in Central Florida and one of the largest single-story malls in the United States. It has space for about 250 stores, and also features a family-friendly attraction called the Crayola Experience. About 6 miles down the road is the upscale Mall At Millenia, which has space for about 150 stores. Both retailers also feature a range of dining options. If you're in town for the theme parks, Disney is just a half hour from these properties, and Universal is even closer.

18/11/2021

LET'S EXPLORE THE BURBS! About a half hour from Orlando is the pretty suburb of Winter Garden. Its downtown features a range of restaurants (many with outdoor seating), cute shops and even a theater. It’s a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

16/11/2021

HAVE YOU BEEN TO ICON PARK? This very cool entertainment complex called is on International Drive, just a stone's throw from Universal Orlando . It amazes me how many people who live in Orlando have yet to check it out. There you will find a 400 ft tall ferris wheel (go at night for the lights) and about 40 restaurants, bars (some with live music) and attractions. You can save money on bundled packages for the wheel and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Sea Life Aquarium and the Museum of Illusions, or buy one or more attractions individually. Here's the link to Icon Park, and a couple photos from a recent visit. Note: Right next door is Ripley's Believe It or Not. So there are plenty of entertainment options in and around Icon Park. And the best part: parking in the Icon Park garage is free!! https://iconparkorlando.com/?CJEVENT=b184729346e711ec820a009a0a82b82c&utm_source=Bing%20Rebates%20by%20Microsoft&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=cj