orlando without disney

Orlando Without Disney: Things To Do In Orlando Beyond Disney

Orlando, Florida is famous for being home to some of the most exciting theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World. Although Disney World is a classic fan favorite among visitors, Orlando offers many more attractions for its tourists.

By stepping beyond Disney, you will discover a different side of Orlando that many visitors often overlook. In this article, we will discover other Orlando attractions like theme parks, outdoor adventures, unique attractions, and shopping experiences!

So let’s explore some of the best things to do in Orlando beyond Disney.

Theme Parks in Orlando

Orlando is also known as the theme park capital of the world and Disney isn’t the only game in town. There are multiple theme parks with different themes that offer thrilling rides, immersive storytelling, and family fun. Some of the best alternative theme parks are:

Universal Orlando Resort

Location: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Rides & Entertainment

Universal Orlando Resort consists of three theme parks- Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay where you can step into your favorite movies with exciting rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movie franchises like Harry Potter, Marvel, and Despicable Me.

Universal has rides and attractions for everyone, from thrilling rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit for adventure seekers to mild rides like Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl and Trolls Trollercoaster for families.

Along with these rides at the theme parks, Universal also has an entertainment complex- Universal Citywalk. Universal CityWalk is the perfect place for enjoying after-park entertainment like Mini Golf at Hollywood Drive, having a meal at VIVO Italian Kitchen and Pat O’Brien’s, and shopping for your favorite souvenirs.

The fun doesn’t stop here as Universal is launching its new theme park in May of 2025- Epic Universe!

universal orlando

SeaWorld Orlando

Location: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821

Experience Type: Rides & Animal Encounters

SeaWorld Orlando offers various marine life shows and attractions for family fun. With some of the most exciting rides and attractions like Manta and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster to milder rides like Abby’s Flower Tower and Elmo’s Choo Choo Train, the park has a wide array of marine-themed rides for visitors!

You can also get a close-up experience with dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks! If you want more immersive experiences, then you can participate in behind-the-scenes tours to learn about the care and conservation efforts of SeaWorld’s animals. This park is the perfect destination for both fun and education.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Experience Type: Rides & Family Fun

Perfect for families with young children, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is an interactive theme park that brings creativity and adventure together. The park features so many rides and attractions like LEGO-themed rides, splash zones, and hands-on play areas, making it the ultimate destination for families.

You can explore miniature LEGO cities in Miniland USA, build and test your own LEGO creations in LEGO Technic, or let little ones enjoy interactive play zones in DUPLO Valley. On the other hand, there are LEGO-based shows and rides, not only for kids but for adults as well, providing a fun experience for the whole family.

Legoland Florida

Outdoor Adventures

For those looking to escape the theme park crowds, Orlando’s natural beauty offers a refreshing change of pace. Here are some outdoor adventure spots to explore:

Gatorland

Location: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837

Experience Type: Diverse Florida Wildlife Park & Animal Encounters

Gatorland, also known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is a wildlife preserve and theme park where you will get to experience personal and close meet-ups with alligators, crocodiles, and other animals.

To add more thrill to your experience, you can climb the observation tower or zipline over alligator-infested waters for some adventurous experience. This hidden gem provides a beautiful experience for anyone wanting a wildlife experience.

gatorland alligator show

Lake Eola Park

Location: 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801

Experience Type: Outdoor, Nature, Walking, & Relaxation

Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, is a beautiful park to relax and have a picnic with your loved ones! You can experience a scenic boat tour on a rented swan-shaped boat, enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake, and grab some fresh air on the large playgrounds.

The Walt Disney Amphitheater within the park frequently hosts live music performances, fountain light shows, and outdoor movies, making it a great spot for both relaxation and entertainment.

ICON Park

ICON Park

Location: Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Entertainment Complex

ICON Park is an entertainment hub offering thrilling rides, dining, and shopping options. One of the major attractions here is- The Wheel, standing 450 feet tall and providing breathtaking views of the Orlando skyline. Some other popular attractions here are Madame Tussauds, Orlando SlingShot, and SeaLife Aquarium, which will leave you in awe!

After exploring the park, you can shop for souvenirs and dine at popular restaurants like Yard House and Helena Modern Riviera. With a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities ICON Park is a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Unique Attractions

Whether you are interested in contemporary art, history or simply soaking in the local vibe, Orlando has plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences that you can visit. Some of the best unique attractions are:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando

Location: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Museum, Oddities, & Family Fun

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a fascinating attraction that features bizarre artifacts, interactive exhibits, and mind-bending illusions. You can explore strange exhibits like shrunken heads, a piece of Mars, and the famous Vortex Tunnel which challenges your sense of balance.

Another attraction here is Ripley’s Mirror Maze which will challenge your sense of direction and perception. This attraction is an unforgettable experience for curious minds.

ripley's believe it or not

Kennedy Space Center

Location: 9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827

Experience Type: Space Exploration & Science Museum

A must-visit for families and space enthusiasts, Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida gives you an inside look into NASA’s space programs! You can explore the interactive exhibits, simulators, and the opportunity to meet real Astronauts, but the main highlight is the artifact- Space Shuttle Atlantis.

In addition, you can also visit Rock Garden to witness real rockets and Behind The Gates to learn more about spaceflight facilities and launch sites. Kennedy Space Center provides the ultimate educational, exciting experience for families.

wonderworks orlando

WonderWorks

Location: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Indoor Edutainment & Interactive Exhibits

WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park that has interactive exhibitions that focus on science and technology. At their featured exhibits, you can experience the six wonder zones like the extreme weather zone and physical challenge zone or you can design your own roller coaster.

For more thrills, you can visit this upside-down building with optical illusions, an indoor ropes course, a 4D XD simulator ride, and a laser tag arena. WonderWorks also features the best show in Orlando- The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show for a blend of laughter, magic, and delicious dining.

Shopping Experiences

Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, designer brands at a discounted price, or local artisan goods, you will find a variety of shopping experiences for every taste and budget. The top shopping destinations in Orlando are:

Orlando Premium Outlets

Location: 4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Shopping, Discounts, & Fashion

Do you want to purchase designer brands at discounted prices? Then look no further than Orlando Premium Outlets offering 30% to 70% discounts on more than 180 outlets of designer stores like Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Boss, Longchamp, and Calvin Klien! While shopping, grab a quick bite at various restaurants available there.

There are many other outlet malls in Orlando with great deals, check them out!

Orlando Premium Outlets

The Florida Mall

Location: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809

Experience Type: Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment

The Florida Mall, one of Orlando’s largest shopping destinations, offers a complete shopping experience with over 240 stores, including popular brands like Armani, Aldo, and Coach. After a busy shopping spree, take a break and recharge with some delicious food at one of The Florida Mall’s restaurants.

This destination isn’t just for shopping, it is perfect for families too as it features an indoor playground to keep kids entertained while you shop. For an even more colorful and hands-on adventure, head over to the Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall, where creativity and fun come to life for the whole family!

Mall at millenia

Mall at Millenia

Location: 4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839

Experience Type: Luxury Shopping & Dining

The Mall at Millenia is Orlando’s premier luxury shopping destination with high-end designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel for fashion enthusiasts. The upscale ambiance, elegant architecture, and fine dining options make it a must-visit. You can also enjoy dining options with restaurants like P.F. Chang’s and California Pizza Kitchen and catch a movie at the Cinemark theater.

Additional Activities

The list of attractions doesn’t end as Orlando still has some attractions left to explore from hidden gems to local favorites, here are additional destinations to explore:

International Drive

Location: 7081 Grand National Drive, Suite 105 Orlando, Florida 32819

Experience Type: Entertainment, Dining, & Shopping

International Drive is a very popular tourist destination in Orlando. In this guide, you might have already read a lot of eventful places like The Wheel and WonderWorks, all of them are located on International Drive!

But there are still many things to do on International Drive like riding on the I-Ride Trolley to exploring all the different options along International Drive. I-Drive is a great destination for creating memories with your family and friends!

Madame Tassauds

Orlando Science Center

Location: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803

Experience Type: Science Museum & Interactive Learning

Orlando Science Center is a great place if you want to spend your day learning more about science and technology with the help of interactive exhibits, live shows, and hands-on activities. You can learn and have fun here while attending workshops and events celebrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Orlando Science Center

The Escape Game Orlando

Location: 8145 International Dr #511, Orlando, FL 32819

Experience Type: Adventure & Puzzle-Solving

If you think that you have great problem-solving skills, then The Escape Game Orlando offers you the chance to become a detective and solve puzzles to escape from themed rooms before time runs out. This interactive experience is perfect for groups or families looking for a fun and challenging activity.

With various themes to choose from, this attraction is great for everyone. Apart from The Escape Game, there are many other escape rooms in Orlando, in case you are looking for additional options!

In conclusion, Orlando offers a wide range of attractions that cater to every type of traveler. Not just theme parks, the city boasts unique experiences, vibrant shopping destinations, and countless entertainment options to ensure there’s never a dull moment. To make the most of your visit, plan your trip thoughtfully and explore all the incredible opportunities Orlando has to offer!

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