Looking for Orlando people!

chicklidell

I'm taking my kids to Orlando in April, we've been before but honestly both times I got sucked into the whole tourist disney world thing. We've been to every park, Sea World, Bush Gardens in Tampa, the Aquarium in Tampa, Gatorland, Universal..you name it! We were so busy with theme parks we were too tired for anything else. This go around will be different, we're spending three weeks, staying at The Gaylord Palms. I would love input from Orlando natives or people who know more then theme parks, what must we do, and what must we see...where should we eat...general stuff that most tourists would overlook. There has to be more to ORlando and the area then Disney World!! I plan a trip to Miami while we're there as well...SHOPPING!!!! lol

beerbomber

Well first off if it its for the kids you have to go to Medevial Times just to say you went not saying its great but Kids find it entertaining and sometimes adults do to, you got Florida Mall but really Orlando is so hit by foreclosures Disney, Universal, Ect is the stuff to do, also planning a trip to Miami you might already know this but its not like a 2 hour drive from orlando to Miami its a good 4+ hrs.

LaurenAOK

I'm an Orlando people!

Yeah, Medieval Times is awesome. I've heard that Arabian Nights is even better, though I haven't been to that one. How long ago did you go to Universal? I don't know if you or your kids are Harry Potter fans, but the new section of IOA that's all HP is awesome. I go there like once a week :P There's also a new-ish roller coaster at US called Rip, Ride, Rock It and it's a FANTASTIC coaster. So If you haven't been in a while it may be worth another visit. Also, you could go see Blue Man Group which is right next door to US and it's an awesome show. Another great place to eat is Kobe, it's a hibachi/sushi place and it's the best around. They have several locations in Orlando. If you're going to be over in East Orlando at all (near UCF, about 30 mins from Universal), there's a restaurant called Lazy Moon that serves giant pizza slices (and GIANT pizzas). I'm actually not a huge fan of the place because I don't like the super thin crust, but it's a hit with a lot of people. There's also a place around UCF called Rebounderz and basically it's just a giant room made of trampolines. Super fun and a great workout!

Don't know if you'll get any "adult time" without the kids but downtown Orlando can be pretty fun at night, plenty of clubs, bars etc. As far as shopping there's the Florida Mall and (my favorite) The Mall at Millennia. Umm that's all I can think of for now but I'll try to come back and add more!

lostsanity137

I don't live in Orlando, I actually live in Jacksonville, FL, and spent most of my life in Dayton Beach, FL, but I love Orlando. I do love the theme parks but I agree with others that Medieval times is great fun. Who doesn't like a good dinner show? My grandparents have been to pretty much all of the themed dinner theaters there including Medieval Times, Arabian Nights, there may also be a pirate one and a Dolly Parton one. lol. My grandpa really liked that one. I don't know of much around there other than the malls. They also have an Ikea (not that you would care lol) which is one store we don't have up here in Jacksonville. >:(
If you haven't done Universal since Harry Potter was built, I highly recommend it if your kids liked the books. I still prefer the Jurassic Park ride though! I could ride that one all day!
Orlando is FULL of places to eat, but...I love going to Epcot and eating around the world. Heheh...

Oh, I don't think I helped you much... lol, sorry. I'm a tourist in my own state. Pooo.

chicklidell

You guys are awesome! I never thought of medieval times or the blue man group! I plan on doing them for sure! We're going to spend a week of our vacation in Miami, i've only been once, and it was brief. I'm bringing along 5 kids ages 6-19 so it's difficult planning something that everyone will enjoy...but you gave me some great ideas. I'm renting a car, and definitely doing the Giant Pizza thing..we have to check that out!!!

millerll

I live an hour east of Orlando near the coast. I highly recommend making a trip over to Kennedy Space Center Visitors' Center. There's tons of stuff for adults and kids alike that's space-related and really interesting. Then take the bus tour of the complex. You'll get to see the Vehicle Assembly Building, launch pad, and several historic sites. Then take a trip a little further south to Cocoa Beach and enjoy the Pier. Visit a few shops, have lunch at one of the many quaint restaurants, and enjoy the ocean for the afternoon. In April, it's plenty warm enough for swimming, but not yet so stinking hot that you'll melt!

I hope you enjpy your trip!