So the kids finally won out and you decided to treat them to the Disney vacation of a lifetime in Orlando. The problem is that with the theme parks and water parks eating into your budget there is not a whole lot left over for those days when battling thousands of sweat soaked tourists to get on to Space Mountain just isn’t all that appealing. Thankfully for everyone involved Orlando has plenty of fun, exciting, and most importantly inexpensive things to do when you want a break from Mickey.
Gatorland may be the only place on earth where walking into the mouth of an alligator is acrually a good thing. This 110 acre park and nature conservatory initially opened way back in 1949 as a small roadside oddity. Located at the head of the Everglades, the park has expanded into a one of a kind attraction that is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles. In addition to these reptiles, visitors can also enjoy a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk and opening in fall 2010 an eco zip line that takes you over the attractions. The park is priced at $23 for adults and $15 for children under 11 however, tickets can be found for half that price in coupon books.
Visit a park
The city of Orlando is dotted with parks from downtown to the suburbs. Before the heat of the day hits take a stroll, or if you are more daring a jog, around one of the many beautiful landscaped areas that the city has to offer. In addition, many parks have their own unique selling points to attract visitors. At Lake Eola Park for example it is possible to rent swan shaped paddle boats on the 23 acre lake, and throughout the year you can stumble upon a variety of free musical performances.
If you are struggling to find something to do with the kids during one of those violent afternoon thunderstorms you could do worse than checking out Monkey Joes. Joes is a kid’s dream of a play area packed wall to wall with inflatables, obstacles, and slides. The area is large and safe, with a separate area for toddlers, which is important if the main section starts to get crowded. The added bonus of Joes is that the little ones get to run off all of the energy they have resulting in a quiet night for mom and dad. Prices top out at $9.50 during the weekend.
More of an oddity than a way to spend the day, but worthy of mention none the less, are the Peabody Ducks. Visit the swanky Peabody Hotel at either 11am or 5pm and watch as five mallards are lead to the hotels fountains by their red coated duckmaster. Accompanied by the music of John Philip Sousa, the ducks spend the day in the fountain before going back to their penthouse at night. Anyone with a spare $150-$200 can be a guest duckmaster for the day, but the show is free for everyone else.
Just 10 miles north of Orlando lies Fleaword, the world’s largest flea market. This huge bargain priced shopping complex has 1700 vendors selling everything imaginable, as well as, some things you had no idea even existed. In addition to the shopping, the venue showcases acrobatic shows, circus and magic acts, and exotic animals. Fleaworld is the perfect place for a look into a different side of what the Orlando area has to offer.
Museums and Art Galleries
With the prevalence of the Disney name and the atmosphere that has been associated with it, Orlando is not a city that screams culture. Visiting one of the many art galleries or museums however, may shake that preconceived notion. From the states cultural roots on display in the Museum of Seminole County History, to the CityArts Factory which holds five galleries of unique works including glass blowing and African sculpture, Orlando’s cultural side is sure to surprise and please in equal measure.
Orlando really is a city with something for everyone. Including some of these activities in addition to the theme parks is the best way to make the most, while spending the least on your Orlando vacation.
Photo via JC Garcia Caparros (Perro32)
