Turn Free Time Into Quality Time at One of Orlando's Lesser Known Attractions
While the larger theme parks are undeniably the meat and potatoes of leisure time in Orlando, a handful of smaller, historical attractions provide the authentic Florida flavor that makes the area such an enticing destination for both vacationers and convention delegates. These worthwhile parks and attractions throughout the Central Florida area are just as big on thrills and may even be a bit easier on your wallet.
Anyone seeking a uniquely Florida experience should put Gatorland at the top of their list. The "Alligator Capital of the World" is both a theme park and wildlife preserve, with 110-acres of gators and crocodiles, a petting zoo, aviary, nature walk, breeding marsh with observation tower, a train ride, restaurant and more. Reptilian shows include the Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestling Show, Jungle Crocs of the World and Up-Close Encounters.
Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in nearby Winter Haven, Fla., Florida's first theme park, blends the best of old-fashioned amusement parks with today's fast-paced attractions. More than 40 rides include four roller coasters, the world's tallest spinning rapids ride and a large selection of children's and family-friendly rides, all set amidst the park's natural beauty. Between the Nature's Way exhibit, petting zoo and aviary, you'll find more than 150 birds and animals as well as beautiful gardens and meandering walking trails. Splash Island Water Park offers a cool break on warm sunny days. Cypress Gardens rocks in the evenings with a 2007 concert lineup including Loretta Lynn, Neil Sedaka, Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, Steve Miller Band, Foreigner, LeAnn Rimes and Lonestar to name a few.
If you've brought the family along for your convention, why not give them a taste of what life was like in simpler times, with a visit to Green Meadows Petting Farm. The guided, two-hour experience allows plenty of time for you to get acquainted with a variety of farm animals including chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, horses and more. Kids will love the pony rides, train ride and hay ride, and every guest gets the opportunity to milk a cow. Be on the lookout for adorable baby farm animals--both kids and grown-ups will go ga-ga over lambs, calves and other little critters.
Often, visitors to Orlando have no idea that they're so close to the launch site of the spaces shuttle and the birthplace of America's space program. Just 45 minutes to the east of Orlando on Florida's Space Coast, lies Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cape Canaveral, where man first launched to the moon and where commercial rockets launch on a regular basis. Tour restricted areas of Kennedy Space Center, see the space shuttle launch pads and watch a simulated launch of the massive Apollo/Saturn V rocket from mission control. You'll swear the rocket is really taking off as the louvered windows violently shake above you and the floor rumbles under your feet. An experienced astronaut is on hand every day to answer questions and inspire future space explorers. With combined admission to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, you'll be able to ride space simulators and see personal memorabilia from legendary astronauts of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo eras. In summer 2007, Kennedy Space Center is opening the new, multi-million dollar Shuttle Launch Experience which will let you experience the thrill of a space shuttle launch from the best possible seat - the astronaut's seat.
The world's largest private airplane collection can be found a short drive west of Orlando at Fantasy of Flight, an aviation-themed attraction that takes visitors back to the early days of flight including World War I, World War II and beyond. Tour the Restoration Shop where you'll see what it takes to get vintage aircraft in shape to fly, soak in the Aircraft of the Day presentation and enjoy a private air show demonstrating the abilities of that aircraft, or book a ride in a hot air balloon or bi-plane.
On your next trip to Orlando, spend your free time exploring the lesser known attractions and discover a side of Florida you never knew.