Orlando without the Theme Parks!

Orlando without the Theme Parks!

Think Orlando is just about Disney and Universal? Think again!

I’ve been holidaying in Orlando with my family for years, and yes, we’ve done Disney and Universal and LOVE them both, but there is so much more to this incredible destination, so if you’re looking for a great value, budget-friendly family adventure - I’ve got you covered!

Old Town

One of our favourite places to go when we visit Orlando is the nostalgic Old Town, Kissimmee! Here you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you stroll down the tree-lined brick streets filled with unique shops, bars and traditional fairground-style attractions. We always head to Old Town on a Friday evening for the Muscle Car Show, which culminates in a car cruise through the main streets and offers great entertainment for all the family. With live music on the Trophy Row Stage and a great mix of people relaxing with a cocktail and dancing in the streets, it encompasses all the simple pleasures of classic American fun! And that’s not all – it’s right next door to Fun Spot America, offering a variety of rides and games like bumper cars, a multi-level go-kart track and the world’s largest sky coaster! A little less glitzy than the main theme parks, but full of old-school charm!

Sports

If you’re into sports, why not catch a soccer or basketball game (seasonal dependent)? We’ve done both, and the atmosphere is incredible! Orlando City SC is a fantastic day out for all the family, with the area around it transforming into ‘Mane Street Plaza’ where families can enjoy interactive activities, merchandise stalls, freebies, food trucks and much more. - You may even get to experience a tailgate party! For basketball, catch an NBA game with the Orlando Magic, entirely different to soccer but just as entertaining! I honestly don’t think anyone does sport quite like the USA!

Golf

Golf is one sport that Orlando has plenty of! If you’re a keen golfer, there are some excellent courses, such as Shingle Creek, but for families, you’ll be spoilt for choice from the many Adventure Golf spots! Pirates Cove is one of my favourites, and my Top Tip: Pick up a Visit Orlando book from a local restaurant for savings coupons! For those a bit in between, Orlando has its very own Top Golf, offering a great choice for families of all ages and abilities!

Beaches

There are some incredible beaches not far from Orlando. Cocoa Beach is great for jumping waves and has a cute pier with a rustic tiki bar at the end, which serves a fabulous Mai Tai and provides the most gorgeous views out to sea! On the west coast, Clearwater is known for its white powdery sand and calm waters, but my all-time favourite is Anna Maria Island! A little further out, but 100% worth it! Think old school Floridian charm - no high rises in sight, just postcard-perfect Gulf sunsets, turquoise waters and some of the best waterfront dining in Florida!

Shopping

One thing my kids love to do is shop!!! For the best bargains, head to one of the Premium Outlets on Vineland or International Drive and while you’re there, head to the information point to pick up a discount book for even more savings! Pre warning - this year we had to buy an extra suitcase! Two other great Mall choices are The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall. Whilst you’ll find the likes of Zara and even Primark (yes, you read that right) at The Florida Mall, my favourite is the Mall at Millennia for how gorgeously glamorous it feels and because they have a Cheesecake Factory, which is out of this world!

Still feel like you need that Disney Fix, though? I’ll let you into a little secret – it’s still possible to capture some Disney magic without an expensive 7- or 14-day park ticket! Here are some of my favourite insider tips:

After-hours events

At different times of the year, Disney do after-hours events such as Mickey‘s Scary Halloween, Mickey’s Christmas Party and Disney After Hours. These are ticketed events, so you do have to pay for them, but they offer a much cheaper alternative. For that one evening, you can enter the park from as early as 44 pm Queues will be considerably shorter and for some rides, you‘ll be able to walk straight on. Character meet and greets will be plentiful, and you'll get free drinks and snacks along the way!

Fireworks

The Magic Kingdom fireworks are legendary and for good reason. They always leave me awe-struck, and I’ve yet to come away without a tear in my eye! No,w what if I told you, you could watch them without even entering the park! For a lot less than a 7-day magic ticket per person, you can take a private fireworks cruise, seating up to 10 people, with free drinks and snacks on board! But there is also an entirely free – yes FREE – way to experience the magic of Disney’s Happily Ever After!

Disney Springs is my absolute favourite place to spend an evening in Orlando. With Incredible shops, themed dining, live music, cinema, bowling, boating on the lake, and so much more, you can lose yourself for hours here! But back to the FREE fireworks! Disney Springs offers free parking and serves as a transportation hub forDisney buses. These are also completely free, so you can catch a Disney bus from Disney Springs to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which features a beautiful beach along the Seven Seas Lagoon and best of all, it offers a great spot to watch the fireworks! Not only can you see them, but the music is played through speakers, making it feel like you’re right there! No crowds, beautiful surroundings and complete Disney Magic!

Disney Character Dining

For many families, meeting the characters is such a big part of a trip to Disney,y but you can meet all of your favourites without even setting foot in the parks! Disney Dining is available to everyone, but a reservation is highly recommended, and it’s best to do this when slots are released 60 days ahead. A lot of the dining options are in the Disney hotels, which are all so unique. The best bit is, with a dining reservation, parking is free! Where to go depends on who you most want to meet, but my favourites are Ohana's Breakfast at the Polynesian Resort, Chef Mickey at the Contemporary Resort and for the Disney Princesses, 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Finally, for all those in need of a bit more relaxation, I highly recommend an Orlando Cruise & Stay! Cruises from Florida are often significantly cheaper than Europe, so why not tag on a mini cruise around the Caribbean – A perfect relaxing end to one incredible family trip!

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Nicky Johnstone

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