Travel Tips: 3 Spots to Enjoy Orlando without Visiting Disneyland

by Lily B. Writer

It's not a secret that many people associate Orlando exclusively with Disneyland. And this is not without a reason. For many years, these words have become synonymous. However, Orlando has something to offer without Disneyland’s theme parks.

Below you’ll find 3 greatest spots that have nothing to do with Disneyland or its attractions in this region...

Islands of Adventures

This is a part of Universal Orlando resort. The creative expert of the park was Steven Spielberg, and you will easily feel his handwriting in its spectacular design. The territory of ‘Islands of Adventure’ is divided into 5 thematic zones. If you want to plunge into the fabulous world of superheroes, then first of all visit the section of the park called ‘Marvel Super Hero Island’. Its most steep attraction is ‘Hulk’ roller coaster with the height of 16-storey building and the speed of 64 km/h.

The second mini-island of the entertainment complex is ‘Toon Lagoon’ which is a water part of the park, where you can cool down and have fun. Numerous cafes and shops are decorated in a sea cartoon style and are unusually pleasing to children. Rafting along a stormy river on wooden boats is the most breathtaking activity of ‘Toon Lagoon’.

(photo by Steve Arrowsmith)

The next mini-island is ‘Jurassic Park’, where visitors have the opportunity to fall into prehistoric times of dinosaurs. One of the most popular attractions of this island offers visitors an unforgettable 40-second aerial journey over the island called ‘Flight on Pterodactyl’.

‘The Lost Continent’ will please the fans of history. Each attraction corresponds to the atmosphere of a certain era from Ancient Greece and Maya to the Middle Ages of the Arab states. ‘Temple of Poseidon’ is one of them. According to the plot, you appear into the majestic Greek temple and become a participant in a whole story filled with various special effects.

The last islet is very colorful and created exclusively for children. Children can ride on carousels, visit playgrounds with surprises and try many other amusing rides there.

Admission: $121 for adults, $115 for kids

SeaWorld Orlando

If you wish to cool down and experience breathtaking water adventures, the doors of SeaWorld Orlando are always open for you. Visitors are invited to enjoy the colorful underwater panoramas of the sea depths, while thrill seekers can try high water slides and a variety of attractions. Sea World is one of the most fascinating water parks, which will be enthralling both grown-ups and very young children.

(photo by Mark Livingston)

First of all, this complex is a huge marine zoo where you can observe the life of diverse representatives of the animal world, from polar bears of the Arctic, to the inhabitants of the tropical seas. Local dolphins are trained, and then they become the ‘stars’ of Hollywood films. It's best to start your acquaintance with this amazing place from the very morning, because it will take more than an hour to go around the park and participate in all the offered entertainment. A lot of aquariums with rays, dolphins and sharks, pools with crocodiles and turtles amaze with their size. At the same time, you can even touch and feed some marine inhabitants.

For those who want to feel extreme, various breathtaking rides are provided. Roller coaster track runs through the vast territory of the park, and trailers with screaming people fly right over the pedestrian paths. However, most of the attractions are still connected with water. For example, ‘Journey to Atlantis’ - is a walk on a boat, ending with a fall from a steep waterfall. Also, visitors will enjoy a variety of slides and water towers.

Admission: $75 for adults, $64 for children 3-9

Discovery Cove

If you are not attracted by noisy extreme amusement parks and want to spend a day filled with warm positive emotions, it’s recommended to head to Discovery Cove. Unlike the huge and entertaining SeaWorld Orlando, the visitors of Discovery Cove will enjoy relaxing atmosphere and pleasant soothing adventures.

(photo by Mr Perdix)

Discovery Cove is a colorful tropical country where visitors can swim in lagoon with dolphins, relax under the calming sounds of nature and enjoy the views of coral reefs. The major aim of this park is to create a pleasant emotional connection between dolphins and humans. Dolphins are amazingly sociable and intelligent animals, and a water trip with them will become the most exciting adventure in the life of each visitor.

The recreational park consists of several natural areas. One of them is a shallow sandy beach, which is suitable for rest with the whole family. All visitors are equipped with a wetsuit, life jackets, swimming goggles, a towel and even a waterproof camera, so it’s possible to capture your underwater adventures and show them to your family.

Through the whole park a tropical river flows. It accelerates when flowing among the rocky coasts, and then slows down, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding beauty. The river trip takes about an hour, so visitors who are bored of such an activity have the opportunity to get out on land at any time.

(photo by VISIT FLORIDA)

A huge pond full of bright tropical fish and rays is also very popular among holidaymakers. Amazing coral reefs amaze with a variety of marine creatures.

Admission: $170 including food and all the attributes required for a water trip

Summing it up, Orlando is still a great place for entertainment even without visiting Disneyland. So, it's time to get car rental in Orlando under 21 and visit these 3 amazing destinations together with your kids!