Other than the theme parks...

Curious Alice · #1 (**permalink**) 11-22-2009, 03:13 PM

...what else is there to do in Orlando? Looking for any good ideas for restaurants, bars, other fun things to do...

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shannonkb · #2 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 12:03 AM

This isn't technically in Orlando, but we're planning on one day going to Kennedy Space Center. All the times I've been to WDW, we've never actually gone into Orlando.

Jimmy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 07:37 AM

Alot of 'fun' things to do along International Drive Street not far from Disney if you have a car. Good lounges, attractions, shopping. Go east on I-4 to International Drive exit.

Curious Alice · #4 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 11:00 AM

Yes, I'll have a car. Any specifics?

Jimmy · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 09:51 PM

No specifics, there are too many things to do like cool restraunts, some very cool popular bars, and unique shopping. The traffic sometimes gets congested in the evening because it is a popular place to go. Take a half hour or so and just drive from one end to the other and you will see what there is to do. Especially cool if you are in age group of 20 to 50.

By the way Curious Alice, on Wed the 25th I will be working with the Fairies from 5:30pm - 11pm and Fri the 27th I will be working in the Hall of Fame at Toontown where you get in line for the princess' and the fairies, stop by and say 'hi' Name tag says 'JIM'

I just realized when you will be at Disney - My work schedule that week is Wed the 2nd at France (Epcot) from 11:30am - 6pm. And on Fri the 4th from 8:30am to 5pm at Frontierland at MK with Goofy.
Hope to see you real soon. Jim

Curious Alice · #6 (**permalink**) 11-24-2009, 09:51 AM

Okay, maybe I'll see you, Jimmy.

If anyone does know a cool bar or great (inexpensive) restaurant in Orlando that can be recommended, I'd appreciate it.

Jimmy · #7 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009, 08:25 AM

One of my favorites is 'SWEET TOMATOES' restaurant. It is on International Drive just north/east of Wet-n-Wild water park. Not an expensive place, but AWSOME salads,pasta,soup,chilie,breads,etc. You make your own salads from a 20 yrd long salad bar and everything is so fresh. I just love that place, and go often. And everthing is all you can eat!

Winkster · #8 (**permalink**) 11-30-2009, 08:15 AM

Hi Alice

Shame I missed your message - I was soaking up the rain in the Scottish Highlands for 2 weeks.

For anyone else looking for things to do outside of the usual parks, I'd suggest the following:

Crazy golf at any of the courses on and around I-Drive

Shopping (Prime, Mall at Milennia, Premium Outlets, Lake BV Outlets etc).

Helicopter rides (I Drive)

Airboat rides (I'd suggest looking out beyond St Cloud to get more of a "wilderness" feel)

As for fun places to eat, I can recommend Cafe TuTu Tango on I-Drive http://www.cafetututango.com/ Great food, great service and a great atmosphere in "unusual" surroundings!

I've also never tried the following but they do look fun...

Warbirds http://www.warbirdadventures.com/

Skyventure http://www.skyventureorlando.com/exp...e/default.aspx

Kebabs · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:36 AM

Things other than Disney!!

1) I like walking around the premium outlets in Lake Buena Vista there are some good bargains to be found there, and its great for people walking!

2) Florida Mall - if you go to the food court, there are so many people offering free samples, you could have lunch without paying a penny! But we usually sample everything and then choose our favourite!

3) Gatorland - its a very different way of spending a morning, much more relaxing and its a really nice place, although we avoid the shows, not happy to watch gator wrestling.

4) Pointe Orlando on International Drive - it has lots of lovely places to eat, a huge cinema and some interesting shops! We like Johnny Rockets diner, really good milkshakes and little juke boxes on the tables.

5) Citywalk - I love going to the Hard Rock cafe here, then a bit of shopping in Fossil and end up in the cinema.

6) We just like walking around Celebration and pretending we live there!

7) I hate to admit to this one, but no trip to WDW would be complete for us without a trip to Walmart, I don't know why its so good, maybe the jet lag, but its where we go on our first morning every trip!

Some restaurants we like outside of Disney are Steak n Shake, Golden Corral, Black Angus and Lonestar, the ones I know are all in Lake Buena Vista, all good food at reasonable prices!

Dx

Curious Alice · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 01:17 PM

Wow, Winkster, Cafe Tu Tu Tango looks like fun. That's exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Something different, not a typical American chain restaurant.

As for helicopter/airplane/balloon rides...I'm too scared of heights!

So, what is there to do at Gatorland besides watching the wrestling (which I don't think I'd like, either)?

I do want to go to Cape Canaveral one day. There's some kind of ride there...anyone know anything about it?

And Kebabs, you're right to hate to admit you like Walmart...lol! I'm just teasing you.

Actuallly, I really hate that store. But put me inside a Super Target and you'll have trouble getting me to leave! (Hmmmm, maybe I'll stop there on my lunch break today.)

Kebabs · #11 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 05:39 AM

Last time we went to Gatorland, there were lots of outside trails to follow which we really enjoyed.

I don't think I've ever been to a Super Target, is that the same type of store as Walmart? I'm just happy shopping anywhere!

Curious Alice · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebabs

I don't think I've ever been to a Super Target, is that the same type of store as Walmart?

They both sell household products, clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, etc., but Target is a much nicer store with much better quality merchandise, better customer service, etc. It also costs a bit more, but for a reason.

A huge difference is the clothing. Isaac Mizrahi designs for Target on a regular basis, and they have other famous guest designers.

Target has some beautiful things for the home, too. It's surprisingly nice. As far as groceries are concerned, Target has a lot of gourmet items. An amazing chocolate section, too.

All-in-all, I would say Target is inexpensive, while Wal-Mart is cheap. As you can see, I have a slight bias toward Target.

Winkster · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curious Alice

An amazing chocolate section, too.

Well you've sold it to me.

Target is now officially on our must-do list for our next trip to America!

Mrs JackSparrow · #14 (**permalink**) 05-26-2010, 01:23 PM

Omg ... I can't believe no one mentioned Old Town!!!! It's more in Kissimmee, but it has carnival rides, shops and good food (mmm Checkers!) ... it's a fun place! lots of neat stuff

Mercedes · #15 (**permalink**) 05-26-2010, 03:41 PM

For people who want to do Kennedy space centre, DON'T it's the most boring place ever for a day, i went the first time i went to orlando spent the day a sleep, it was a waste of a day, so anyone who is thinking of going try something else, unless you like rockets.