The Disney theme parks dominate Orlando but there are many other attractions in the sunshine state. If you are planning to go to Florida in the future here are 5 Florida attractions you just can't miss that aren't Disney. This is an ad.
Universal Studios
Kennedy Space Centre
Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral is a must-see in Flordia for all lovers of the space race. You can see actual rockets that have been into space including the Apollo spacecraft, see space shows in the IMAX theatre and get taken into 'space' on the shuttle launch experience. One of our favourite experiences was listening to a real-life astronaut Wendy Lawerence about her journey into space and asking her questions too. She said she saw a sunrise in space every 45 minutes - how fantastic! You can also have lunch with an astronaut if you book ahead, how cool is that!
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a theme park just over an hours drive from Disneyworld. It has a number of attractions including high energy thrill rides and rollercoasters like Sherika, a 200-foot rollercoaster, Montu, an inverted rollercoaster and the 335-foot drop ride Falcon's Fury. Another of the main attractions in Busch Gardens is the ability to see animals up close with the Serengeti Plain and the Serengeti Express. You can also observe animal care first hand in the Animal Care Centre.
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is a theme park based on... you guessed it, Lego, and appeals especially to children under the age of 11, although Lego geeks of all ages will enjoy it. With over 50 rides, shows and attractions there is something for most people including rollercoasters for little kids and big ones too. Enjoy the virtual reality Great Lego Race coaster, the Lego 4D theatre and of course models of Lego from all around the world. They even have a water park for more Lego-themed fun.
Wild Florida
Wild Florida is Orlando's only airboat and gator park adventure and offers something completely different to everything else featured. They are mainly known for their Everglades airboat adventures where you may get a glimpse of spoonbills, and the main attractions - alligators! The boats are US coast guard certified so you know they are safe and the drivers offer commentary on the nature you see. Definitely worth a visit.
How to buy tickets
Getting into these attractions does cost money. If you are buying Florida tickets, I recommend buying them before you go as you can often get the best deals. It's always worth checking opening times and any restrictions on the website beforehand to avoid disappointment too.
So here are my 5 best Florida attractions that aren't Disney. If you are looking to explore the area further check out this post by Victoria on why do people want to visit Florida. Let me know if you have been to any. Which of these attractions appeals?
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I would love to visit Legoland Florida we have ticked off so much in Florida but not managed that one yet! Fab post x
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know there was a Legoland in Florida! These are a great selection of places to visit. I wouldn't have thought of them, you just kind of think about Disney when you talk about Florida, it's easy to forget that it has a lot more to offer x
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore Universal and Busch Gardens and am so glad I got to visit them the last time I was in Florida... also recognise the family in that picture too! ;)
ReplyDeleteThere is so much to see and do in Florida... hoping I can visit the Space Centre when out there next! Sim x
Great list I would love to visit the everglades. It would remind me of that TV show gentle Ben with the bear and the kid, do you remember it?
ReplyDeleteSome lovely attractions to visit in Florida! If we ever go on a holiday to Florida the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral and Legoland is on our top must see attractions
ReplyDeleteI so hope to visit Florida in the future - I'd love to visit Legoland Florida as we love the UK one!
ReplyDeleteThese are all places I want to visit when I eventually get to Florida, busch gardens and the space centre especially x
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Florida, especially Busch Gardens and Legoland. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteI have been to a couple of these, albeit some were many years ago. I did enjoy Universal Studios and would love to go back to see all of the Harry Potter area.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Universal studies in Orlando 4 years ago and it was so fun that I still remember it even now!
ReplyDeleteI think that people forget or don't even realise that there are more attractions than just Disney ones. Busch Gardens is really lovely we went years ago and had a great time.
ReplyDeleteWe are desperate to visit Florida and Universal in particular. We have told the kids we are not going until they will ride the rollercoasters though
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Florida but love the sound of Legoland, wonder how it compares to our one here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteWe've never been to Florida but I'd love to take my family as there is do much there and all that sunshine too! Bliss
ReplyDeleteman i miss universal studios...went there a few years ago and had such an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteI would love to take my family to Florida as there is so much there and that sun, bliss! Mich x
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