Alternative Spots in Florida

Orlando, Florida spells theme parks for most tourists and Walt Disney World often sits first on the list but Florida has a lot more to offer. The only problem is how to wade through the numerous alternatives once you have your flights to Orlando. So here are some more options, other than theme parks, that are worth checking out for a bit of change of pace and variety:

Forever Florida – is a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife preserve which sprawl over 9 Florida ecosystems and surely an adventure you wouldn’t want to miss.

Home to an array of wildlife species even to the endangered and highly threatened ones, Forever Florida could be experienced in a variety of ways. It could be through zipline adventure, treetop cycles, coach safaris and horseback riding. This is another way of looking at Florida just as nature intended far from the overdeveloped themed- parks of the city. Forever Florida opens at 9am. Though walk-ins are welcome, reservation is recommended.

Ripley’s Odditorium – In here, bizarre artifacts could be explored along with strange collections, weird hobbies and anything extraordinary. The museum also appears as if it were collapsing to one side with an artfully constructed building that sure will interest visitors. Ripley’s Odditorium is open every day, from 9am till midnight. Regular ticket price for adult cost $19.99 and children ages 4-12 cost $12.99; discounts are given if tickets are bought online.

Gatorland Zoo – houses thousands of alligators and crocodiles in a 110 acres everglades.  Gatorland offers an excellent nature trail, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk, breeding marsh, reptile shows and educational programs. You can also take a zipline just above the gators and take a train ride to Gator Gully Splash Park.

Flickr Credit: Spike's Honey

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament – a family dinner theatre, it features staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting performed by a cast of 75 actors and 20 horses. Prepare to be taken back in time with knights and lords at Medieval Time Dinner and Tournament.  This for sure will be a fun and memorable family dinner in Florida. Admission costs $59.95 for adults, $35.95 for children 12 years and under.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – Your visit to Orlando wouldn’t be complete without your museum experience. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art  is said to house the world’s most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) including Tiffany art glass, leaded-glass windows, lamps, jewellery, pottery, paintings, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Morse Museum is open to the public 9:30am till 4:00pm Tuesday through Saturday throughout the year with the exception of some major holidays. Regular tickets cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for students. Admission is free on 4pm to 8pm on Fridays of November through April.