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We are super fortunate that when we recently travelled to the sunshine state the Coronavirus was still in it’s early stages and didn’t impact us at all. Those who follow us across our social media channels will know that this trip was a trip where we do absolutely no theme parks whatsoever! They weren’t closed at this stage like they are now (at the time of writing!) but we intentionally went out there to see more of Orlando and it’s surrounding areas so thought it would help to share the things we got up to and some ideas for anyone looking for things to do besides the theme parks!
VISIT International Drive
If you don’t know International Drive (affectionately known as I-Drive), is an 11 mile stretch of road that runs from just north of Universal Studios Orlando at the Orlando International Premium Outlets right down to the Orlando Premium Outlets near Lake Buena Vista (and Disney World).
There is tons to do on International Drive and it’s certainly a place that you could spend a good few days on if you find yourself stranded in Orlando because of theme park closures. Attractions include:
Icon Park
WHAT’S AT ICON PARK?
The Icon Orlando 360 is a complex which waaaaay back in the day when we first took a trip to Orlando back in 2005, was lovingly known as Via Mercado. It now not only houses restaurants as it did back then but is now a one stop shop for entertainment, food and so much more!
THE WHEEL
What was previously named the Orlando Eye, the now ICON Orlando is the 400ft tall observation wheel located located north of Pointe Orlando.
Even if you can’t get into the parks you can see them in the distance on a clear day and take an hour trip in the air-conditioned capsules from just £17.00pp!
ORLANDO SEA LIFE AQUARIUM
Located at the same place is also the Sealife Aquarium.
MADAME TUSSAUDS
…AND Madame Tussauds too! Those three attractions you could easily do in a day.
STAR FLYER
The star flyer is the cheapest attraction available at Icon Orlando 360 (it’s also the one that lesser people would probably ride due to the fact so many would be absolutely petrified to ride! Just look at it! But at just $10 when pre booked online it’s pretty cheap… the bungee at our yearly fair here in the UK is at least that in GBP!
Explore the area on a scooter!
The last few months have seen an introduction of scooters right along International Drive and it one way to check out the area! They are dotted on the paths and you need to just download the app, pay and rent them for along as you want. They probably aren’t for children and they do go fast so take care but they also look super fun!
Take the I-Trolley
The I-Trolley will take you from one end of I-Drive right to the other (and back.. obvs!). It’s such a cute little trolley and an experience the kids would probably love.
Shopping
As I’ve already touched on you have one Premium Outlet at the very top of International Drive with another at the very bottom. Both are certainly worth visiting as they tend to have different things but this is another activity to consider should you need it.
Dining
Anything you WANT to eat you CAN eat on International Drive. The area around Pointe Orlando is out favourite for sure but there is restaurants and takeaways dotted from top to bottom.
Play Golf!
Another one of our favourite attractions to ‘fill the time’ is playing crazy golf. It’s nothing like the ones you used to play on as a child at the beach they’re amazing! We LOVE Pirates Adventure Golf.. it is for sure the BEST mini golf in Orlando!
Visit Celebration
Located not far away from Disney World, Celebration is actually built on an area that used to be owned by Disney. There are restaurants, shops and a beautiful lake you can walk around. It’s not a big place but you can for sure explore until your heart is content (or the kids are bored!). It’s likely after an couple of hours you’d be ready to move on but it really is such a beautiful place that it’s worth a visit if you are in the area.
Obviously if the theme parks close there is a reason for it. Everything I’ve mentioned thus far in this post are likely to be still open but it’s certainly worth checking before you travel.
The following activities would be dependant on the severity of the park closures for example hotels may also be off limits but again use your own judgement.
Go Karting
I really wanted to go GoKarting on our last trip. It does look super fun and i’ve never actually done it before. There are a few places you can go Go Karting in Orlando now. One being just off mid International Drive on Universal Boulevard and one being the NASCAR one at the north end.
Museums
There are also a few museums that might be an option… the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center is two that I’m sure would be popular with children.
Go Downtown
We headed Downtown for the first time this trip and visited Lake Eola. Walking around the lake was lovely (albeit a bit chilly but we had a cold front come over that day!). There’s a park for the kids to play in, wildlife, fountains and also pedalos too!
I know there is a lot of worry and apprehension around the world at the minute and that the theme parks closing might impact some more than others but if you are out there when they do close just know they’ve not taken the decision lightly and it’s for your safety they have done so.
Feel free to PIN to read again later!
