Top 5 Orlando Attractions other than Disney by:Mark Whichard
Most people associate Orlando with Disney World
, but there is more to do there than just visit Disney. Here are the top 5 Orlando attractions that have nothing to do with Disney World, or its other operations in the area.Islands of Adventure
This is part of the Universal Studios resort, and is situated across from the studios close to International Drive. The creative consultant for the park was Steven Spielberg and you can easily see his influence in the spectacular design. It gets busy, so try to be there early though the doors frequently open sooner than the official 9 am.
Agreed, these queues can get pretty long, but Islands of Adventure have a Universal Express fast pass option, whereby your ticket can be used to make an advance booking for your ride and you are given express admission at the alloted time. Your queue is shorter and you save time waiting on rides. Islands of Adventure is a wonderful place to visit and internet users frequently vote it right at the top as the best of the attractions Orlando has to offer.
Discovery Cove
If you have ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, then this is your chance. You can also take the option of a dolphin swim ticket, and you will find the entrance on the Central Florida Parkway. Offering a tropical experience that you will remember all your life, Discovery Cove offers rays and exotic fish as companions while you snorkel or go reef diving. You will swim with dolphins in a beautiful lagoon, relax as you are carried down Wind-away River, so-called because you can take in the sights and sounds of the tropics while you enjoy the colorful birds feeding from your hands as you relax and wind down after another year.
Discovery Cove has been regarded as one of the most peaceful and relaxing adventures they have ever experienced, and after a visit they say that they feel ready for whatever the world has in store for them. Because the number admitted at any one time is maximized at 1,000, you will never be crowded and that is an attraction of Discovery Cove that many appreciate.
SeaWorld
Killer whales, sharks, barracudas, turtles, penguins and dolphins: only a small selection of the many wonders of the oceans that SeaWorld has to often. Directions here are simple: from International Drive SeaWorld can be found on the right. It provides you with a wonderful insight into many aspects of the marine world that will both amaze and enthral you, but that is not all there is.
The rides are fantastic, among the best being the Wild Arctic, Journey Atlantis and the Kraken. The food is fantastic, and many people head for SeaWorld first as soon as they reach Orlando. Many people visit Orlando just for this, and totally ignore Disney.
Universal Studios
Visit Universal Studios close to International Drive (you can't miss it) and see the movies brought to life. Your favorite movie characters can be found roaming around the grounds (don't let Beetlejuice find you misbehaving!). Universal is still operational, being used for TV programs and the like, and movie fans must not miss it during their visit to Orlando.
You can watch Terminator and Shrek movies that have not been released anywhere but here, enjoy the special effects used in movies such as Earthquake and visit the set of Jaws. Not only will you find some of Orlando's most thrilling rides, but you can also bask in the sheer nostalgia of the place and find out how many of these classic movies were actually made. The kids love Disney World, but this is for the adults. And the children of course!
Gatorland
If you are looking for a change from the busy commercialism of the top four attractions here, then head off on the South Orange Blossom Trail towards Kissimmee and visit Gatorland, which is one of the original attractions of Orlando. It offers just what you would expect it to, and you are introduced to the world of ferocious crocodiles and alligators from around the world, not just from America.
It's great for the children and in Alligator Alley they find more than just alligators, but can also pet llamas, goats, deer, tortoises and emus along with many others - although no petting the crocs or alligators! However, thay cannot do so, and your children will be completely safe in Gatorland. You will not be leaving for home without them! They will learn about Florida's ecology and wildlife, and also about some of the more interesting of the creatures that swim the world's oceans.
So there you have it. The top 5 Orlando attractions that have voted for by visitors, other than those connected to Disney! What many don't understand, is that Disney World or EPCOT isn't at the top of the list of favorite Orlando attractions.
Accommodation in Orlando
When visiting Orlando, it is important that you are staying in the right accommodation. The majority will choose a hotel because they have always done so, but there are other forms of accommodation available. Orlando vacation villas provide a much higher standard of luxury and comfort than the vast majority of hotels, and large families or groups can stay together in up to 8-bedroomed villas at a significantly lower cost per head than all these hotel rooms.
Alternatively, you can opt for one of the popular trailers or cabins, and many people are getting tired of the restrictions and expense of hotels, particularly for large groups of people and large families. Orlando can also offer some of the best holiday villas in the country. You should choose that which best suits your need so that you can enjoy a vacation that offers you excitement by day, but peace and relaxation by day.
When visiting the top 5 Orlando attractions other than Disney, you must be sure that your accommodation offers enough space for your entire party, and is also comfortable for everyone. Your holiday would likely be much less memorable otherwise.
About the author
For details on other Orlando attractions visit Orlando tourism experts Mark and Susan Whichard's website at http://www.qualityvillarentals.com where you will also find details of high quality vacation rental villas in and around Orlando that are ideal for any number of visitors from small families to large groups of people. San Francisco's Hangtown Fry by:Maria Alvarez Something Cool About Detroit - Eastern Market by:Chris Wechner Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Vacation by:Michiel Van Kets Life at Chennai City by:Francis Regan Family Friendly Holidays in South Africa by:Simone Truter Forts and Palaces Tours of Rajasthan: Experience Oriental Opulence of the Desert Land by:Adiba Roshan Khan Florida Vacation Rentals for Your Dream Vacation by:Michiel Van Kets Campervans Rental In Tasmania by:Labbe Scott New Hopi Hotel Opens by:Mike Finney India Holidays - Some Exciting Destinations by:Rajesh Kumar Make your Family Trip Complete with Brisbane Cheap Car Rentals by:Dev Mishra Rajasthan Tours Attractions - More by:Rupesh Jha North and South India Tours: Best of Human Grandeur and Tranquil Nature by:Aalia Khan