Things to do in Orlando, FL? (NSR)

[gramps]

So, the folks have decided to take a family vacation in May. Destinations such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Europe were passed up in favor of Florida, hours from the beach apparently. My parents and I really have different ideas about what makes a good vacation, I guess.

So, for anybody that lives around there or knows the area well - What is there to do besides Disneyworld? How's the diving, if we were to take a drive to the ocean? Are the everglades around there? Any other ideas? Thanks.

[yogachik]

ugh, the ugliest place on earth. Filled with very overweight people (and their obese children (if there's a family of 4 on an elevator, no room for you!) and 3rd rate wannabe actors (hoping to get a job as a mouse). Best food in town is the TGIFs.

I've had to go twice on business and would only go there again under threat of being blown up.

[splat]

Switch the tickets to Maui.

[Squirrel99]

So, the folks have decided to take a family vacation in May. Destinations such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Europe were passed up in favor of Florida, hours from the beach apparently. My parents and I really have different ideas about what makes a good vacation, I guess.

So, for anybody that lives around there or knows the area well - What is there to do besides Disneyworld? How's the diving, if we were to take a drive to the ocean? Are the everglades around there? Any other ideas? Thanks.

I did some time working for the Mouse for a few summers in college.
Check yer pm's.

[mr_gyptian]

I've got to go there in April. Not happy at all. but the alternative was Minneapolis in June.

[Shredhead]

Orlando is the epicenter of the wake sports world. Waterskiing, barefooting, knee boarding, wakeskating and wakeboarding. Try a new sport, they have some of the best instruction in the world in the area. Check out OWC, Orlando Watersports Complex. It’s a cable park, kind of like a poma with handles.

http://www.orlandowatersports.com/

[Viva]

Disney World sucks. I was sentenced there for a meeting a couple of years ago. The fucks charge you about $50 to visit each theme park in the complex. I stayed put and drank heavily and ended up scoring with some chick from New York.

[VTskibum]

Orlando is the epicenter of the wake sports world. Waterskiing, barefooting, knee boarding, wakeskating and wakeboarding. Try a new sport, they have some of the best instruction in the world in the area. Check out OWC, Orlando Watersports Complex. It’s a cable park, kind of like a poma with handles.

http://www.orlandowatersports.com/

Never been, but I've heard good things about the OWC.

[yogachik]

Look at the picture for proof - that thing is the size of a large pond. You pass it on the highway to/from the airport - I laughed when I saw this "famous" water sports facility.

[jayfrizzo]

There is nothing remotely beautiful in Florida. Especially not within 45 minutes of Disney World.



No strange creatures you can only see in Florida.

[Squirrel99]

New Smyrna Beach - 1 hour drive
Cocoa Beach - 45 minutes

The action on Orange Ave. is pretty sweet if you are into clubbing and such.

I think some of the better wakeboarding is on some lakes north of the city?

At least you won't be there in the middle of summer- that time is crowded and hotter than hell.

[KQ]

Skip Disney World (except the Aerosmith Rock & Roll roller coaster and the Tower of Terror at Disney MGM) and hit Universal Studios for all your amusement park needs.

Man.....they've got roller coasters there like nobody's business. Double Dragon!!!

[dbldmnd]

Just south of Orlando check out Gatorland, home of the gator jumperoo. You can feast on some gator nuggets, mmm tastes like chicken! If you're into the prefabricated vacation experience Orlando is the place. Otherwise...

Head east on the Beeline and check out the Kennedy Space Center and be sure to see the Saturn V exhibit, way cool. Right near the space center is the Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge. Rent some sea kayaks in the Cocoa area and paddle among the manatees and porpise/dolphins. Just kayaking in the Indian River and/or Banana River is a good time. If the swell is up, you could rent a board and catch some EC waves.

Also in May, the shuttle launch window opens May 15. If you haven't seen a launch and are in the area, I highly recommend checking it out. It will shake your insides from 5 miles away.

[laseranimal]

Mission Space is definately worth the trip to Epcot, the new Soarin' ride is supposed to be cool as well. Drinking around the world is $$$ but fun. Start with Margaritas at Mexico or Molsen at Canada and work your way around having a drink at each pavilion. Better make sure you're pretty inebreated by the time you get to either Norwegian wine or Chinese beer

[TheDingleberry]

Cocoa Beach - 45 minutes

Go here. Scope chicks. Take surf lesson. Drink Beer.

[Squirrel99]

Go here. Scope chicks. Take surf lesson. Drink Beer.

Castaways is a pretty decent beach bar; cheap beer and right on the surf.

[Squirrel99]

Skip Disney World (except the Aerosmith Rock & Roll roller coaster and the Tower of Terror at Disney MGM) and hit Universal Studios for all your amusement park needs.

Man.....they've got roller coasters there like nobody's business. Double Dragon!!!

KQ, have you ever considered the favorite cast member past time and sporting event known as "Drinking Around the World" over at Epcot?

Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morroco, France, UK, Canada. Spend the latter portion of the evening drinking beers at the Rose & Crown Pub in the UK singing along with Pam @ the Piano.

[KQ]

KQ, have you ever considered the favorite cast member past time and sporting event known as "Drinking Around the World" over at Epcot?

Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morroco, France, UK, Canada. Spend the latter portion of the evening drinking beers at the Rose & Crown Pub in the UK singing along with Pam @ the Piano.

Yeah...did some drinking at Epcot it just seemed a little "slow" to me. It's a good way to pass the time if you've got kids in tow...they can enjoy the different buildings and what not while you get quietly stoned and then freak out on the ppl in costumes. By the time I reached Mexico (started on the other end) and saw Donald Duck in his poncho and sombrero I was fit to be tied....practically tackled the poor fowl. Wonder what happened to that picture?

[powder11]

Are the everglades around there? Any other ideas? Thanks.

Visited a buddy from college who lives north of Orlando in Lake Mary. Went on a cool canoe trip down the Wekiva River, saw lots of wildlife and gators up close. check out:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide...kiva_river.htm

[Ripzalot]

Castaways is a pretty decent beach bar; cheap beer and right on the surf.

dont forget bikini contests at coconuts.
http://www.bikiniscience.com/locatio...0_SS/CB90.html

[lameduck]

i think its about the cheapest place to skydive in the country, as well as about the biggest wakeboarding spot.

[laseranimal]

oh and if you want to drop TONS of money try eating at the California Grill on top of the Contemperary(sp) some of the best food I've EVER eaten anywhere and the view of the Magic Kingdom at night is really pretty

[bakers_dozen]

Hit up Cape Canavril(sp?) if your into tech and space. They've got some awesome displays of old space craft and whatnot

[ak_powder_monkey]

is the non ski related clause in the title really nessesary?

I'd say head ou teh keys and charter a boat for bone fishing

[up an down]

Never been, but I've heard good things about the OWC.

i was there for a few hours a couple years ago. if i ever get back to orlando i would definately return. lots of fun skiing and boarding, and the only reason to stop is if your arms get tired.