Are you visiting Orlando, Florida, and are looking for something fun to do outside the theme parks? Orlando is more than just theme parks! There is so much to see and do and the list below will give you an idea of how to enjoy your time away from the parks. If you are visiting Universal or Disney World, sometimes having a rest day away from the theme parks is a great way to recharge and relax so that way you’ll be well-rested to head back to the parks for the remainder of your vacation.

Non-Park Disney Attractions

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is an outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment venue at Walt Disney World. Spend your day eating at delicious restaurants, shopping for Disney merchandise, or listening to live music all throughout Disney Springs. You can get your bowl on at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or see Disney Springs from above in the Aerophile Balloon Flight. (Note:  The balloon will not fly if winds exceed 22 mph or if there is a storm.) Reservations are recommended for table service restaurants and can be booked up to 60 days prior to check in for the full length of your stay if staying at a Disney Resort. There is no park ticket required to visit Disney Springs.

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Whether you’re looking to relax with family or friends or just enjoy a fun day away from the Disney theme parks, this is for you! You’ll get to enjoy theme park views and nature as you cruise around the lakes and lagoons of Walt Disney World! Read more about my experience with a pontoon rental at Disney World here!

Pool Day at Your Disney Resort

Spend the day relaxing at your Disney resort. Disney has some of the best pools on property and lounging by the pool is a great way to enjoy the day away from the parks. One of my favorite pools is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort.

Mini Golf at Disney

Disney offers such fun miniature golf courses to choose from! My favorite is Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. It has such a cute theme where you can join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat for 2 different 18-hole adventures.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is another fun course where you get 2 18-hole courses based on Disney’s movie Fantasia!

Relax at the Spa

Pamper yourself so that way you can feel refreshed and ready for another day of vacation at a spa! Enjoy the Grand Floridian Resort or Four Seasons Hotel Spas for a day of luxury. Be sure to book treatments in advance in order to have the best availability of spa services to choose from on your vacation.

Non-Park Universal Attractions

Universal CityWalk

Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk is a two 18-hole course and is a fun way to spend some time at CityWalk. These putt-putt courses are inspired by the 1950s era, where guests enter a drive-in theater box office and can select to play either a “single-feature” (18 holes) or a “double feature” (36 holes). Both courses are family-friendly and have interactive elements making this a fun course to play during the day or night with friends or family!

See a movie at CityWalk

Universal Cinemark at CityWalk offers luxury seating at Universal CityWalk! Come see a movie on a rainy day or if you’re looking for a way to relax and escape the summer heat. If you’re looking for something late in the evening, this is a great spot! (Fun fact: Dan took me on our first date to this movie theater!) Free regular parking is available for matinee movie showings from 11 AM to 6 PM with a purchase of 2 or more Cinemark matinee tickets. (The regular parking fee must be paid in full and then will be reimbursed upon presentation of parking receipt.) Free self-parking is available after 6 pm for all guests. (Note: This is not valid during Halloween Horror Nights. Additional restrictions may apply and are subject to change without notice.)

Pool Day at Your Universal Orlando Resort

Spend the day relaxing at your Universal Orlando Resort. Universal has some of the best pools on property and lounging by the pool is a great way to enjoy the day away from the parks. You can even pool hop to another Universal resort and try another hotel pool out! (Note: Endless Summer Resort guests cannot pool hop and can only use Endless Summer Resort pools).

Relax at the Spa

Pamper yourself so that way you can feel refreshed and ready for another day of vacation at a spa! Enjoy the famous Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Be sure to book treatments in advance in order to have the best availability to choose from on your vacation.

Orlando Area Attractions

ICEBAR Orlando

ICEBAR Orlando is the largest ICEBAR in the world and holds over 70 tons of hand-carved ice. Spend time in the ICEBAR and move to the Fire Lounge to warm up. Guests 21+ are welcome at all times while guests ages 8-20 are welcome between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. You’ll find ICEBAR in the middle of I-Drive in Orlando and in close proximity to many other restaurants and entertainment venues.

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Orlando International Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest outlet mall! These outlets are located in the middle of the tourist district and are only 5 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort. Try to start your day here because parking becomes an issue when it is busy. Valet parking is available for a fee.

WonderWorks

WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park that focuses on science combining education and entertainment. You’ll experience over 100 hands-on exhibits from 84 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack to making life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. It’s something different to do when in the area! This building is the upside-down building located right on I-Drive. You can’t miss it! :)

Titanic Artifact Exhibition

The Titanic Artifact Exhibition is a Titanic Museum located on Universal Blvd. This exhibition features more than 300 artifacts, costumed actors, room recreations, and more!

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando offers exciting rides, rollercoasters, shows, and presentations for all ages.  You’ll even be able to experience up-close animal encounters and more. SeaWorld is home to some of the tallest rollercoasters in Orlando. Be sure to try out Manta, Mako, and Kraken if you’re a rollercoaster junkie!

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive, family-friendly experience. Looking to swim with dolphins or encounter stingrays and flamingoes? This is the place for you. You can relax in the largest resort pool or enjoy the tropical river. Other fun amenities include food, unlimited snacks and drinks, equipment rentals, and more!

Icon Park

Experience the Wheel at ICON Park with a ride on a giant ferris wheel! This observation wheel gives you great views of all of Orlando. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the box office when you arrive at ICON Park. You can also visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where you can see some of your favorite celebrities up close and personal like Taylor Swift, Superman, Batman, and more. Also located at ICON Park, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium holds more than 5,000 species from the oceans all around the world! This is a great indoor destination to visit if you have inclement weather during your vacation. You’ll also find great restaurants like Blake Shelton’s Ole’ Red, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, and more!

Popular Attractions Outside of Orlando

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Looking for something away from the tourist district in Orlando? Visit Winter Park! Located on Lake Osceola less than 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, this boat tour offers hour-long, guided cruises through three of the Winter Park chain of lakes. The boat dock is located less than 5 minutes from Park Avenue, which is a great place for restaurants and shopping.

Crystal River

Snorkel or kayak with manatees in Crystal River located 1.5 hours from Universal Orlando! The peak season for observing manatees is November through April. You’ll find the highest number of manatees between December and February. You can spot manatees in the local waterways all year round, but the population is much smaller during the summer months. I have done this before and LOVED it! It is such a fun experience kayaking on the water and seeing manatees everywhere!

West Coast Florida Beaches

Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers beautiful white sand and clear water. This beach is an ideal playground for families. This beach is located approximately 2 hours from Universal Orlando. Rent a car for the day from your Universal or Disney hotel and spend the day relaxing at the beach. The West Coast has the best beaches!

East Coast Florida Beaches

Cocoa Beach is south of Cape Canaveral and is the gateway to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  This beach is located 45 minutes east of Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Spend a full day at Kennedy Space Center! Located on the West Coast of Florida near Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center is a 45-minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort. Learn about space exploration, see the NASA Launchpads, and make your way through the US Space Program in chronological order. Advance ticket purchases are recommended when visiting Kennedy Space Center. It’s an awesome and informative way to spend the day and is only located about 45 minutes- 1 hour from Universal and Disney!

Want to add one of these experiences to your vacation plans? I would love to help you plan! Contact me for more information and help with planning your next vacation to Orlando!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly