Orlando fun without the theme parks!

Last week The Travel Ladies took off on an adventure to Orlando. We were tasked with having a great time, but without visitng a single theme park. I was a bit concrned as usually when I am in Orlando, that is all I do - Grab my most comfy shoes and trek the parks from rope-drop until I cant walk any longer. Does anyone else do this?

Here is what we managed in our week:

Dezerland

Dezerland in Orlando is a paradise for anyone with a love for iconic movie cars and action-packed activities. Walking into the Auto Museum was like stepping back into my childhood, as I got to live out some of my biggest dreams! I sat in Kit from Knight Rider, climbed into the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, and relived epic car chases in the Dukes of Hazzard General Lee. But the real highlight was sitting in the original Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 and the legendary Batmobile, complete with the red phone! For any movie or TV buff, this alone is worth the trip.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Dezerland has something for everyone—whether you're zooming around on the go-karts, knocking down pins in their massive bowling alley, or spending hours in the arcade reliving the best of retro and modern gaming. We also explored the 007 Museum, which added a touch of sophistication to our action-packed day. It's the perfect destination for families or anyone looking to make unforgettable memories in Orlando!

Orlando Museum of Illusions

The Orlando Museum of Illusions was great fun. It was a mind-bending experience filled with interactive exhibits that challenge perceptions and engage the senses. Located on International Drive, this museum features over 50 optical illusions, immersive rooms, and holograms that play tricks on the mind. Guests can step into upside-down rooms, shrink to miniature size, or defy gravity in captivating photo opportunities. We spent about an hour here and took a lot of fabulous photos. It is located in Icon Park, where there is a lot to see and do.

Wild Florida

Our adventure at Wild Florida was nothing short of thrilling, especially with the impending force of Hurricane Helene brewing just beyond the horizon. I have always wanted to ride on an airboat and I was not dissapointed. Whizzing through the long grasses, it actually feels like you are on a field (but in a boat?!). It was a unique experience and one I would highly recommend. Our captain was funny and informative. He pointed out that we were literrally in 'the calm before the storm'. We were hoping to see some aligators but they were hiding from the incoming storm.

Next we stopped for a Philly cheese steak and pickle fries, I wont forget that meal for a while, it was beautiful! We had a quick stroll through the Aligator park before heading to Wild Florida's Drive-Thru Safari. This which was an absolute must-do. In the safety and comfort of our vehicle, we ventured into a sprawling 85-acre wildlife park where over 100 species roamed free. It felt like a scene out of a movie as wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras crossed right in front of us. The towering giraffes leaned in closer, seemingly curious about our car, and the massive buffalo grazed peacefully in the fields.

Overall, another fabulous day out that I would recommend.

Gatorland Orlando

During our visit to Gatorland Orlando, we were immediately immersed in the wild beauty of this 110-acre park, known as the "Alligator Capital of the World." Home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, Gatorland offers an up-close experience with these fascinating reptiles, as well as interactive shows, nature trails, and a chance to witness the giant beasts in their natural habitats. We were particularly captivated by the iconic "Gator Jumparoo" show, where enormous alligators leap high out of the water for their meal, showcasing their incredible strength and agility.

The real adrenaline rush, however, came from the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, where we soared above lakes teeming with alligators. Suspended 65 feet in the air, we zipped along 1,200 feet of cable, with breathtaking views of the park and the sprawling alligator swamps below. The heart-pounding experience of flying above these fearsome creatures added a unique thrill to the adventure, making it one of the most unforgettable highlights of our trip. If you’re looking for an epic mix of nature and excitement, Gatorland’s zip line adventure is a must-try. All of us though that this was our best experience, it really challenged us and gave us a few adrenaline spikes!

So what else did we do?

We will admit to spending way too much time in Traget and The Cheesecake factory. In my personal opinion, the coconut cream pie cheesecake was the winner, the other ladies may tell you different though!

We also swam, ate out, BBQ'd,  had some lazy mornings and perfected the art of making Pina Coladas to have by the pool. It turned out not to be a challenge at all but a perfect mix of downtime and activity.

It is so easy to become hyper-foucsed on the parks, but Orlando really does have a lot to offer. Please do consider a day or two away from the parks the next time you visit.