 |
| Orlando |
| Great Attraction beyond the Big Three |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So…are there really attractions worth experiencing after Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld? You had better believe there are!
There are plenty of things to do in and around the Orlando area even after you’ve experienced the magic of Walt Disney World, the edginess of Universal, and the ecoadventures of SeaWorld -in fact there are over 95 attractions in the Orlando area alone.
This doesn’t even take into consideration the numerous, not to mention spectacular, natural attractions that central Florida has to offer. Below you’ll find some of the kidfriendliest attractions beyond the big three.
Half-Day and Smaller Attractions
The following attractions are perfect if you have a half day set aside for a quieter, less intense day of sightseeing, or if you simply need a break from all of the hustle and bustle of the larger parks. The smaller attractions with touring times of between 1 and 3 hours (or so) are just right for an afternoon or evening out. They can even serve as a great way to start off or even end your vacation on those somewhat oddly timed travel days.
Gatorland
Rating: Fantastic (for everyone in the family)
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Phone: 407-855-5496 and 800-393-JAWS
Web site: www.gatorland.com
Hours: Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; show times vary by season.
Admission: Adults $19.95; kids 3-12 $12.95 (additional up close encounters including “trainer for a day” and “night shine tours” are offered at an additional cost – annual park passes are also available)
Average touring time: 4 hours
You simply can’t miss the park’s entrance along the roadside as the oversized green gator head with its large white teeth awaits and welcomes you to enter through its wide open jaws.
This wonderful attraction has been around for over 50 years. Opening back in 1949, it is one of the area’s original attractions, astounding visitors long before that famous mouse came to town. It is touted as Florida’s best half-day attraction, and I find I must wholeheartedly agree.
If your kids are at all fascinated by alligators, crocodiles, and snakes, this is the place to go. Far more low-key and relaxed than the other area attractions, this park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy Florida’s more natural side. There are 110 acres filled with boardwalk-lined marshes; an observation tower where you enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the gators in their natural surroundings; an alligator island; the flamingo lagoon;
Allie’s barnyard, a petting zoo where the kids can pet and touch the chicks, goats, lambs, deer, and more; and the aviary, where lorikeets can be found flying about. There is a small children’s water play area aptly named Lilly’s Pad with a splash zone, water jets, slides and towers, and with a covered seating area just nearby where parents can sit and relax while they watch the kids.
Throughout the day, 3 unique shows are offered to entertain and amaze visitors including the Up-Close Encounters snake show, the Gator Jumparoo show, and Gator Wrestling – there are even croc feedings scheduled throughout the day. Each experience offers an up-close look at the reptiles as the stadiums are rather small (especially when compared to the tremendous stadiums found at the large theme parks), so you are never very far away from any of the action.
There’s even a train ride to take you around the park. Kids will get a kick out of holding a snake or gator for a unique and one-of-a-kind photo op. I still have my key chain with a picture of my 3 oldest boys, a croc on their laps and a huge snake entangled around their necks. If you get hungry, there is a small counter-service eatery offering kid-friendly fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries, as well as a handful of more unique offerings including gator nuggets.
Gatorland is by far one of the best and most unique attractions in Orlando and a fabulous place to take the kids. The slower-paced, low-key, and less commercial atmosphere is almost calming, definitely more relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable. While there are certainly plenty of visitors, it is never so crowded that you will find yourself completely stressed out over it. You can walk around at a pace that allows you to take in the surroundings without having to feel like you have to hurry off to the next exhibit or show before you might miss something.
Because it really does take only a half day, this is a great park to head to on one of the days set aside for a quieter, more relaxing experience, or even for the day you arrive (depending on what time that is). For the many visitors who are perplexed about what to do that first day, when they want to jump right in and get to the sightseeing, Gatorland is the perfect answer. My kids ask to return here each and every time we head to Florida, and believe me – we’re more than happy to oblige.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Rating: Fun for younger kids (under age 10)
1368 Poinciana Boulevard, Kissimmee (behind U.S. 192 and not far from the Medieval
Times Dinner Tournament)
Phone: 407-846-0770
Web site: www.greenmeadowsfarm.com
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with the last tour starting at 4:00 p.m.)
Admission: Adults and kids $19; children under 2 are free.
Average touring time: 2-3 hours
The farm offers a quieter country setting for kids to interact and touch the over 300 farm animals that call Green Meadows home. During the 2-hour tour, kids can learn about the animals, milk a cow, ride a pony, ride in the tractor-drawn hayride, and ride the Green Meadows Express train, all in addition to petting those 300 animals along the way.
There are chickens, cows, horses, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, and even bison. Little red wagons are available to rent for the younger kids who prefer to ride rather than walk about the park. There are picnic areas if you have brought your lunch,
or, if you’re in the mood for just a snack, there is a small concession area as well. This is a great place for younger kids to explore and experience the fun of a farm and all of its animals, along with an entertaining way to spend a quieter afternoon, taking a break between some of Orlando’s larger attractions.
WonderWorks
Rating: Fun + to Fantastic (for everyone in the family)
9067 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-351-8800
Web site: www.wonderworksonline.com
Hours: Open 9:00 a.m. to midnight daily (365 days a year)
Admission: Adult $19.95, kids 4 to 12 $14.95
Average touring time: 1 1/2 -2 hours. *Allow extra time if you intend to stay and play the Lazer Runner Extreme Lazer Tag, use the arcade game area, or see the “Outta Control Magic Show,” each of which are offered at an additional charge.
It’s hard to miss this gigantic upside-down building found along International Drive (right next to Pointe Orlando). The unique building looks as if it had been picked up and thrown about in a tornado only to land upside down smack in the middle of IDrive, pillars and all and remarkably undamaged. This hands-on interactive museum offers over 100 fun and unique exhibits throughout its 3 floors, with something for everyone in the family from tot to teens (adults too). You’ll find a simulated earthquake and hurricane, a bed of nails, the Bridge of Fire, the Wonder Coaster, and so many more.
Just entering the museum is an experience, as it requires that you walk through a spinning tunnel (though the walkway is perfectly stationary). Don’t laugh until you discover just how long it takes you to get through it. (It’s really pretty mild, but even I lost my bearings and balance momentarily). The museum is filled with special effects that trick the eye and boggle the mind, all in addition to the other more interactive and hands-on exhibits.
Younger kids will appreciate the giant piano keys laid out on the floor, where they can jump about and play a tune; the huge bubble sheets and gigantic bubbles they can create on the bubble machines; the life-size pushpin exhibit, where they make an impression of their hand or even their entire body; and the shadow wall, where the impression they leave is phosphoric. Older kids will appreciate the Virtual Roller Coaster, where they even have a hand in the coaster’s design before they ride.
While I am certainly no fan of arcade games (especially when their cost is additional), there’s a handful to choose from on the upper level along with a Lazer Tag arena, also at a separate cost.
If you get hungry, there is a small eatery that offers pizza and snacks, but since the museum is located along I-Drive, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance if you’re in the mood for more of a meal.
In the evenings you can catch the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, where you can enjoy the mysteries of magic with a rather comedic flair, all while enjoying unlimited pizza, popcorn, and drinks. This show is at an additional cost as it is considered a dinner show, but combination tickets that include admission to the museum and the magic show are available.
All in all, there really is something for every age at this unique hands-on and interactive museum, making it a great place to spend a rainy afternoon, an evening out, or simply a few hours on a day off between the bigger attractions.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Orlando Odditorium
Rating: Fair + for younger kids, Fun for preteens and older
8201 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-363-4418
Web site: www.ripleysorlando.com
Hours: Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (365 days a year)
Admission: Adults $18.95; kids ages 4-12: $11.95 (children under 4 are free)
Average touring time: 1 hour
This is another fun place to go on one of those afternoons or evenings when you have a bit of spare time or if you just want to head somewhere a bit less overwhelming.
There are hundreds of unique and odd exhibits (hence the name “Odditorium”) throughout its 16 galleries, from shrunken heads to the two-headed calf, and everything in between. Older kids (8-10 and up) will be far more appreciative than younger ones of the artifacts and oddities found throughout the museum as some of them are truly quite strange and, for tinier tots, at times a bit scary.
Fun Spot Action Park
Rating: Fair +
5551 Del Verde Way, Orlando (just off of I- Drive)
Phone: 407-363-3867
Web site: www.fun-spot.com
Hours: Open on daily from 10:00 a.m. to midnight during peak seasons and on holidays; during non-peak seasons the park is open from noon ‘till 11 pm Mondays through Thursdays, from noon ‘till midnight on Fridays, from 10 am ‘till midnight on Saturdays, from 10 am ‘till 11:00 pm on Sundays.
Admission: Rides are $3 each, and the Go-Karts run $6 per ride. Armbands are available
for all-day riding with three different configurations available.
*The Kidspot armband for kids ages 2-6, are good only for the smaller toddler-friendly rides and are available at a cost of approximately $14.95
*The Rides armband, which includes all of the rides, costs approximately $24.95
*The Go-Kart band (for kids ages 10 and up), which includes all of the rides with no exceptions, sells for approximately $34.95.
Average touring time: 2 hours with smaller kids (longer if your older kids want to keep on riding the go-karts).
Located along I-Drive, this family-oriented park offers plenty of rides and games for kids of all ages to enjoy. From the gigantic Ferris wheel to bumper cars, from bumper boats to go-karts (some of the more unique and challenging tracks around, I might add), there is something for everybody. The Kid’s Spot offers younger kids an array of rides to choose from as well, including the carousel, kiddie swings, tea cups, the El Paso Train, and more. There is of course an arcade as well, though with a pay-one-price deal it is relatively reasonable as arcades go. While I am not particularly a fan of arcade games, at least here the kids can play to their hearts’ content without having to fork over a fortune.
There is a small snack bar if anyone gets hungry or thirsty, but if you’re in need of a meal, there are many eateries along I-Drive.
For families that simply thrive on rides the Fun Spot Action Park is a great place to ride just a few more.
Orlando Science Center
Rating: Fun + (for everyone in the family)
777 East Princeton Street, Orlando
Phone: 407-514-2000
Web site: www.osc.org
Hours: Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; with additional hours on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Admission: Adult $14.95; kids 3-11 $9.95; seniors and students $13.95 ; admission after 6 pm runs $9.95 for adults and $4.95 for kids ages 3-11. Tickets include access to all of the exhibit halls, the CineDome (where you can catch the large-screen movies and the planetarium shows), the Darden Adventure Theater, observatory tours, and live science shows.
Special Guest Services: Strollers are available at no charge.
If you get a chance to take the kids to visit the actual city of Orlando, as beautiful as it is, a stop at the Orlando Science Center is in order. There are plenty of hands-on interactive displays and exhibits for kids of all ages such as the DinoDigs exhibit, where young paleontologists-to-be can unearth dinosaur bones; Kids Town, where preschoolers can play in a miniature tot-sized town; NatureWorks, where you can touch a gator, feed a turtle, and explore Florida’s outdoors even if you’re indoors--and that’s just the beginning. With 10 uniquely themed exhibit halls to discover and explore, kids will be entertained for hours. Kids can test their abilities, both physical and mental, at exhibits like Measure Me and the Body Zone; they can experiment at the Inventor’s Workshop
and the Science City Power Station; learn about lights, lasers, and 3-D landscaping at Tech Works, and so much more.
There is a variety of shows and scheduled demonstrations, but for the most up-todate information regarding what is currently being offered and the best times to visit, call the OSC or check their Web site just before visiting. The Science Theater often offers special demonstrations and educational entertainment while the Dr. Phillips CineDome features large-screen films and planetarium shows. In addition, there is the Crosby Observatory--Florida’s largest publicly accessible observatory--where you can view the stars through the custom refractor telescope.
If you get hungry, there’s a good-sized café with plenty of kid-friendly favorites including burgers and sandwiches, along with a handful of other offerings.
Overall, the Orlando Science Center offers a pleasant escape from the sometimes overwhelming and often mind-boggling attractions that have drawn you to Orlando in the first place, making it a great place to visit on one of your “days off.”
Old Town
Rating: Fair
5770 U.S. 192, Kissimmee
Phone: 407-396-4888 and 800-843-4202
Web site: www.old-town.com
Hours: Open 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily (the rides generally open at noon)
Admission: Most rides run approximately $2 per ride, all day wristbands are available for kids under 42” tall at a price of $15 and for adults at a price of $24 – on family Sundays if you purchase your wristbands between the hours of noon and 6 pm they cost only $15 no matter your age.
Old Town is reminiscent of an old-fashioned carnival, with its Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and midway games. There are go-carts and old favorites like the Mixer, Scrambler, merry-go-round and Tilt-A-Whirl, with plenty of others as well. There are walk-through attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Haunted House, or-- for those of you who prefer to be part of the action--you can try your hand at climbing to the top of Gator Rock. With over 75 unique shops lining the brick streets of Old Town, you won’t have far to go to find just the right souvenir, and with 8 eateries to choose from, you certainly won’t go hungry either. Some of the choices include Fred Marion’s Sports Grill, Flippers Pizza, and an A & W. And if you happen to be there on a Friday night, you can catch the classic cars being shown off at the Friday Night Cruise. There’s even live entertainment from time to time. For those staying along U.S. 192, it makes for a fun evening out, and it’s only a short distance - walking distance in some instances - to a handful of the area’s recommended hotels.
The Water Parks (Including the Walt Disney World Water Parks)
With 3 water parks to choose from, one is bound to be nearby, wherever you’re staying.
Wet ‘n Wild, located along I-Drive, has plenty in the way of high-speed thrills, though it offers an area appropriate for those not quite ready to make some of the more dramatic drops found throughout the rest of the park. Disney can claim ownership of the remaining 2 water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are located in Lake Buena Vista, and both are of course uniquely themed à la Disney, offering an array of experiences for young and old alike.
Some Water Park Dos and Don’ts
Do
-Wear sunscreen (and bring extra for reapplication as the water will eventually wash it off). The SPF should be at least a 30, though a 45 or higher is best for kids.
-Wear a one-piece swim suit (just a suggestion for the ladies in the family, though of course boys can sport those great surf suits as well).
- Measure your kids to see how tall they are. Many of the slides and rides have height restrictions, and this will prevent unexpected disappointments when you arrive at the parks.
-Bring your own drinks and snacks (in plastic containers) as purchasing them at the parks can get rather expensive (though all of the parks do offer snacks and drinks).
-Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you are visiting during the hottest and sunniest hours of the day.
-Bring swim diapers for toddlers not yet potty trained. They are required in all of the water parks.
-Bring goggles instead of masks. Some parks won’t allow masks because they cover your nose. It is best to call ahead or check a park’s Web site for details regarding these restrictions.
-Bring an underwater disposable camera if you’re headed to Typhoon Lagoon. You can take pictures of the marine life swimming right alongside of you in Shark Reef.
-Bring water shoes. The ground can get quite hot in the searing sun.
-Bring along your ID. Many parks will require one if you are borrowing a life vest.
-Visit the parks later in the day (after 3:00 p.m.) during peak vacation seasons and holidays. Hours are generally extended during these periods, and many guests tend to arrive early, making for rather crowded conditions. Those arriving later in the day will find the crowds beginning to thin out. Some parks even offer discounted rates to those arriving after a certain time in the afternoon.
Don’t
-Wear swimsuits that have buckles, rivets, or anything that may catch on something or scratch on anything on any of the rides
-Wear shorts. Though in some parks they may be acceptable in the wave pools, they are generally not allowed on any of the slides or rides
-Bring glass containers of any kind into any of the parks. Although all 4 parks allow you to bring food and drinks (nonalcoholic only), just make sure nothing is in a glass container.
Wet ‘n Wild
Rating: Fair For toddlers and younger children
Rating: Fun + For older kids (over 8 or so) and adults
6200 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-351-9453 and 800-992-9453
Web site: www.wetnwildorlando.com
Hours: Open daily all year round, though hours vary seasonally, opening anywhere from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and closing anywhere from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults $34.95, kids 3-9 $28.95; Weekday Annual Pass $47.00; Annual Pass $89.95 Keep in mind as well that the Orlando Flexticket includes unlimited admission to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Wet ‘n Wild, and, in some cases, Busch Gardens, for 14 consecutive days from the date of purchase at a price of $189.95 for adults and $155.95 for children 3-9 (the 4-park ticket, not including Busch Gardens) and $234.95 for adults and $199.95 for children 3-9 (the 5-park ticket, including Busch Gardens) with free transportation between all 5 parks.
For the most up-to-date operation hours and pricing information, check out their Web site just prior to your trip. Also be aware that, although the park is open year round (don’t worry, the water is heated during the cooler months), most of the refurbishments take place from October until March so some rides may not be operational.
Average touring time: A half day with younger children. If you have older kids or if your family is full of water park junkies, you could easily spend the entire day.
Parking: $7 for cars and minivans, $8 for larger group vans Showers and changing facilities are available.
First things first - grab a park map as soon as you enter because it, like the theme park maps, contains valuable information that will be most helpful during your visit. This park is fairly large, and knowing where you’re headed will be useful, as will all of the information pertaining to the rides, eateries, restrooms and other guest services available there. Also, Wet ‘n Wild does a great job of color coding and signing their rides by age appropriateness. Checking the map as soon as you enter will prove most helpful in determining which rides and slides are appropriate and for which kids. There are some appropriate ones for supervised toddlers and younger children that have shallower waters and lower speeds while others are for more experienced riders, beginner swimmers, and younger children (though not toddlers). Still others - more aggressive and requiring stronger swimming skills--are more appropriate for older children. And last but not least are those for the completely nuts--have you seen some of these slides? You get the idea anyway. The symbols are also posted at the rides so if you’re unsure or don’t have the map handy you’ll know what’s what.
Toddlers will appreciate the Kid’s Park, where the height restrictions have a maximum but not a minimum so they can play without worrying about kids that are really too old to be there. There are tubes, tables, and beach chairs all sized for those under the 48” limit. The centerpiece is a huge sand castle with a 5-foot-tall bucket dangling above it, hinged so that every so often as the bucket fills it gushes out, creating a waterfall in the front of the castle that soaks anyone waiting below. On either side are 2 separate entrances leading to the 2 pint-sized waterslides.
Brightly colored blowfish spouting and squirting water line the children’s wave pool leading back to the sand castle, and kids can turn wheels on the fish to spray the water with more or less pressure. This is really the only true toddler-appropriate area in the park, and while the remainder of the park is really quite fun and rather unique, it is dedicated to far more proficient and most certainly older swimmers and sliders.
There are 3 additional areas that fall into the category of child-friendly, though they’re not for not toddlers. Those who are at least beginning swimmers can enjoy swimming or floating along the lazy river (which everybody can really take part in if supervised properly) landscaped with orange trees, palms, and greenery, and with rope bridges to pass under and waterfalls running off the rocky edges. Bubble Up is a huge balloon where kids can climb up with the help of a rope, to bounce and slide down as the water falls over them thanks to the mushroom fountain above. Awaiting below in the 3- foot-deep landing pool (which means that they would have to be able to handle landing in that depth of water) are water guns that can be aimed at the riders as they bounce and slide their way to the water below. The Flyer is also considered appropriate for the same age group, but in my opinion this 4-rider toboggan waterslide is more appropriate for older, more proficient swimmers than even the Bubble Up ride. The Surge, another ride I would consider most appropriate for more proficient riders and swimmers, is also a multipassenger ride, this time in a tube that twists and turns through some rather wild turns.
Now for the really wild rides. The remainder of the park is reserved for those with strong swimming skills and good rider control, with some reserved for thrill seekers only. The following are aggressive, fast rides that will plunge you to the waters below from high above on some rather steep, some rather swirling slides. The Storm, Bomb Bay, Der Stuka, Blue Niagara, and Mach 5 top the list of slides, while the Bubba l Tub and Black Hole are the top tubing rides with plenty of other high-speed thrills to be had as well.
For a different experience, Surf Lagoon serves up 4-foot waves as the huge waterfall wall splashes into the 17,000-square-foot wave pool. There is even a water ski ride called the Knee Ski, where riders can kneeboard around the lake (located just at the back of the park) pulled along by a cable.
In 2005, the park opened its newest experience, Disco H-2-0, where you can fly down an enclosed flume ride (with 3 other passengers in the raft built for 4) and experience a flashback through the 1970s, with mirrored lights and disco music setting the tone.
Overall, the park is geared far more for older kids and adults, but remember, if you do have younger kids, that it doesn’t take nearly as many rides to keep them happy, and the Kid’s Park offers plenty of unique features for those younger visitors. My biggest disappointment with the park is its lack of landscaping and cover from the sun.
There are few trees and bushes to shade you from the streaming sunshine and heat that tends to pound the park continuously. While there are umbrellas scattered about here and there, they are often reserved (so to speak) within minutes of the park’s opening, leaving those who come later with far fewer options.
Guests can rent various items such as tubes ($4 with a $2 deposit), towels ($2 with a $2 deposit), lockers ($5 with a $2 deposit), and a tube-locker-towel combination ($9 with a $4 deposit), with all deposits refundable upon the items’ return. Life vests are also available at no charge.
Breakers Beach Shop, which is located near the entrance, (or exit, depending on your point of view), is the place to find the latest in sportswear, swimwear, sunglasses, and hats, as well as sunscreen, disposable cameras, and film.
Airbrushing and tattooing are available, which the kids all love, though I suggest doing this on the way out after everyone’s done in the water or you could very well end up with a disaster on your hands (or face or arms).
There are restrooms as well as a first aid station, which is located to the left of Surf Lagoon (in the center of the park) and manned by certified personnel.
With 6 eateries to choose from in addition to a handful of snack spots located throughout the park, it is highly unlikely that anyone would go hungry here. All the favorites can be found here, from hamburgers and hot dogs, pizza and pasta, to barbecue (with even more choices not even listed). There is definitely something to please every palate at this park.
You’re welcome to bring along your own food and drinks as well, but just be aware that, though there are plenty of places to sit down and eat throughout the park, there are no specific areas dedicated to picnicking.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Fun+ For toddlers and younger kids
Fantastic For older kids and adults
Buena Vista Drive (close to the Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Downtown Disney areas),
Lake Buena vista
Phone: 407-939-4636 and 407-560-4141
Web site: www.disneyworld.com
Hours: Operating hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check www.disneyworld.com for the most up-to-date information, though they usually open at around 10:00 a.m.
You will also find that the water parks close periodically for refurbishment, so once again it is best to check the Web site for the most up-to-date information. Inclement weather will also affect operating hours, but no refunds and rain checks are issued, so be sure to check the forecast ahead of time. Last, capacity may very well be an issue during peak vacation periods.
The water parks fill up quite quickly during peak seasons and of course on the hotter, sunnier, and more humid days as well. Remember to take this into consideration when making your plans.
Admission: A 1-day ticket to the park costs $36 for adults and $30 for children 3-9.
Parking is included in the admission fee.
Average touring time: Varies anywhere from a half day to a full day depending on how much your family likes water parks.
 The lines are longest right around park opening. If you prefer not to stand in the sweltering heat waiting to get in, wait until about a half hour after the park officially opens, when the lines should be more reasonable. On the other hand, if you wait too long, the prime spots to sit (those closest to the wave pool, near the kids’ areas, and under cover from the sun) are likely to be taken. Now, that’s not to say you won’t find a spot to sit at all - there’s more than enough to go around--but they likely won’t be within sight of the places you’ll want to play unless you don’t mind sitting in the full sun.
Shower and locker facilities are available, as are towels and life vests. Life vests are available at no extra charge, but there’s a limited supply. Unlike in other water parks, flotation devices brought into the park from the outside are not allowed. Inner tubes (required for some of the rides) are complimentary as well. Coolers are allowed, but glass containers of any kind and alcoholic beverages are not.
Life guards are scattered about throughout the entire park, but close supervision of children is required.
With a shipwreck - looking as if it may very well have been tossed about in a typhoon-- teetering high above atop a volcano, this island paradise features snorkeling, surfing, and of course plenty of sliding amongst the wreckage. There are surfboards and cargo scattered about (though actually carefully placed) to further enhance the theme.
The latest and greatest addition to the park arrived in 2005 – Crush ‘n’ Gusher. It made its debut in May, and it’s definitely a hit. Central Florida’s only “water coaster” offers one-of-a-kind thrills and spills, and believe me when I say that this one’s not for the faint of heart. There are 3 different experiences to choose from, each differing in the degree of sloping and turning that will be experienced throughout the ride. The Banana Blaster, the Coconut Crusher, and the Pineapple Plunger, each appropriately named, will have you careening and winding through an old rusted-out tropical fruit warehouse - it is a tropical island after all. Something to note, though, is that the slide is located a bit off the beaten path on the right side of the park and just beyond the lockers. I found it a bit confusing to find, actually having to ask where it was even though there are signs everywhere throughout the park with arrows to the different rides and slides. A rather large sandy area surrounds the pool and is filled with lounge chairs, but most are right out in the full sun. The advantage is that it’s a great place for younger members of the family to relax, hang out, and play while the more adventurous ride the slides, the large pool providing the perfect place to cool off. While the riders are splashing down in the far end, there’s a slight separation so those not sliding can enjoy swimming and splashing around themselves - watching those making their way up and down the slide. The zero entry makes it great for younger kids too.
With saltwater snorkeling, surfing, and sandy white beaches lined with swaying palm trees and dense tropical greenery, Typhoon Lagoon has something for everyone in the family. The littlest ones (ages 2-6) will be able to happily splash about for hours in Ketchakidie Creek, with tons of fun water activities including miniature slides, water boats, bubblers, geysers, fountains, water squirters, and more. The shallow water play area features a pint-sized creek of sorts winding its way around through the entire children’s area. It features a zero entry on the far left end and then gradually becomes a bit deeper (though it never reaches above most kids’ knees). A large rock formation provides a great background for the pint-sized pool, with waterfalls spilling and splashing down, soaking anyone willing to stand underneath them. The caves behind the falls will keep explorers (big and little) much dryer. Kids can float along their own miniature lazy river in pint-sized tubes or play around the wooden gators lurking in the shallower waters. The sand castle (this one permanent) is the perfect spot for spraying water cannons, but you’re bound to get wet no matter where you head as the water snakes, fountains, and squirters are everywhere.
The beach areas are bound to be a hit with everyone in the family no matter what their age. Kids can play in the sand and splash about the shallower waters while Mom and Dad relax in the hammock, enjoying the shade of the palm trees. The wave pool features a zero entry to the far left side. It’s appropriate for smaller kids as it’s somewhat separated from the most intense action of the main area, but be aware that kids can easily wander over to the main wave pool, which, unless they are very good swimmers, is not a safe place. The wave pool, however, is one of the most popular spots in the park. Watch out for the “whoosh” that signals when the next wave will be coming through (and that’s every few minutes). Shark Reef is a saltwater pool where guests find themselves sharing the waters with such marine life as butterfly fish, tangs, groupers, French angels, and even nurse sharks. If snorkeling isn’t your thing but you still want to check out the underwater inhabitants, the shipwreck in the center of the pool offers those who prefer not to get wet a pretty good view through its portholes. Be aware that the wreck may be slightly unsettling for younger kids as the submerged sub creaks and groans, clanks and bangs, giving you the feeling that you’re truly on the bottom of the ocean. The eerie lighting and sloped floor just add to the experience. Bridges spanning across and above the reef offer decent views as well, just from above the water instead of below.
The lazy river, Cast Away Creek, surrounding the park is a family favorite as well, allowing you to lazily float about the park relaxing and soaking up the Florida sunshine. What’s particularly helpful is that you can enter from numerous spots along the creek instead of only a single entry point. This also helps to keep congestion to a minimum. Older kids will want to try out Bay Slides (as long as they’re under 5 feet tall) for body sliding. For the thrill seekers in the family, there are 3 rather wild raft rides (Mayday Falls, Keelhaul Falls, and Gangplank Falls), the Storm Slides body slides (the Rudder Buster, Stern Buster, and Jib Jammer), and of course Mt. Mayday’s feature attraction, the Humunga Kowabunga waterslides, which drop you down one of three dizzyingly steep slides through rocky caverns and back out again at speeds of up to around 30 miles per hour.
A handful of walking trails wind their way along the volcano as well, including the Mountain Trail, which is surrounded by even more lush greenery, and the Forgotten Grotto, where you can walk about and explore the island caves.
In general, the left side of the park is relatively milder, appropriate for kids from tots to preteens, with a few areas better suited for older kids and adults. The right side of the park features the most intense slides and rides. The centerpiece of the park is of course the gigantic wave pool. All of the rides and areas are well signed and include fairly detailed descriptions and warnings that make it easy to judge whether it’s appropriate to ride.
The incredible landscaping would lead you to believe that there’s nothing else around for miles - that you’re truly shipwrecked out on a remote island in the middle of nowhere. (Would you expect anything less from Disney?) Pathways are lined with towering palm trees, lush landscaping, and dense shrubbery as they wind throughout the entire park. Keep in mind, though, that because of this it’s easy to get turned around-- even lost - here. Everywhere you turn there are lounge chairs and tables set in among the greenery, in the sand, and along the beaches. Some are covered by colorful parachute pieces, others are under the shade of makeshift lean-to’s …you’re shipwrecked, remember? - and still others are found in the midst of the palm trees. Every detail is in keeping with the surfing and island themes, from the scattered wreckage and surfboards found throughout the park to the hanging lanterns lighting the winding pathways.
Surf’s Up, Dude
The Surf Pool is one of the world’s largest inland wave pools, and for an additional fee (though not a small one at $135 per person) you can learn to surf before park opening.
Craig Carroll’s Cocoa Beach Surfing School is available to kids 8 and up, but the size of the class is limited, so make your reservations well in advance at 407-939-7529.
If you find that you get hungry after all of that swimming and sliding, there’s plenty to choose from, including kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches (though there’s plenty more for adults). With several snack spots and a handful of more substantial eateries located throughout the park, you’re sure not to be too far off from one or another. If you prefer a picnic, you can do that too.
Something New
If you’re headed to either of the Walt Disney World Resort water parks, you can easily avoid the long lines at the ticket counters. Let me explain. Instead of having to make your way through the long lines at the ticket counter in the sweltering Florida sun, Disney has installed automated ticketing machines with touch-screen technology. All you need to use it is your credit card or your Walt Disney World room key. Simply select the proper ticket type (child or adult) and the quantity of each that you need. Just sign the screen and out pops your ticket. The machines located at Blizzard Beach even offer the option of purchasing tickets to Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf course (located just nearby).
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista (located between Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Phone: 407-824-4321
Web site: www.disneyworld.com
Hours: Operating hours vary depending on the season, so check www.disneyworld.com for the most up-to-date information, though the park usually opens at around 10:00 a.m.
The water parks close periodically for refurbishment, so once again it is best to check the Web site for the most up-to-date information. Inclement weather will also affect operating hours, but no refunds or rainchecks are issued. Last, capacity may be an issue during peak vacation periods. The water parks fill up quickly during peak seasons and of course on the hotter, sunnier, and humid days as well, so just remember to take that into consideration when making your plans.
Admission: A 1-day ticket costs $36 for an adult and $30 for children 3-9. Parking is included in the admission fee.
Average touring time: A half day to a full day, depending on how long you want to be splashing around and how much you and your family like water parks. It may also depend on how tall your kids are since the thrill rides and slides here all require that kids be a minimum height of 48”. There are certainly areas appropriate for younger (and smaller) kids, though the majority of its slides and rides, as truly unique as they are, are really geared to the thrill seekers in the family.
Showers and lockers are available to use throughout the day. Life vests are also available at no extra charge (just keep in mind that they have only a limited number). Unlike other water parks, flotation devices brought into the park from outside are not allowed. Inner tubes are complimentary. Coolers are allowed, but glass containers of any kind and alcoholic beverages are not.
Who would have thought that you’d find snow-capped mountaintops in Orlando? Add in a little Disney magic, and it’s no surprise that such a place exists. At Disney’s Blizzard Beach you may not actually know if you’re at a water park or a ski resort, at least until you’ve plummeted down the vertical drops at speeds that may very well rival some on skis, in the end only to find yourself splashing down into the warm, 80-degree waters below. It’s a visual experience that really must be seen to be believed.
Older kids and adults who thrive on thrills will appreciate Summit Plummet. On what in my opinion resembles an Olympic ski jump, riders will be plummeted straight down at speeds of around 55 miles per hour. Other favorites include the Slush Gusher, Snow Stormers, Runoff Rapids, and the Downhill Double Dipper to name a few, each offering a unique variation and experience in sliding and riding. Even the Chairlift is pretty cool, fashioned after a ski lift yet sporting a brightly colored extra-wide umbrella overhead to protect you from the sun’s rays as you make your way to the top of the mountain.
Melt-Away-Bay, the park’s 1-acre wave pool, and Cross Country Creek, its lazy river (or creek, in this case) pool that literally surrounds the entire park, are two of the best ways to relax and cool off at Blizzard Beach, especially for those of you not quite ready to plunge at dizzying speeds into the water below from high atop a mountain.
The Ski Patrol Training Camp, geared especially for tweens, features a handful of unique and interesting challenges. Included is an iceberg walk, where you have to make your way across the water--without falling in--by walking on the floating (and rather tipsy) icebergs with only a rope overhead to help you along. A t-bar drop and a handful of smaller slides are among some of the others.
Tinier tots (those under 4 feet tall) will appreciate Tike’s Peak, a miniature version of Mount Gushmore. It comes complete with a variety of smaller slides and a gigantic snow-castle fountain where splashing about is practically a requirement. Gentle waterfalls, dancing water areas, and a miniature tube slide are just an example of what you’ll find for younger kids.
Just picture a small village in the Bavarian Alps just slightly misplaced in the middle of Orlando and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The theme is apparent from the minute you enter as the shops, restaurants, and eateries that line the walkways are all snowcapped, adorned with skis and snowshoes, many of which resemble miniature ski lodges. Even the many sandy sitting areas feature small wooden roofed chalets to protect you from the Florida sun.
If you find that you get hungry after all of that swimming and sliding, there’s plenty to choose from, including kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and sandwiches (with even more choices for adults). With several snack spots and a handful of more substantial eateries located throughout the park, you’re sure not to be too far off from one or another. You can also picnic if you prefer.
A Note: If you can get to only one of the area water parks, I highly recommend the Disney water parks. No one can create a world (or water park, in this case) of fantasy quite like those Disney imagineers can. Now, don’t get me wrong--the other two parks are certainly good choices. It’s simply that Disney adds that extra little bit of magic that makes theirs the best of the bunch.
|
