DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Going to Orlando

My family and I are going to Orlando for vacation the first week of April. We plan on visiting Universal Studios, and we are going to the Cavs vs Magic game down there as well, but we are looking for some other things to do that aren't to expensive. Anybody familar with the Orlando area, or have any idea on what else we could do down there? Thanks in advance.

There really isn't anything fun to do in Orlando, sorry.

If it's warm enough, there are a TON of waterparks down there.

My boss just came back from there, but her family spent the whole time at Disney (which, if you can do it, and have never been, I recommend). But you were looking for affordable things to do and Disney isn't cheap. But, again, if you've never been, I recommend it.

Kennedy Space Center isn't too far from Orlando - I didn't go when I was last down in Orlando, I heard it's REALLY cool though

Daytona is about an hour or so from Orlando. So if you want to go to the ocean, go there (though, that will be around Spring Break time...not sure of the ages of people going so it MAY be inappropriate). But, if anyone's into racing, Daytona International Speedway has a nice museum and track tour.

Heck, Tampa/St. Pete's is only about 90 minutes from Orlando as well.

As for places to eat...we only went out to eat a few times since we were in a rented house with full kitchen. But, we went to Medieval Times one night. Not that cheap, but it's fun...dinner and a show. We did Giordano's for pizza one night - WONDERFUL! But if you go, be prepared for leftovers, or get everyone to agree on toppings and split your pizza! One slice will fill you up! Other meals out were at fast food or chain places, so I'm not going to mention those.

Thanks BB, we were debating on Disney World or Universal Studios, but ultimately we chose the latter. We will defintely have to check out the Space Center, that would be pretty cool to see.

Another thing that a lot of people love is the outlet malls, there's one right near Universal. I actually liked going there a lot when I lived in Orlando, found some great deals! The one near Universal also has a Ron John Surf Shop....it's nowhere near as cool as the one in Daytona but it's pretty cool none the less. There is also a Bass Pro Shops in the same place which I liked to go to a lot too.

I-Drive has a lot of great restaurants (also in the same exact vicinity).

Of course, if you are going to Universal, you have to go to CityWalk at night. You have to pass through it to get to the park entrances. Also, don't eat inside of the parks! It is a total waste of money. For the same prices, exit the park and go to CityWalk for lunch. I'd much rather get a nice burger at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and a drink with unlimited refills for the same price as a mediocre burger inside of the park with one drink w/out a refill.

Another night option at CityWalk is the newly opened, Blue Man Group. Or another option is to treck over to Downtown Disney and go see the Cirque show there. It's a bit of a pricey ticket but well worth it. Also at Downtown Disney is the impressively huge Virgin Megastore. I'm not sure if it will still be open by then since Virgin is closing all of their US stores.

I also heard Church Street Station has re-opened in Downtown Orlando. Back in it's hayday, it was an awesome, historic place to go. I however cannot comment on its current condition.

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impressively huge Virgin Megastore.

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I thought it was illegal to just walk in and buy one of those....

Universal and Disney have "nightspots". Basically outdoor walks with shops, restaurants and bars lining them. Not the cheapest food of course, but a nice evening of window shopping, and people watching, and wandering around.

Medieval Times is cool, and very entertaining.

There's Wet-n-wild water park real close to Universal. In April we will have regular temps in the 80's, so it should be good for you.

There's also a lot of smaller sight-seeing places in Orlando. Ripleys Beleive it or Not musuem is along International Dr, right off I-4, Sea World, etc.