Non-mouse related things to do in Orlando

er, i guess you won't be wanting to go there.

that was supposed to read:

"about 8 years ago while visiting Universal Studios with my family, we wentto what was at the time the World's Largest McDonald's"

True story: I have a friend who, up until very recently, was childless and single. She went to Disneyworld. Every. Single. Year. (Sometimes multiple times) And she always signed up for breakfast with Winnie the Pooh. So you had this 30 year old alcoholic and a bunch of unrelated children, all sitting and eating and trying to talk to a giant, mute, yellow bear. Really weird.

Sea World is also nice. There's really not that much to do there outside of the amusement park realm though, it doesn't have a lot of super world class restaurants (though the Disneyworld proper restaurants are surprisingly tasty) or major cultural attractions, a LOT of it is like theme/celebrity restaurants or the amusement park related stuff. There is golfing, if you like that, pretty decent golfing supposedly. There's plenty of shopping, Mall at Millenia is the upscale one IIRC, and there was a nice lounge in/near there (I forget, ha ha good drinks I guess). They also apparently boast the world's largest Hard Rock Cafe, and if you are interested in swimming with dolphins or learning to water ski you can sign up for those things. And there are a lot of spas if you need a facial or a massage or something, though I didn't do that there so I can't vouch for them personally.

I do remember last time I was there someone at the front desk of our hotel trying to sell us on taking a "winery tour". I've never tasted nor heard of "Florida wines" before but I think you should do that, also, and report back on your findings.

Do you know what hotel you are staying at? They might be able to give you better information on what they offer a shuttle to, what they are within walking distance to, etc (I don't know if you have a car or not--if you don't have a car your options in Orlando will be very limited because hotels basically offer the shuttles to the parks and very little else).

Here is a link from the Orlando Sentinel, top ten things to do in Orlando that are not Disneyworld/Sea World/Universal:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/destinations/orlando/orl-trav-top10,0,5528511.story?coll=orl-attractions-more
I always forget about the Kennedy Space Center. Technically two of the things on their list are actually on Disneyworld's land, but I can vouch that the ridiculously named Pleasure Island is really pretty cool and Cirque du Soleil seems fun and non-childreny.

besides that, i really can't think of much even though i'm from florida and have been to orlando at least a dozen times.

This might explain why I actually want to go back to Vegas.

orlando can be fun, if you don't mind wallowing in kitch. we ate at a monster truck theme restaurant, and there's loads of those movies with moving chairs so you can 'feel the action' which can be entertaining.

isn't there a 'grownup' part of disney world? i remember that i was there when i was 20 and couldn't get in to the 'cool' part with all the bars, but this may be all in my imagination.

if you do go to disney, i highly suggest spending all day and then asking for your money back. if you ask loudly enough, they'll take you to their special room, called the 'quiet room', and pay you off. seriously.

Under what pretenses would you demand your money back though? I'm intrigued.

You've seen the Atlantic. Gulf! I can't remember what the drive-time is to Sanibel and Captiva but they are great.

Anything kid-friendly worth doing that's not mouse or universal? Was thinking about maybe an airboat ride, idk.

Orlando fucking sucks.

- See manatees at Blue Spring State Park (not in Orlando, but only about an hour north)
- Get a strawberry lemon gelati at one of the many Jeremiah's Italian Ice locations

How about food? We had pretty good Ethiopian last night at Selam and good Mexican the night before from Bugambillas. Anything worth trying our last night?

I mean, definitely get some Cuban food if you haven't already, though I don't really have a specific place to recommend. Old Cuban Cafe on Colonial Dr was highly recommended by someone I trust, though I haven't been there. Zaza is local chain, more fast casual, but they're good.

Only other recommendation I have is Bosphorous for Turkish food. The kid(s?) might enjoy "popping" the lavas, which comes out puffed up like a big balloon. Think they have a few different locations around Orlando.