Things to do in Orlando,FL. - Lesser known local attractions

**The Editor** · 05-20-2011, 06:31 PM

Florida has always had an amazing blend of historical significance and fun. One of my favorite places as a kid was MarineLand. It was like Sea World, minus the crowds and fanfare. Sadly, I haven't been in years, and do not even know if the place is still open. If it is, I plan on getting out there, to relive some of the childhood fun.

Weeki Wachee is a kick ass historical waterpark in Spring Hill, Florida. I drove by there two weeks ago, while working, and the parking lot had maybe 15 cars in it. Sad, to see such a fun place so empty. Good news, as a tourist or resident, is that we have a pretty empty water park, an hour and a half from East Orlando (northwest, directionally), that you can take the family and enjoy without the crowds.

What other gems do we have in this area? Let's get away from I-drive and the Mouse. Let's get away from the crowds. Let's go have some fun in a place that's over-looked by most. Tell us about your experiences. Tell us why we should go. We should all try these places at least once, before the Mouse finally kills them off.

**Donkey Elephant** · 05-20-2011, 09:14 PM

Gatorland?

**Josh** · 05-20-2011, 09:21 PM

dinosaur world!

**The Editor** · 05-20-2011, 09:29 PM

Gatorland and Jungle Adventures are good examples. I haven't been since I was a kid, and couldn't tell you the difference (besides location) between the two. Anyone care to point those out?

Dinosaur World!!! I've never been, but have driven by it countless times. What's actually there?

**Aloysius** · 05-20-2011, 09:39 PM

The Resort area in Kissimmee has a bunch of stuff like gocarting and suvenior shops, which are fun to browse.

**Aloysius** · 05-20-2011, 09:40 PM

and old town

**z31jaime** · 05-20-2011, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by The Editor

Gatorland and Jungle Adventures are good examples. I haven't been since I was a kid, and couldn't tell you the difference (besides location) between the two. Anyone care to point those out?

Dinosaur World!!! I've never been, but have driven by it countless times. What's actually there?

I havent been in years but I remember gatorland had a tour via a train. and Jungle adventures actualy took you out on a boat with the gators in the water.

**The Editor** · 05-20-2011, 10:02 PM

It was so cool, as a kid, when a gator jumped at the boat, right where I was sitting. Of course, I was fully safe, it was just awesome to see those teeth come out and head my way.

**Lucretius** · 05-21-2011, 01:28 AM

Went to Gatorland in March of 2010. Some pics:
Gatorland (Orlando, FL) - a set on Flickr

**Doc Holliday** · 05-21-2011, 01:38 AM

silver springs

**Doc Holliday** · 05-21-2011, 01:39 AM

That coral castle near miami.

Somewhere I have a book called Weird Florida...it's got a ton stuff like this.

Weird Florida

**Pillsbury** · 05-22-2011, 12:08 AM

St. Augustine is a really good place to go, I like history so I find the area interesting.

**07-Civic-Si** · 05-22-2011, 12:20 AM

Lion country safari it pretty cool. Dont ever remember it being packed. But you dont every have to get out of your car.

**07-Civic-Si** · 05-22-2011, 12:21 AM

Oops just realized it said local.

**Doc Holliday** · 05-22-2011, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by Revelaxion79

St. Augustine is a really good place to go, I like history so I find the area interesting.

hell yeah. Love that place.

**Pillsbury** · 05-22-2011, 02:34 PM

In the summer its nice to cool off at one of the natural springs that Florida has. Get to go swimming or see the wildlife besides love bugs for a change also. Rock Springs and DeLeon Springs is pretty good for this, both are state parks.