by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Thu February 12, 2015
Photos courtesy of theis respective resorts.
Orlando: Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Actually you bought three T-shirts for $10 on International Drive. Or maybe you haven't because you have never been there before. You are getting geared up for your first trip and you are thinking that you would like to do something a little bit different than the big theme parks that made O-Town famous. Well, here they are, your four top lesser known attractions in Orlando.
Gatorland
This is one of the coolest places in Orlando. Founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve that combines, "'Old Florida charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment, making us Orlando's best half day attraction." Gatorland features hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, animal shows, and an alligator breeding marsh. They have also just opened the Screaming Gator Zip Line where you can zip along 1,200 feet of line right over alligators and crocodiles.
Pirates Dinner Adventure
Jump on board one of six ships that are gathered around a 46-foot-long Spanish galleon with 40-foot masts. The ship is anchored in a 300,000 indoor lagoon and the show has a cast of a dozen actors, singers and stunt performers. Each ship has its own mascot that you can cheer on while you feast and drink on Caribbean-style meals and free beer and soft drinks. Be prepared, as this show contains cannon blasts and pyrotechnics.
Weeki Wachee Springs
If you have ever wanted to see a mermaid in the flesh or um…scales, then here is your chance. Weeki Wachee Springs has been putting on mermaid shows since 1947 and continues to do so today. There is also Buccaneer Bay, their water park, featuring boat rides and more. For those who are really into mermaids you can even get married on site. This site has attracted a slew of celebrity admirers including Elvis Presley, Don Knotts, Esther Williams, Arthur Godfrey, Kevin Smith, and Larry the Cable Guy.
Lake Eola Park
Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando., Lake Eola is a great place to just come and relax. Take a walk around the lake, feed the swans, take in a concert or play at the Walt Disney Amphitheater or grab lunch at the Relax grill. If you are up to it, rent a paddle boat that looks like a swan! There is no better way to get away from the crowds, take in the Orlando skyline and just chill. If you are there on a Sunday, check out the Orlando Farmers Market from 1-4 p.m.
So if you are interested in hanging in Orlando but don't want to do what everyone else has been doing, there are four places that will be a refreshing change from the norm. What else do you like to do that is off the beaten path in O-town? Let us know below!
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