WILD ATTRACTIONS, THRILLING ACTIVITIES AWAIT THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Once you’ve chosen your perfect home away from home for your Kissimmee, Fla., stay, filling up your time with activities won’t be a challenge. In fact, there is so much to do, you’ll be planning your next visit while still there.
The parks, of course, reign. For a more laid-back “park” experience with no entry fee but plenty of Disney feel, head to Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs. Re-imagined just over a year ago on the site of the former Downtown Disney (and with attractions doubled from 75 to 150), Disney Springs morphs upscale shopping and dining with relaxed, old school Disney fun. Boat rides across the lake, tours and samples at the Coca Cola store, bowling at Splitsville and more are all there for visitors. You can shop at more than 30 stores, such as Kate Spade, and even dine at Wolfgang Puck’s and many other famed chef spots. Family friendly or adaptable to be a “grown-up time” too, Disney Springs is worth even a full-day visit.
Who does not have a visit to SeaWorld Orlando on their life bucket list? SeaWorld is legendary for its animal attractions, but there is so much more. Fun rides, dining choices, shows and more all await guests. From quick bites to sit-down meals, and even “signature dining events,” you can find what you crave.
Shows take place regularly, with special events thrown in. For a look at the world and its oceans through a young girl’s eyes, check out the “Blue Horizons” show. Learn all about orca whales at the “Ocean Discovery” show. And focus on our beautiful seas and how to preserve them at the “One Ocean” show, to name a few.
Kids of all ages love the paddle boats, carousel and splash-tastic Journey to Atlantis ride, and bigger kids can get their scream on at the Kracken and Manta rides, as well as others. Rounding it out, there’s shopping, great dining and even wine and beer tastings. A full-day visit, for sure. Learn more at seaworldparks.com/seaworldorlando/.
Then there are the lesserknown but amazingly fun things to do. Wild Florida takes visitors on airboats that zip them over wetlands and up close to alligators. It is a must-do. It also offers wildlife encounters, a wildlife park (with all kinds of animals to visit and learn about), buggy adventures, dining and more. It’s a step into what makes Florida’s natural habitat special. Learn more at wildfloridairboats.com.
Gatorland is known as the “Gator Capital of the World” and it
lives up to that name. Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits and entertainment. The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.
Fun for the whole family are the alligator breeding marsh with observation tower, a wild bird nesting area, a nature walk and the world's largest collection of rare white “leucistic” alligators, plus the park's signature shows such as “Gator Wrestlin',” “Gator Jumparoo” and “Up-close Encounters.”
Adventure seekers will enjoy the Screamin' Gator Zip line, with more than 1,200 feet of highflying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150-foot suspension bridge. At heights up to 56 feet, guests will fly at speeds near 30 mph.
Young children love Gatorland's petting zoo, free-flight aviary with opportunity to feed the birds, train ride all around the park and the Gator Gully Splash Park, with sprinklers and water features for those hot days. The park has special programs too, everything from photography to learning about animals. Learn more at gatorland.com.
And what of the feel of Florida beyond parks and nature? For that, you'll want to lose yourself in Old Town Kissimmee. Old Town Kissimmee is a re-creation of a classic Florida town, a throwback to a time when crowds were a little smaller, lines a little shorter and the fun a little simpler.
Old Town is 18 acres of treelined brick streets, with 70 unique, affordable shops and restaurants. You'll also find live entertainment, family-friendly attractions and rides that every generation, young and old, can enjoy together.
Towering 85 feet over Highway 192, Old Town's iconic Ferris wheel welcomes visitors. Take a spin on this hand-built ride from Italy and enjoy spectacular views of Kissimmee.
Old Town is located a mile east of I-4 (Exit 64) on Highway 192, and just minutes from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and International Drive. Open seven days a week. Go to myoldtownusa. com for information on operating hours, events and live entertainment schedules.
Want to take it all in? You cannot do better than Orlando Balloon Rides. In its 35th year of offering breathtaking sunset balloon rides over the region, Orlando Balloon Rides should be at top of your bucket list for a visit. It has grown to be one of the world's largest operators of commercial hot air balloons. Learn more at orlandoballoon rides.com.
So there it is. Settle into your perfect accommodations then mix your stay with classic park fun, wild nature exploration, maybe some zip lining, plenty of shopping and, of course, that warm, perfect Florida sun.
Now that's a vacation that's the best of both worlds. And in case you want to test drive this getaway, Florida vacation peeps will be on hand at Dewey Square Park in Boston on Feb. 18-20 with a 200-foot zip line, alligators (really!), Crayola Experience activities and prize giveaways.
For more information, go to experiencekissimmee.com.