Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Sightings include bald eagles, blue herons, deer, a wide variety of water foul, and the star attraction — the American alligator.
Don't forget there is more to Orlando than the theme parks, even if they are a lot of fun. You may want to get out and see just what the rest of Florida is all about.
See Everything--All at Once...
- Hook yourself up to the Kissimmee SkyCoaster and soar 300 feet above the theme parks, entertainment complexes, and resorts of Orlando. This is great fun for the whole family.
Orlando For the Outdoor Buff
- Try taking a fun-filled ride on an airboat and explore the area's local plants and wildlife. Boggy Creek Airboats is the ultimate airboat experience and it's only minutes away from other major Orlando attractions in Kissimmee. Take a cruise on top of the water at speeds up to 45 mph as you watch for wildlife across Lake "Toho". Look for eagles, osprey and snakes as well as an alligator or two. Try one of their nighttime trips that features a spotlight search for red-eyed gators. Experienced guides and operators will show you the delights of the area surrounding Orlando and give you a thrill with their boating.
- Daytona International Speedway. Inside the Speedway is The World Center of Racing Visitors' Center. Guided track tours run daily except during special events. The tours include a video wall featuring early films of racing, souvenir and snack shops, a Welcome Center, a Surround Sound audio presentation, and a tour of the grandstand.
Orlando For the History Buff
Learn the history of Orlando and enjoy a walking tour while searching for Ghosts. Since Orlando isn't your average place the museums aren't average either. While traditional museums abound, check out our choice for a fun place to learn.
- Orlando Ghost Tour. What most visitors don't realize is how old the Orlando area really is. Learn all about its history, the buildings, and most of all, the people who lived in and built the area. While you may not find a ghost or two lurking around, you will learn about the rich history of the area. The owner of the tour, Emilio San Martin, offers more information in his tours about the area and people than you will find in any tour books.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Ripley's is a museum filled with some of the most interesting collections of the odd and unusual. The museum features sixteen galleries of artifacts and relics from around the world, including a great dinosaur exhibit.
Orlando For the Space Buff
Florida is well known for its space program, so if you are interested we suggest you head to nearby Titusville and check out these great tours and sites.
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The KSC Visitor Complex is your gateway to space - check out where NASA prepares and launches the space shuttle. Among other exciting things to see and do, climb aboard a full-size shuttle replica, tour the launch area and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, see IMAX movies, walk among authentic vintage spacecraft, visit a hands-on intergalactic gallery, and view an art gallery. Narrated tours are available.
- U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Dedicated to the story of America's first space heroes - the pioneers of Project Mercury, Gemini and Apollo - here you can also explore space on your own. The Astronaut Adventure lets you experience the total astronaut training from landing on the moon to launching a rocket and experiencing "zero" gravity. Located next to the Kennedy Space Center, this is definitely a "must see" attraction.
Orlando For the Shopper
There are some great shopping opportunities in Orlando, here is our picks for the best:
- Downtown Disney. With acres upon acres of shops this is a shopper's paradise. Stores in this district are not just Disney gift shops, they include Planet Holywood, Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, Guitar Gallery, Hoypoloi Art Gallery, Lego, Once Upon a Toy, Starabilias Collectibles and Virgin Records. Of course, you will also find the traditional Disney stores, although you do not have to enter Disney's park to shop here.
- Belz Factory Outlet. More than 180 stores within two malls and four annexes and including Calvin Klein, Oshkosh, Guess, Bugle Boy, Anne Klein, Harve Bernard, Field Crest, Cannon, and Bass Shoes are offered at this outlet. Belz is conveniently located in Orlando.
With so much to do and see in Orlando, you are going to want to head back there again and again.
