Far beyond Disney: 9 unmissable tours to do in Orlando

It is almost impossible to think of the city of Orlandoin Florida, and not automatically link the destination to the amusement parks in disney (that’s where the Walt Disney Worlda complex that has four theme parks and more than 30 resorts) or universal studios🇧🇷

Of course, visiting Orlando and not visiting any of the parks doesn’t make much sense either, but the fact is that the city and its surroundings are full of other attractions (hidden or not) that are equally interesting, whether for those who enjoy entertainment, for those who interested in shopping and for those looking for good bars and restaurants. Establishments commanded by chefs renowned bars, breweries and cool bars, as well as a vast vegetarian menu can be found there.

After all, Orlando is currently the most visited destination in the United States, and in recent years it has attracted not only families, as usual, but also groups of adult friends, couples of different age groups and even solo travelers.

O MofWoman spent a week getting to know the city’s tourist and gastronomic scene better🇧🇷 and shows, below, nine great tours to do in Orlando that go far beyond Disney.

Spend the day at ICON Park

Tourist complex that has eight different attractions, in addition to several stores and more than 40 restaurants, the ICON Park is known for hosting the The Wheel, ferris wheel over 121 meters high. formerly called orlando eyeit has existed since 2015 and is the second highest in the US (the first is in Las Vegas, Nevada).

Taking a ride on The Wheel allows you to have an almost complete view of Orlando, and the coolest times for the ride are at sunset (for obvious reasons) and at night, as it is all lit up and it is You can see the Disney parks fireworks shows from up there.

The attraction, in which a complete turn lasts just over 20 minutes, also offers open bar services inside the air-conditioned capsules, which can hold up to 15 people.

In addition to The Wheel, ICON Park also houses a unit of the world famous wax museum. Madame Tussaudsthe aquarium SEA LIFE Aquariumthe museum of osteology and natural history Skeletons and the Orlando StarFlyerthe highest aerial carousel in the world, which rises to more than 130 meters in height and reaches speeds of up to 72 km/h when rotating.

Tickets:

At ICON Park, tickets vary according to attractions, which can be combined. A ride on The Wheel, the giant wheel, costs US$27.99 (per person), while the ticket that entitles you to three attractions (The Wheel, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds) costs US$49.95 (per person) . To take a ride on the Star Flyer alone, a fee of USD 10 (per person) is charged, and to combine Star Flyer and The Wheel, the price rises to USD 34.50 (per person).

More information: https://iconparkorlando.com/en/attractions/

visit Gatorland

One of Orlando’s oldest attractions, the Gatorland It has existed since 1949 and functions as a park dedicated to alligators and crocodiles, with an extensive area of ​​preserved forest. There are more than 2000 alligators and about 20 crocodiles, including rare species and animals that suffered life threat and were rescued.

It is possible to get up close to the reptiles and even feed them, always under the supervision of an instructor, in addition to learning more about their universe. For those who like (more) adventure, the tip is to jump on one of the six different zip lines present in the place – and, in one of them, the ‘The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line’, you “fly over” the alligators that are in one of the lakes in the park. The zip lines also stand out for their accessibility, as wheelchair users can do them in peace.

Also responsible for receiving and treating alligators, crocodiles and other injured animals found in areas close to the park, Gatorland has veterinarians and biologists on site.

Tickets:

Adults (13 years and older): $29.99 + tax
Children (ages 3-12): $19.99 + tax
Seniors (55 years and older): $24.99 + tax

More information: https://www.gatorland.com/about/about-gatorland/

Take a boat ride on the lakes of Winter Park

Less than 20 minutes (by car) from Orlando is the city of Winter Parkwhich is also part of Orange County (orange county🇧🇷 The charming area, which looks more like a luxurious neighborhood, was originally created by wealthy families in the northern region of the United States, who were looking for a refuge from the freezing temperatures of the American winter (given its geographical location, Florida tends to be warmer than other states in the USA).

Nowadays it has become a tourist spot, it houses the college Rollins College and attracts visitors due to the different shops present in the park avenue (the city’s main avenue), high cuisine restaurants, great cafes and art museums.

One of the coolest (and quietest) things to do there is the ‘Scenic Boat Tour’, a scenic boat tour that seats up to 18 and cruises the Winter Park chain of lakes. Between Venetian-style canals and private mansions whose owners are millionaires, the guided tour lasts about an hour and allows you to learn more about the history of the region, while facing great landscapes and feeling the breeze on your face.

The ‘Scenic Boat Tours’ start at 10 am and end at 4 pm.

Tickets:

14 dollars (adults)

7 dollars (children from 2 to 11 years old)

More information: https://www.scenicboattours.com/

If you like art, visit the Morse Museum of American Art

Still in Winter Park is the Morse Museum of American Arta museum internationally known for bringing together the world’s largest collection of varied works by the American designer and artist Louis Comfort Tiffany (son of Charles Lewis Tiffanyfounder of jewelry Tiffany & Co.🇧🇷

It is possible to lose a few hours inside the museum, which has different colorful and meticulously crafted stained glass windows, decorative objects in ceramics, porcelain and marble, chandeliers made of glass, furniture, paintings and luxurious jewelry, most of the works in the artistic style baptized art nouveau🇧🇷

Do not forget, during your visit, to admire the ‘Tiffany Chapel’the beautiful interior of a chapel created by Louis Comfort in 1893, which has survived all these years and stands out for its mosaics and colored windows.

Another tip is the Cornell Museum of Fine Artswhich is located within the Rollins College campus, and features works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

Tickets:

Adults: 6 dollars

Seniors over 60: $5

Students (with valid voucher): $1

Children under 12: free entry

More information: http://www.morsemuseum.org/

Lunch, dinner and/or shopping at Disney Springs

Despite being located in the complex Walt Disney World (more specifically in the city of Bay Lake, very close to Orlando), you don’t necessarily need to go to the Disney parks to visit the area called disney springswhich has free admission (with parking included) and combines great shopping with varied and award-winning restaurants.
formerly called Downtown Disney, the shopping center was renovated and, in 2015, was named Disney Springs. Orlando’s largest Disney store, the World of Disneystays there, just like the LEGO® Storestore LEGO which sells the famous building toys and exhibits sculptures and exhibitions.

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When it comes to good food, Disney Springs leaves nothing to be desired. The restaurants have a privileged view and offer dishes for all tastes, including vegetarians and vegans.
One of the highlights is the paddlefishwhich is on a steamboat and specializes in seafood – the best view, take note, is from the upper deck, and one of the public’s favorite dishes is guacamole.

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Disney Springs, which also has a theater inside the space, has an extensive schedule of events that take place…