Discovering Orlando beyond Disney


Disney World may be the most famous tourist destination in Orlando, but the city has a variety of other exciting attractions to offer. Discover the city’s hidden gems this Memorial Day weekend.

A view of the Orlando skyline over Lake Eola park.
A view of the Orlando skyline over Lake Eola park. Image credit: Mick Haupt/Unsplash

Orlando may be best known for its two biggest tourist attractions, Disney World and Universal Studios, but the theme park capital of the world has so much more to offer all of its thrill seeking tourists. There are plenty of smaller theme parks to visit, but there’s also a wide variety of other attractions to keep you busy.

The city boasts a plethora of exciting indoor and outdoor activities that are tons of fun for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to flex your muscles and get your sweat on, cool off at high speed in an airboat, casually meet a few exotic creatures, or race around like you’re in the Indy 500, this panhandle paradise has everything you could ever dream. 

Wondering how you’re going to safely and comfortably get around town? Download the Blacklane app to get everywhere you need to go while discovering the best of the best in Orlando. Our Business Class and Business Van/SUV vehicles make getting to, from, and/or around the city with smaller groups a breeze. For big families or groups with lots of baggage, our Sprinter Class (only available in Orlando and select cities) fits up to twelve people with plenty of extra room for luggage. Plus, we provide child seats and storage for assistive devices upon request. 

Now that your rides are settled, it’s time to check out some of the best indoor and outdoor activities for your Orlando getaway.

Three alligators sunning together on a deck.
Three alligators sunning together on a deck. Image credit: Alexis Montero/Unsplash

Outdoor activities

If you’re looking for attractions that cater to your sporty side, then Epic Paddle Adventures, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, Get Up And Go Kayaking, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, and Nona Adventure Park are the perfect places to visit. You can test out your climbing skills, paddle through various springs and lakes in kayaks and on paddle boards, go ziplining across forests, or put-put your way to victory.

Want to get even more up close and personal with nature? Check out the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to smell the flowers, feed and pet some tall friends at Giraffe Ranch, or meet the reptiles, birds, wild cats, snakes, and other critters of Gatorland. If you want the full treatment, then Wild Florida Airboats, Gator Park & Drive-Thru Safari can take you on a ride you’ll never forget.

There are also other options for itching the nature bug. Explore the Florida wetlands at high speed with Spirit Of The Swamp Airboat Rides and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures or take it slow and steady on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour to enjoy some spectacular views. If you’d like to experience Orlando by air, then Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park is the place where you can learn to soar the skies. However, if you’d like to keep yourself firmly planted on the ground, Revolution Adventures offers a variety of guided ATV tours, archery lessons, fishing, and clay pot shooting.

Indoor activities

At some point you’ll need to beat the Florida heat for an afternoon and there are plenty of indoor adventures to be had! You can test your Nascar racing skills at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games or bring your little ones to the Crayola Experience and enjoy the colorful magic of hands-on activities and live shows.

At Dezerland Park, you can try anything from axe throwing to bowling and so much more. Get your bounce on at the trampoline park or play pinball and other arcade games all afternoon. This complex truly has it all. For those ready to test their puzzle and problem-solving skills, The Escape Game Orlando and Escapology boast an endless array of fascinating escape room scenarios.

It seems that no matter where you go in Orlando, fun will always be waiting for you around the corner.