Ecotourism, balloon rides, trendy bars and restaurants are some of the options to enjoy Orlando and Kissimmee in addition to the traditional
Kissimmee beyond the parks
I’ve lost count of how many times I went to Orlando and its neighbor Kissimmee. Whether for work or leisure, it is a region that I know well, but I really like the ability it has to surprise me every season. In fact, there is always something new, and this time, my goal was to know what to do in Orlando and Kissimmee besides the parks.
And look, there is a lot, a lot, from good restaurants to kayaking in a preserved area. Therefore, I share attractions here for those who want to plan a few different days in the land of fun.
Balloon flyover
The day starts very early, before the sun rises. But getting up early is certainly worth it when, from the top, you have the whole view of the region.
The swamps, the lakes, the woods and even some theme parks are there, composing the horizon that takes on orange tones as dawn breaks. In fact, the tip is to plan the flyby for the first days of the trip, so, if you have an unforeseen event, there is time to reschedule.
With Bob’s Baloons, there are four to six people on the flight, which takes an average of one hour. It leaves Kissimmee, and costs from $ 175 per person.
Helicopter tour
Unlike the balloon ride that rolls at dawn, the helicopter flight is much cooler after sunset. Since it is at night outings, you can see the fireworks shows at Disney parks and come face to face with the illuminated Icon Orlando Ferris wheel.
Companies like MaxFlight, which leaves Kissimmee, offer flights lasting between eight and 45 minutes. Values start at $ 49. Certainly an unforgettable tour.
Kissimmee Attractions Beyond Parks: Boggy Creek Airboat
On airboats, boats with a big fan at the stern, it is possible to “fly” over the shallow waters of swamps and lagoons, the natural habitat of the gators, that is, the American alligators typical of this region.
There are 30 minute or one hour tours to see the wild nature, reptiles, eagles and other birds that used to inhabit Florida. The price is $ 27.95.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
A pine forest, 10 to 60 meters high, with suspended wooden bridges, ropes to swing in the Tarzan style and zip lines up to 130 meters in the middle of the trees. Therefore, set aside two to three hours to enjoy everything calmly, including training with the guides.
Before the test of fire, the professionals of the place teach the safety rules and the tricks to make beautiful when you are up there. The price is $ 54.95.
Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
Whether kayaking or stand up paddle, in a few minutes paddling at Shingle Creek Regional Park, the sounds of cars and people are left behind.
Time to listen to birds and explanations from the driver who has trained his eye to find animals in the wild, including alligator chicks.
The most common outings take place during the day and are about an hour and a half long, but eventually there are longer and even night walks on nights with a full moon. Certainly a very nice schedule. Values starting at $ 45.
Beyond the parks in Orlando and Kissimmee: Gatorland
Gatorland has reigned absolute here. Few people know, but this is the oldest park in the region and it was opened in 1949. And then it became a kind of reptile zoo, with hundreds of alligators, crocodiles and turtles of all kinds.
In addition, it added some attractions to give visitors more adrenaline. If coming face to face with the bugs was not enough, then you can now fly over a 150 meter long zip line that reaches 50 km / h. Here’s the Screamin ‘Gator Zip Line. The price is $ 29.99.
Lake Eola Park
In the evening of the summer months, the sky turns pink over the waters of the lake that gives the park its name. Tourists and locals mix during wanderings, breaks to feed the swans, observe the pedal boats and admire the various works of art scattered around the place.
In addition, the movement is also great at seasonal events that take place there, especially at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, the open-air auditorium at one end of the lake.
Among the most popular ones, Movieola shows free family films, such as E.T., in some months of the year.