Secondary Theme Parks

Orlando has the highest density of themed attractions than anywhere else in the world. Most visitors are well aware of the primary theme parks, however, there are some excellent smaller attraction options in the Central Florida area. Save a day or two of your vacation and add these into your schedule. You’ll be glad you did!

Gatorland is the oldest attraction in the Orlando area. It’s a great way to spend half a day with the family. It’s mostly a unique zoo with the highlight being all those gators. They have daily wild life shows and a train ride small kids will love. Located just north of Kissimmee. WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not are both located in the International Drive Resort Area and are similar in one respect they both amaze with oddities. They are both 2 to 3 hour experiences. Fun Spot has locations throughout the Orlando metro area and offer more of a carnival style of park. It’s very reasonable you can control how much the kids can spend by buying ticket plans and give the kids their tickets and $5.00 and they will have a blast. Old Town in Kissimmee has a Friday night car show with no charge – yes that’s right; it’s free! There is a Fun Spot located at Old Town along with shopping and dining. It’s a fun place to check out and have an inexpensive day or evening. Check out our listing and enjoy some time at one (or a few) of Orlando’s lesser known treasures!

Want to share your experience? Please visit the “spotlight review” associated with the attraction that you visited and leave a reply to share comments and tips with other visitors.


Daytona USA

Also known as the Daytona 500 Experience, Daytona USA is the “Official attraction of NASCAR”.  Here, you can experience what its like to be in the Daytona 500 race in the Dream Laps motion simulator. Or, maybe you’d like to see what goes under the hood of these supercars at the Dupont Technology of Speed?  You can also test your skills as a pit crew member in the Chevy 16-second pit crew challenge.  There are many more attractions here, including a speedway tour, Coca-Cola IMAX theatre, and the exciting Richard Petty Driving Experience (see below).  Approximately 60 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web www.Daytona500Experience.com

 

Dinosaur World

This affordable attraction features over 150 life-size dinosaurs!  There is a dinosaur museum, fossil dig and boneyard, where you can search for fossils in a real paleontological setting.  Dinosaur World also features caves, where you can picnic in a unique setting and also see video.  They even have a playground area  for the children.  Approximately 60 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web Dinosaur World

 

Fantasy of Flight

An attraction “of a higher plane”, Fantasy of Flight features a stunning collection of vintage aircrafts.  Experience Fun with Flight, where the whole family can enjoy an interactive area which introduces the basics of flight through a variety of unique experience stations, from designing and testing paper airplane creations to piloting a state of the art hang glide simulator.  Experience the trill of aviation and even an aerial demonstration (weather permitting).   Approximately 35 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.FantasyofFlight.com/

 

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida

Experience a wild, natural Florida at Forever Florida.  You can choose your own fully-guided adventure from the Coach Safari, Horseback Safari, and the adventurous Zip line Safari.  Get to see a side of Florida that has been preserved as nature intended. This special place is home to many native plants, flowers and animals, including the endangered Florida Panther.  Approximately 50 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.foreverflorida.com/

 

Fun Spot

Besides boasting a 10,000 square foot arcade with the latest video games, this park has even more for a fun day with the kids.  Preschool rides for the little ones, as well as several go-kart tracks, and even thrill rides, such as the Skycoaster, for the more adventurous.
Visit them on the web www.Fun-Spot.com/

 

Gatorland

Known as the alligator capital of the world, Gatorland is home to thousands of gators, including the rare Albino gator.  This 110-acre theme park and conservatory is also home to many birds, bears, crocodiles and more!  See one of the shows such as the Gator Jumparoo or live Gator Wrestling.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.Gatorland.com/

 

Holy Land Experience

Visit the Holy Land Experience where modern technology brings together the sights and sounds of the world of the Bible in a way unlike anywhere else!
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.HolyLandExperience.com/

 

Horse World Stables

Get away from the crowds and get back to the basics.  You can explore hundreds of acres of the beauty of nature on horseback and see the beautiful Florida countryside.  Approximately 25 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.horseworldstables.com/

 

Madame Tussauds Orlando

Madame Tussauds Orlando is rolling out the red carpet to become Florida’s latest celebrity hotspot! Madame Tussauds provides visitors the opportunity to indulge in the ultimate fame experience and set onto the red carpet amongst their favorite celebrities. Guests will experience the essence of America with this brand new, immersive and interactive wax experience, bursting with family fun and world-class entertainment. Located at 8329 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 this attraction is expected to be opening in the Spring of 2015.
Phone: (866) 630-8315
Website: www.madametussauds.com/orlando/

 

Orlando Eye

Be effortlessly lifted away in a capsule of calm and serenity to see Orlando in a way you’ve never seen it before. The iconic 400-foot tall observation wheel provides breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions, with sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, theme parks, lakes and lush landscape, and on a clear day, views of Cape Canaveral on the east coast. Located at 8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 with a planned opening of May 2015.
Phone: (866) 228-6438
Website: www.officialorlandoeye.com

 

Richard Petty Driving Experience

For those trill-seekers who have always wanted to race around Daytona International Speedway in a 600 horsepower racecar this is for you!  There are several ‘experiences’ offered, whether you want to be a passenger, or be in the drivers seat at this legendary racetrack.  Be sure to check the website link below to book your dates; the track will be closed for several months due to re-paving of the speedway.   Approximately 60 miles from the Orlando area
Visit them on the web http://www.daytona500experience.com

 

Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Visit Orlando’s premiere “Odditorium” and check out Robert Ripley’s collection of the unbelievable and inexplicable.  Then, you can decide for yourself whether YOU believe it or NOT!
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web http://www.RipleysOrlando.com/

 

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Explore the amazing creatures of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans! This new aquarium will transport you into a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures! From face-to-face encounters with sharks, to a hands-on touchpool experience, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. To get any closer you’d have to get wet! SEA LIFE Orlando is located in the heart of Orlando at I-Drive 360 next to Madame Tussauds Orlando and The Orlando Eye. All three attractions will open Spring 2015!
Address: 8449 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (866) 622-0607
Website: www.visitsealife.com/orlando/

 

Silver Springs

Explore the natural beauty of Ocala, Florida on one of the river cruises, some of which offer you an extraordinary view of life underwater in a glass-bottom boat.  Also check out their many wildlife exhibits, including the Panther Prowl and World of Bears.  Silver Springs also offers rides, shows, and a wilderness trail where you can take a ride into the forest to get up-close to natural Florida wildlife.  While you’re there, visit their Wild Waters water park.  Approximately 90 miles from the Orlando area.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web www.SilverSprings.com

 

Stallion51

Stallion51 is your place if you are an aviation enthusiast.  Stallion 51 is a comprehensive aviation organization offering a wide range of services. From orientation flights in the legendary P-51 Mustang and historic T-6 Texan to aircraft management, sales and FAA medical certifications.
Read our Featured Spotlight Review, or
Visit them on the web www.Stallion51.com

 

Wonderworks

Fly a fighter jet, design your own roller coaster, land the space shuttle and more! Wonderworks is home to over 100 interactive exhibits. This ‘upside down’ attraction also hosts Orlando’s only indoor rope course.
Visit them on the web Wonder Works online.com