Our families recently embarked on an unforgettable trip to Orlando over the holiday break, spending four action-packed days and nights exploring all the exciting experiences the area has to offer beyond the famous Disney theme parks. From a thrilling airboat ride to experiencing Top Golf for the first time, we discovered a whole new side of Orlando that was just as magical. Every moment was packed with laughter, new memories, and plenty of surprises. Here’s a look at all the amazing things we did in Orlando that don’t require a Disney ticket!
Where we stayed:
Beck bungalows (stayed at Disney Dream House) http://www.beckbungalows.com/
It features nine bedrooms, five bathrooms, and sleeps up to 24 comfortably. It features a Moana-themed room, Guardians of the Galaxy-themed room, and a Harry Potter-themed room.
It also Includes a private pool, hot tub, arcade games, a grill and theater (which was perfect for watching the Packer’s game!) If you’re planning to stay with littles, it offers a pack n play & high.
Attractions that we visited and would recommend:
Gatorland: https://www.gatorland.com/
We had heard so many great things about Gatorland, and it did not disappoint! It’s a family-friendly spot, filled with animals, shows, experiences, and food & drink options. We saw all kinds of animals like gators, birds, capybaras, goats, crocodiles, tortoises, and snakes – there’s so much to see! There are shows throughout the day, and we caught the Gator Jumperoo (where the biggest gators leap out of the water) and the Up Close Encounters show, where they introduce you to some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet – including some seriously dangerous snakes! On top of that, there was a petting zoo area, a zip line over the gators, a train ride through the park, and so much more! It was a lot of fun. Pro tip: bring along hand sanitizer!
We went on the 90-minute airboat tour, and it was the perfect length! We saw tons of wildlife and beautiful plants, and the guides were super knowledgeable, sharing all kinds of interesting facts. The kids and us adults were both blown away by the massive alligators we spotted – some as big as 15 feet! We even got a glimpse of baby gators, around a year old, tucked away in the swamps. At first, they were tough to spot, but once we found one, they seemed to be everywhere! It was such a cool experience!
Disney Springs https://www.disneysprings.com/
Seven years ago, we visited Disney Springs while on vacation in Florida, and this time, we decided to go back and re-create some of the photos we took with the kids. It was such a fun challenge! The kids had just as much fun as we did trying to find the exact spots and then posing for the perfect comparison shots. Of course, we hit up all the classic spots, like the M&M store, Lego store, kiddie rides, and all the shops in between. The weather was amazing, and we got there early enough that the crowds were pretty light. Plus, parking in the Orange ramp was free – definitely a win when Disney’s involved!
Lunch in Disney Springs: https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/house-of-blues-restaurant-and-bar/
We booked House of Blues for lunch, literally the day before we went. There weren’t any other options for a table of eight, being Christmas break week. The food was good and the music was fantastic. They offered a variety of American brunch and lunch options, and everyone left with a full belly.
Top Golf https://topgolf.com/us/orlando/
Top Golf was such a blast for both of our families! With kids ranging from 7 to 15, it was something everyone enjoyed. We booked a package that gave us 2.5 hours of playtime plus a food and drink credit, which was perfect. We had two bays, so each one fit four players, and it worked out great. None of us are pros, but we had so much fun with the different game options, and the kids had a blast trying to beat mom and dad. It was a fun way to spend time together, and we all left smiling with our bellies full!
Our trip to Orlando was truly a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. While we had a blast exploring all the amazing attractions, we also cherished our downtime at the house, where the kids spent hours swimming and we all gathered around for a mean game of Cribbage. It was the perfect balance of making memories out and about, and just enjoying each other’s company in a comfortable, laid-back setting. By the end of our four days, we had so many laughs, unforgettable moments, and stories to share—proof that sometimes the best part of a vacation is simply being together.
