For those of you planning a trip to the Orlando area, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite adventures for you to consider. This list is by no means complete – but it will keep you occupied for at least the first week!
Delight to dolphins. Discovery Cove is an animal lover’s dream-come-true. You can interact with dolphins and even experience a “double-foot push,” where you ride on the front of two of them! You’ll also want to snorkel Coral Reef, home to thousands of tropical fish, wade with rays in Ray Lagoon, and hand-feed birds in the free flight Aviary.
ExperienceCirque du Soleil’sspellbinding creation, La Nouba. This theatrical delight features opulent sets, brilliant choreography, theatrical lighting and provocative music. I have a hard time sitting still for more than an hour, but I was mesmerized by the high wire acts, the flying trapezes and the gymnastic performances. Paul and I viewed the show with my parents. My father’s actual quote at the end of the show was, “I feel like I should give them another hundred dollars!”
Float over the swampsand orange groves in a balloon ride with Bob’s Balloon Charters, Orlando Balloon Rides, or Blue Water Balloons. Gently ride the wind, and perhaps pluck a pine cone from the top of a tree. Celebrate the day with a champagne toast afterwards.
Slip, slide and get soakedat Wet ‘n Wild. My favorite slide is “The Storm” -- we call it “ the- getting- flushed- down- the- toilet- ride.” This is an amazingly fun place to go and crazier than you’d think; Paul and I bought season passes.
Skydive in a vertical wind tunnel at SkyVenture Orlando. You don’t have to leap out of an airplane, but the experience is so realistic that professional skydivers use it to practice. It’s safe, and people of all ages without any experience can join in the fun. I loved my visit there –the boys were better than I was at miniature golf but I rocked at skydiving!
Race a stockcar. Wonder of wonders, the folks at the Richard Petty Driving ExperienceWILL turn you loose in a 600 HP NASCAR style race car. I haven’t done this in Orlando, but had a fantastic time with them at the Daytona International Speedway. Don’t expect to sleep the night before or after your experience!
Whiz around, wobble or wipeout on a wakeboard at Orlando Watersports Complex. This is another of my personal favorite places. You can wakeboard, wakeskate, ski, or kneeboard on the cable or behind the boat. They rent everything you need. It features 2 lakes with cable systems, plus a lake for boating. One lake is for novices like me. The second lake is called the “slider park.” It features awe-inspiring obstacles called “sliders and kickers.” You can watch the advanced wakeboarders perform stunts while you eat lunch – or join them, if you’re a hotshot.
Trot through the forest at Horse World. This family owned and oriented facility will let you snag a glimpse of how Florida used to be. Their horses are well trained and well fed; relax and enjoy yourself!
Sample the sky in a sailplane at Seminole Gliderport, located outside of Groveland. Don’t miss this unique and peaceful way to fly without a motor.
Pedal or skate the West Orange Trail for a refreshing change of pace. Bikes and Blades will rent you roller blades or a bike. What Paul and I like to do is ride from Clermont into Winter Garden for lunch, and then ride home after our break.
Soar on a Hang Glider. You didn’t think I’d forget my favorite hobby, did you? Take a tandem Discovery Flight at Wallaby Ranch or Quest Air– you’ll be surprised at how smooth and quiet flying like a bird is.
