Comments on: Things to do in Orlando besides Disney

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 05:03:25 +0000

In reply to Jane. Thank you so much for adding this!

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 04:43:35 +0000

I was born in Orlando in the 1960’s. It “used to” be known for it’s citrus & cattle. Disney + too many years of freezes killed the citrus industry…However, there are are still two, great places to visit that most never hear about: Rock Springs & Wekiva Springs. Both are just north of central Orlando. Near Rock Springs is a canoe facility at Kelly Park. You rent the canoes and then drift with the current all the way to Wekiva Springs.

We used to go in two cars & drop one at the end & then drive to Kelly Park & take off early in the morning (always tried to be the first ones in the water to see the most wildlife in peace & quiet). We always saw lots of wildlife– keeping a sharp eye out for gators. We brought our lunch in a cooler & swam in the ultra-clear water at the half-way point. We’d even occasionally spot stingrays, which had made their way in all the way from the Atlantic! It takes about 2-3 hours depending on how much you paddle/stop along the way. At the time, you could also arrange a ride back when the guys came to collect the canoes. That canoe trip is magical.

These two places are the REAL Florida.

https://www.wekivawildandscenicriversystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Paddle-WekivaMap-Brochure.pdf

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rock-springs-run-state-reserve

🙂

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:37:18 +0000

In reply to Penny. You couldn't do both?

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:36:23 +0000

In reply to Peta Kaplan. If you're into birdwatching, there are plenty of opportunities in Florida. Don't miss the Everglades, for example!

By: Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:35:32 +0000

In reply to Nancie. I didn't find it a very attractive place, outside of Disney. But I didn't know at the time about any of the places listed in this post.

By: Nancie

Nancie — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 23:57:24 +0000

I’ve never been to Orlando. It would be great to visit Disney, but it’s nice to know that there are other things to see and do.

By: Peta Kaplan

Peta Kaplan — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 09:52:59 +0000

Well who knew that Orlando offered so much? I for one, certainly did not so thanks for the interesting info. The wildlife, the birds in and of themselves would be enough to get ME there.We just saw some gorgeous flamingoes in Northern Sri Lanka.

Thanks for an interesting post.
Peta

By: Peta Kaplan

Peta Kaplan — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 04:42:43 +0000

Interesting! Who knew?
Particularly like the flamingoes!
Peta

By: Penny

Penny — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 21:49:08 +0000

Love the sound of some of those museums for a rainy day. And the wildlife options make me want to pay another visit to Orlando before our kids give us those grandbabies we’re hoping for. 🙂