Lower-cost Orlando activities

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For our guests spending a few days in Orlando before and/or after our reception, we've put together this list of activities in Orlando that won't cost as much as the major theme parks.  While you all know how much we love Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, we acknowledge that spending even a day at these places can put a hefty dent in one's wallet.  All of the below activities are places Paul and Iris also enjoy visiting, and cost much less than a one-day ticket to any of the Big Three.

A pair of Amusement Parks, one in Kissimmee, one in Orlando.  They feature carnival-style rides and rollercoasters, as well as go-kart racing on multi-level tracks.  Also the home to the World's Largest (Kissimmee) and the World's Tallest (Orlando) SkyCoasters.  Admission and Parking are free, the rides can be purchased either ala carte or with an all-day wristband.


Part nature-trail, part zoological park, part thrill-park.  Gatorland features a wide variety of Alligators and other natural Florida wildlife, as well as a series of ziplines, including some that have you suspended right over the Gator habitats!


A shopping, dining, and attraction complex in the heart of Orlando's tourist district.  The big three attractions include Madame Tussads, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Orlando Eye, a giant ferriswheel from which you can see all of Orlando.


Escape Rooms

Orlando is home to an ever-growing number of Escape Room companies, many of which Paul and Iris have played and are big fans of.  Among our favorites are The Escape Game Orlando, Escape Goat, America's Escape Game, Escapology, The Escape Company, and MindQuest.


A walking tour showing the history of how chocolate was cultivated and spread throughout the world.  Includes sets showing how and where the Cacao plant is harvested, retired machinery used in the chocolate-making process, sculptures made entirely of chocolate, and a tasting of many different chocolates around the world.


For those seeking more adventurous and outdoorsy activities.  Tree Trek is a series of obstacle courses through the forest, 10-50 feet in the air.  You are connected to the guidelines via magnetically-locking safety clips that are impossible to disconnect until you're on the ground.  From there, trekkers go at their own pace as they complete a series of ever-higher and ever-more challenging obstacles among the treetops.  At the conclusion of the courses, take a pair of rides down their giant zipline!


A Shopping/Dining/Entertainment complex in Walt Disney World.  Formerly known as "Downtown Disney", one can easily spend a day here exploring all the shops, with everything from Mickey Mouse t-shirts to fine jewelry available for sale.  Dining options range from a pretzel dog at Wetzel's Pretzel's to fine steakhouse dining at STK.  Attractions include rides in a tethered balloon or on an amphicar.  Or play the newest and greatest form of Virtual Reality while being completely immersed in the Star Wars universe at Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire.

From Disney Springs, where it is free to park, you can also catch a bus to any Walt Disney World resort, many of which are worth exploring on their own as well.  We specifically recommend spending some time exploring the grounds of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, and the entire complex at the Boardwalk Inn.


Mini-Golf

There are many miniature golf courses within and around Orlando.  Both Universal and Disney have two very highly-themed courses each (Universal's "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders from Planet Putt", and Disney's Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens).  Paul and Iris have also had fun playing the courses at Gator Golf on International Drive, and Pirates Cove, just outside Disney Springs.


TopGolf is a Driving Range combined with the feel of a higher-end bowling alley.  Each group gets their own climate-controlled bay and a full set of clubs to use.  Players take turns hitting the balls toward one of the targets on the course.  Points are awarded for hitting targets that are farther away and for getting closer to the center of each target.  There is also a full food and drink menu available, served directly to your bay.  Prices increase throughout the day, starting at $30/hour before noon, up to $50/hour in the evening.


Dinner and a show!  Enjoy a plated table-service meal while the troupe of actors put on a performance in front of you.  While your dinner is being served, one of the characters is mysteriously killed! (Dun DUN *DUN*!!).  You and your table-mates then use all the clues you've seen and heard, and even get to interrogate the suspects as you attempt to solve Whodunit.


(Adults over 21 only).  At this dueling piano bar, it's all-requests all night long.  Write your song request on a napkin and put it on one of the pianos (along with an optional gratuity, if you like), then sit back and listen to the pair of pianists play a ridiculous variety of songs from every decade.  Enjoy an adult beverage or two, munch on some complimentary popcorn, and have a great night on Disney's Boardwalk.


(21+ Fri/Sat, 18+ Sun-Thur). Whether you enjoy singing in public or just like watching those who do, Rising Star is a great place to spend an evening.  This karaoke bar is located at Universal's Citywalk and is open 8pm-2am every night.  Parking is free for all guests to Citywalk after 6pm, the bar itself has a $7.00 cover charge.