By now, you’ve probably noticed how much we LOVE Disney! We’ve been to Disneyland countless times and have multiple trips to Disney World under our belt as well. We have a life goal to visit every Disney park around the world! And of course, we’re headed to Orlando to work for the Mouse at Disney World!
All of that aside, we know we’re heading to place that has so much more than just Disney. And being the great adventurers that we are, we are looking forward to all of the varied experiences Florida has in store for us!
Here are 10 Non-Disney things we’re excited to do in Florida!
Universal Orlando and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Okay…Okay…I know this isn’t a HUGE leap from Disney. It’s still a Theme Park. But give me a break, okay?! We’re easing in! And if you haven’t been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’re missing out! You don’t know true magic until you’re standing in Ollivander’s Wand shop and your wand CHOOSES YOU!
And have you even tried Butterbeer?! I know it might not be for everyone. But it’s for me! And frozen Butterbeer!!! And last time we were there, we tried the Butterbeer soft serve ice cream. It was another win! Have you had Pumpkin Juice at the Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron? I promise it’s much tastier than it sounds! It went lovely with our magical breakfast.
Yes we’ve been here before. But we can’t wait to go back!
We’ve experienced pretty much everything in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We even have interactive wands (Hello! My wand CHOSE me! Obviously I HAD to buy it!) But we still have a decent amount of attractions out in the rest of Universal that we need to experience. And we are excited to be able to do it at a more leisurely pace over the course of many trips!
SeaWorld Orlando
I wanted to be marine biologists when I was kid. So it’s not wonder that a trip to SeaWorld is toward the top of our “To Do” list once we get out there. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to a SeaWorld park and I’m really looking forward to seeing shows and riding rides. I remember when they didn’t have rides! We love aquariums (we went to one on our first date) and we love learning! And in the super heated summer of Orlando, SeaWorld will be a nice escape.
The Beach
I haven’t looked at which beach we might want to venture to first. (I’M OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, ALL OF YOU FLORIDIANS) But I know there are A LOT of beaches in Florida. I’m sure we won’t have a ton of time off, so it will have to be something relatively close to Orlando. I’m excited to see how Florida beaches compare to other beaches we’ve been to, mainly on the west coast. I’m not a strong swimmer, so I typically hang out on a towel, slather myself in sunscreen, and read while I snack.
Legoland
I know, I know! Another theme park! But hear me out…We haven’t ever been to this one. We haven’t been to the one in California either. But we do love Legos at our house. This one isn’t for the rides or even for the food, but I’ve heard there are a lot of really fun models at the park and I know Adam will totally nerd out!
Kennedy Space Center
When I was younger, we lived in Houston, TX. I remember at least one time we made the trip to the Johnson Space Center. It was so cool to see all the pictures of the shuttles and even a full decommissioned shuttle. Back then, we still had a fairly active space program. I can’t wait to visit another space center!
The World of Chocolate
I’ve heard there’s something on International Drive called The World of Chocolate. I don’t need anymore information. I will be making a pilgrimage. If you happen to have more information (such as it’s overrated and I should just go buy myself a Cadbury bar) please drop it in a comment below!
Gatorland
Usually when I tell people we’re moving to Florida they have only a couple of responses.
#1- Why? It’s so hot and humid there! You’re going to hate it. (To which I respond, “Guys, we live in Utah. It’s hot and dry here. And don’t try to tell me the virtues of a “dry heat”. I’m not buying. My hair and skin need the moisture and judging by the wrinkles on your face, so do yours.” And then I get unfriended by that person.)
#2- You’re going to get eaten by an Alligator.
First, I’m not particularly concerned about being eaten by an Alligator. It doesn’t happen nearly as often as people seem to think. Also, I don’t plan on going swimming in the Alligator infested waters. (between you and me, I don’t really do swimming things) But at Gatorland, I can see the animals in a controlled setting. I haven’t checked, but I have to imagine they don’t lose many guests to gator attacks.
Find Some Florida Nature to Explore
One of the other things people say to me is “Aren’t you going to miss the beautiful Utah mountains and all of nature here?” I’m not particularly concerned about missing the mountains. I adjust to change quite easily. And as for nature…nature is everywhere. We’re just going to find different kinds of nature in Florida. We like exploring new environments. If you’re a Florida pro and know of some hikes or trails we should explore, drop it in a comment!
Find New Favorite Foods
We have our regular eateries that we visit here in the Salt Lake City and Bountiful areas, and we will definitely miss them! I get a little nervous trying to new places because I know what I like and what I don’t. We’re definitely looking for some foods suggestions in the Orlando area. I like Waffles and I’ve heard of a place called the Waffle House. I feel like that’s a place that would understand me and my needs. Where else should we eat?
Fresh Oranges
Florida is famous for its oranges, right? I did some driving around on our last trip and we definitely caught sight of some of the Orange groves! I’m hoping to get to try some fresh Florida-grown produce while we live there! I think I’ve seen there are some farmers markets. Is that where one goes to find fresh oranges? Help a girl out!
These are just a few of things we’re looking forward to as we head out to our adventure in Florida! I’m sure there are MANY MORE THINGS we need to explore. I’d love to hear everyone’s suggestions! Please Please PLEASE comment on this post and let us know some of your “must do” items in the area! We’re always up for a new adventure.
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