Orlando might be known as the theme park capital of the world, but we discovered a whole other side of the city that’s often overlooked. If you’re visiting without kids, taking a break from park-hopping, or simply want something different, this guide is packed with things we genuinely enjoyed. From floating in a lazy river to driving a real tank, here’s what we got up to in Orlando — no Mickey ears required.

Where to Stay in Orlando (Without the Theme Park Mayhem)

On this trip, we stayed at Magic Village Views by Wyndham – and honestly, it’s become our go-to place to stay in Orlando. It offers the space and comfort of a full home with the convenience of a resort. We had a large, modern townhouse with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and even a private outdoor area with a BBQ, which made it perfect for longer stays or travelling with friends and family. The gated community is peaceful and secure, and best of all, it’s just minutes from Walt Disney World and a short drive to everything else. The location couldn’t be better – we were able to get to most of the places in this guide within 15–30 minutes.

There’s also a small resort-style pool, clubhouse, and concierge service if you want that extra bit of support while you’re there. We love having the option to cook a few meals ourselves or just spread out after a long day of adventuring. It strikes the perfect balance between hotel ease and homely comfort.

We also highly recommend the Margaritaville Resort Orlando. It’s colourful, tropical, and fun without being over-the-top. Think laid-back island vibes just minutes from the parks. The hotel side is fantastic, but we especially love the private cottages – great if you’re after a bit more privacy and space. The on-site restaurants are excellent, and there’s even a huge water park next door. It’s the kind of place where you could happily spend a day by the pool with a cocktail in hand and forget you’re anywhere near theme parks at all.

Whether you’re after resort luxury or apartment-style flexibility, both of these options give you a comfortable, well-located base that’s ideal for exploring the more relaxed, lesser-known side of Orlando.

Discovery Cove: Orlando’s Hidden Oasis

If you’re looking for a tropical escape in the middle of Orlando, Discovery Cove completely surprised us. It felt more like being on a cruise line’s private island than a typical Florida attraction. We paid around $250 per person, which isn’t cheap, but once inside, everything was included — breakfast, lunch, unlimited snacks, soft drinks, beers, wine, snorkelling gear, wet suits, and even towels. It made the day feel stress-free and indulgent.

The setting was lush and peaceful, with winding rivers, dolphins gliding by, and tropical birds everywhere. It was our first visit, and honestly, we were blown away by how relaxing it was. The breakfast was pretty basic — think cruise ship buffet — but lunch was better, and the icy drink machines were a big hit. It’s one of those rare spots in Orlando where you can just switch off and float. We especially loved how it reminded us of Castaway Cay or Perfect Day at CocoCay — but without the ship.

Kennedy Space Center: A Journey into Space

This was something we’d been meaning to do for ages. David had never been, and I hadn’t visited since I was a kid — and wow, it did not disappoint. The Kennedy Space Center is about an hour’s drive from Orlando and tickets cost around $75. From the moment we saw the huge rockets out front, we knew we were in for something special.

We were completely blown away by the size of the Saturn V rocket and the experience of seeing Space Shuttle Atlantis up close — I actually got a bit emotional walking into that final reveal. There’s so much to see here, and it’s genuinely interactive and interesting. Skip the simulator rides (they felt a bit budget), but don’t miss the included bus tour around the launch pads and assembly buildings. Seeing the real hardware that’s been to space makes the whole experience feel powerful and moving — it’s not just for space nerds.

Tanks America: The Most Unexpected Fun

This might have been the wildest thing we did in Orlando. At Tanks America, we each got to drive a real tank that’s been used in movies like Iron Man 2 and The Dark Knight Rises. It’s not cheap (about $150 per person), but it was totally worth it. We tore around the course, took turns operating different positions inside, and got completely covered in dust.

My cousin even paid extra to crush a car with a huge tank—and we can confirm it was just as satisfying as it sounds. If you’re up for something extreme and unexpected, this is one of those stories you’ll be telling for years.

Top Golf: Golfing, Sort Of

This was our evening wind-down after all the tank-driving action. Top Golf on International Drive is a mix between a driving range and a bowling alley — all set to music, with drinks and snacks flowing. We had zero expectations and ended up loving it.

We’re not golfers at all, but that didn’t matter. It’s all about trying to hit the targets and having a laugh. We had wings, nachos, and plenty of soft drinks, all while enjoying the sunset view of Orlando’s skyline. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for a night out whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family. This isn’t about taking it seriously — it’s about enjoying yourself, and we absolutely did.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour: Million-Dollar Views

One of our favourite discoveries was the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. For $18 per person, we were taken on a tranquil hour-long ride through a series of interconnected lakes and historic canals lined with jaw-dropping mansions. It felt like something out of a movie, and the live commentary was packed with fun facts about the area, local wildlife, and even bits of Orlando history.

We did the 11 a.m. tour, and it was pleasantly quiet. The later ones looked much busier, so we’d recommend going early. Afterward, we strolled through Winter Park’s town centre, which is full of boutique shops, cafés, and that upscale but relaxed Florida vibe.

Lake Apopka: A Peaceful Sunset Walk

As the sun started to set, we headed to Lake Apopka, one of the largest lakes in Florida. The light was absolutely beautiful and the area was full of birds, including some stunning purple ones that had migrated up from South America. It was a peaceful way to end the day—far removed from the crowds and noise of the theme parks.