What to do in Orlando, FL?

March 12, 2009 4:30 PM

What to do in Orlando, besides the obvious?

My SO and I are driving down to Orlando tomorrow to visit my SO's friend. We're visiting my family in Tallahassee & her friend recently moved to Melbourne from Germany so we're splitting the difference & meeting in Orlando. We're looking for suggestions for things to occupy us for the day. We've ruled out going to any of the parks, since they are too expensive for my SO's friend. Any suggestions for free (or really cheap) things to do in Orlando?

We already know where we are going to eat, so we do not need any food related advice. We have cars but don't really plan to drive anywhere too far from Orlando, as our drive down there will be 3 hours long.

In addition, we need suggestions for things to do during the day as we will be leaving Orlando around 6PM.

posted by thekiltedwonder to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

go downtown to the park don't know the name check out : http://www.cityoforlando.net/
posted by patnok at 5:40 PM on March 12

posted by patnok at 5:41 PM on March 12

orlando paper
posted by patnok at 5:41 PM on March 12

link : http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
posted by patnok at 5:42 PM on March 12

It's not really my thing, but some people like walking around Olde Winter Park.
posted by Durin's Bane at 5:46 PM on March 12

No one has answered (yet), but instead of Orlando, have you considered Winter Haven, just off I4? Lakes, parks, etc. Also a very good wine bar.
See http://winterhavenfl.com/
posted by lungtaworld at 5:51 PM on March 12

Where were you planning on eating? Knowing the end of town you'll be in would be a big help.

Otherwise, I'd recommend walking around the Thornton Park/Lake Eola area (downtown) and a visit to the Orange County Regional History Center which currently has an awesome Muppet Exhibit. You could easily park one place and walk all over downtown -- it's pretty compact.
posted by ThatSomething at 8:24 PM on March 12

North Orange Avenue, also called "Antique Row", is a very nice walking area. Cafes, antique shops, a lake, and arguably the best used record store in the southeastern US : Rock N' Roll Heaven. It's also really close to downtown/Lake Eola which was mentioned above, like a few minutes by car, so you could easily spend time in both areas.
posted by General Zubon at 11:09 PM on March 12

Downtown Disney is free.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 12:21 AM on March 13

Oops, here's the link.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 12:21 AM on March 13

Just to pipe in, I noticed you're estimating the drive from Tallahassee to Orlando to be 3hrs - you need to add another 1-1.5hrs to that estimate. I do that drive a few times a year, and even with the relatively speedy I-10 and I-75, and its never been less than 4hrs.

Also as a side note for you and your SO - while you're in Tallahassee, definitely make an effort to get to Maclay Gardens. I was just there over the weekend, and everything is blooming and gorgeous right now.
posted by dicaxpuella at 10:58 AM on March 13