Most people think a vacation to Orlando, Fla., home to giant theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Theme Parks, will make them dig deep into their pockets. However, there's a lot more to Orlando than theme parks. The area is full of museums, outdoor recreation and arts. And Disney discounts are available that can help make the trip more affordable.
For a trip back in time, head to the Bradlee-McIntyre House, built in 1885. The only surviving Queen Anne-style home left in the area, the Bradlee-McIntyre House is located in the Longwood Historical Park with 36 other historical structures. Among these is a hotel built in the 1800s and the Christ Episcopal Church dating to 1879.
Another worthwhile stop is the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida. The Center offers free admission and depicts life before the Holocaust up to liberation via artifacts and local survivor stories.
The downtown CityArts Factory features five art galleries. The goal of CityArts is to unite local artists and promote the arts. Exhibits at the factory have included photography, paintings and handbags. The facility also has an 8,000-square-foot performance space for events and music.
Another museum to visit is the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, which serves as a tribute to the Florida author best known for her novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Hurston's hometown, Eatonville, is near Orlando; the museum highlights the culture and materials of people of African descent.
Finally, Old Town is the place to visit if you want shopping time while the kids play. Buy clothes or jewelry or browse the many gift shops. Kids can ride the roller coasters or the Human Slingshot. The shopping area also has arcades to occupy youngsters. Hang around until nighttime for to hear free musical entertainment. If you visit on a weekend, classic cars -- all predating 1975 -- roll into town.
Disney operates a town called "Celebration" where visitors can explore for free. View the homes and visit downtown while the kids play in the fountain. You can also get the Disney experience at the Disney Boardwalk, a replica of a 1930s Atlantic coastal village. The boardwalk is always full of musicians, magicians and performers. Walt Disney World's fireworks displays can be watched from outside the park on any night.
The Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers special deals and packages designed for families, couples, seniors, girlfriend getaways and foodies. The packages vary, but often include hotel and rides to the park. The bureau also offers deals on the price of admission to other Orlando attractions.
Hike in the Ocala National Forest. It's free to explore the forests, swamps and natural springs. Visit the 43-acre Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The park has great city views to enjoy while feeding the swans or riding a paddle boat.
If you'd rather observe, try the bird exhibits and alligator watching at Black Hammock Adventures, home of a two-foot, 650-pound alligator named Hammy. You can also commune with nature in town by watching the march of the Peabody ducks as they make their way each day along a red carpet to the Royal Duck Fountain to the sounds of John Philip Sousa.
