A visit to the General Hutchinson Parkway is a way to experience the past. The vegetation and natural marsh lands are still the same as they have been for centuries. The only changes have been due to nature and time. The Parkway features a boardwalk leading visitors to a place to view a famous 3,500-year-old cypress tree called the "Senator." Bring a lunch and enjoy a healthy meal on the picnic tables provided by the park.
No matter where you go in Orlando, the Disney enterprise has a presence. The Downtown Disney Marketplace is an off-Disney World site that features souvenirs and much more. Families can spend quite a bit of time browsing in the marketplace and have fun without spending any money because the experience of the shop is exciting in and of itself. As you browse, you can watch Disney movies that are playing. Little girls can try on and play with Disney princess costumes and accessories. There are animated Disney characters that are fascinating to watch and a Lego imagination center where kids can play in the Lego building centers and enjoy playing in the playground close by.
Downtown Disney Marketplace
1780 E. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
4070828-3800
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Hiking is a good, healthy activity and can be accomplished for no money at the Ocala National Forest. The Florida Trail is a hike that can be done by all ages. While hiking the trail, all can enjoy the different habitats that make up the forest. The trail is 60 miles long, but this can be adjusted to fit the physical strength and interests of family members. The forest offers picnicking, biking and swimming.
Another off-site Disney attraction is the town of Celebration. Celebration is a real town that was designed by well-known architects. The goal for developing the town was to create a community that would combine the features of quality education, health, technology and architecture in such a way that it would be a fun and interesting place to live. When visiting Celebration, be sure to check out the interactive fountain. At the Celebration lagoon kids are able to look for alligators, turtles and other lagoon creatures.
Lake Eola Park was founded in 1892 after several families donated land to Orlando in 1888. Since that time, the park has been a zoo, a horse racing track and a pier and dancing attraction. Today, the park consists of 43 acres in downtown Orlando and features fountains, walking paths, swans on the lake that can be fed and a wonderful playground for kids.
Lake Eola Park
195 N. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
cityoforlando.net/eola
