Which Central Florida Attractions are best for you? Part 1

Most people know that Disney World is the big cheese in Orlando and Central Florida. Without a doubt since 1971 they have dominated the area. Since Disney rooted themselves on their 43 square mile goldmine, Central Florida has evolved around them and changed into what most dub the "Theme Park Capitol of the world"! There are more than 100 attractions in the area  that are competing for your vacation dollars and offer unique experiences for visitors, but which one is right for you? Here is quick and dirty breakdown of the some of the  player that make up the "Theme Park Capitol of the World".

Let's Wrestle!

Tourist Traps- There are tourist traps scattered through out the middle section of Florida. Central Florida is a mini golf mecca with many choices. Universal's Hollywood Drive-In Golf is one the newest and best themed in the all of Central Florida. Then there are the typical roadside tourist traps;each having their own gimmicks ranging from feeding the alligators to seeing authentic relics from the Titanic. Most of the tourist traps are a complete waste of money but their are some gems out there like GatorLand.
Audience-  All of these attractions are geared toward the entire family to try and separate you from your money. Proceed with caution with any of these attractions.

Dinner Shows- There are many dinner shows in the Orlando area. Some have been there for years, other open then quickly go out of business. Food is generally mediocre at these attractions and in essence you are paying for the entertainment. Some of the mainstays in the area are Medieval times, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Arabian Nights, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. Each have their pluses and minuses.  All the shows menus vary, so checking their website would be advisable before choosing one. They all of course strive to be as popular as Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Hoop-Dee-Doo is so popular, it is best to book it 180 days in advance!

Audience- The entire Family. These can be a nice filler on arrival days, days in between theme parks, or when there is really bad weather. Disney's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a great show for the entire family and has had unprecedented run! Teens to adults would more then likely enjoy Medieval times,  Arabian Nights, and Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. Families of all ages would more than likely enjoy Pirates Dinner Adventure and the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.

Fun Spot. OK... Fun Spot can easily confuse people because there are 2 Fun Spots in the Orlando area. What started out as a go-kart paradises has grown and is posed to be even more popular in the near future. First there Fun Spot Action Park near Universal Orlando. Something that will cause even more confusion in the near future, Fun Spot Action Park is expanding majorly in 2013 and will be re-named Fun Spot America. They are adding 2 roller coasters, one wood and one steel along with a 250 ft SkyCoaster ride and a few other things. This will complement a large arcade, go-kart tracks, and some carnival rides.

She Lights up the Orlando Skyline!

Fun Spot USA which is near DisneyWorld has the he world’s tallest SkyCoaster standing over 300 feet tall. This bad boy is very impressive at night with it's LED Lightshow! This place has some nifty go-kart tracks, a  wild mouse coaster, and carnival rides. 

Audience-This is your above average tourist trap that is geared more towards teens to young adults.

LegoLand Florida- This is the new/old kid in the area. It once was Cypress Gardens, flourished for a while, died, got new owners who brought in rides, died; now has been revived and made into a decent player in the area and rebranded LegoLand Florida. This park is more of visual feast than a thrill ride park. While there are some rides, couple of Coasters, and a WaterPark; the prize of this park continues to be the old Cypress Gardens section and all of the Lego sculptures and Lego Branding that has arrived. This park can easily be done in one day and is located about an hour west of Orlando.

Audience- This park is branded towards and most enjoyed by families with children 10 and under. The park even encourages this to be a family park by suggestion that Teens should be accompanied by adults (BRAVO LegoLand!) Teens will probably get bored here.

Animals and Coasters how could you go wrong?

Busch Gardens- This park is by far the Thrill Ride park of  the "Theme Park Capitol of the World". Busch Gardens has an amazing collection of  Roller Coasters, other thrill type rides, and some children attractions mixed in. Throw in the Animals and lush themeing, this park is a true hidden gem worth the hour drive to get to! Here you can see Big Bird, play tug of war with a tiger, and challenge one of  the two Floorless Dive Coasters in North America. This park can be done in a day and might require an up-charge Quick Queue pass on busier days so you can spend less time in line and more time enjoying the park.

Audience- Teens to Adults that are thrill seekers will get the most bang for their bucks here. The zoo aspect and Sesames Street area of the park will appeal to children. The Sesames Street  area is small and usually pretty crowed for the youngsters. With a slightly larger children's area this place can be a well rounded family park. Even in it's current form, bringing the whole family is well worth it. 

Peaceful fun!

Discovery Cove-  This is an intimate park experience like no other. One of a kinda animal interactions with a controlled snorkeling environment that has the feel and amenities of an all inclusive resort. The number of guest are limited each day so the park doesn't get or feel crowded. You are in a "controlled" tropical paradise where you can interact with aquatic life, small mammals, and birds. Don't forget the Dolphins!(Dolphin interaction and SeaVenture scuba helmet adventure are additional charges) This park is a great day park and you will need to be pried away from it once closing time arrives. There are a some drawbacks to this park.The biggest being the price. It really is expensive but worth every penny! This park is also very weather dependent. If there a storms your not going to be in the water or with the animals. The water is chilly year round so be prepared for some shivers.

Audience- The entire family can have a blast here, but remember this is a very water based attraction.While there are places for landlubbers and non-swimmers to experience Discovery Cove, the intent was for you to be in the water. Teens to Adults will cherish this experience for a lifetime. The chilly waters and animal interactions maybe huge turn off for children. Dolphins can be scary duh!

Stay tuned to Part 2 and find out even more of what Central Florida has to offer.

Have you been to these places? What do you think of them? Want to know more, just ask!