My biggest "must dos" outside of the 4 Disney parks are Busch Gardens in Tampa (only about an hour drive from WDW) and Sea World (about 10 minutes from WDW).
I am a huge fan of these parks, and prefer them over Universal. For thrills, Busch Gardens has Gwazi, which is the only wooden coaster in central Florida (and therefore my favorite). Gwazi is a fun, fast, long, aggressive, wild ride with plenty of airtime. Sheikra has the breathtaking 90 degree drop from 200 feet, and a second 90 degree drop from about 130 feet, and both drops also have nice airtime. And the brand new launched Cheetah Hunt looks fun (I haven't ridden yet).
The new Walkabout Way exhibit is AMAZING! You can pet and hand feed Kangaroos and Wallabies, and the Wallabies can actually walk on the same path as the humans, with no barriers! And the Critter Castaways show is a top notch animal show. The new Cirque show in the main theatre is nice, although I preferred KaTonga, which recently ended its run.
Although the theming isn't as immersive as AK and Rhino Rally isn't nearly as good as the AK Safari, between the nice selection of coasters, the animal exhibits, the shows, the train and skyride (both of which have nice views of the animals), this is still one of my favorite theme parks in the country (after Disney
).
Sea World also has awesome animal exhibits and shows, including Pets Ahoy, which is the cutest animal show I've ever seen anywhere, and my favorite attraction in the park. The other shows, such as the Blue Horizons show featuring dolphins, are also very enjoyable. Wild Arctic is a fun simulator with an awesome post-show exhibit space with Beluga Whales, Polar Bears, and Walruses. And you can enjoy the animals in the PERFECT 62 degree air conditioning! (to simulate the Arctic atmosphere closer than a normal AC would).
Not being into looping coasters as much as drop/airtime oriented ones, I don't enjoy Sea World's coasters as much as Gwazi and Sheikra, or the WDW mountain range, but they are good for what they are.
Lastly, the benefits for Busch/Sea World Platinum 2-Year Annual Passholders are FANTASTIC! Besides free admission to EVERY Busch Gardens and Sea World park in the country, and their affiliated waterparks, you also get complimentary PREFFERED parking at each; discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise; reserved seats in a great row at most of the major shows (meaning you can walk in right before they start and get a great seat); and, perhaps best of all, you get 1 re-ride on most of the major coasters (and the Wild Arctic simulator) at both Florida parks each time you wait in the queue! All you have to do is show them your pass after your first ride, and stay seated for your second!
