Outside of Disney

[afar28]

We have a 10 day trip to Disney in August (yay) and we are considering going to an outside Orlando attraction, either SeaWorld, Universal Studios, or Islands of Adventure.
With SeaWorld, we went their last year for a day and loved it. They now have the brand new Antarctica section of the park that we did not see.
Universal Studios we last visited 2 years ago. They now have Minion Mayhem and I think Transformers will be open by August? The only problem is we probably won't be buying the express pass since its rather expensive.
We also did Islands of Adventure 2 years ago and loved it. We had the express pass back then but we won't have it this time. Also I don't think there is anything new? Not sure though.
We could also stay in Disney for the day. So what do you think?

 

[draybook]

I voted for IoA, but I would suggest a 1day-2park pass and do US in the morning, and then IoA in the afternoon.

 

[epcotisbest]

We love Seaworld and used to be annual passholders. Will probably get annual passes again after the new Antarctica section opens in May.

 

[bethymouse]

Are you considering Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?
How about mini golf?

 

[Nemo14]

SeaWorld is a lot of fun!

 

[Susan Savia]

Sea World.

 

[luv]

Sea World is my favorite park in all of Orlando. I have trouble voting against it any time it is an option.

You've been to all of them and are having trouble deciding, so...why not just wait until that morning and go where the spirit moves you? That's what I'd do.

 

[cowanfamily]

Sea World. Uni is only a half day park.

 

[deanaandrich]

How about the beach or Kennedy space center for the day? It's less than an hour away.

 

[Britt]

Universal! Wizarding World of Harry Potter

 

[bsiev1977]

How about the beach or Kennedy space center for the day? It's less than an hour away.

I forgot about the Space Center. That'd be good for a day away.

 

[emcclay]

Stay on property and take a day or two to visit other attractions in the area.

 

[jaideo]

I would go for Island of Adventure, I like Harry Potter.

 

[Figgy1]

How about the beach or Kennedy space center for the day? It's less than an hour away.

2nd Vote for Kennedy we do at least a day every trip!! The vehicle assembly building is open!! Only got to drive by before now I'm going inside! YEA!!

 

[foreverbelle]

I would go to Kennedy Center as well, I really enjoyed the couple of times I have been there....plus it gets you away from theme parks for a bit... Not that there is anything wrong with this of course

 

[SAV]

You could head to the Gulf Side beaches for the day. Water temps in August will be wonderful. It's only about 1.5 - 2 hours drive and a very easy drive. Clearwater Beach is fun.

 

[JillC LI]

Were you at IoA before the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened? Are you Harry Potter fans? If yes to both, then IoA hands down. We loved seeing it for the first time this past December. I would, however, recommend getting a one day-two park ticket to Uni and IoA, and skip the Express Pass. Actually, what I would really recommend is that you spend the first 2 days of your trip at US, staying on property, so that you can get the free express passes as well as early entry to the WWOHP. Then go to Disney and enjoy the next 8 days there.

 

[Nero the dog]

Kennedy Space Centre was a great day away from WDW last time for us. The kids (17,15,13) want to go back again in October.
My choice though would be Busch Gardens, I love the mix of great coasters and wildlife.

 

[zurgandfriend]

If you can afford it I would do Discovery Cove and swim with the dolphins otherwise I would go for IoA and Harry Potter.

 

[Mikester71]

I voted for "Other" myself and throw my vote in the ring for Kennedy Space Centre or one of the coast's beaches as well. We always go to WDW for 10 days ourselves, and drive down from Canada so that we can have our own vehicle while down there. One of the purposes of this is so that we can venture off property one of the days to experience something else that Florida has to offer. The first couple of trips, we mainly just stayed in the area and did some sightseeing and shopping. The third trip it was Siesta Keys Beach and on the Gulf Coast (GORGEOUS white sand beach by the way). On our last trip, we headed to Kennedy Space Centre for the day and headed over to Cocoa Beach just before sunset to see the ocean and visit Ron Jon Surf Shop.

As much as we LOVE WDW and all the thrill rides and attractions, some times it is nice to get away from all the hoopla for even just a little bit to enjoy some of Florida's other alluring destinations.