Orlando isn’t just home to the big theme parks like:
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Legoland Florida Resort
- Adventure Island Tampa
- Busch Gardens Tampa
Each of these parks requires at least a full day to visit—and you can find my full breakdown in this article.
But there are also tons of smaller experiences that are perfect for a half-day adventure—many of which include some real hidden gems.
I’ve decided to put together a TOP 7 list based on my own personal taste. Let me know in the comments how you would rank them!
#7 WonderWorks
WONDERWORKS is an interactive science museum perfect for families.
The official website tells the story of the museum like this:
On a remote island within the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, there was a top-secret research lab led by Professor Wonder.
While conducting an experiment to harness the power of a tornado, something went horribly wrong!
The winds grew stronger than expected! Professor Wonder tried to shut it down, but the swirling vortex got out of control and was too powerful to contain!
The tornado’s power tore the lab from its foundation! It carried it hundreds of miles away—where it finally landed upside down!
Nope, the photo is not photoshopped—this is the actual exterior of WONDERWORKS.
Inside, you’ll find interactive experiences where the whole family can explore their senses.
You can try astronaut adventures, play with light effects, and visit the Senses Museum.
There’s also a 4D cinema inside with three different films—does the third one ring a bell?
Useful Info
- Where: just a few km from Universal Studios
- Cost: from $20 to $45 depending on age and number of experiences
- Best for: families with kids up to around 10–12 years old
- More info: WONDERWORKS official website
#6 Medieval Times DINNER & TOURNAMENT
This dinner show chain is located all over the United States, and of course Orlando has its own version.
At Medieval Times DINNER & TOURNAMENT, you’ll take part in a live re-creation of medieval tournaments.
Jousting, sword fights, maces, and halberds are just some of the battles you’ll witness—all while enjoying a dinner of chicken, corn on the cob, soup, and dessert—eaten strictly with your hands!
Useful Info
- Where: in Kissimmee, 20 minutes from Walt Disney World
- Cost: $64 for adults, $37 for kids; premium packages with extras also available
- Best for: families with kids up to around 10–12 years old
- More info: Medieval Times official website
#5 Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a water park—but a very unique one.
Here, the attractions aren’t waterslides or wave pools, but marine life and tropical ecosystems.
You’ll find several interactive experiences, like swimming with dolphins.
Discovery Cove is highly committed to the preservation of this artificial oasis and its residents. Access is limited both park-wide and for individual experiences.
The base ticket even includes sunscreen, which you are required to use to avoid contaminating the massive pools.
There are many possible upgrades, such as:
- Unlimited drinks
- Reserved loungers
- Three types of cabanas
- Three different animal encounter experiences
- Photo packages
I strongly recommend booking your ticket well in advance—and if you can, add the SeaVenture package.
SeaVenture, Discovery Cove’s signature Grand Reef experience, is an underwater walking tour where you’ll wear a dive helmet and feel completely at home under the sea.
Useful Info
- Where: a few km from Universal Studios
- Cost: from $150 and up depending on the season and package
- Best for: animal lovers
- More info: Discovery Cove official website
#4 Gatorland
Gatorland is such a quirky place it almost feels surreal.
The stars here are the alligators—so common in Florida they’re even part of the local cuisine!
I’ve had it stewed and fried—tastes like turkey 😅
There are many wild activities you can try:
- Live shows
- Gator encounters
- Ziplining over massive pools of gators
- Exploring the area in an armored vehicle
My top recommendation: Adventure Hour. For an additional $10 per person, you get a private guided tour, up-close gator encounters, feeding time, and a few selfies… before they take a limb 😅
Useful Info
- Where: 20 km south of Universal Studios
- Cost: base ticket $20, $30 for adults
- Best for: thrill-seekers and fans of dangerous animals 😅
- More info: Gatorland official website
#3 Fun Spot
You could call them “amusement parks”, but the two Fun Spot locations in Orlando—one near Universal Studios, the other in Kissimmee—definitely hold their own.
Sure, compared to major theme parks they might seem a bit modest, but the one in Kissimmee is located in Old Town, a pedestrian area filled with restaurants and entertainment—a great place to unwind.
There are some solid amusement park-style rides:
- Spin coaster
- Ferris wheel
- Bumper cars
- A super long go-kart track
- Family coasters
But the real gem at Fun Spot Kissimmee is the Mine Blower Coaster!
It’s Florida’s only wooden coaster with an inversion!
That alone makes it worth the visit—trust me 😜
Useful Info
- Where: Kissimmee, just 10 minutes from WDW
- Cost: from $45 and up
- Best for: adrenaline junkies
- More info: Fun Spot official website
#2 The Wheel at ICON Park
ICON Park is a huge entertainment hub with rides, shops, and restaurants:
- Madame Tussauds Orlando
- SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
- Arcade City
- 7D Dark Ride Adventure
- Pearl Express Train
But those are the “smaller” attractions.
The crown jewel—though not my personal favorite—is The Wheel.
It’s a 120-meter (393 ft) tall observation wheel, lit with 64,000 LED lights. Each air-conditioned capsule can hold up to 15 people.
From the top, you can see Walt Disney World, Universal, the Orlando skyline, and even the Kennedy Space Center.
If you’re in a small group, I highly recommend booking an entire capsule for yourselves for a small upgrade fee.
Useful Info
- Where: 10 minutes from Universal Studios
- Cost: from $28
- Best for: fans of scenic views
- More info: ICON Park official site
#1 Orlando StarFlyer
If viewing Orlando from a cozy wheel cabin bores you, how about swinging at 137 meters (450 feet) in the air?
You read that right—Orlando StarFlyer is the tallest swing ride in the world!
You’ll enjoy breathtaking views from 137 meters up, and a flood of emotions—excitement, fear, awe—will hit you like never before.
To me, Orlando StarFlyer is the best experience you can have outside of Orlando’s major theme parks—short but intense and totally unforgettable!
Tip: ride it at night—it feels slightly less scary 😅
Useful Info
- Where: 10 minutes from Universal Studios
- Cost: from $12
- Best for: thrill-seekers and crazy adventure lovers!
- More info: ICON Park official site
Where to Buy Tickets?
You have three options:
- Directly at the gate of each attraction
- Online via the official websites
- Online through Tiqets
If you like secure purchases, with all info available in Italian, 24/7 customer service, and cancellation insurance, I highly recommend Tiqets, the world’s largest experience platform—now partnered with me.
You can check availability, ticket types, and prices right away by clicking the banner below.
Want to save even more? Then join the Parks & Fun CLUB, the only place where I’ll be sharing exclusive Tiqets discounts just for members.
Conclusion
As you can see, some of Orlando’s best hidden gems are actually outside the big-name theme parks.
Tell me—which of these seven is your favorite? And which one would you add to the list?
