TAKE A DAY OFF FROM YOUR FLORIDA THEME PARK VACATION AND DISCOVER
NATURE-BASED AND LOW COST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
ORLANDO NORTH SEMINOLE COUNTY, (Feb. 25, 2020) — In 2019 Disney theme park tickets increased 10%, in 2020 depending upon the plan selected that price has increased another 4-8%. Oh, and their resort parking fees are going up too. So if you’re planning a Central Florida spring break family getaway, we suggest you Do Orlando North and stretch your vacation dollars to do more than the theme parks…
Rather than lodging at the Parks, check out the hotel options in Orlando North Seminole County – outside the tourist corridor. Here hotels cost on average 40% less, and here no hotels charge daily resort fees nor for parking. From extended stay and limited service, to full service swanky hotels, you have your choice of nationally recognized brands here.
Your Orlando North hotel is equidistant to both the theme parks and the Central Florida Beaches of Coco, New Smyrna and Daytona. Here’s your estimated drive time:
Walt Disney World® – 45 minutes
Universal Orlando® – 30 minutes
Sea World® – 30 minutes
Wet ‘N Wild® – 30 minutes
Kennedy Space Center – approximately an hour
Daytona Beach – 45 minutes
Downtown Orlando – 25 minutes
And throughout Orlando North Seminole County there’s lots of family-friendly fun that’s a fractional cost of a day at the theme parks:
Enjoy a thrilling airboat ride with Black Hammock Adventures, on Lake Jesup and learn about the eco system and the birds and beasts who call it home. 2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd., Oviedo, FL. www.blackhammockairboatrides.com
Cool down at Wekiva Island where the river is a constant 72 degrees. Swim, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, volleyball, fish or just plain relax. Wekiva Island, 1014 Miami Springs Rd., Longwood, FL http://wekivaisland.com/
Whether you’re an urbanite or country-raised, a Horse Experience at Hidden Palms ranch in Sanford will gain you an up close understanding of the quote “The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom.” Bring the kids (age 5 and up) for a one-hour encounter to brush a horse, learn horse safety, “tack up,” and a mini riding lesson leading up to a horse ride. One to three participants; $75/first person/one hour ($15 for each additional person). Guided trail rides for up to five riders are also available for booking where eagle, osprey, hawk and even white tail deer sightings occur.
Cheer on Baseball, Softball, Soccer and Lacrosse Tournaments at the Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County, 3450 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford
Awesome giraffe feedings, interaction with one-horn Indian Rhinos, “Barnyard buddies” petting, along with exotic animal exhibits, plus a ride on the Miniature Train or a whirl on the Animal Carousel. And if you need to beat the heat for a spell, you’re invited to frolic in the Tropical Splash Ground. All found at the Central Florida Zoo, 3755 NW Hwy 18-92, Sanford
Test your balance, strength, endurance and derring-do at Seminole Aerial Adventures, also part of the Central Florida Zoo. Traverse rope-suspended platforms and bridges, climb ladders and conquer other tests. And what’s an aerial escapade without zip lines? Seminole Aerial Adventures offers three separate courses for youngsters and adults.
Seminole County is also home to some of Florida’s best natural attractions, including the Wekiva River, one of only two National & Wild Scenic Rivers in the entire state of Florida, the St. Johns River, Wekiva Springs State Park and Lake Jesup to name just a few. With more than 30 parks and preserves the area is a favorite destination for hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife study, nature photography and more. There’s something for everyone whether you are a nature lover or adventure seeker.
Stargazing and interactive shows at the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford. For info on planetarium events visit Facebook.com/SeminolePlanet.
At Planet Obstacle, kid-friendly activities include a kids’ ninja course, trampolines, bungees, ball pits and bumper cars, while adults can enjoy an aerial ropes course, an extreme zip-line, an adult ninja course, a giant rock-climbing wall and more. Planet Obstacle, 1150 Emma Oaks Trail, Lake Mary, FL. http://planetobstacle.com
In Orlando North Seminole County we recommend visitors enjoy a few days of more natural outdoor activities and attractions along with the manmade ones at the theme parks. It will serve to stretch your vacation budget and give you quality time with loved ones in a realistic environment.
About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, a booming microbrew scene, plus a year-round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando and beachfront hotels. All this and it’s less than an hour’s drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com