The Magic Kingdom is a wonderful place, and certainly a MUST VISIT when you head to Orlando Florida on vacation, but there is so so much more to Orlando than “the mouse”. Orlando (and the surrounding suburbs) have a plethora of wonderful attractions that are well worth your time. From swimming with dolphins to surviving an Earthquake, you will never be bored.

5. Wet ‘N Wild Orlando

Consistently voted as one of America’s best water parks, Wet N’ Wild Orlando is open year round (with pools heated in the cooler months) and located in Orlando’s International Drive area.

The water park features rides like The Black Hole, Blue Niagara, Bomb Bay, Bubba Tub, and,of course, the Lazy River.

4. Holy Land Experience

Targeted at Christians, this theme park is completely different from anything else you’ll see in Orlando. It is designed to show visitors what it was like to live in the time of Jesus Christ.

It features exhibits, presentations, and live shows in a family friendly atmosphere.

3. Gatorland

Gatorland is a wildlife park that features over 3,000 gators, 89 crocodiles, and a variety of other bird and snake exhibits. 3,000 gators is a heck of a site to see, and there aren’t many places on earth where you can see it…you know…without becoming dinner.

2. Skyventure Orlando

Have you ever wanted to take the entire family sky diving - but were afraid of actually taking the family sky diving? Then you need to stop by Skyventure Orlando, because it is the closes thing you’ll ever get to sky diving - without ever getting into a plane.

1. Universal Studios Orlando

If your kids like action and adventure movies more than animated mice, then Universal Studios is THE place to go in Orlando. From Jurassic Park and King Kong, to an entire theme park based around Marvel Superheroes, Universal Studios is simply unlike any other theme park in the world.

Of all the places in Orlando to visit, Universal Studios is, hands down, my favorite - Disney included. As a child, I had more fun at Univseral Studios than i ever did at Disneyworld. It is truly, one of the greatest theme parks in the world.

These 5 places aren’t the only other attractions in Orlando. Please feel free to leave suggestions, or your own personal experience with these places in the comments below.